19 Best Healthy Salad Recipes for a Light Meal
Proof that it's actually fun to eat your greens.
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Are you looking for something healthy for lunch or dinner? It can be tough when you're feeling uninspired. You probably immediately think about making a big ol' salad, and you're not wrong! Some of the best salad recipes are full of flavor and full of vitamin-filled veggies. But of course, not all salads are created equal, which is why we created this list of best healthy salad recipes for you to reference any time.
Most of these ideas are versatile enough that you can swap out the types of lettuce you use. Or heck, you can make salads without lettuce if you don't have any in your crisper drawer. They can be delicious healthy side dishes for dinner alongside lean proteins like chicken breasts or fish, or they can be filling, healthy lunches that will fuel you mid-day. There's even a breakfast salad included for good measure.
If you're lucky enough to have local produce on hand, you'll find plenty of ideas to take advantage of seasonal goodness all year round, including spring salads, summer salads, and fall salads. So no matter the time of year, you'll be able to get your fill and still stay focused on your health. And remember, at the end of the day, it's all about moderation. Maybe cut back on the dressing a bit, add a few more veggies, and you're on your way to a healthier lifestyle, one salad at a time.
Avocado Salad
Skip the lettuce and let your ripe avocado do all the work. Avocados contain a lot of healthy fats, which will keep you fuller longer. Add some tomatoes and cucumbers for a contrast in texture, flavor, and color.
Get the Avocado Salad recipe.
Southwestern Salad
Crispy romaine is topped with black beans, grape tomatoes, bell peppers, corn, avocado, and pepper jack cheese. If that isn't tasty enough, just wait until you try the from-scratch creamy avocado dressing!
Get the Southwestern Salad recipe.
Greek Salad with Chicken
If you're looking for a complete meal in one bowl, look no further than this classic Greek salad topped with marinated grilled chicken. The toasted pita chips on top are such a treat.
Get Ree's Greek Salad with Chicken recipe.
Ginger Shrimp Salad
So much flavor, so little time: That's this salad's motto. It's bursting with ginger and soy, with a pop of lime and jalapeño, yet it comes together in less than a half hour.
Get Ree's Ginger Shrimp Salad recipe.
Radish Salad
Radishes make anything extra bright and crispy. You can really mix it up by using heirloom varieties like watermelon and purple daikon, too. They'll taste so good with a sprinkle of fresh dill.
Get the Radish Salad recipe.
Breakfast Salad
Wait, salad for breakfast? Yes! Spread hummus on a plate and then layer with spinach, tomatoes, avocado, a light vinaigrette, and a hard-boiled egg. A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning brings it all together.
Get the Breakfast Salad recipe.
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
This is a great salad for those colder months. Tart dried cranberries, sharp white cheddar, and toasted almond slices add layers of complexity to crunchy shredded Brusssels sprouts.
Get the Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad recipe.
Arugula and Three-Pea Salad
Springtime salad alert! Mix snow peas, sugar snap peas, and thawed frozen peas with arugula and radishes for the ultimate seasonal side. Don't forget the goat cheese crumbles.
Get Ree's Arugula and Three-Pea Salad salad.
Chickpea Salad
You don't need meat to get your protein. Check out chickpeas instead! Add feta, cucumber, tomatoes, peppers, red onion, and avocado for a Greek-inspired meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil really makes it pop.
Get the Chickpea Salad recipe.
Spring Salad with Radishes
Bring this to any potluck and hear all the compliments pour in! Three different lettuce leaves and slices of radish get a bath in a homemade vinaigrette that will please all palates.
Get Ree's Spring Salad with Radishes recipe.
Strawberry Arugula Salad
Sweet strawberries are the perfect contrast to peppery arugula. Add some fresh mint and salty feta cheese and wow! Talk about tons of flavor in each bite.
Get Ree's Strawberry Arugula Salad recipe.
Cucumber Salad
Looking for a refreshing side dish that's perfect for summertime? Try this cool cucumber salad. It only takes ten minutes of prep and has a nice bite of red onion for contrast.
Get the Cucumber Salad recipe.
Kale Salad with Salmon
Salmon is full of protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and of course, flavor, especially with this sweet and sticky glaze. The crunchy kale salad with savory mushrooms will be so satisfying on the side.
Get Ree's Kale Salad with Salmon recipe.
Watercress Salad With Pistachios
The secret to keeping paper thin veggies super crisp is to give them a bath in ice water! The salted pistachios sprinkled on top add to the crunch factor.
Get Ree's Watercress Salad With Pistachios recipe.
Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
Isn't summer BBQ season the best? Instead of serving corn on the cob, make this salad instead! You get the same grilled flavor and then some, thanks to the cilantro vinaigrette.
Get Ree's Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette recipe.
Green Bean Salad
Another fresh side perfect for a backyard shindig or potluck is this bright salad. It's like if a Greek salad and green bean salad got married. That's a match made in heaven!
Get the Green Bean Salad recipe.
Antipasti Chopped Salad
Romaine and radicchio get dressed up Italian style with artichokes, pepperoncini, roasted red peppers, chunks of cheese and both salami and pepperoni. Worried about the salt contet? Just cut back on toppings and focus more on the lettuce.
Get Ree's Antipasti Chopped Salad recipe.
Grilled Pork Salad with Strawberries
Get dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes and treat yourself to something a little different. Grilled pork loin combines with sweet strawberries and tangy goat cheese for fun layers atop a bed of mixed greens.
Get Ree's Grilled Pork Salad with Strawberries recipe.
Kale Citrus Salad
Ree says once you try this salad, "you'll be hooked for life." That's enough right there for anyone to try it! But if you need another reason, it only takes 20 minutes to make.
Get Ree's Kale Citrus Salad recipe.
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