Salads are the perfect thing to be eating this summer. Aside from the countless health benefits (lowers risk of developing cancer, aids weight loss) they also offer an abundance of flavor and are easy to make. Thanks to the marvelous World Wide Web, we are no longer stuck with just some lettuce on a plate—there are so many delicious recipes out there. Enjoy!
1. Mango Slaw with Cashews and Mint
What could be more refreshing than some sweet mango and lime in your salad? With no cooking required, this recipe is simple and delicious.
2. Superfood Salad
Superfoods are all the rage at the moment, and why wouldn’t they be when you can have your vitamins, minerals and antioxidants all on one plate? Serve this delicious salad with grilled chicken or fish, and you have yourself one very healthy meal.
3. Grilled Balsamic Portobello Mushroom & Steak Salad
This mouth watering salad is the perfect alternative to a steak sandwich. With no refined grains and all of the flavor, you’re sure to impress your friends when you whip this one out at your next BBQ.
4. Green Tabouli
This no-fuss recipe will make the perfect addition to your lunch box. As Chef Teresa Cutter tells us, it’s “full of alkalinising, anti-inflamatory and anti-cancer phytonutrients called sulforaphane that work to support optimum health and protect against disease.” Plus it tastes delicious!
5. Classic Greek Salad
You can’t go wrong with a classic Greek Salad. Filled with ingredients everybody loves (tomato, cucumber, onion and olives), this salad is perfect on it’s own or accompanied by your favorite grilled meat.
6. Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Strawberries in my salad? Yes please! This recipe is extremely simple and is sure to freshen you up on a hot summer day.
7. Broccoli Salad with Bacon, Raisins, and Cheddar Cheese
I love bacon—even more when it’s combined with sweet and savory flavors in this salad. Make sure you try this perfect combination of broccoli, bacon, raisins and cheese.
8. Puy Lentil, Spiced Roast Carrot & Feta Salad
This salad is the perfect choice if you are looking to increase your fiber and iron intake. It may take a little longer to prepare, but it’s worth the wait.
9. Everyday Green Chopped Salad
Sometimes the simpler the better. This one from Jamie Oliver is a great way to balance your plate with some greens. You can make it into a complete meal by adding some grilled chicken, tinned tuna or salmon.
10. BLT Chopped Salad with Corn, Feta + Avocado
This one has my favorite ingredients in it: bacon, feta, avocado and corn. Tear up some whole-wheat wraps, place them in the oven for a few minutes and the use them to scoop this salad up. You’ll have a party of flavors in your mouth!
11. Pad Thai Salad with Coconut Lime Dressing
I can’t wait to try this one. The coconut lime dressing has really got me excited. The best part about it is that it lasts for about 3 days. This means you could whip up a batch on a Sunday and then have it for lunch throughout the week.
12. Green Goddess Chicken Salad
Who would have thought a salad could have so much history? Apparently the green goddess dressing used in this recipe was created in the 1920s as a tribute to an actor. With a mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, herbs, anchovies and lemon, it’s still just as delicious today.
13. Fennel and Pear Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette
Here’s another simple yet sophisticated salad that’s perfect for any get-together. Again, you can make up a batch and have it on hand all week. So easy and convenient.
14. Roasted Sweet Potato, Quinoa and Kale Salad
Are you hooked on the kale craze? I certainly am! And with delicious salads like this, it’s easy to see what everyone is raving about.
15. Green Garden Salad
This one is a perfect accompaniment to fish or salmon. It’s a great way to get your hit of greens and it’s so easy; you can have it ready in less than 5 minutes.
16. Mediterranean Rice Salad Recipe
There are days when a basic salad just won’t cut it, and this is when I love using hearty recipes like this one. With brown rice, spinach leaves, cucumber, onion, olives and pine nuts, its absolutely delicious!
17. Red Cabbage and Apple Salad with Ginger Vinaigrette
This one you can have ready in under 20 minutes, and I am loving the combination of apple, cabbage and ginger. It’s perfect for those days when you feel like something a little sweeter.
18. Nicoise Salad
They say the best salads are the ones you make yourself, and I can not wait to try this one! Make it vegan by replacing the eggs and tuna with cooked cannelloni or broad beans.
19. Cucumber and Baby Pea Salad
If you’re not a fan of lettuce, this one is perfect for you. It’s just cucumbers, peas, parsley, basil and tangy yogurt. Very tasty.
20. Spinach and Smoked Salmon Salad with Lemon-Dill Dressing
Last but certainly not least is one of my favorites. I can’t get enough of smoked salmon and this one is perfectly combined with spinach leaves, cucumber and dill. Trust me; it was hard to narrow it down to 20. Check out more here. Making your own salad and not sure what dressing to put on it? Get inspired here.
Featured photo credit: dinner for one/knitting iris via flickr.com
