top 10 best healthy and easy salad recipes

Top 10 Best Healthy and Easy salad recipes

ByShauna

Welcome! Today we are celebrating the beauty of fresh ingredients and the art of creating delicious and nutritious salads. In this post, we are thrilled to share with you our top 10 favorite healthy and easy salad recipes that are not only packed with wholesome goodness but also bursting with vibrant flavors. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish to complement your main course, or a refreshing meal for those warm summer days, these salads have got you covered.

From the vibrant and colorful Rainbow Salad to the creamy and indulgent Avocado Salad, each recipe has been carefully crafted to bring together the best seasonal produce, tantalizing textures, and mouthwatering dressings. We’ve also included a variety of flavors and influences, from the Mediterranean-inspired Greek Salad to the zesty and tangy Citrus Spinach Salad.

In our collection, you’ll find salads that incorporate protein-rich ingredients like grilled chicken in the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad and nutrient-packed superfoods like quinoa in the Quinoa and Veggie Salad. We’ve also embraced the fusion of flavors with the Mexican Street Corn Salad, combining sweet corn, bold spices, and tangy cotija cheese.

Join us on this culinary journey as we dive into the world of salads that are both healthy and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned salad enthusiast or just starting to explore the realm of vibrant greens and fresh ingredients, these recipes will inspire you to create delicious and satisfying meals that nourish both body and soul.

So, let’s get ready to elevate your salad game with these 10 delightful and easy-to-make recipes. Get ready to embrace the refreshing flavors, vibrant colors, and nourishing goodness of these salads. Let’s dive in and make every meal a celebration of health, taste, and pure culinary joy!

**These ingredient quantities are meant to serve as a general guideline. Adjust them based on your personal preferences and desired serving size. Enjoy creating these flavorful and nutritious salads!

  1. Rainbow Salad:

Ingredients:

  • Mixed salad greens: 4 cups
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup
  • Cucumber, sliced: 1 cup
  • Carrot, grated: 1/2 cup
  • Bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), thinly sliced: 1 cup total
  • Red cabbage, shredded: 1 cup
  • Radishes, thinly sliced:1/2 cup
  • Avocado, diced: 1 avocado
  • Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, grated carrot, sliced bell peppers, shredded red cabbage, and sliced radishes.
  2. Gently toss the salad ingredients to mix well.
  3. Add the diced avocado on top of the salad.
  4. Drizzle lemon juice and olive oil over the salad.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Toss everything together until well combined.
  7. Serve and enjoy the refreshing and colorful Rainbow Salad

2. Avocado Salad:

Ingredients:

  • Ripe avocados, diced: 2 avocados
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved: 1 cup
  • Red onion, thinly sliced: 1 cup
  • Cucumber, diced: 1 cup total
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped: 1/4 cup
  • Lime juice: 2 tablespoons
  • Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and fresh cilantro.
  2. Drizzle lime juice and extra virgin olive oil over the ingredients.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Gently toss the salad to combine all the flavors.
  5. Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  6. Serve the creamy and flavorful Avocado Salad as a side dish or as a light meal on its own.
  1. Quinoa and Veggie Salad:

Ingredients:

  • Cooked quinoa: 2 cups
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved: 1 cup
  • Cucumber, diced: 1 cup
  • Bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), diced: 1 cup total
  • Red onion, finely chopped: 1/4 cup
  • Fresh parsley, chopped: 1/4 cup
  • Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
  • Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell peppers, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley.
  2. Drizzle lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil over the ingredients.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Toss the salad gently to evenly distribute the dressing and flavors.
  5. Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
  6. Serve the nutritious and satisfying Quinoa and Veggie Salad as a main course or side dish.

4. Mango and Black Bean Salad:

Ingredients:

  • Ripe mango, diced: 1 mango
  • Black beans, cooked and drained: 1 cup
  • Red bell pepper, diced: 1/2 cup
  • Red onion, finely chopped: 1/4 cup
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped: 1/4 cup
  • Lime juice: 2 tablespoons
  • Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Cumin powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced mango, cooked black beans, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, cumin powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  4. Allow the salad to marinate for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.
  5. Serve the Mango and Black Bean Salad as a refreshing and vibrant side dish or as a light lunch option.
  1. Greek Salad with Feta and Olives:

Ingredients:

  • Romaine lettuce, chopped: 4 cups
  • Cucumber, diced: 1 cup
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved: 1 cup
  • Kalamata olives, pitted: 1/2 cup
  • Red onion, thinly sliced: 1/4 cup
  • Feta cheese, crumbled: 1/2 cup
  • Fresh oregano leaves: 1 tablespoon
  • Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
  • Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, pitted Kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
  2. Sprinkle fresh oregano leaves over the salad.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients.
  5. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve the Greek Salad with Feta and Olives as a refreshing and tangy side dish or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

6. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad:

Ingredients:

  • Grilled chicken breast, sliced: 2 cups
  • Romaine lettuce, chopped: 4 cups
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved: 1 cup
  • Croutons: 1 cup
  • Parmesan cheese, grated: 1/2 cup
  • Caesar dressing: 1/2 cup
  • Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  2. Add the sliced grilled chicken breast to the salad.
  3. Drizzle Caesar dressing over the salad, starting with a small amount and adding more to taste.
  4. Toss the salad gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
  5. Serve the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad as a hearty and satisfying main course or as a flavorful lunch option.
  1. Citrus Spinach Salad:

Ingredients:

  • Baby spinach leaves: 4 cups
  • Oranges, segmented: 2 oranges
  • Grapefruit, segmented: 1 grapefruit
  • Red onion, thinly sliced: 1/4 cup
  • Toasted almonds, chopped: 1/2 cup
  • Feta cheese, crumbled: 1/2 cup
  • Orange vinaigrette dressing: 1/4 cup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach leaves, segmented oranges, segmented grapefruit, thinly sliced red onion, chopped toasted almonds, and crumbled feta cheese.
  2. Drizzle the orange vinaigrette dressing over the salad.
  3. Gently toss the salad to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
  4. Adjust the dressing quantity according to your preference.
  5. Serve the Citrus Spinach Salad as a refreshing and citrusy side dish or as a light lunch option.

8. Mexican Street Corn Salad:

Ingredients:

  • Sweet corn, cooked and kernels removed: 4 cups
  • Red bell pepper, diced: 1/2 cup
  • Red onion, finely chopped: 1/4 cup
  • Jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced: 1 jalapeño
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped: 1/4 cup
  • Lime juice: 2 tablespoons
  • Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup
  • Cotija cheese, crumbled: 1/2 cup
  • Chili powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sweet corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño pepper, and chopped fresh cilantro.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  4. Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese and chili powder over the salad.
  5. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve the Mexican Street Corn Salad as a flavorful and vibrant side dish, perfect for summer gatherings or taco nights.
  1. Kale and Berry Salad:

Ingredients:

  • Kale leaves, stems removed and chopped: 4 cups
  • Strawberries, sliced: 1 cup
  • Blueberries: 1 cup
  • Slivered almonds, toasted: 1/2 cup
  • Goat cheese, crumbled: 1/2 cup
  • Balsamic vinaigrette dressing: 1/4 cup

Instructions:

  1. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped kale leaves, sliced strawberries, blueberries, toasted slivered almonds, and crumbled goat cheese.
  2. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad.
  3. Gently massage the kale leaves with the dressing for a minute or two to help soften them.
  4. Toss the salad to ensure all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
  5. Adjust the dressing quantity to your liking.
  6. Serve the Kale and Berry Salad as a nutritious and refreshing side dish or as a light lunch option.

10. Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad:

Ingredients:

  • Cooked noodles (such as soba or rice noodles): 8 ounces
  • Mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, snap peas), thinly sliced: 2 cups total
  • Green onions, thinly sliced: 1/4 cup
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped: 1/4 cup
  • Sesame seeds: 2 tablespoons
  • Sesame ginger dressing: 1/4 cup

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, thinly sliced mixed vegetables, sliced green onions, and chopped fresh cilantro.
  2. Drizzle the sesame ginger dressing over the salad ingredients.
  3. Toss the salad gently to evenly distribute the dressing.
  4. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the salad.
  5. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve the Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad as a flavorful and satisfying main course or as a side dish for Asian-inspired meals.

Enjoy creating and savoring these delicious and healthy salad recipes!

Let us know if you enjoyed these salads.

Here is one of my favorite Amazon Kitchen Items:

trending glass cups with lids