When it comes to healthy and refreshing meals, salads are an unbeatable choice. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch option, a colorful side dish, or a hearty main course, the possibilities with salads are endless. From classic Caesar to innovative grain bowls, the world of salads offers a vast array of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits. With so many delicious and nutritious recipes to choose from, finding the best salad recipe can be an overwhelming task. In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular and highly-rated salad recipes, providing you with inspiration and guidance as you create your next culinary masterpiece.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
MARINATED CUCUMBER, ONION, AND TOMATO SALAD
This is an easy salad that is perfect for a warm summer day.
Provided by BogeyBill
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Tomato Salad Recipes
Time 2h15m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Whisk water, vinegar, oil, sugar, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl until smooth; add cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion and stir to coat.
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 156.2 calories, Carbohydrate 18 g, Fat 9.5 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 1.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 784 mg, Sugar 11.9 g
SPINACH SALAD WITH WARM BACON DRESSING
To make his Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing recipe from Good Eats on Food Network even better, Alton Brown tops it with sliced eggs and mushrooms.
Provided by Alton Brown
Categories appetizer
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Remove the stems from the spinach and wash, drain and pat dry thoroughly. Place into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Place the eggs into an electric kettle and cover with cold water by at least 1-inch. Turn the kettle on. Once the water comes to a boil, the kettle will turn itself off. Leave the eggs in the water for 15 minutes. Remove and peel off the shell. Slice each egg into 8 pieces and set aside.
- While the eggs are cooking, fry the bacon and remove to a paper towel to drain, reserving 3 tablespoons of the rendered fat. Crumble the bacon and set aside.
- Transfer the fat to a small saucepan set over low heat and whisk in the red wine vinegar, sugar and Dijon mustard. Season with a small pinch each of kosher salt and black pepper.
- Add the mushrooms and the sliced onion to the spinach and toss. Add the dressing and bacon and toss to combine. Divide the spinach between 4 plates or bowls and evenly divide the egg among them. Season with pepper, as desired. Serve immediately.
CORN AND BLACK BEAN SALAD
This colorful, crunchy black bean and corn salad is chock-full of easy-to-swallow nutrition that all ages will love. Try it with a variety of summer entrees, or as a wholesome salsa! -Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 15m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients; pour over corn mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Stir before serving. Serve with a slotted spoon.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 142 calories, Fat 4g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 326mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
CONTEST-WINNING OLD-FASHIONED POTATO SALAD
We live at the edge of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where there are lots of small farms. Country markets are plentiful here, so potatoes are a staple.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 35m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Place potatoes in a saucepan and cover with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until tender; drain. Place in a large bowl; add eggs, celery and onions. , In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour over potato mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts :
CURRIED CHICKEN SALAD
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place the chicken breasts on a sheet pan and rub the skin with olive oil. Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is just cooked. Set aside until cool enough to handle. Remove the meat from the bones, discard the skin, and dice the chicken into large bite-size pieces.
- For the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, wine, chutney, curry powder, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Process until smooth.
- Combine the chicken with enough dressing to moisten well. Add the celery, scallions, and raisins, and mix well. Refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend. Add the cashews and serve at room temperature.
GREEK SALAD DRESSING
Homemade Greek salad dressing doesn't get much easier. If you don't have lemon juice on hand, replace it with additional vinegar. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 5m
Yield 3/4 cup.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all ingredients; shake well.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 163 calories, Fat 18g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 217mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.
DELICIOUS EGG SALAD FOR SANDWICHES
This is a wonderful-tasting egg salad sandwich that you will definitely devour. It's really good on rye.
Provided by wifeyluvs2cook
Categories Salad Egg Salad Recipes
Time 35m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place egg in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.
- Place the chopped eggs in a bowl, and stir in the mayonnaise, mustard and green onion. Season with salt, pepper and paprika. Stir and serve on your favorite bread or crackers.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 343.8 calories, Carbohydrate 2.3 g, Cholesterol 382.5 mg, Fat 31.9 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 13 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, Sodium 350.6 mg, Sugar 1.2 g
AUTHENTIC GERMAN POTATO SALAD
This is my mother's recipe. Everyone, German or not, loves it. It is easy to double the recipe as well. I often bring it to potlucks, and we also have it at home on special occasions. There are usually no leftovers, but if there are, they don't last long!
Provided by Angela Louise Miller
Categories Salad Potato Salad Recipes No Mayo
Time 50m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place the potatoes into a pot, and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork. Drain, and set aside to cool.
- Place the bacon in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry until browned and crisp, turning as needed. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add onion to the bacon grease, and cook over medium heat until browned. Add the vinegar, water, sugar, salt and pepper to the pan. Bring to a boil, then add the potatoes and parsley. Crumble in half of the bacon. Heat through, then transfer to a serving dish. Crumble the remaining bacon over the top, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 182.9 calories, Carbohydrate 32.2 g, Cholesterol 9.9 mg, Fat 3.9 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 5.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 796 mg, Sugar 11 g
GREEK PASTA SALAD
Great summer pasta salad.
Provided by Danielle Laroche
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 3h30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the penne, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Rinse with cold water and drain well in a colander set in the sink.
- Whisk together the vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Set aside. Combine pasta, tomatoes, onion, green and red peppers, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese in a large bowl. Pour vinaigrette over the pasta and mix together. Cover and chill for 3 hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 306.6 calories, Carbohydrate 19.3 g, Cholesterol 14 mg, Fat 23.6 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 5.4 g, SaturatedFat 5.2 g, Sodium 258.1 mg, Sugar 2.8 g
LIME GELATIN SALAD I
This is a great recipe my mom got from my aunt. She has made it every year for Thanksgiving. It is a family tradition for us. It can be made a day or two ahead of time, if you like. It looks just beautiful in a cut crystal bowl. Thanksgiving is not the same without it for us! We just 'gobble' it up! Chopped walnuts can be substituted for chopped pecans.
Provided by SHECOOKS2
Categories Desserts Specialty Dessert Recipes Dessert Salad Recipes Jell-O® Salad
Time 4h25m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large bowl, pour 1 cup boiling water over the gelatin mix. Stir until dissolved, then stir in 1/2 cup pineapple juice. Refrigerate until thickened but not set, about 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, place crushed pineapple and remaining juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, blend softened cream cheese and lime gelatin until smooth. Mix in the cooled pineapple. In a medium bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form. Fold into gelatin mixture. Fold in chopped nuts. Pour into a pretty crystal bowl, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 412.4 calories, Carbohydrate 26.7 g, Cholesterol 89.9 mg, Fat 33.3 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 5.4 g, SaturatedFat 16.6 g, Sodium 161.3 mg, Sugar 23.1 g
CRUNCHY RAMEN SALAD
For potlucks and picnics, this ramen noodle salad is a knockout. I tote the veggies in a bowl, dressing in a jar and noodles in a bag. Then I shake them up together when it's time to eat. -LJ Porter, Bauxite, Arkansas
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 25m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add almonds and sunflower kernels; cook until toasted, about 4 minutes. Cool., In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, onions and red pepper. In a small bowl, whisk vinegar, sugar, pepper, contents of ramen seasoning packets and remaining oil. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving. Break noodles into small pieces. Just before serving, stir in noodles, almonds and sunflower kernels.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 189 calories, Fat 13g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 250mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 4g protein.
ORANGE JELLO SALAD
Steps:
- Mix together 4 cups of water, orange jello mix, and vanilla pudding mix in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil, stirring the whole time to keep clumps from forming. Once it starts to boil, remove from heat. Pour into a heat-resistant container (I usually use a glass baking dish), cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for about four hours. Remove from fridge and break up the jello into chunks. Place in a large bowl. Add in the pineapple, mandarin oranges, and whipped cream and mix around until everything is combined. Keep refrigerated until you are ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 46 calories, Carbohydrate 10 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 0 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 0 grams fat, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 1 grams protein, SaturatedFat 0 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 24 grams sodium, Sugar 9 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams unsaturated fat
PERFECT CAESAR SALAD DRESSING
Everyone raves about Caesar salad, but few realize it is so simple to make at home. Add this Caesar dressing on top of chopped romaine lettuce, croutons and parmesan cheese for a perfect salad. -Jane McGlothren, Daphne, Alabama
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 10m
Yield 1.25 cups.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a blender, combine the first 10 ingredients; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Chill until serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 130 calories, Fat 13g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 68mg cholesterol, Sodium 328mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.
CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICHES
These classic chicken salad sandwiches are open for interpretation. Depending on your level of prep, you can create them using either home-cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken from the store. From there, the creativity is all up to you. Make them yours, make them delicious, make them again!
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Lunch
Time 15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In medium bowl, mix all ingredients except bread. Spread mixture on 4 bread slices. Top with remaining bread.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 430, Carbohydrate 27 g, Cholesterol 60 mg, Fat 4, Fiber 1 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 4 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Sandwich, Sodium 630 mg, Sugar 2 g, TransFat 0 g
CUCUMBER AND TOMATO SALAD
Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 10m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Dress with vinegar and oil, salt and pepper, to your taste.
THREE BEAN SALAD
We like a buffet with all the family here. We serve a variety of salads. This is also great for summer picnics and cookouts. Keeps well, and serves a lot of people.
Provided by JJOHN32
Categories Salad Beans Three Bean Salad Recipes
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Mix together green beans, wax beans, kidney beans, onion, sugar, vinegar, vegetable oil, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Let set in refrigerator for at least 12 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 111.5 calories, Carbohydrate 15.9 g, Fat 4.7 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 298.6 mg, Sugar 10.6 g
BEET SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE
This is a delicious and easy salad which takes little time and is a great meatless main course. It uses beets, goat cheese, candied walnuts and baby greens. For a main dish salad, add chicken. Feel free to include more of your favorite vegetables too.
Provided by Donna
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Beet Salad Recipes
Time 40m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place beets into a saucepan, and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then cook for 20 to 30 minutes, until tender. Drain and cool, then cut in to cubes.
- While the beets are cooking, place the walnuts in a skillet over medium-low heat. Heat until warm and starting to toast, then stir in the maple syrup. Cook and stir until evenly coated, then remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice concentrate, balsamic vinegar and olive oil to make the dressing.
- Place a large helping of baby greens onto each of four salad plates, divide candied walnuts equally and sprinkle over the greens. Place equal amounts of beets over the greens, and top with dabs of goat cheese. Drizzle each plate with some of the dressing.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 347.5 calories, Carbohydrate 25 g, Cholesterol 7.5 mg, Fat 26.1 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 5.3 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 107.5 mg, Sugar 20.7 g
THE ORIGINAL POTATO SALAD
This recipe is right off the Hellman's mayonnaise jar. To me, it's so good it rivals my mother in law's potato salad, which I think is the best there is. It's a plain and simple potato salad, but it's delicious! Add pimentos, olives, or green peppers depending on what you like in your potato salad.
Provided by 75violets
Categories Potato
Time 30m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Combine the first 5 ingredients.
- Stir in remaining ingredients.
- Cover& chill.
SPINACH SALAD WITH WARM BACON-MUSTARD DRESSING
A classic steakhouse-style spinach salad with the absolute best warm bacon-mustard dressing I've ever had! Looks and tastes like a lot of work, but can be prepared in no time! This salad can easily be converted to a main dish salad by adding strips of grilled chicken breast.
Provided by brightlightz
Categories Salad Green Salad Recipes Spinach Salad Recipes
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Place spinach into a large serving bowl, top with hard-cooked eggs, mushrooms, 4 crumbled strips of bacon, Swiss cheese, and almonds.
- Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir in shallots and garlic, and cook until softened and translucent, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and 2 crumbled strips of bacon; season to taste with salt and pepper, then cook until hot.
- Pour hot dressing over spinach and toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 662.5 calories, Carbohydrate 40.1 g, Cholesterol 292.6 mg, Fat 40.6 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 36.1 g, SaturatedFat 17.2 g, Sodium 1123.4 mg, Sugar 26 g
ASIAN SALAD DRESSING
This Asian salad dressing is delicious in a salad or on stir-fried vegetables. It will last, sealed in a Mason jar, in the refrigerator for about six weeks. A tablespoon of ground ginger may be used in place of fresh. -Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 10m
Yield 1 cup.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Place all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; shake well. Refrigerate until serving. Shake dressing again just before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 95 calories, Fat 8g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 670mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.
Tips:
- Make use of seasonal and fresh ingredients: Seasonal produce offers the best flavor and nutrients. Visit local farmers markets, farm stands, or even grow your own herbs and vegetables for the freshest ingredients possible.
- Balance flavors and textures: Experiment with different combinations of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and savory flavors to create a well-rounded salad. Incorporate a variety of textures, such as crunchy, soft, and creamy, to add interest and depth to your salad.
- Choose the right greens: Don't limit yourself to just romaine or iceberg lettuce. Explore a variety of greens, such as arugula, spinach, kale, or mixed salad greens. Different greens offer unique flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits.
- Don't overcrowd your salad: Make sure there's enough space for each ingredient to shine. Avoid overcrowding the salad bowl, as this can make it difficult to toss and evenly distribute the dressing.
- Toss your salad gently: Use tongs or your hands to gently toss the salad, ensuring that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Avoid using a spoon, as this can bruise the greens.
- Add protein and healthy fats: Incorporate protein sources like grilled chicken, tofu, or quinoa, and healthy fats from nuts, seeds, or avocado to make your salad a more satisfying and balanced meal.
- Experiment with different dressings: Don't stick to just one type of dressing. Try a variety of vinaigrettes, creamy dressings, or even fruit-based dressings to add flavor and variety to your salads.
Conclusion:
Salads offer a versatile and delicious way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. By following these tips and experimenting with different ingredients and flavors, you can create salads that are both visually appealing and packed with nutrients. Whether you prefer simple green salads, hearty grain bowls, or colorful composed salads, the possibilities are endless. Embrace the art of salad making and enjoy the countless health benefits that come with eating more of these nutritious dishes.
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