Ask two chefs what really counts as a salad and prepare for a heated debate. It’s a question as old as time, and one that gives a surprising range of answers. By definition, a salad is reminiscent of leafy green vegetables, raw and cooked vegetables, perhaps protein, and a Dressing to end everything. Of course, there was a dark period in our culinary history when the ambrosia salad (main ingredient of mini marshmallows and canned citrus) was considered a delicacy. Not long ago, jello was said to be a sought-after salad ingredient. Oh, how far have we come. Today, we’ve honed our creativity when it comes to salads, and the result is recipes that I crave every hour of the day. And when it comes to mid-day meals, there’s no better way to get all the nutrients your body needs than with a salad. So if you’re looking for salad ideas to start your lunch, you’ve come to the right place. These 13 recipes are full of flavor, bursting with color, and completely redefining what it means to be a lunchtime salad.
Featured image of Ashleigh Amoroso.
Rich kale salad with savory tahini outfits from a minimalist baker
Why we love it: As someone who uses recipes as a starting point for endless inspiration, I’ve always been grateful for recipes that allow me to mix and match ingredients and customize to my liking. This salad is an adventure of your own choosing. While the recipe calls for zucchini, sweet potatoes, and red cabbage as your grilled veggies, feel free to swap in your favorites (if I’m being honest, though, it’s kind of a combination). case hard to beat). With cereal, greens, and a rich layer of tahini to seal everything, you’ll be amazed at how delicious you can make it in just 30 minutes.
Hero composition: I’m an aficionado that recommends simple and affordable roasted vegetables, without the added pinch of salt, pepper, and olive oil. But when you add curry powder to the mix, the sweet, savory, and spicy trio of flavors define the game changer.
Roasted Radish Salad With Goat Cheese and Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette from Grilled Tubers
Why we love it: Beets, arugula and goat cheese are the classic triple threat. But when I ordered a salad to go out, I was surprised to find that my plate regularly had steamed radishes. Don’t get me wrong, this method of preparation is not terrible, but it is certainly not ideal. Here, the sweet hard veggie is baked in foil packets, giving you a wonderfully soft, sweet, and caramelized result.
Hero composition: I’m passionate about my beets and while I’d like to call them the ingredient responsible for making this salad so delicious, it’s the subtle half teaspoon of cinnamon in the sauce that gives the dish a comforting feeling. this formula.
Deep-fried Tofu Brussels Sprouts Salad with Honey Mustard Sauce
Why we love it: As a writer, I don’t always feel at a loss for words. But when I took my first bite of salad, I threw all my eloquence out the window and could only think of one word: yum. I was really shocked to see that shaved brussel sprouts were still not considered a salad main dish. So if you’re looking for a reason to make your little guys your competition, let’s get started. They contrast with the honey mustard sauce and are crunchy but contrast slightly with the very crispy and chewy tofu.
Hero composition: Adding sliced avocado to the mix proves this salad has no effect.
Buffalo Cauliflower Salad with Farm Tahini from The First Mess
Why we love it: Some might think of buffalo cauliflower as a passing fad. It is my (popular) view that it will forever be the darling of the plant-based meal preparation world. Its smoky sweetness plays an important role in the lighter ingredients of this salad. Simple, delicious and sure to please plant-eaters as well as carnivores.
Hero composition: If I’m eating anything buffalo-style, you can bet I’ll have a farm nearby. The dairy-free tahini ranch dressing of this salad is liquefied gold. Without any milk in her eyes, the ice was lightly refreshing, but still full of her passion.
Thai Chicken Salad
Why we love it: If it’s the tropical food you’ve been craving, let me introduce you to a salad that will make all your relaxing island dreams come true. I’m all for a recipe based on rotisserie chicken for a boost and it’s the perfect protein to tie the recipe’s rainbow of veggies, herbs, and mangoes together.
Hero composition: Peanut sauce? Sign me up. Sriracha brings a nuanced heat to the creamy sauce of this salad.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Hummus from Killing Thyme
Why we love it: Mediterranean flavors have a way to instantly transport me to the pleasant days of summer. This twist on a classic Greek salad will give your fork an impressive array of flavors and textures. You have succulent grape tomatoes, the brightness of Kalamata olives, and the smoothest, tastiest humus. Just in case you need a reminder that salads can be both incredibly delicious and nutrient-dense.
Hero composition: The secret to making this salad light yet cozy and refreshing? Toasted, chopped walnuts.
Healthy Taco Salad from Love & Lemon
Why we love it: If there was ever a formula that was classified as a “genius”, this is it. Taco salads as we know them before are usually heavier in fried tortilla strips than in greens. But this freshness will change that trend. It packs more textures and flavors into one plate than I thought possible. And while it gives you that quintessential crunchy corn flavor with a sprinkle of tortilla chips, this recipe makes sure to round things up with all the vibrant veggies.
Hero composition: Plant-eaters, rejoice! This recipe uses mushrooms and walnuts to make a “meat” taco substitute without anything fancy.
Powerhouse Quinoa Salad from One Lovely Life
Why we love it: Salads had a bad rap. In their early years, they were hailed as low on the calorie scale, and beyond that, there wasn’t much else to celebrate. I like that we’ve moved more towards a mindset that focuses on abundance rather than restriction. When I think about making a salad for lunch, I am delighted to know that I will fill my plate with colorful and nutrient-rich ingredients. And if there’s a salad that balances flavor and nutritional benefits to perfection, it’s this one. An array of sweet fruits, hearty greens, rich nuts and crispy toasted pecans are sure to beat anything Sweetgreen could dream of.
Hero composition: Quinoa is high in fiber, easy to prepare, and packed with plant-based protein for a satisfying meal.
Shredded Italian Kale Salad
Why we love it: Kale has finally entered its role as a household, turning green. Gone are the days of hard leaves paired with crunchy granola—Kale for all! This recipe showcases the most delicious leafy greens. With two types of kale, Russian and Dino, topping, and lots of other hearty ingredients mixed in (garbanzo beans, black olives, and salami if you eat meat), here’s a kale salad twist. .
Hero composition: I have two words for you: Sourdough croutons. While I’ll take bread in any form I can get it, nothing can compete with pan-fried balls in bread goodness (partially drizzled with olive oil, of course). garlic is good for health).
Greek Chicken Salad Lunch Bowl from Fed + Fit
Why we love it: If you’re the kind of person who can eat the same lunch Monday through Friday, welcome to the club. While variety is the spice of life, I’m all about easing the decision fatigue in my life as much as possible. This recipe is one of the things I try to make it happen. On Sunday afternoons, I do Tzatziki and hummus, cut some veggies, shred the rotisserie chicken, and put it all in my fridge. With all of that done in advance (took less than an hour!) The only thing that stood between me and my salad was a minimal assembly. A lazy luncher’s dream.
Hero composition: It deserves a second mention: The homemade tzatziki makes the bowl.
Falafel Salad Hummus Bowls from Spoon Fork Bacon
Why we love it: As for the sandwiches, nothing compares to greasy falafel balls tossed in a pita with hummus, tomatoes, and the sauce of your choice. But sometimes, I just need the falafel in salad form. This dish brings together all the flavors of Middle Eastern staples. Oh, and if you’ve ever been worried about your falafel going bad, know that this recipe is absolutely amazing.
Hero composition: There’s a time and a place for store-bought hummus, and this is not it. I highly recommend putting in the extra effort required to make garlic humus. Your taste buds will be forever grateful.
Daily Mediterranean Salad from Gimme Some Oven
Why we love it: When it comes to anything, I’m for flexibility. I love packed dinners that are great for lunch the next day, and breakfasts that can do double duty for a coveted evening meal. This easy-to-make everyday salad you can make ahead of time, includes easy-to-find ingredients, and if you double the recipe, it’s delicious enough to enjoy as a side salad for dinner. My favorite way to make it part of a larger meal? Serve it with these delicious and light treats Thai chicken sandwich.
Hero composition: You know you’ve found a good recipe when every ingredient can be a hero ingredient. The real standout though? Nothing can beat feta’s salty punch.
Sunshine Salad
Why we love it: Possibly the most aptly named salad out there. This recipe is truly sunshine in the bowl. Boost your clean eating habits with all the superfoods your heart has ever craved. No color goes unnoticed in this recipe: purple cabbage, orange carrots, ruby red tomatoes, and a cup of mixed herbs make this salad a greens-lover’s dream. Addiction without deprivation.
Hero composition: I’ve always craved the crunch of sunflower seeds, and this salad left me satisfied.
