Spring is here and we are entering salad weather. Yay!
I am a big salad lover, and enjoy a salad most every day. I am often the butt of my friend’s jokes, who tease me about eating a lettuce leaf and a crouton and calling it lunch. #eyeroll
There are three flavor-filled salads that are on repeat on my lunch menu. If you haven’t tried these salads – you are missing out! They take you way beyond the bed of lettuce and shredded carrots.
Each of these three salads can be made ahead in a big bowl, or individual serving bowls for convenience. On the day that you are ready to eat the salad, you can add your meat, cheese, nuts, fruit (depending on what you like) and add the dressing when you are ready to eat.
These salads are satisfying, but not heavy. I like eating them for lunch to keep me energized and not feeling lethargic when I have a deadline to meet. Also, a salad does not require heating, so it is quick and easy. And they are a great way to eat a veggie-packed lunch that is healthy and delicious. #winning
The first recipe is an Asian salad. It includes the following:
2 cups Nappa Cabbage (crisper than lettuce, not as firm as cabbage)
1 cup red cabbage
1-2 jalapenos, core and seeded
½ red bell pepper
1 cup shredded carrots
Chopped cilantro to taste
¼ cup Onion or to taste (purple or green onions)
Chop all these ingredients and combine in a large mixing bowl with a lid. You can add more or less of any of these ingredients to suit your tastes. When you are ready to eat, place a serving in a bowl, chop some cashews to top salad with (1-2 TBSP), depending on taste. Then top the salad with Trader Joe’s Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette (or any Asian/sesame dressing). It is full of flavor and deliciously crunchy, with a bit of a kick from the jalapeno pepper. It requires a bit of chopping to prepare, but it’s full of nutrients, fiber, and protein from the cashews. And the real bonus is that it will stay crisp for days, so you can make a big bowl and eat from it for over a week. #bonus
My second choice is a kale salad. Stay with me here. I know you are about to run the other direction. . . . . #whatthekale? If eating kale is not your jam — you could substitute spinach or romaine lettuce. I prefer to use this salad mix, found at most grocery stores.
It includes kale, shaved brussel sprouts, shredded broccoli, and radicchio. It also comes with a packet of poppy seed dressing if you want to try it without buying a whole bottle to start with. I add some chopped celery, feta cheese and walnuts. The dressing I use is a creamy poppy seed dressing by Briannas, and it makes this salad over the top delicious. The saltiness of the cheese and the sweetness of the dressing pairs perfectly. If you like it a little sweeter, you could use candied walnuts, or add cranberries, strawberries, blueberries or thinly sliced apples–which ever you prefer. It is a hearty salad, but also satisfying. It will also hold up well in the refrigerator for a few days. In fact, it is one of my absolute favorites and I eat it all year round, at least once a week. I must say that I have tried several different poppy seed dressings, but I prefer Briannas. If I am watching my calories more closely, I will add some squeezed lemon juice and/or balsamic vinegar to thin the dressing, saving calories.
Salad number three is a Southwest mix that is common and often served at restaurants. I buy this mix, which you can use alone, or add to. I like to add shredded carrots, chopped celery and cherry tomatoes. I also add shredded mild cheddar cheese and grilled chicken, just before eating to make it a complete meal. You can use any ranch dressing, salsa or whatever you prefer. I prefer Southwest Chipotle Ranch dressing. It is low carb, so that’s a bonus. Of course, regular ranch dressing tastes great too. #everythingisbetterwithranch
I buy the salad mixes as a time saver, so I don’t have to spend an hour every day chopping them up. I sometimes use this one, found at Trader Joe’s. Of course, you can always buy your kale, romaine, onions, carrots, and celery separately and combine. But for me, (and every other person I know) cutting the prep time for cooking dinner and preparing lunches is always a priority.
Salads don’t have to be boring. You just have to be creative to keep them interesting. They can be a great meal or a side dish. They are perfect for parties and luncheons and are also great for picnics. If you feel they aren’t filling enough, you can always pair it with a protein to make it more of a meal.
Salads are a great way to keep your carb count in check and ensure you get the needed vegetables and fiber in your diet. I have even converted my husband to a salad lover. But, tbh (to be honest), he isn’t crazy about kale. #babysteps
What are your favorite salads?
