For too long, salads have suffered the reputation of being a bit of a weakling—think limp lettuce and boring veggies that leave you hungry for more while eyeing that burger across the table. But salad’s time has come, and those wimpy greens have grown into a satisfying meal.
Whether it’s by packing in the protein or infusing out-of-the-ordinary ingredients and flavors, these are a few unique salads that will inspire you to give those leafy greens a second look.
INDULGENT AND FLAVORFUL VEGETARIAN SALADS
Let's get one thing clear right off the bat: Veggies are totally self-sufficient, and they don't need meat to legitimize them as a complete meal. Don't believe us? We've got an array of mouthwatering vegetarian salad recipes to fill your belly and soothe your appetite, as well as your taste buds.
Fresh Asian Sesame Salad
If you’re craving Asian takeout, try this on for size instead. With nutty P.F. Chang’s® Home Menu Sesame Sauce, lots of crunchy fresh veggies, crispy wonton strips, and a heaping pile of fresh herbs, this might just be the most delicious (and nutritious) way to scratch that Asian food itch.
Crispy Chickpea and Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
You’ve probably had tabbouleh—but never like this. We gave this classic Middle Eastern grain salad a delicious twist by serving it over a fresh bed of greens and topping it with a batch of crispy chickpeas flavored with Healthy Choice® Creamy Italian Dressing. You could serve it as a hearty side, but it’s also filling enough to make a full meal!
Farro and Tomato Salad
This hearty grain salad stars nutty farro, tangy Feta, and antioxidant-rich arugula leaves, which provide a crisp, slightly peppery base. Dress it up with a simple vinaigrette made with oil, vinegar, and garlic, and then toss in Hunt's® Petite Diced Tomatoes for a little added sweetness.
PROTEIN-PACKED, MEAT-BASED SALADS
Salads aren't just for vegetarians. Meaty toppings like steak, bacon, or chicken playing a perfect complementary role to your greens, whether you prefer crispy iceberg, tender Boston lettuce, bitter endive, or fiber-filled kale.
Balsamic Steak Salad with Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Beets
This delicious main course-worthy salad favors the softer leaves of Boston lettuce to complement roasted beets, leeks, and Brussels sprouts. Wish-Bone® Balsamic Vinaigrette and a touch of garlic packs a punch as a marinade for tender steak, which helps bring out even more umami flavor when you toss it on the grill.
Broccoli Crunch Salad
Crunchy, colorful, and packed with flavor. Go green with this unique broccoli salad, which gets some savory, salty goodness from plenty of crispy chopped bacon. Healthy Choice Garden French dressing balances it all out with a tangy, sweet blend of veggies, garlic, and spices.
Crispy Chicken Cutlet with Kale and Apple Salad
Together, crispy breaded chicken, punchy kale, arugula, chopped apples, and walnuts combine to form a symphony of flavors and textures. This recipe also teaches you how to make a simple, super versatile vinaigrette you’ll want to keep handy for all kinds of other salads! It’s made with the sweet flavor of Gulden's® Honey Mustard, vinegar, and fresh shallots.
SPIRALIZED NOODLE SALADS
Fresh, spiralized veggie “noodles” are a great way to make your salads feel a little more unique and substantial—you can even practice that perfect pasta twirl with ’em! Zucchini is a popular choice, but you can also spiralize carrots, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, and more for exciting new tastes and textures.
Spiralized Veggie and Mango Salad
Easy, light, and refreshing—everything you want from a salad, plus the colors of the rainbow. This unique Asian-inspired dish harmoniously blends sweet and salty flavors using P.F. Chang's® Home Menu Mango Sweet & Sour Sauce, fresh, juicy mango, crunchy cucumbers and carrots, and salty peanuts.
Zucchini Noodle Salad with Tomatoes
With creamy buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil and oregano, crunchy zucchini noodles, and tangy red wine vinegar, every forkful of this Italian-inspired zucchini noodle salad sings with fresh Mediterranean flavor.
Spicy Sweet Potato Noodle Salad
Love a little heat? Spice up your next meal with this deliciously refreshing noodle salad, made with sweet potato noodles, tender baby spinach, corn, fresh cilantro, and a zesty vinaigrette made with fresh lime juice and RO*TEL® Original. Top it off with peanuts for a little extra crunch!
PICNIC SALADS
Finally, we have those dishes that are staples at every picnic and potluck. If you're expecting the same sides you've known for years, think again. From a new spin on classic potato salad to a pasta salad with a Mediterranean makeover, there are a host of ways to reinvigorate those dishes we all know and love.
Italian Chopped Salad
Antipasto salad typically is the first course in a big Italian feast, but this crowd-pleasing chopped salad also packs up well for a picnic in the park. Every ingredient packs in big, bold flavor, from salty pepperoni slices to tangy pepperoncini, meaty artichokes, and zesty Italian dressing.
Creamy Ranch Potato and Cauliflower Salad
This modern take on a traditional potato salad lightens things up a bit by replacing some of the potatoes with cauliflower and subbing in tangy buttermilk Healthy Choice Garden Ranch Dressing instead of heavy mayo. So go ahead and pile that picnic plate high!
Roasted Vegetable and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad
Charred peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes add complex, deep flavor to this pasta salad, balanced out with creamy goat cheese and an herby green goddess dressing.
FRUIT SALADS
Just like their veggie-based relative, fruit salads can come in endless varieties and flavor combinations, and there are so many ways to take them from ordinary to extraordinary. Make the most of ripe, sweet, juicy fruits and dress them up to impress.
Chili Lime Watermelon and Cucumber Salad
If you’ve never tried pairing sweet and juicy watermelon with a little spice, get ready to be wowed! Thick slabs of salted watermelon are the perfect complement to and tangy citrus vinaigrette and a generous dusting of smoky chili lime seasoning.
Rainbow Fruit Salad
Whip out your finest piece of china for this one! Arrange your fresh fruits on a pretty white platter to form a rainbow, then drizzle with a sweet and tangy honey-lime dressing and top off with fresh mint and Reddi-wip® Original for a simple but visually stunning snack or healthy dessert.
From meat-based to vegetarian, and twisted classics to inspired originals, these are just a few unique salads to add to your rotation. At long last, the salad day in the spotlight—and in our bellies—has arrived!
Pro Tip:
Take your summer salad recipes to next-level yum! Add Wish-Bone® salad dressings to pasta and veggies for an adventurous take on a classic. Or create your own masterpiece, like a delicious vegetarian pasta salad or a creamy bacon ranch pasta salad. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!
