Our collection of unique salad recipes is growing, and growing, and there’s a reason for that!
If you are anything like me, the second winter fades away and summer arrives, I am all about salads. People ask, ‘what do you cook for your family during the warmer months?’ and my answer is always the same: Salad. Salad with fish, salad with chicken, salad with steak, salad with shrimp. Basically, salad with everything.
But, I want to assure you that I am not a total bore – and I do not eat the same salad for each and every meal. And with our easy access to fresh ingredients, salads are not relegated to the warmer months only. In fact, these unique salad recipes are just perfect for any time of year. With minimal meal prepping!
Unique Salad Recipes for Any Time of Year:
Arugula Salad with Assorted Berries, Almonds & Feta
One of our favourite unique salad recipes, this arugula salad is just like summer on a plate. With seasonal leaves, salty feta, and a bit of crunch from the almonds, your taste buds will be delighted.
Experiment with different berries and cheeses for new taste sensations.
Asparagus and Quinoa Salad with Feta & Lemon
When asparagus is in season, the high ratio of asparagus to everything else in this salad recipe is intentional. The fresh, seasonal produce is the star of the show. Feel free to swap in a different grain of your liking if quinoa isn’t your fave. Barley, wheat berries, or a small pasta shape, like orzo, would be fantastic.
The Big Summer Salad
Sometimes when it comes to salads, we use the term ‘recipe’ very loosely. Rather then tracking down and following a recipe, we like to take stock of what we’ve got on hand and create something unique every time. Like this big summer salad, for example. It’s loaded with healthy goodness (think vibrant greens, omega-rich avocado, crisp radishes, and protein-filled quinoa), filling enough to be served as your main meal, and super easy to make.
Brown Rice Salad with Edamame & Citrus-Basil Dressing
My boys love rice so that’s my grain of choice most days. I like to use brown basmati rice when possible, but sometimes I just stick to plain long grain brown rice instead. We also make salads with quinoa and farro, and find most grains can easily be swapped for each other in these types of salad recipes. But this brown rice salad is one of our tried and trues.
Cherry Tomato & Arugula Salad
Here is one of our favourite unique salad recipes that is as easy as it is delicous.
Cherry tomatoes, arugula, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a sprinkle of flaked sea salt is all that you need to create one of the best summer sides.
Cucumber, Radish & Dill Slaw
This bright and fresh cucumber, radish, and dill slaw (with a yummy and easy orange vinaigrette) is going to prove that coleslaw is making a comeback. The best thing about this unique salad recipe is that it can easily be doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled, depending on how many guests you’re expecting.
Family-Style Taco Salad Served Many Ways
Almost every Tuesday night we eat taco salad for dinner. I place a platter of chopped romaine tossed with sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and cubed avocado in the centre of our dinged up dining table and surround it with small bowls of assorted toppings. I’ve been changing the flavours of our traditional taco salad by adding twists to the ingredients list. The result is a fresh spin on a classic dish that keeps everyone interested in what’s being served while introducing new flavours and textures to the table.
I’ve created a Mediterranean-inspired salad, and another one that’s based on the French flavours I adore, and each one has been a hit with the whole family.
Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a summer staple. And this Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad is the prettiest – and arguably the simplest – salad you will ever make.
Kale, Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad
Kale really is that good for you. Loaded with vitamins (think vitamins K, A and C, iron, calcium, folate, and magnesium,) one cup of kale has (a mere) 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber, and 0 grams of fat. And that’s not all. It’s chock-full of antioxidants, is a mega-detox food and is a powerful anti-inflammatory. So, it’s really no wonder why people are adding it to their smoothies, salads, bowls, and even their cold-pressed juices. Here we’ve used this healthy green as the base in this fabulous summer salad. Quick and easy to make, but loaded with seasonal summer ingredients like corn, vine tomatoes, and avocado, once you make this unique salad recipe, you’ll make it again and again and again. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Kale & Soba Noodle Salad
Looking for a salad that still qualifies as comfort food? Enter our new favourite salad recipe — this super healthy and tasty kale and buckwheat soba noodle salad. YUM.
Quinoa Salad with Veggies & Chickpeas
In this recipe, we toss quinoa with some of our favourite salad ingredients (think tomatoes, cucumber, and red pepper) and kick it up a notch with chickpeas for a protein burst. Add some crumbled feta and toss with a fresh lemon vinaigrette for the perfect meatless dish.
Quinoa Salad with Yellow Squash, Avocado & Chia
One of our most unique salad recipes also packs a superfood punch. Not only is it bursting with healthy ingredients, it’s hearty enough to serve as a main meal (but we also love it with grilled shrimp).
Roasted Salmon Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This unique recipe for a roasted salmon salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette that is anything but boring and bland. Organic greens, delicate roasted salmon, salty feta, cherry tomatoes, avocado… Yum!
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