It’s no secret that I love salads. You could put an entire slice of pizza on a bed of lettuce and it would make me happy. Maybe it’s because they are colorful and remind me of summer. Today, I’m sharing my top 15 favorite “at-home” salad fixes! Salads are a great way to get your veggie fix, protein fix, and they keep you full longer. Salads save me from snacking and diving into the cereal box at night. They never get boring because there are so many ways to create them! Not to mention, they’re super inexpensive. You can buy a ton of ingredients and make salads all week long, or use dinner leftovers for toppings.
Sweet Berry Grilled Chicken Kale Salad: Cucumber, Kale, Strawberries, Blueberries, Mixed Honey Roasted Nuts, Honey Goat Cheese, Avocado, Cranberries, Grilled Chicken Breast and Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing. (see the full blog post)
Ground Turkey Taco Salads: 99% Fat-Free Ground Turkey, Package Low Sodium Taco Seasoning, Shredded Iceberg Lettuce, Olive Oil, Roma Tomatoes, Low Sodium Black Beans, Salsa, Shredded PepperJack Cheese, Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt, Avocados, Whole Wheat/Low Carb Tortillas. (see the full blog post)
Goat Cheese & Chicken Pita Greek Salad: Romaine, Pita Chips, Bell Peppers, Avocado, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Red Onion, and Goat Cheese. (see the full post here)
Pecan & Sweet Pepper Kale Salad: Chopped Kale, Goat Cheese, Sweet and Spicy Peppers, Pecans, Cranberries, Onions, and a Red Wine Vinaigrette. (see the full post here)
Cranberry Pepita Kale & Cabbage Salad: Kale, Brussels Sprouts, Pepitas, Craisins, Parmesan Crisps, Ground Turkey, Goat Cheese, and Lemon Poppyseed Dressing. (see full post here)
Super Veggie Salad: Spinach, Bell Pepper, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Pumpkin Seeds, Honey Mustard Nut Thins, Dried Cranberries, and Cauliflower with a Shallot Vinaigrette. (see full post here)
Avoacdo & Egg Salad: Romaine Lettuce, Red Onion, Avocado, Cucumber, Hard Boiled Eggs, Green Bell Peppers, & Balsalmic Viniagrette (see full post here)
Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad: Spring Mix Lettuce, Avocado, Dried Cranberries, Honey Flavored Goat Cheese, Balsamic Dressing & Walnuts. (read full post here)
Sweet Potato Berry Kale & Avocado Salad: Kale, Cucumber, Sweet Potato, Blueberries, Goat Cheese, Strawberries, Pecans & a Balsamic Vinaigrette. (see full post here)
Ground Turkey & Rice Caesar Salad: Romaine Lettuce, Ground Turkey, Croutons, Banana Peppers, Shredded Asiago Cheese, Croutons, White Rice and Greek Yogurt Caesar dressing. (see full post here)
Fried Goat Cheese Salad: Romaine Lettuce, Fried Goat Cheese, Croutons, Tomatoes, Red Onion, Balsalmic Vinigrette. (see full recipe here)
Grilled Tuna & Pumpkin Seed Salad: Grilled Tuna, Croutons, Almonds, Pumpkin Seeds, Romaine, Parmesan, & Garlic Balsalmic. (see full post here)
Cherry Apple Avocado Salad With Crunchy Couscous: Avocado, Uncooked Couscous, Diced Apples, Spring Mix Lettuce, Chopped Cherries, & a Delicious Trader Joe’s Dressing (more on the recipe here)
Blue Cheese Popcorn Chicken Salad: Iceburg Lettuce, Garlic Croutons, Crispy Fried Onions, Light Honey Mustard Dressing, Sweet Banana Peppers, Jalapeños, Blue Cheese Crumbles, & Baked Popcorn Chicken! (Read more here)
Fruit & Nut Salad: Bell Pepper, Red Onion, Honey Roasted Almonds, Cranberries, Rasberries, Blueberries, Romaine Lettuce, Pecans, Shredded Coconut, Poppy Seed Dressing (Recipe Post Here)
Questions for you!
1. Create Five-Ingredient Salad. Go!
2. Do you eat salads all year round?
3. Sweet or Savory Salad?
Erica Palladno says
1. Turkey meatballs, ricotta cheese, iceberg lettuce, red onion, cucumber, little bit of marinara! The best savory salad ever!!!
2. I eat salads allll the time!! The are so easy because you can put anything on top of them!
3. I like sweet and savory!!
Ps. you are amazing. Reading your blog is my favorite thing.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Erica!:)
Your salad combo sounds fantastic!!!
Juliette @ Namastay Traveling says
Love the goat cheese salad idea! Maybe one of these combo’s will finally win over my veggie- hating boyfriend. 😉
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol you just gotta gradually convert him! My boyfriend isn’t a giant fan of salads either!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Savoury salads FOR SURE! Chicken breast is essential – all year round!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes girl 🙂 I agree!
Anna says
Three of my favorites:
– Lettuce, tuna fish salad (canned tuna, light mayo, dill relish), sliced apples and avocado. Drizzle of light honey mustard dressing.
– Lettuce, GF chicken nuggets, avocado, roasted green beans, light honey mustard dressing.
– Lettuce, shredded salsa chicken, black beans, salsa and/or light sour cream, avocado. (combine light ranch and salsa if you want a dressing!)
Taralynn McNitt says
Oh yum!!!!!!
That all sounds so tasty.
Mallory @ Boston Runner Girl says
i loooove salads (which totally sounds lame when said outloud, ha). but really i do. five ingredient salad: kale, avocado, butternut squash, macadamia nut, grilled chicken. perfect!
Taralynn McNitt says
YUM!!! that sounds like a crazy good combo. I’ll have to try that! I will probably add some goat cheese in there too!
Mallory says
YES!!! goat cheese is life
Taralynn McNitt says
yes!
Anonymous says
LOVE THIS
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks!:)
Liz says
I really like the way this post is laid out! Also, I can’t wait to try some of these!
xo, Liz
http://lipstickandconfetti.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Liz!!
Trina says
Grapefruit, pistachios, cucumber, chicken, turkey or regular bacon pieces with EVOO
SO GOOD! trust me
Salads are my favorite food which is super weird to most people lol
I think you need sweet and savory elements to make the perfect salad
Taralynn McNitt says
YUM!!!!!! That sounds so good.
I love salads too and I could eat them forever and never get sick of them.
I agree with that.
Sarah says
This is such a fun post idea – love it!!
My go-to salad would have to be grilled chicken Cesar with red onions, edamame, Parmesan, and avocado.
I love salad year round. In the winter I pair it with soup and over the summer I just eat it topped with bbq.
I’ve actually never had a sweet salad. I’ve always been to nervous to try them, but some of your combos look so yummy I might have to finally make one.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Sarah!
yes! caesar + red onions is one of my faves.
Me and you both!
Oh, sweet salads are game changers.
Allie says
1. iceburg lettuce, carrots, cucumber, tomatoes and fat free ranch. simple and so good! and low cal too.
2. yah pretty much I do lol!
3. I just like regular lettuce salads like above, nothing really crazy on them, I’m boring lol
Taralynn McNitt says
So much crunch in that salad. I can’t do ranch unless it’s from a restaurant lol I hate the bottled stuff.
Linda @ The Fitty says
What exactly makes Caprese salad a “CAPRESE salad”? Is it the specific cheese?
Taralynn McNitt says
It means “Salad of Capri”
It’s made of tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and sometimes balsamic.
Annette says
These look amazing, great post! I love salads, here’s the one I made for lunch today:
Kale
Apple
Dried cranberries
Feta crumbles
Raspberry light vinaigrette
Sweet salads are my favorites!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yum!!! Love a sweet salad with feta!
Hannah says
1. My favorite salad is one I recreated from our local tea room. Mixed greens, grilled chicken, feta, diced apple, and pecans with a raspberry vinegrette. I also like adding dried Craisins to it for extra sweetness.
2. I eat salads all year round! During the spring/summer I eat them with grilled meats and fruits mixed in. In the fall/winter I love doing rotessouri chicken and roasted sweet potatoes in my salads or just making side salads with my meals to get my greens in.
3. Savory or sweet works for me – a little of both! But I think my favorite salads are taco salads!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yum! I love anything with pecans!
I also change mine up in the winter! But they are good all year round 🙂
Stephanie says
Thank you for this! I love salads but get so bored eating the same kind. I’m also not very creative on my own with ingredients so having this list is wonderful to try something new!
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re welcome! I like to go through my salad posts before heading to the grocery store for ideas!
Jen H. says
1. BBQ chicken, roasted corn off the cob, romaine, poppy seed dressing, sunflower seeds, avocado. Summer in a bowl!
2. I like to call myself a salad connoisseur. I eat salad every single day for lunch. Let me reiterate that….EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Just like your post shows, it’s so versatile how could anyone ever get sick of it. You can change it up in so many ways!!!!
3. I prefer savory salads with a sweet add-in to them. My favorites are cranberries, poppy seed dressings, or catalina dressing. That in addition to any savory salad is a perfect combo.
LOVE THIS POST
Taralynn McNitt says
LOL I love it! Salads for lunch are the best!!! I would eat them for breakfast if I could…(i guess i can)
Your salad combo sounds amazing!!!
Jillian says
1. Chickpeas, feta cheese, romaine, onion, and balsamic vinaigrette! So so good. 2.) I definitely eat salads all-year round! 3.) Savory salads, always. All of these salads look and sound FANTASTIC.
Taralynn McNitt says
YUM!!!!
Jenn says
Romaine lettuce, baby spinach, avocado, Parm. cheese shavings, Roma tomatoes
Yes, I love them in the summer more with fresh garden tomatoes though. I live in a colder climate so they aren’t as good all year long.
Savory!
Taralynn McNitt says
That sounds awesome! You had me at avocado 🙂
Vanessa says
Ohh so much inspiration! Definitely have to bookmark this page.
1. Create Five-Ingredient Salad. Go!
The classics: Arugula, spinach, tomatoes, pine seeds, mozzarella (with balsamic vinaigrette)
2. Do you eat salads all year round?
Yes! It’s never too cold for salad haha
3. Sweet or Savory Salad?
Never tried a sweet salad actually – but I feel I should 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
That sounds great! I’d even add a little balsamic to it!
agreed!!!
you better jump on the sweet train!
Stephanie says
Arugula, strawberries, feta, almonds with a bit of olive oil and Traditional 18 year aged Balsamic (we order it from Creede Olive Oil Company in Colorado, their olive oils and balsamic’s are amazing!). So good!
Taralynn McNitt says
That sounds so good!
Vicki says
Where is that green jacket from (first picture)?
Taralynn McNitt says
American Eagle!
Lauren @ Following the Path of Life says
Ooo…that pecan and sweet pepper salad sounds yummy!
1. One of my all-time favorite go-to salads that I’ve been eating a lot lately…. Spring salad mix, cooked rice, black beans, salsa, and avocado.
2. I do eat salads year round, but definitely more in the warmer months. I go through phases of wanting salads and then not wanting them…but I’ve been on a salad kick recently!
3. Both sweet and savory! It depends on my mood and on what ingredients I have in the kitchen. 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
That salad sounds really good!
I go throught “salad” phases too. Just sweet or savory 😉
Samantha says
1. Spinach, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Feta, Pecans… and Chicken 🙂
2. Salads are my go to all the time!
3. Definitely the combination of both!
Taralynn McNitt says
Me too!:) & that combo sounds awesome!
Susie says
I love these salad combos:
romaine lettuce, chopped apple, pine nuts, avocado w/ balsamic
AND
spinach, bleu cheese, mandarin sections, red onion, slivered almonds w/ balsamic
Yum! I think you don’t like bleu cheese? Goat cheese would be just as good!
Taralynn McNitt says
I don’t like goat cheese at all, but I always use goat cheese to replace it! or feta! 🙂
Amanda says
Oh my goodness thanks for sharing all of these! I love salads but never know how to make them fun and creative – I will definitely be re-creating some of your ideas to spice up my lunches!!
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re welcome!!
Jamie says
Thanks for sharing! I will definitely be trying some of these out! I am wondering what kind of lettuce you usually buy? I always look for romaine but it usually does not look fresh or the spinach gets soggy.
Thanks! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
It all depends on what type of salad I’m going to make! I only buy lettuce when I’m going to eat it THAT day or the next. You can check the bags out, or go to a local fresh market.
Hannah says
I’m so terrible at making my own salads, but I want to just whip them up like you do! Thanks for the wonderful ideas! I can’t wait to try these!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re welcome hannah!! It’s all about good lighting haha
Chelsea @ Chelsea Be Healthy says
Oh my goodness that Ground Turkey Taco salad looks AMAZING!!!
My favorite salad is one from a local restaruant here called “ZaZa’s” and it’s the Asian Ginger Chicken Salad! It’s delicious!!
I agree with you though with being able to eat all kinds of salads with different toppings! So fun to change things up with them and mix in new ingredients!
I definitely eat salads all year round. But, there’s nothing better than a fresh Summer salad!
I am a savory salad kind of girl!
Taralynn McNitt says
I love ground turkey (cold) in my salads!
Asian ginger?!?! YYUUUMMM!!!
Salad is just so much better in the summer! Everything is so light and fresh.
Katie @ Katie Wanders says
I definitely eat salads all year round. Usually for lunch but sometimes for dinner! I get tired of old ideas so thank you for so many great new combinations! My favorite dinner salads are a turkey burger over a southwest salad. For lunch I love anything with arugula, or some simple classics like Cobbs and Greek!
Today I had arugula, pecans, goat cheese, red onion, salmon and scallops with balsamic and EVOO. Delicious!
Thanks for sharing new ideas!
Katie @ Katie Wanders
http://www.KatieWanders.com
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re welcome! I love adding black bean burgers on southwest salads! You should try the spicy black bean burger from Morning star on top of one. It’s so good, even my boyfriend LOVES it!
The salad you had today sounds fantastic.
xo xo xo
Teresa says
One of my favorites to make at home is a pizza salad!
-Romaine
-Yellow Peppers
-Onion
-Asiago or Romano Cheese Crisps
-Turkey Pepperonis
-Pesto Vinaigrette or a little Marinara!
2. Do you eat salads all year round – yes! I love how long you can make a huge tupperware of meat, rice, cheese, veggies, etc. last throughout the week when you make salads.
3. Sweet or Savory Salad- Definitely savory!!
Taralynn McNitt says
That sounds SO GOOD!!!!!!
Amanda|The Kitcheneer says
I have been a HUGE fan of your salad combos over the years. But I have to say the ones that are on repeat for my lunches are #1 and #10. 😀
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol I love those ones too!!! xo xo & you make some pretty mean salads on your blog too!!
Sarah says
Yum! I am definitely going to use this post for some salad inspiration! I always make one big salad every sunday that I eat for lunch every day. I’m in med school so this is an effective way for me to eat healthy every day!
My salad includes: Kale (lasts longer than spinach), chopped fresh brussel sprouts, broccoli, granny smith apple, avocado, cucumber and then I’ll add a protein like tempeh that I marinate in soy sauce and maple syrup. Sometimes I make roasted sweet potatoes and mix those in too!
Taralynn McNitt says
Love that you prep to stay healthy during your busy schedule! That is great 🙂
Your salads sound amazing. The maple syrup & soy sauce combo? genius.
Krysten says
Mmm yes please, going to try a few of these!
Taralynn McNitt says
Enjoy!!
Abbey says
Such a great post, I loved all these ideas!
I eat a lot of salads all year round, but probably more in the warmer months. I like to have a sweet and savory combination. One of my faves is mixed greens, blueberries, avocado, feta cheese, almonds and an almond butter dressing. I base it on a recipe from Pinch of Yum.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Abbey!!
I love the combo too! That sounds like a really good salad 🙂 Pinch of Yum is great!:) I went on a press trip with her and her husband and they are WONDERFUL people. Great blog and recipes as well.
Dana says
Thank you for this!!!! I always get inspired by your combos.
This article is amazing:
https://mobile.nytimes.com/2009/07/22/dining/22mlist.html?_r=0&pagewanted=all&referer=
I made a ham/dried blueberry/rosemary cheese/kale/balsamic salad that was pretty great the other day.
Salads all year round!
Savory with a hint of sweet.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Dana!
Loved the article!
I agree with the combo of both 🙂 & dried blueberries are the best!
Dorothy says
1.) I’m not sure I can pick just five ingredients! In general, I like romaine, various berries, avocado, chicken, and goat cheese.
2.) I eat a salad every day for lunch! I make them all ahead of time in mason jars.
3.) I like to mix sweet and savory together! I’ll have a mostly savory salad, but toss in some berries and candied walnuts.
Taralynn McNitt says
Sounds like you love salads as much as I do! Yours sound so good!
Charlene Russell says
Thank you for the veggie ones too ???
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re welcome & you can always add some tofu to replace the meat in the other ones 😉
Harriet says
1. Leftover roast vegetables, iceberg, kale, Brie cheese and homemade cranberry dressing.
2. Yes for lunch and dinner most days but my mum does a massive family roast every weekend and you won’t find a salad on the table.
3. Both to keep my sweet tooth at bay!!
Thank you for all the great salad ideas!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yum!!!!
Kristin says
Depends on my mood but normally I love a good sweet salad! Any kind of fruit in a salad is usually a go to for me! As I look through your salads though I might have to try the turkey taco one, that sounds amazing!