Quick and easy ways to improve your familiy’s diet to eat nutritiously with fresh ingredients with these healthy homemade salad recipes.
From lunch to dinner, picnics to parties, you can’t go wrong with this roundup of homemade healthy salad recipes for every season and occasion.
It’s common knowledge that salads can be one of those healthy additions to your diet that supply much needed macro and micro nutrients. So the next time you pass by the greens consider making one of these healthy homemade salad recipes.
Salads are perfect for any time of the year but I believe they are at their very best during spring and summer. The reason? Fresh ingredients. That is what makes these super healthy salad recipes for you and your family.
And, there’s no denying that salads in and of themselves are good for you. But did you know what you put in a salad is just as important as what you put on a salad.
In a study by Purdue University, researchers found that olive oil and canola oil were the better choice in that you get more bang for your salad buck when using these to dress your salads.
When paired with the common salad fixings and vegetables which are rich in carotenoids (associated with reducing the risk of such degenerative diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease), you get the added benefit of better absorption of these critical compounds.
So dress them up or down, either way you will be satisfied knowing that you have the upper hand when it comes to a healthy meal alternative.
1. Easy Spinach Salad
Light on the oil and balsamic vinegar, this salad is packed with deliciousness. You can even opt to add in freshly picked blueberries or raspberries if you’d like. Want to make it an entrée? Just add a grilled, sliced chicken breast to this salad and you’re done!
2. Easy Guacamole Salad with Prosciutto
This salad has the healthy benefit of avocado and the rich, slightly saltiness of prosciutto. Add a bit of light creamy or champagne vinaigrette or your favorite dressing and you have a wonderful but filling meal.
3. Heirloom Tomato Prosciutto Salad with Fresh Blueberries
Organic heirloom tomatoes pair well with prosciutto, thinly chopped baby bella mushrooms and freshly picked blueberries. Again, add your favorite dressing for a perfect lunch or dinner in a bowl.
4. Tomato Feta Romaine Lettuce Salad with Peppercorn Dressing
Don’t get misled by the peppercorn dressing. It’s buttermilk-based. And for a bit of spice, add freshly cracked pepper and you have a dreamy, creamy dressing. Add some feta and crunchy romaine lettuce and you will have the perfect mock-Caesar Salad, but without all of the fat.
5. Broccoli Slaw with Pineapple and Mandarin Oranges
This salad uses broccoli slaw, which is a mix of grated broccoli, red cabbage and carrots. Add canned or fresh mandarin oranges and pineapple, along with your favorite coleslaw dressing and you have a perfect side salad that your family will love.
6. Beef Salad with Soft Boiled Eggs and Pine Nuts
This salad has it all, fresh greens, organic cherry tomatoes, roasted pine nuts, lean beef slices, and a soft boiled egg. It is a meal in itself. Drizzle on some champagne vinaigrette and serve!
7. Spinach Salad with Poached Eggs and Mushrooms
I got my inspiration from the traditional German-bacon based spinach salad. The difference is that there isn’t any bacon, although you could add it for extra calories. Drizzling on balsamic vinegar and topping it with fresh ramekin poached eggs and you have yourself a delicious salad that packs a punch with iron and other vitamins and nutrients. Top it off with cut fruit on the side and you have a full meal option that you can eat anytime.
8. Roasted Golden Beets with Balsamic Dressing
One of the sweet rewards for roasting beets is that it brings out the richness of this root vegetable. It’s perfect beside sliced heirloom tomatoes and add some freshly chiffonade basil, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and you have the exquisite matching for a delicious side dish.
9. Easy German Potato Salad
While this salad may not be classified “healthy” as the others, this salad is, however, perfect for all occasions and especially for potlucks! If you need a go-to salad that is great year round, super easy to make, plus a family favorite, this recipe is for you!
10. Mixed Beet and Tomato Salad
Roasted vegetables get salad touch with fresh basil, caramelized onions and a slight drizzle of a French Vinaigrette.
11. Ramen Noodle and Napa Cabbage Salad
One of my favorite party recipes, this ramen noodle salad packs a nutrition punch plus feeds the multitudes. Dress it with your favorite Asian or soy-sesame dressing.
12. Vegetarian Summer Succotash Salad
This old fashioned recipe has stood the test of time with family dining for hundreds of years. I like to dress mine with a Wine Vinaigrette.
13. Cucumber Tomato Dill Salad
Simple is as simple does–tastes great! You can’t fail with this simple recipe made with garden fresh cucumbers and tomatoes–with a hint of freshly chopped dill.
14. Simple Tuna Nicoise Salad
This summer diner’s delight, you can easily feed a crowd on a budget with this unbelievably easy-t0-make salad. Taste’s great with a Lemon Tarragon Dressing.
15. Marinated Romano Bean Salad with Potatoes
From the farm to table, this Italian-inspired salad is just the ticket if you need a quick and easy side dish.
16. Greek Rotini Salad
This Greek Isle-inspired pasta salad offers a ton of flavor and nutrition too. Lightly dress it with a vinaigrette for a most welcoming meal in a bowl.
17. Rainbow Tortellini Salad
I love tortellini, especially the cheese ones. And, this Rainbow Tortellini Salad takes the cake with it’s fresh veggies and ham chunks. Try an Asiago Caesar Dressing for an instant WOW! POW! Salad.
18. Classic Cobb Salad
This salad is perfect by itself or alongside your favorite grilled or cooked meat. You can even vary the dressing type, for example, from Blue Cheese or Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing, to match whatever you’re serving.
19. Classic Caprese Salad
This standard must-have recipe is great to serve as an appetizer or as a side salad. Want to make an easy dinner for summer? Serve this salad with crusty bread and some charcuterie.
20. Egg Salad
A refreshingly easy recipe that’s quick and easy to make, plus it’s the perfect recipe for those who are following a Keto or Low Carb diet.
21. Old Fashioned Sour Cream Cucumber Salad
This family favorite recipe is a definite must if you’re having a party. It’s so simple to make and you can easily make enough to feed a crowd or as little for a family of four.
For more healthy homemade salad recipes ideas, be sure to check out Wisconsin Homemaker Recipe Section.
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