I’ve been taking steps to take better care of myself including making sure I drink more water and get enough sleep, but now I feel like I really need to start eating better! Problem is, healthy food can often be boring. This is why I usually end up reaching for super-unhealthy, calorific options instead. This is why I’ve compiled a list of awesome healthy salads that are far from boring!
Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad
This amazing Blueberry Brocolli Spinach Salad from Peas & Crayons combines some really tasty ingredients with Jenn’s amazing Poppy-Seed Ranch. Full disclosure, I made a low-fat variation of this dressing and while not quite the same – by eliminating, the high-fat buttermilk and mayonnaise from the dressing, I was able to reduce the overall calorie content of this delicious salad. Trust me, all of the other flavorful ingredients, more than made up for a low-fat dressing substitute!
Mediterranean Lentil Salad
If you want a salad which is a little more substantial than a few limp lettuce leaves and a sad wedge of tomato, look no further than this delicious Mediterranean Lentil Salad from South Your Mouth. I had to make do with regular lentils, but I cooked them in vegetable stock and added garlic-Italian seasoning and this salad turned out great!
Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Bacon
I honestly feel like bacon is one of the greatest discoveries ever made by man. So this delicious salad from Home Made Lovely, which includes delicious crunchy broccoli, with the awesomeness of divine crispy bacon, is a match made in heaven!
Tex-Mex Black Bean Corn Quinoa Salad
Sometimes, you want a salad but it’s really all the “mixings” in salads, rather than the boring lettuce. This yummy Tex-Mex black bean quinoa salad from Emily over at Layers of Happiness is the perfect solution combining delicious beans, corn, quinoa and veggies in this delicious dish which is far from boring. I’ve also tried adding some shredded rotisserie chicken to this make it a more substantial meal and it was epic!
Roast Pumpkin, Spinach and Feta Salad
This epic salad from Recipe Tin Eats with sweet roasted pumpkin, salty, creamy feta and crunchy pine nuts combined with fresh spinach, and a delicious Honey Balsamic Dressing is one of my new favorite dishes. The combination of flavors really comes together to provide a seriously satisfying meal!
Apple Pomegranate Harvest Salad
I think my new favorite thing may salads that combine sweet and savory. I’m loving this amazing harvest salad which combines greens with sliced apples, pomegranate, feta, and crunchy pecans. The sweetness of the apples and pomegranate is offset by the yummy flavors of the feta, pecans, and greens is soooo good!
Strawberry Feta Spinach Salad
Another delicious salad that combines sweet and savory is this fab Strawberry Feta Spinach Salad from Mama Likes to Cook though I usually substitute toasted flaked almonds for the walnuts, sweet and savory with delicious zingy balsamic vinegarette!
Avocado Salad with Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Basil Pesto
I love spinach and broccoli but sometimes, I reach my limit and even though I want a salad, I need an alternative. This amazing Avocado Salad with Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Basil Pesto from Julia’s Album is just the ticket. I’m lazy so honestly, tend to use a store-bought fresh basil pesto to make this but it’s delicious either way and great served with grilled chicken.
Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad with Cranberries and Pumpkin Seeds
Butternut squash is such a versatile vegetable, it’s amazing in everything from soup to pasta, to salads. I absolutely love it and recently have been putting it in everything, so I’m super-excited about this Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad from Well Plated. Bonus tip – try adding some roughly chopped spinach to this for added flavor and a splash of color.
Crunchy Thai Peanut & Quinoa Salad
I’m also loving this Thai-inspired salad from Cookie + Kate with cabbage, carrots, green onion, sugar snap peas, and coriander with an addictive homemade peanut sauce. The combination of crunchy veggies with the creamy nutty sauce definitely makes a great change!
Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
This Lemon and Herb Couscous salad has so much texture from crisp cucumber, sweet tomatoes, crunchy nuts, and raisins, and is a perfect lunchbox filler!
Clementine Spinach Salad
As you may have noticed, I love spinach so it’s the basis for a lot of these salads but I really love this sweet and zesty variation with clementines from Best of This Life. It has an exceptional combination of delicious flavors and is so easy to make!
Greek Style Chickpea Salad
For something a little different, I really like this Greek-Style Chickpea Salad from Natasha’s Kitchen. It’s chock-full of fresh, healthy ingredients and protein. Loaded with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, feta cheese, and chickpeas this greek style salad is super-satisfying on its own or served with grilled chicken.
Farro Salad with Roasted Corn, Red peppers & Red Onions
Another great salad for lunchboxes is this awesome Farro Salad with Roasted Corn, Red peppers & Red Onions. I didn’t have Farro so made with barley cooked in vegetable stock and it was delicious!
Broccoli Apple Salad with Cranberries and Pecans
I’ve developed a serious addiction to broccoli in salads. This delicious Brocolli Apple Salad with Cranberries and Pecans. The mixture of broccoli, carrots, and onions with the sweetness of the apple and cranberries, combined with the awesome crunch of pecans makes this tasty salad one of my new favorites!
So those are my favorite salads when I’m looking for a healthy option that is far from boring. What about you, any favorites you’d suggest I add to this list? Please let me know in the comments below!
