Beat the kitchen heat with these produce-packed salads. Not only do they require minimal cooking time, but they also allow bright, fresh flavors to take center stage. Try these easy ideas and recipes to upgrade your dinner routine.
Grilled Tomato and Romaine Salad
This grilled salad allows you to celebrate more than brats and burgers at your barbecue. Char up the bread to crispy perfection, then grill the romaine, onions and tomatoes until tender to caramelize their natural sugars. For a showy presentation, arrange in composed rows and drizzle with a four-ingredient (two of which are salt and pepper!) homemade dressing.
Kale Waldorf Salad
This variation on the classic Waldorf salad uses kale instead of lettuce and adds apple and walnuts to the dressing for a creamy consistency without using the typical mayonnaise base. Add whole grains like farro or quinoa to make it even heartier.
15-Minute Couscous Salad with Zucchini and Parsley
Part pasta salad, part squash salad, this recipe is fully fresh and filling. Whole wheat couscous is about to become your go-to summer base once you see how to “cook” it without turning on the stove. Blend with sliced or spiralized zucchini, a handful of parsley, tomatoes, chickpeas and a nutty tahini vinaigrette. If you have a 16th minute, take those extra 60 seconds to shower the bowl with a bit of crumbled feta cheese.
Berry Goat Cheese Salad
Can’t decide between a vegetable or fruit salad? You’ll dig this summer dinner salad that doesn’t force you to choose. Typical burger toppings — including lettuce, tomato and onion — taste terrific next to mixed berries and creamy, slightly salty goat cheese. Dress it all up with our simple homemade raspberry vinaigrette or with 365 by Whole Foods Market Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Spinach Salad with Avocado, Strawberries and Walnuts
Red and green don’t just go together around Christmastime. Combine these vibrant colors for a meal masterpiece in this no-recipe-required recipe: Top a bed of spinach leaves with sliced avocado (brushed with lemon juice to prevent browning). Then sprinkle on naturally sweet strawberries, salty walnuts and juicy cherry tomatoes. Finish with your favorite vinaigrette and fresh mint leaves.
