Love this thread! I borrowed Smitten Kitchen's friends hack: Trader Joe's steamed lentils + bruschetta topping + avocado slices. I used that combo alone and as a topping for arugula or fresh spinach. https://smittenkitchen.com/2022/01/my-favorite-lentil-salad/

Leaf lettuce, apples, pecans, balsamic viniagrette, any kind of crumbly cheese.

Yes, I was coming to say arugula, shaved parmesan, shallot vinaigrette too. I add shaved fennel and sometimes pecorino romano instead of parmigiano.
At this time of year, I sometimes skip the cheese and add in sliced or supremed blood orange and sliced avocados. Makes it substantial for lunch.

Blanched green beans, cherry or ripe summer tomatoes, chiffonade basil, capers, olive oil and red wine or balsamic vinegar. S&P. So good.

Saw this on tiktok and ate it all last week:
kathleenashmore.com/revolutionary-broccoli-salad-gluten-free-vegetarian/
I used unsweetened dried cherries from trader joe's and diced gouda but unexpected cheddar from TJs or shaved parm would be great too.

Kale, warm wild rice made with chix broth, goat cheese, chopped chicken, some kind of salted roasted nuts, diced pears or apples, balsamic vinaigrette. This is like the sweetgreen harvest salad and one of my faves.

Been making this one for years and it's fussy but worth it, especially the toasted hazelnuts:
epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/rainbow-chopped-salad-363733

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One of our favorite salads to accompany dinner is arugula, shaved parmesan, and a quick vinegrette. you could slice up buried salami in it for a protein boost. It's not a main, but it's a delicious side and a great way to get a good serving of leafy greens.

Was coming to say the same thing. Arugula with a lemon vinaigrette. Mmmmm.

My favorite is arugula, goat cheese, and some kind of fresh fruit, usually either strawberries or peaches, with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Lemon would probably delicious, too!

Add diced shallot to the vinaigrette. Makes a huge difference.

Kale, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, goat cheese, poppyseed dressing.

Anonymous wrote:One of our favorite salads to accompany dinner is arugula, shaved parmesan, and a quick vinegrette. you could slice up buried salami in it for a protein boost. It's not a main, but it's a delicious side and a great way to get a good serving of leafy greens.

Was coming to say the same thing. Arugula with a lemon vinaigrette. Mmmmm.

There are lots of versions, but basically a kale, lemon juice, parmesan and salt combo is amazing. Be sure to thoroughly coat the kale with the dressing and allow it to sit for a while to soften the kale. My kids actually eat this.

https://kalynskitchen.com/recipe-for-raw-kale-salad-with-pecorino/#mv-creation-803-jtr

I like the chopped kale/cabbage salad kits from whole foods. I ditch their dressing/toppings.

Then I add Tonnino tuna, sweet corn (from frozen - microwave one minute), quinoa (from frozen - microwave w/corn 1 minute), olive oil, flaky sea salt & pepper. Sometimes I add sunflower seeds if I want more crunch.

I find the key to a good salad is well chopped greens, a protein, a carb, a crunch and seasoning. And at least one of the items needs to be hot.

I also like shaved fennel with orange slices (right now I use Sumo and tangerines), olive oil, salt & pepper and pistachios. Add a dollop of ricotta if you want some protein.

One of our favorite salads to accompany dinner is arugula, shaved parmesan, and a quick vinegrette. you could slice up buried salami in it for a protein boost. It's not a main, but it's a delicious side and a great way to get a good serving of leafy greens.

Anonymous wrote:Start with a bed of spinach. (Or arugula, or a mix)

Slice a couple of precooked beets. Sprinkle with feta cheese, diced celery if you have it, walnuts (toasted ones are great). Lentils are a nice addition.

Drizzle with olive oil and just a bit of honey. Top with some fancy salt.

OMG this sounds amazing. Thank you.

Baby spinach
Feta
Sweet peas
Oliver and lemon juice, salt and pepper

It's a Jamie Oliver recipe. So good.

Start with a bed of spinach. (Or arugula, or a mix)

Slice a couple of precooked beets. Sprinkle with feta cheese, diced celery if you have it, walnuts (toasted ones are great). Lentils are a nice addition.

Drizzle with olive oil and just a bit of honey. Top with some fancy salt.

I want some really good salad recipes—not the kind with 100 ingredients … the kind with just a few things but they’re perfectly balanced. I don’t mind if the prep is a little fussy and I definitely do not need it kid-friendly … I’m wanting to prep a nice ish lunch for me and my partner a few days a week.


Here’s my recommendation:
https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/anchovy-little-gem-and-tomato-salad?intcid=inline_amp

I made it with lemon juice Dijon vinaigrette and wild caught anchovies—delicious!