Seven Satisfying Salads for Every Day of the Week
You know you want to eat better and feel great, but who has the time? Making healthy homemade meals seems like a luxury when you’re rushing from work to the gym to walking the dog. The good news is you can have delicious, nutritious salads ready in minutes that will power you through your busy week. We’ve created seven healthy homemade salad recipes packed with fresh whole foods to get you started. Each recipe serves four, so double the ingredients if you want leftovers. Best of all, these salads come together in the time it takes to toss everything in a bowl. Your waistline and wallet will thank you, and you’ll gain energy to tackle all of life’s adventures. Healthy eating has never been so easy or tasted this good. Dig in!
Nutritious Ingredients for Crafting Healthy Homemade Salads
A healthy salad for every day of the workweek? Yes, please! Here are seven nutritious and delicious salads to keep you satisfied from Monday through Sunday.
Monday: Hearty Kale Salad
Tear kale leaves into bite-sized pieces and toss with chickpeas, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and a lemon vinaigrette. Packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants, this satisfying salad will power you through the day.
Tuesday: Southwest Chicken Salad
Grilled chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado over mixed greens. Top it off with a lime cilantro dressing and crunchy tortilla strips for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Wednesday: Quinoa and Vegetable Salad
Fluffy quinoa, broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers tossed in a ginger sesame dressing. Quick, healthy, and totally vegan – a perfect midweek pick-me-up.
Thursday: Mediterranean Salad with Salmon
Baby spinach, olives, feta, cucumber and grilled salmon. Whip up a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing to drizzle over the top. Omega-3 rich and simply delicious.
Friday: Strawberry Pecan Salad
Baby arugula, juicy strawberries, pecans, and goat cheese with a poppy seed dressing. Sweet, savory and slightly creamy – a satisfying salad for the end of the week.
Saturday: Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil and balsamic glaze – a classic Italian salad that sings of summer. Simplicity at its finest.
Sunday: Cobb Salad
Chopped romaine, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, bacon, grilled chicken, tomatoes, and crumbled blue cheese. A crowd-pleasing salad ideal for a leisurely weekend lunch.
Quick and Easy Salad Dressing Ideas to Liven Up Your Salad
To craft healthy homemade salads, stock up on nutritious ingredients. Some essentials to have on hand:
Lean proteins like grilled chicken, eggs, beans, and nuts provide energy and help you feel full. Eggs and nuts also contain good fats to satisfy.
Lots of veggies, the more the merrier! Leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, etc. Vegetables are low in calories but high in vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Whole grains such as farro, quinoa and barley make a hearty addition to any salad. They are filling, gluten-free and packed with nutrients.
Fresh or dried fruits like berries, apples, cranberries and raisins naturally sweeten your salad and provide antioxidants. But watch the portion size, as fruits contain sugar.
Healthy fats from olive oil, avocados or seeds give salads creaminess and help you absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.
Herbs, spices and citrus juice are must-haves for extra flavor. Lemon or lime juice also prevents oxidation, keeping your salad fresh.
With a variety of nutritious ingredients on hand, you’ll be crafting delicious and satisfying salads all week long. Your body and taste buds will thank you! A balanced mix of lean proteins, whole grains, veggies, fruits and healthy fats in your homemade salads will give you an energy boost and help you maintain a healthy weight. Dig in!
