Here’s a fresh take on creating satisfying salads that are anything but boring. You can apply this loose template anytime you open the fridge and think, “I should really eat a salad,” without missing out on all the good stuff. Bonus: Try one of the best honey mustard vinaigrette recipes around!
Satisfying Salad Formula (Serves 4)
3 cups Crunchy greens (Romain, Green Leaf, Red Leaf)
2 cups fresh chopped veggies (cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, and/or Red Onions)
1 cup roasted veggies, cooled (Asparagus, Mushrooms, Bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts)
1-2 cups whole grains or rice (Quinoa, Wild Rice, Forbidden Rice, Farro, or similar hearty grain)
1/2 cup toasted seeds or nuts (Pepitas, Slivered Almonds, or Chopped Walnuts)
½ cup of something pickled! (Marinated red onions, briny olives, pepperoncini)
8-12 ounces (or 3 ounces per person) cooked and cooled protein of your choice (grilled chicken or steak work well here)
Honey Mustard Dressing (makes 1 cup)
1/4 cup Dijon or whole grain mustard
2 tablespoons (65g) honey OR maple syrup or more to taste
3 tablespoons (45ml) apple cider vinegar or more to taste
1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, optional
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Whisk all ingredients rigorously or use an immersion blender to emulsify.
Start with 3-4 Tablespoons of dressing at the bottom of your salad bowl. This helps to dress the salad fully, bottom to top. Layer your salad starting with the crunchy greens and adding all of your ingredients on top. Drizzle a bit more dressing over top and toss just before serving. Enjoy!