Best 20 Quick Salad Recipes

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Welcome to the world of quick and easy salads! Salads are often seen as healthy and refreshing meals, but they can also be time-consuming to prepare. With our collection of quick salad recipes, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious salads without spending hours in the kitchen.

From classic Caesar salad to innovative quinoa bowls, our recipes offer a variety of flavors and dietary preferences. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or a side dish, we have something for everyone. And the best part? All of these salads can be made in 30 minutes or less, so you can enjoy a healthy meal without sacrificing convenience.

So, if you're ready to upgrade your salad game, read on for our top-rated quick salad recipes. With minimal prep and cooking time, you'll be able to whip up a flavorful and satisfying salad that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized.

Here are our top 20 tried and tested recipes!

QUICK CRANBERRY GELATIN SALAD



Quick Cranberry Gelatin Salad image

Since this tangy salad keeps well, I make it a day ahead for my Christmas menu. It's also a great choice to take to a holiday potluck - even people who aren't fond of cranberries think it's yummy. I got the recipe from a friend at church who likes to cook and bake as much as I do. -Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 10m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 package (6 ounces) cherry gelatin
1-1/2 cups boiling water
1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 can (14 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce
1-1/2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in water. Stir in pineapple and cranberry sauce. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Stir in grapes and pecans. Pour into a 2-qt. serving bowl. Refrigerate until firm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 146 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 62mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

QUICK ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Quick Italian Pasta Salad image

A quick and flavorful pasta salad with salami and bell peppers.

Provided by Trish

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Rotini Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (12 ounce) package tri-color rotini pasta
¾ pound Italian salami, finely diced
½ green bell pepper, sliced
½ red bell pepper, sliced
½ red onion, chopped
1 cup Italian-style salad dressing
1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives
8 ounces small fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
3 (.7 ounce) packages dry Italian-style salad dressing mix, or to taste
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water until cool.
  • Combine pasta, salami, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, onion, salad dressing, olives, and mozzarella cheese in a large bowl. Mix dry salad dressing into pasta; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 370.9 calories, Carbohydrate 29.2 g, Cholesterol 46 mg, Fat 21 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 15.2 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 1893.1 mg, Sugar 5.4 g

QUICK ITALIAN SALAD



Quick Italian Salad image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (pre-grated in a pack from the store)
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 clove garlic, pressed
Juice of 1 lemon
1 head romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
1/2 head iceberg lettuce, chunked
6 whole pepperoncini
1/2 cup whole black olives
1/2 cup whole red cherry tomatoes
1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced into circles
1/3 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • For the dressing: In a blender, add the olive oil, mayonnaise, Parmesan, parsley, sugar, vinegar, black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, garlic and lemon juice and blend until pureed.
  • For the salad: Put the romaine and iceberg greens in a large bowl and toss with the dressing. Top the salad with the pepperoncini, olives, tomatoes and onions. Sprinkle with Parmesan at the end.

QUICK TUNA SALAD



Quick Tuna Salad image

This tuna salad is great when you are in a hurry; very quick and easy to make. It tastes great every time!

Provided by HJP

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Tuna Salad Recipes

Time 5m

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 (7 ounce) can solid white tuna packed in water, drained
¼ cup creamy salad dressing (such as Miracle Whip™)
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, or to taste

Steps:

  • Mash tuna together with salad dressing and relish in a small bowl with a fork. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 142.3 calories, Carbohydrate 4.4 g, Cholesterol 26.3 mg, Fat 5.9 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 16.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 239.9 mg, Sugar 4.1 g

QUICK CORN SALAD



Quick Corn Salad image

This sensational salad is a delight to serve because you can make it ahead and it's an easy way to put garden bounty to good use. With colorful ingredients like corn, tomato and green pepper, it's also pretty in the bowl and on your plate. -Rita Reifenstein, Evans City, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups fresh or frozen sweet corn
3/4 cup chopped tomato
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup ranch salad dressing

Steps:

  • In a large salad bowl, combine vegetables; stir in dressing. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 64 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 93mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

QUICK AMBROSIA FRUIT SALAD



Quick Ambrosia Fruit Salad image

I start this with plenty of fruit, add the yogurt for dressing, then mix in just enough marshmallows and coconut so it tastes like the fresh and creamy version I grew up with. It's a well-loved recipe in my home now. -Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 10m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 can (8-1/4 ounces) fruit cocktail, drained
1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup green grapes
1 cup seedless red grapes
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 medium banana, sliced
3/4 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 191 calories, Fat 4g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 48mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (34g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

QUICK CORN AND BLACK BEAN SALAD



Quick Corn and Black Bean Salad image

I'm often asked to create "different" recipes for parties. This corn salad, cooked up for a barbecue, was an instant hit. Filled with multicolored vegetables and plenty of seasonings, it has great eye appeal and loads of flavor.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped
6 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped, optional
1 garlic clove, minced
3/4 cup Italian salad dressing
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. In a small bowl, combine the salad dressing, cilantro, lime juice, hot pepper sauce and chili powder. Pour over corn mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 179 calories, Fat 9g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 635mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

QUICK ARTICHOKE PASTA SALAD



Quick Artichoke Pasta Salad image

This pasta salad is quick and easy to make. The liquid from the marinated artichoke hearts makes an excellent dressing.

Provided by Maryanne

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 4h20m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup salad macaroni, or other medium-size pasta
1 (6.5 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts
½ cup mushrooms, quartered
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup pitted black olives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ tablespoon dried oregano
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil; add pasta and boil until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, tomatoes, olives, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper; toss well. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Before serving, season the pasta dish with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 154.7 calories, Carbohydrate 23.8 g, Fat 5.5 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 4.9 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 389.8 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

QUICK CARROT RAISIN SALAD



Quick Carrot Raisin Salad image

This traditional salad is fun to eat because of its crunchy texture and the slightly sweet raisin flavor.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 cups shredded carrots (about 4 to 5 large)
3/4 to 1-1/2 cups raisins
1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons fat-free milk

Steps:

  • Place carrots and raisins in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar and enough milk to achieve the consistency of a creamy salad dressing. Pour over carrot mixture and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 129 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 60mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

QUICK MACARONI SALAD



Quick Macaroni Salad image

You can't go wrong with this time-tested winner. Here it is pared down for two.-Carma Blosser, Livermore, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/3 cup frozen peas
1/3 cup cubed cheddar cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons chopped celery
1 teaspoon finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon diced pimientos
1 teaspoon finely chopped green pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions, adding peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse in cold water. , In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Stir in macaroni and peas. Chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 276 calories, Fat 15g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 24mg cholesterol, Sodium 544mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

QUICK ANTIPASTO PASTA SALAD



Quick Antipasto Pasta Salad image

This is a quick and easy side dish. Perfect for a BBQ, potluck or any kind of party. Add croutons or other toppings as desired. Delicious!

Provided by Christine Foley Wanner

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Italian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 17

¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
⅔ cup red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (16 ounce) package fusilli pasta
1 ½ cups thinly sliced fresh basil
½ cup thinly sliced Genoa salami
½ cup thinly sliced pepperoni
1 (6.5 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
¼ cup thinly sliced provolone cheese
¼ cup grated Asiago cheese
3 tablespoons chopped olives
3 tablespoons sliced roasted red peppers
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Whisk olive oil, vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper in a bowl.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook fusilli in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 12 minutes. Drain.
  • Mix fusilli, basil, salami, pepperoni, artichoke hearts, provolone cheese, Asiago cheese, olives, roasted red peppers, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl; drizzle vinaigrette over salad. Toss to evenly coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 372.8 calories, Carbohydrate 30.8 g, Cholesterol 20.5 mg, Fat 23.5 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 10.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.2 g, Sodium 626.3 mg, Sugar 1.3 g

QUICK TACO SALAD



Quick Taco Salad image

This is a simple make-your-own taco salad. Both my kids, ages six and two, LOVE this! I have made this both with two boneless chicken breasts and beef. Both are a great hit and so easy. I have also used this for Super Bowl party... they LOVED it!

Provided by Amy Tapscott Harvel

Categories     Salad     Taco Salad Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 pounds ground beef chuck
2 envelopes taco seasoning mix
1 ½ cups water
1 onion, chopped
2 cups green leaf lettuce, shredded
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups shredded Cheddar/Monterey Jack cheese blend
½ cup chopped black olives
2 cups salsa
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
1 cup sour cream
1 (10.5 ounce) bag corn chips (such as Fritos®)

Steps:

  • Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until crumbly and no longer pink, about 10 minutes; drain excess grease. Mix in taco seasoning mix and water. Bring the beef mixture to a boil and cook until thickened, about 10 more minutes. Transfer beef to a serving bowl.
  • Place chopped onion, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, Cheddar cheese, black olives, salsa, jalapeno peppers, sour cream, and corn chips in individual serving bowls. Allow diners to assemble their own salads from the ingredients.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 637.5 calories, Carbohydrate 36.8 g, Cholesterol 100.8 mg, Fat 40.5 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 30.1 g, SaturatedFat 15.5 g, Sodium 1611.1 mg, Sugar 6.3 g

QUICK GREEK PASTA SALAD WITH STEAK



Quick Greek Pasta Salad with Steak image

One quick, unique and healthy meal that will liven up your taste buds!

Provided by Polo

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Greek Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 15

8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 (1 pound) beef rib eye steak
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon minced garlic
¼ cup chopped shallots
1 tablespoon soy sauce
½ cup sun-dried tomato pesto
½ cup sliced black olives
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
1 teaspoon basil
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
3 tablespoons sunflower kernels

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. When cooked, drain, then toss with olive oil, and keep warm.
  • Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the rib-eye on both sides until rosy-pink in the center, 7 to 10 minutes depending on thickness. Remove steak from skillet and cut into bite-size pieces. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet, and stir in the garlic and shallots. Cook 5 to 10 seconds until fragrant, then return the steak to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes or to desired doneness. Stir in the soy sauce, and cook a few seconds longer, allowing it to evaporate.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sun-dried tomato pesto, olives, spinach, basil, parsley, feta cheese and sunflower kernels. Toss with the pasta in a large bowl and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 579.3 calories, Carbohydrate 44.7 g, Cholesterol 72.5 mg, Fat 35 g, Fiber 7.9 g, Protein 24.5 g, SaturatedFat 12.6 g, Sodium 709.6 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

QUICK SALMON SALAD



Quick Salmon Salad image

This is a very quick and tasty great salmon salad that can be eaten as a sandwich on thickly sliced specialty bread (fantastic on foccacia). To serve as a salad, mound mixture on a bed of lettuce, or on an avocado half.

Provided by LILREDCV

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Salmon Salad Recipes

Time 15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 (6 ounce) cans pink salmon, drained
½ cup finely sliced green onions
½ cup finely chopped celery
¼ cup mayonnaise
¾ teaspoon lemon juice
¾ teaspoon dried dill
¾ teaspoon seasoned salt

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine salmon, green onions, celery, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Season with dill and salt. Mix well.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 248 calories, Carbohydrate 2.2 g, Cholesterol 42.6 mg, Fat 17.2 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 20.4 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 570.6 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

QUICK THREE-PEPPER SALAD



Quick Three-Pepper Salad image

This is a five-ingredient time-saver that serves as an attractive and welcome variation on veggies. After topping the peppers and onion with bottle vinaigrette, I can focus on the rest of the meal.-Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 each medium sweet red , yellow and green pepper, thinly sliced
1 small onion, cut into 1/4-inch wedges
1/3 cup Vinaigrette salad dressing

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine the peppers and onion. Add dressing and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts :

QUICK POTATO SALAD



Quick Potato Salad image

You can whip up this potato salad in just 25 minutes. It requires no leftovers.

Provided by Abbi Saesong

Categories     Salad     Potato Salad Recipes     Dairy-Free Potato Salad Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 potatoes, peeled and diced
3 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and diced
½ cucumber, peeled and diced
1 tomato, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
¼ onion, diced
¼ cup chopped green onion
¾ cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until soft, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water.
  • Combine the potatoes, eggs, cucumber, tomato, celery, onion, green onion, mayonnaise, and mustard in a large bowl; stir until evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 160.2 calories, Carbohydrate 24.5 g, Cholesterol 93 mg, Fat 4.8 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 5.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 390.8 mg, Sugar 8.8 g

QUICK BACON POTATO SALAD



Quick Bacon Potato Salad image

My family was tired of the same old potato salad at family functions, so I created this with the ingredients I had on hand. Now I'm always asked to bring it to potluck gatherings. -Tami Gallagher, Eagan, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 cups cubed red potatoes
1 cup chopped onion
7 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1-1/3 cups mayonnaise
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons prepared ranch salad dressing
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
4 teaspoons white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Drain., In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, onion, bacon and parsley. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour over potato mixture; toss to coat. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until chilled.

Nutrition Facts :

QUICK PICKLED CUCUMBER SALAD



Quick Pickled Cucumber Salad image

Quickly pickled sliced cucumbers and red onion make a cooling side salad for lamb burgers or fried fish.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced crosswise
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
Coarse salt and ground pepper

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, red onion, sugar, and rice vinegar. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 39 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 1 g

QUICK CUCUMBER AND RED-ONION PICKLED SALAD



Quick Cucumber and Red-Onion Pickled Salad image

This Quick Cucumber and Red-Onion Pickled Salad is best when served very cold.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 large red onion, peeled and very thinly sliced
2 large cucumbers, peeled if waxed, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons rice-wine vinegar
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh dill, picked from thick stems, or more to taste

Steps:

  • Place sliced onion and cucumbers in a serving bowl. Season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with rice-wine vinegar. Toss to combine, and transfer to refrigerator to chill, about 30 minutes.
  • Just before serving, scatter dill over salad, and toss well.

QUICK-PICKLED VEGETABLE SALAD



Quick-Pickled Vegetable Salad image

The best salads don't have to be laborious. This one benefits from pickled red onions, which take only minutes to make and can perk up salads, seared meats and vegetables, pasta and even grilled cheese. Make a double batch, and you'll brighten future meals in a flash. And, for excellent flavor in every bite, season the ingredients before combining, bearing in mind that celery, carrots and firmer vegetables need far more salt and pepper than delicate salad greens.

Provided by Alexa Weibel

Categories     brunch, dinner, lunch, weekday, salads and dressings, vegetables, side dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 small red onion, very thinly sliced from tip to tip
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar or champagne vinegar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons coriander seeds (optional)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 large celery stalks, trimmed and thinly sliced on a sharp angle
2 medium carrots, peeled and very thinly sliced lengthwise using a mandoline or thinly sliced diagonally
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest and 2 tablespoons juice (from 1 lemon), or 2 tablespoons vinegar
8 cups torn butter lettuce or romaine hearts (6 to 8 ounces)
3 small radishes, very thinly sliced (optional)
2/3 cup torn or chopped mixed fresh herbs (any combination of parsley, dill, basil, mint or chives) (see Tip)
2 to 4 teaspoons coarse or Dijon mustard, to taste

Steps:

  • Prepare the pickled onions: Set the sliced onion in a small heatproof bowl. Combine the vinegar, sugar, coriander seeds (if using), salt and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high, then pour over onions. Stir to combine, let cool, then transfer onions and brine to a lidded container. Refrigerate until chilled. (Makes about 2/3 cup drained onions. Onions will keep up to 3 weeks.)
  • Prepare the salad: In a medium bowl, combine the celery, carrots, olive oil, lemon zest and juice. Season generously with salt and pepper and toss to coat.
  • When ready to serve, add the lettuce, radishes (if using) and herbs to a large bowl, season lightly with salt and pepper and gently toss to coat. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the celery and carrots to the vegetables in the large bowl, leaving the vinaigrette behind in the medium bowl.
  • To the vinaigrette, add the mustard, 1/4 cup drained pickled red onions and 4 teaspoons of the pickled red onion brine and stir to combine; season to taste. Add vinaigrette to salad, toss to coat and season. Serve immediately.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of vegetables. This will give your salad a more interesting flavor and texture. Some good choices include leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, and onions.
  • Don't be afraid to mix and match different flavors. Sweet and sour, salty and sweet, and bitter and sweet are all classic flavor combinations that work well in salads. Try adding some fruit, nuts, or seeds to your salad for a unique twist.
  • Use a light dressing. A heavy dressing can overwhelm the flavors of the vegetables. A simple vinaigrette or lemon-tahini dressing is a good option.
  • Serve your salad immediately. Salads are best when they are fresh. If you need to make your salad ahead of time, store the dressing and vegetables separately and combine them just before serving.

Conclusion:

Salads are a healthy and delicious way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. They are also a great way to experiment with different flavors and textures. With a little creativity, you can create a salad that is both satisfying and delicious. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, try one of these salad recipes. You won't be disappointed!

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