Best 20 Zesty Salad Recipes
Indulge in a culinary journey with our tantalizing Zesty Salad, a symphony of flavors that will awaken your taste buds. This vibrant salad features a harmonious blend of crisp romaine lettuce, tangy tomatoes, refreshing cucumbers, and a burst of sweetness from juicy strawberries. The addition of zesty lemon vinaigrette dressing elevates this dish to new heights, creating a perfect balance between sweet, sour, and savory.
Accompanying this delightful Zesty Salad are two equally enticing recipes: a tangy Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing and a refreshing Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing. The Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing is a classic, with its bright citrusy flavor that complements the salad's ingredients perfectly. The Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing, on the other hand, offers a unique twist, incorporating the natural sweetness of strawberries for a delightful fruity twist.
Whether you're seeking a light and refreshing lunch option or a vibrant side dish to accompany your main course, our Zesty Salad, along with its two delectable dressing recipes, promises to tantalize your palate and leave you craving more.
ZESTY SPINACH SALAD DRESSING
Awesome family recipe for spinach salad dressing! Best served in a classic spinach salad with hard-boiled eggs and bacon. Note: When pouring dressing, do not add the cloves of garlic into the salad as they are just used to flavor the dressing.
Provided by Jesse
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Salad Dressing Recipes
Time 10m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Combine canola oil, vinegar, garlic, sugar, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; cover and shake thoroughly. Refrigerate until flavors blend, about 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 193.1 calories, Carbohydrate 0.6 g, Fat 21.3 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 582 mg
ZESTY QUINOA SALAD
This bright and colorful salad is a great summertime recipe (or anytime you want to feel like it's summertime). Light and citrusy, it's a whole new way to enjoy quinoa. Lime juice and cilantro give a refreshing kick, while quinoa and black beans provide tasty vegan protein. If you're not vegan, add even more protein by adding chunks of chicken or turkey. Yum!
Provided by scrumdiddly
Categories Salad Grains Quinoa Salad Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Whisk olive oil, lime juice, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes together in a bowl.
- Combine quinoa, tomatoes, black beans, and green onions together in a bowl. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture; toss to coat. Stir in cilantro; season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately or chill in refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 269.6 calories, Carbohydrate 33.8 g, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 8.4 g, Protein 8.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Sodium 674.5 mg, Sugar 1.7 g
ZESTY BROCCOLI AND CAULIFLOWER SALAD
An easy broccoli and cauliflower tossed salad. Optional ingredients may include raisins or walnuts.
Provided by Deb
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Broccoli Salad Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, onions and dressing. Toss, cover and refrigerate. Sprinkle with sunflower seeds before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 73.2 calories, Carbohydrate 4.9 g, Fat 5.6 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 1.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 265.9 mg, Sugar 2.2 g
ZESTY SOUTHERN PASTA AND BEAN SALAD
A colorful and simple little side dish that has been a big hit at potlucks and picnics. It is easy to prepare, healthy and delicious!
Provided by ARIA_MC
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 15m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 13
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; drain and rinse pasta in cold water. Place in a large mixing bowl and add dressing and salt; mix well.
- Combine pinto beans and black beans in a colander; rinse with cold water and add to pasta. Add corn, tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, dried red pepper flakes and salt and pepper to taste; toss lightly.
- Chill salad in refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 267 calories, Carbohydrate 48.6 g, Fat 4.8 g, Fiber 8.2 g, Protein 10.9 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 642.7 mg, Sugar 4.8 g
ZESTY COLD CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
A quick, easy, tasty, and colorful chicken pasta salad that looks as great as it tastes. Serve at room temperature or cool for at least 1 hour.
Provided by Krysie
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 23m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
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.
- Mix mayonnaise, lemon pepper seasoning, and dried mustard together in a large bowl. Mix in cherry tomatoes, peas, and chicken. Fold in rotini. Sprinkle paprika over salad before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 446.7 calories, Carbohydrate 69.3 g, Cholesterol 44 mg, Fat 7.3 g, Fiber 6.3 g, Protein 27.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 1102.4 mg, Sugar 12.8 g
ZESTY SALAD
A refreshing, zesty salad for lunch or picnics. Great with anything or just on its own.
Provided by farah
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes
Time 40m
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Place potato cubes into a small pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain and let cool, about 10 minutes.
- Combine cooled potato, cabbage, pomegranate seeds, and carrot in a large bowl.
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl until well-mixed. Poured over potato mixture and toss to combine.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 120.5 calories, Carbohydrate 23.1 g, Fat 2.6 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.4 g, Sodium 604.1 mg, Sugar 6.5 g
ZESTY CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
Combining the coolness of a salad and the zesty seasonings of pizza, this salad is perfect for a summer get together. Megan Moore, Memphis, Tennessee
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 55m
Yield 14 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse with cold water and drain well. In a large serving bowl, combine the cheese, chicken, peppers, mushrooms, olives, green onions, pepperoni and pasta. , In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Toss before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 300 calories, Fat 17g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 415mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 14g protein.
ZESTY MEDITERRANEAN POTATO SALAD
I love this Mediterranean potato salad recipe that incorporates vegetables I plant in my summer garden. The dressing is light and fresh-perfect for a picnic or barbecue. -Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 40m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Place potatoes in a large saucepan; add water to cover. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, until tender, 8-10 minutes. Drain and place in a large bowl., In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, remaining salt, pepper and red pepper flakes until blended. Spoon over potato mixture; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, until chilled, about 1 hour. Just before serving, add sweet red pepper, onion, olives and bacon to potatoes. Sprinkle with feta and basil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 341 calories, Fat 18g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 8mg cholesterol, Sodium 685mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 6g protein.
TANGY, ZESTY OIL AND VINEGAR POTATO SALAD
The best potato salad you've never had. For when your craving that certain ZING from vinegar...I don't like regular potato salad. I don't like sweet relish, eggs, or miracle whip in my potato salad. The sharp onion with the vinegar balances the soft potato texture. Inexpensive and college budget approved. For more of a bite, add two to three teaspoons of whole grain mustard along with the olive oil. Try this!! Yumm....From Bon Appetit, 2009. **Note: To use smaller potatoes, cook time is about 5 minutes less.
Provided by College Girl
Categories Potato
Time 45m
Yield 5 cups, 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain. Cool to just warm, 10 to 15 minutes; peel potatoes. Cut each potato in half, then cut into 1/3-inch slices.
- Place warm potatoes in large bowl. Stir red wine vinegar and sugar in small bowl until sugar dissolves, then drizzle over potatoes. Toss to coat. Mix in onion slices. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cool to room temperature.
- Add olive oil and parsley to potatoes. Toss well and let marinate at least 20 minutes and up to 2 hours at room temperature.
ZESTY POTATO SALAD
A new, zippy version of the old favorite, this refreshing potato salad is sure to please! Horseradish gives it a delightfully different flavor. Try it for your next family gathering or picnic. -Aney Chatterton, Soda Springs, Idaho
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 45m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 20 minutes or until tender. Drain and cool. Cut potatoes into cubes., In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, parsley, pepper and remaining salt. Stir in the potatoes, eggs, bacon and onions. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 357 calories, Fat 23g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 164mg cholesterol, Sodium 523mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 9g protein.
ZESTY FETA AND SHRIMP SUMMER PASTA SALAD
This refreshing summer salad is quickly prepared and always pleases a crowd. I like to eat it cold.
Provided by COLLEENMARIE13
Categories Salad Seafood Salad Recipes Shrimp Salad Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Place the chicken in a baking dish, and roast 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until juices run clear. Remove from heat, cool, and cut into bite-size pieces.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add farfalle pasta, cook 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain. Cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken, pasta, shrimp, olives, tomatoes, carrots, and cucumber. Toss with balsamic vinegar and feta cheese, and season with salt-free seasoning blend.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 370.7 calories, Carbohydrate 50.2 g, Cholesterol 90.8 mg, Fat 7.8 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 23.8 g, SaturatedFat 3.8 g, Sodium 396.8 mg, Sugar 4.7 g
ZESTY CHICKEN SALAD
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 10m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In large bowl combine chicken, red pepper and onion. In small bowl mix mayonnaise and lime juice. Add jalapeno. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of tabasco sauce. Drizzle over chicken mixture and toss to coat. Snip cilantro over chicken and mound chicken mixture on lettuce. Garnish with tomato and black olives. Serve.
ZESTY CONFETTI SALAD WITH QUINOA
A blend of veggies and quinoa pulled together with a tangy, slightly spicy citrus-pepita dressing. Though there are a lot of ingredients, it's easy to make.
Provided by MN_SpiceHunter
Categories Grains
Time 55m
Yield 5-7 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Rinse quinoa well. Combine with 3/4 cup water in small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes or until water is absorbed and holes have formed in surface of quinoa. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature or cooler.
- Dry toast pepitas by putting them in a large skillet or frying pan and shaking over high heat until they begin to pop and "dance". Remove from heat.
- In food processor, combine pepitas, cilantro, lime juice, orange juice concentrate, olive oil, chili powder, cumin and salt. Blitz until a rough paste forms. (It looks a little funny at this stage--don't worry!).
- In a very large bowl, combine veggies, quinoa and sesame seeds and toss. Add citrus-pepita dressing and mix well to coat. Chill at least one hour; overnight is ideal.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 285.4, Fat 14.2, SaturatedFat 2.3, Sodium 169.3, Carbohydrate 35, Fiber 7.3, Sugar 11.7, Protein 9
ZESTY WHOLE GRAIN AND VEGETABLE SALAD
I love whole grains, but could find very few recipes with sorghum. I had some vegetables from the garden and decided to throw a few things together. It was delicious! Other grains and vegetables can be added depending on what you have on hand.
Provided by Cheryl Locke
Time 2h
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine water and sorghum in a small pot. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until sorghum is tender yet firm to the bite, about 1 hour. Drain any excess water and cool, about 10 minutes.
- Transfer sorghum to a large bowl. Add tomatoes, celery, onion, cilantro, jalapeno, and garlic; toss to combine. Stir in Italian dressing and lemon juice. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill before serving, about 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 226.4 calories, Carbohydrate 46.6 g, Fat 2.5 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 4.9 g, Sodium 928.4 mg, Sugar 3.3 g
ZESTY CAULIFLOWER ANTIPASTO SALAD
Light and refreshing Italian-themed summer salad that replaces pasta with cauliflower. I typically make my own salad dressing but found that olive oil solidifies when refrigerated and bottled dressing works best in this. It also adds a ton of flavor, cutting down on the ingredient list. This is a great side dish for a summertime BBQ or picnic. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Provided by Soup Loving Nicole
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Cauliflower
Time 40m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place cauliflower, onion, and salad dressing in a large bowl. Stir to coat. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, banana peppers, mozzarella balls, and salami; stir to combine.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 242.7 calories, Carbohydrate 12.1 g, Cholesterol 36.5 mg, Fat 17.3 g, Fiber 3.3 g, Protein 10.8 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 882.1 mg, Sugar 3.1 g
ZESTY GREEK SALAD
"Feta cheese and olives give this salad such great flavor, you'd never guess it's as light as it is," declares Angela Leinenbach of Mechanicsville, Virginia. "It's a nice change of pace and goes with all kinds of main dishes."
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 25m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a small bowl, combine the lettuce, tomato, cucumber, radishes, onion, olives and feta cheese. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 89 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 265mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
ZESTY SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD
This goes over well at potlucks - when there's a choice of more than one pasta salad, this one usually goes first. Oddly enough, the leftovers make good soup, too! I just add the leftovers to some vegetable broth and canned tomatoes, and season it with more of the same spices that were in the recipe. This recipe originally came from allrecipes.com, but I have tweaked it in a way that suits me better. As always I have cut back on the oil and lime juice, so add more back in if it suits you. I love the amount of chili powder and cumin in this, but it may be a bit much for some so use less if you don't like those flavors as much as I do.
Provided by Vino Girl
Categories Pasta Shells
Time 2h30m
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Prepare pasta according to package instructions.
- When making pasta salad, I like to cook my pasta a minute or two less than recommended so it stays firmer in the dressing, and holds up better against breaking apart when tossing.
- Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl whisk together oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt and garlic.
- Gently stir in pasta and set aside.
- Gently stir in corn, beans, green pepper, red pepper, onion, tomatoes and 1/2 of the cilantro leaves.
- Garnish with the remaining cilantro.
- Cover and chill at least 2 hours.
ZESTY HOPPIN JOHN SALAD
I created this salad version of Hoppin John by combining a number of ingredients from other Hoppin John recipes and adding cilantro, tomatillos, and lemon juice for a zesty flavor. The salad is just as good without red pepper for those with discerning palates. Also as an alternative, a favorite hot sauce can be substituted for the red pepper with each individual serving. I like to add a dash of Louisiana-style cayenne pepper sauce to mine.
Provided by Mike
Time 1h
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Combine black-eyed peas, celery, roma tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, green, yellow, and orange bell peppers, and tomatillos in a salad bowl. Gently stir lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, cilantro, and red pepper flakes into the salad. Chill before serving; serve over romaine lettuce leaves.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 232.6 calories, Carbohydrate 33.1 g, Fat 8.1 g, Fiber 7.9 g, Protein 9.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 511.7 mg, Sugar 6.5 g
ZESTY CHICKEN AND BLACK BEAN SALAD - STARBUCKS COPYCAT
I've created my favorite Starbucks salad at home! I can enjoy it any time and not pay the high price! Enjoy!
Provided by thatgirlcancook
Categories Salad Dressings
Time 15m
Yield 4 hearty salads, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Place first 7 ingredients into a cruet or shaker.
- Shake until well blended. Set aside.
- Divide quinoa onto individual plates or bowls.
- Divide salad greens and layer on top of quinoa.
- Divide tomatoes, black beans, corn, jicama, and feta cheese on top of each salad.
- Layer sliced chicken breast on top.
- Drizzle with salad dressing.
- Enjoy!
ZESTY GAZPACHO SALAD
This refreshing salad is excellent for a summer cookout. Since you mix it ahead, the flavors have time to blend and there's no last minute fussing. My friends ask me to bing it every time we get together for a meal. -Teresa Fischer, Munster, Indiana
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 10m
Yield 8-10 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Pour over zucchini mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 75 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 198mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your salad.
- Choose a variety of colors and textures. This will make your salad more visually appealing and interesting to eat.
- Don't overcrowd your salad. Leave some space between the ingredients so that they can all be seen and appreciated.
- Dress your salad lightly. You don't want to overpower the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Serve your salad immediately. This will ensure that it is at its best.
Conclusion:
With so many different variations, there's sure to be a zesty salad recipe that everyone will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a light and refreshing meal, give one of these recipes a try. You won't be disappointed!
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