Salads to spice up your summer spreads

Have you tried to force yourself to get through a simple salad? Salads can have a reputation for being boring—but they don’t have to be. Here are some healthy salad recipes to try that will spice up your next picnic, potluck or meal prep.

Tip #1: Add fruit

You won’t believe how much flavor comes from combining sweet and savory. Add fruit to your next salad for a nutritious bite that you may not have thought of before.

Either put fruit on top of salad with a base of greens, like in this mixed green salad with grapefruit and cranberries, or make fruit the star, like in this raspberry, avocado and mango salad recipe. You can also try adding dried fruit—just watch for added sugar on the label.

Tip #2: Mix up your bases

If you’re sick of lettuce or other greens, mix grains in. This bulks up the meal to make it more filling, and then you can add healthy whole grains and fiber. Mix and match your grains—like in this cherry, wild rice and quinoa salad, which combines two different grains.

Tip #3: Pack in the beans

Beans are a great way to add fiber and protein to any salad. We recommend pairing bitter escarole (a leafy green veggie) and radicchio with white beans and feta in this chicken and white bean salad recipe. Another favorite is our take on a vegetarian taco salad using black, kidney or pinto beans with romaine, brown rice and salsa for a simple and healthy meal.

Tip #4: Make your dressing at home

While store-bought dressing is quick and easy, homemade dressings can be tastier and healthier, since you can control how much salt, oil and sugar you add. Try a spinach salad with Japanese ginger dressing and add your protein of choice. Or make a simple vinaigrette with Dijon mustard, vinegar and olive oil for this grilled halibut salad niçoise.

Tip #5: Cook your veggies

Not all salads have to be made with raw vegetables. Try this zucchini salad with shaved parmesan if you prefer your veggies warmed up. Roasted vegetables are delicious and easy to pop into the oven: Take a look at this warm salad with roasted brussels sprouts, maple Dijon dressing and kale.

Before you dismiss salads as bland, give these recipes a go. Get creative with your ingredients, don’t be afraid to play with temperature and texture and try making a dressing that excites you.

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