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I love starting with a bag of mixed greens because it gives me a variety of textures and flavors without any work. It’s my shortcut to a salad that feels a little more interesting than plain lettuce. I can go in so many directions depending on what I have in the fridge, and it always comes together quickly.
These recipes are my regular rotation for easy sides and light meals.
They are fresh, flexible, and help me get a healthy dish on the table with very little effort.
1. Simple House Salad
Mixed greens with a basic vinaigrette of olive oil, red wine vinegar, a little mustard, salt, and pepper. I add sliced cucumber and radish for crunch. This is my everyday side salad.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
2. Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Salad
Mixed greens tossed with a sweet and tangy dressing made from maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. I add sliced apples and toasted pecans. It’s a nice balance of flavors.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
3. Goat Cheese & Beet Salad
Pre-cooked beets from the store, crumbled goat cheese, and walnuts over mixed greens. A simple balsamic vinaigrette is all it needs. I make this for a salad that feels fancy but is easy.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
4. Lemony Herb Salad
Mixed greens with a very light dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and lots of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and tarragon. It tastes incredibly fresh and clean.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
5. Southwest Chicken Salad
Mixed greens topped with grilled chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, and a creamy cilantro lime dressing. It’s a filling meal that covers all the bases.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 10g
6. Pear & Blue Cheese Salad
Mixed greens with sliced ripe pear, blue cheese crumbles, and red onion. A walnut vinaigrette complements it perfectly. I enjoy this in the fall.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 5g
7. Garlic Bread Crouton Salad
Mixed greens with homemade croutons made by toasting bread cubes with garlic and olive oil. I use a light Caesar or parmesan pepper dressing. It’s all about the crunchy, garlicky croutons.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
8. Asian Citrus Salad
Mixed greens with mandarin orange segments, sliced almonds, and a ginger soy dressing. Sometimes I add shredded chicken. It’s a sweet and savory combination.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
9. Italian White Bean & Tuna Salad
A bed of mixed greens topped with a scoop of a simple mixture of canned tuna, white beans, red onion, and Italian parsley in a lemon vinaigrette. It’s a no-cook, protein-packed lunch.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 8g
10. Feta Olive Salad
Mixed greens with a generous amount of crumbled feta and kalamata olives. The dressing is just olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. It’s salty, tangy, and simple.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
11. Apple Cheddar Salad
Mixed greens with sharp cheddar cheese cubes, diced apple, and a honey mustard vinaigrette. It’s a classic flavor pair that always works.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 16g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 4g
12. Greek Yogurt Ranch Salad
Mixed greens coated in a lighter ranch dressing made from Greek yogurt, buttermilk, and dried herbs. I add tomatoes and cucumber for freshness.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
13. Warm Mushroom Salad
Sautéed mushrooms and shallots served warm over cool mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette. The warm mushrooms make it feel more like a meal.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
14. Summer Berry & Balsamic Salad
Mixed greens with a mix of fresh berries, goat cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s sweet, tangy, and perfect for summer.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 6g
15. Chickpea “Crouton” Salad
Mixed greens with roasted, crispy chickpeas and shredded carrots. A tahini lemon dressing adds creaminess. It’s a vegan salad with great texture.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 11g
16. Steak & Herb Salad
Thinly sliced leftover steak on mixed greens with plenty of fresh parsley, mint, and a red wine vinaigrette. It’s a great way to use up leftover meat.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
17. Citrus Avocado Salad
Mixed greens with sections of grapefruit and orange, sliced avocado, and a citrus poppy seed dressing. It’s bright, creamy, and refreshing.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 7g
18. Everything Bagel Seasoning Salad
Mixed greens sprinkled with everything bagel seasoning and topped with cucumber, tomato, and red onion. A dressing of thinned cream cheese ties it all together.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 11g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
19. Simple Sherry Vinaigrette Salad
Mixed greens dressed with a unique vinaigrette made from sherry vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of honey. It’s a slightly nutty, sweet dressing that’s different from the usual.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
