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I used to think salads were just a side dish you had to get through, but that changed when I started adding sweet ingredients. A little bit of fruit, some toasted nuts, or a sweet dressing can turn a simple bowl of greens into a meal I actually look forward to.

These salads are my go-to for a lunch that feels light but also satisfying. They are easy to put together with ingredients you might already have, and they never feel boring.
1. Strawberry Spinach Salad

Fresh spinach with sliced strawberries, red onion, and toasted almonds. I toss it with a simple poppy seed dressing for a classic sweet and savory mix.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 6g
2. Apple Walnut Salad

Mixed greens with crisp apple slices, walnuts, and dried cranberries. A maple dijon vinaigrette ties all the flavors together perfectly.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 7g
3. Mango Avocado Salad

Chopped romaine with ripe mango chunks, creamy avocado, and red bell pepper. A lime cilantro dressing adds a bright, fresh finish.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 9g
4. Peach and Arugula Salad

Peppery arugula with sliced peaches, thinly sliced fennel, and a sprinkle of vegan feta. I use a light white balsamic vinaigrette.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
5. Berry Quinoa Salad

A mix of baby greens with cooked quinoa, blueberries, raspberries, and sliced almonds. It’s a salad hearty enough to be a full meal.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 9g
6. Pear and Gorgonzola Salad

Mixed greens with ripe pear slices, toasted pecans, and crumbled vegan gorgonzola. A pear vinaigrette makes the flavors pop.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 24g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 6g
7. Citrus Mint Salad

Butter lettuce with segments of orange and grapefruit, fresh mint leaves, and a light citrus honey dressing. It tastes clean and refreshing.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 7g
8. Fig and Arugula Flatbread Salad

Arugula topped with fresh figs, toasted pine nuts, and balsamic glaze served on a toasted flatbread round for a fork-and-knife salad.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 8g
9. Coconut Kale Salad

Massaged kale with shredded coconut, mango, and cucumber in a creamy lime dressing. The kale gets soft and soaks up all the flavor.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 8g
10. Watermelon Feta Salad

Cubed watermelon with vegan feta, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. This is my favorite salad for a hot summer day.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
11. Roasted Beet and Orange Salad

Mixed greens with roasted beets, orange slices, and pistachios. A simple orange vinaigrette highlights the earthy and sweet flavors.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 8g
12. Greek Yogurt Fruit Salad

A mix of honeydew, grapes, and berries tossed with a dressing of vegan yogurt, lime, and a little agave. It’s almost like a dessert salad.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 6g
13. Apple Slaw with Raisins

A crunchy slaw of shredded cabbage and carrots with apple slices and raisins in a sweet mayo-free dressing. Great for picnics.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 6g
14. Pomegranate and Kale Salad

Chopped kale with pomegranate arils, sliced fennel, and pumpkin seeds. The pop of the pomegranate seeds makes every bite interesting.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 8g
15. Grilled Peach Caprese Salad

Sliced grilled peaches with vegan mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil. A sweet balsamic glaze is drizzled over the top.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 5g
16. Tropical Green Salad

Romaine lettuce with pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and toasted coconut flakes. A ginger lime dressing adds a little zing.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 7g
17. Candied Pecan and Blue Cheese Salad

A mix of bitter greens with homemade candied pecans, vegan blue cheese, and a pear vinaigrette. The sweet pecans are so good.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
18. Honeycrisp Apple Salad

Fresh arugula with Honeycrisp apple slices, dried cherries, and roasted squash. A warm cider vinaigrette is poured over just before serving.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 8g