A leafy green, refreshing mixture of vegetables dressed with a seasoned vinaigrette comes to mind when thinking about a salad’s anatomy. However, the definition is ambiguous. Does it have to contain lettuce to be considered a salad? There are many other ways to create a delectable mixture without the hackneyed use of ingredients like arugula, romaine, croutons and tomatoes.
The coined term, “can’t believe it’s not butter,” is the perfect way to describe when you’re craving a salad, but sick of its usual base. No “one size fits all” exists when creating your mixture of choice. The world (or bowl) is all yours!
Below are some of VALLEY’s suggestions for alternate recipes in creating the perfect salad, entirely tailored to you!
Cucumber Caprese Salad
This tomato, mozzarella, balsamic glaze, avocado and cucumber deliciousness is the perfect post-work salad to eat before a more hearty dinner that follows. With tons of fresh ingredients and nutrients, this caprese-like salad is definitely a fan favorite.
What you’ll need…
- 2 cucumbers
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup of mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup of basil leaves
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- 2 tbsp of balsamic glaze
Pesto Pasta Salad
On a similar note with a caprese theme, we have a pesto pasta salad filled with bold and herbaceous goodness, topped with a garlicky punch of pesto with a nutty finish. This screams summer in a bowl and is the perfect dish for barbecues and potlucks.
What you’ll need…
- 12 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or diced mozzarella
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- Pesto of your choice and amount
- Juice of ½ a lemon
Poppyseed Berry Fruit Salad
This sweet, fruity sensation of berry freshness is the perfect mix for any occasion. The added layer of candy-like poppy seed dressing enhances any fruit salad, provided all by nature’s candy. Each bite leaves a splash of citrus and honey in the best way possible.
What you’ll need…
- 16 ounces of strawberries
- 8 ounces of blueberries
- 8 ounces of blackberries
- 8 ounces of raspberries
- 5 mandarin oranges (peeled)
For the dressing…
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- Pinch of sea salt
Chick Pea Salad
This protein-packed chickpea salad fills your mouth with a fresh, zesty flavor and a hint of Greek style. The tzatziki adds a creamy element and essence to a bowl, perfect as a side dish. The added parsley and dill give the salad that extra tang it needs.
What you’ll need…
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas
- 1 cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
- Tzatziki dressing
Can you believe some of these salads are not lettuce? Let us know your favorites by tweeting us @VALLEYmag on X!
