5 Salads That Don’t Suck
Let’s be real, salads get a bad rap. When I hear “salad,” I think of a sad bowl of limp lettuce with a couple of croutons thrown in. But it doesn’t have to be like that. Salads can be super delicious, filling, and extremely easy to make. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just need to throw something together fast, here are five gluten free salads that actually taste good.
1. Fresh Green Salad
Sometimes, simple is best. This one is light and fresh, and one of my favorite recipes I have found on TikTok. The key? A TON of fresh dill. Seriously, don’t hold back.
What You Need:
- Celery, chopped
- Fresh spinach
- A LOT of fresh dill (yes, I’m repeating it because it’s that important)
- Fresh cilantro
- Cucumber, sliced
- Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Lemon juice
Note: When chopping the spinach, chop it as much as possible. You shouldn’t be eating leaves of spinach. It should be the same size as your cilantro and dill when it’s chopped.
Why It Doesn’t Suck:
The mix of fresh herbs and crunchy veggies makes this super refreshing. And the Caesar dressing brings it all together with that creamy, tangy vibe.
Tip: Chop everything in advance and store it in an airtight container. Add the dressing right before eating so it stays nice and crisp.
2. My Favorite Italian Salad
Roasted tomatoes make everything better. This one is a classic salad, and you can add a ton of different things like cilantro, garlic, etc. to make it even better.
What You Need:
- Roasted tomatoes (trust me, roast them with a ton of minced garlic, it’s worth it)
- Grilled chicken, sliced
- Romaine lettuce, chopped
- Cucumber, sliced
- Fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon juice (bottled lemon juice just won’t cut it—go for fresh!)
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Optional: Olives (I’m not a fan, but if you like them, I’d recommend adding them)
Why It Doesn’t Suck:
The roasted tomatoes add a rich, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon juice and feta. The grilled chicken makes it hearty enough to be a full meal.
Meal prep hack: Roast a big batch of tomatoes and grill extra chicken at the start of the week. Store them separately and just throw this salad together when you need it.
3. Cucumber Ranch Salad
This one’s ridiculously easy and perfect when you want something creamy, crunchy, and refreshing.
What You Need:
- 1 whole cucumber, sliced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- Ranch seasoning (the powdered mix)
- A ton of fresh dill
- 3-4 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
Why It Doesn’t Suck:
It’s like ranch dressing and a crisp cucumber had a baby, and the bacon adds a really good crunch.
Pro Tip: If you’re making this ahead of time, store the dressing separately and mix it in right before eating so the cucumbers stay crunchy.
4. Avocado Bacon Chicken Salad
If you want something hearty but still fresh, this one is great!
What You Need:
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp hot sauce
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
- 2 large avocados, diced
- 1 cup chopped bacon
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Pinch of salt
How to Make It:
- Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, hot sauce, and salt to make the dressing.
- In a separate bowl, mix the chicken, avocado, bacon, corn, and cilantro.
- Toss everything together with the dressing.
- Let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for the best flavor.
Why It Doesn’t Suck:
It’s creamy, smoky, and has a ton of protein.
Tip: This salad stays good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just squeeze some extra lime juice over the avocado to keep it from turning brown.
5. Southwestern Chicken Salad
The last salad has the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. It’s packed with protein and crunch, making it a great meal prep option.
What You Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp hot sauce
- 1 (15oz) can corn, drained
- 1 cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 1 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 large avocados, chopped
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 can of black beans, drained (I don’t like black beans, but it’s a great addition if you do)
How to Make It:
- Marinate the chicken breasts in lemon juice, salt, pepper, and minced garlic (measure with your heart) and grill it.
- Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, garlic powder, hot sauce, and salt to make the dressing.
- Combine chicken, corn, roasted red peppers, onions, cilantro, and avocado. If you like black beans, now’s the time to throw them in.
- Toss everything together and refrigerate for 30 minutes before eating for the best flavor.
Why It Doesn’t Suck:
The honey and lime juice add a nice sweetness that balances out the smoky cumin and spicy hot sauce.
Pro Tip: Double the dressing and keep it in the fridge. It’s also great for marinating chicken or drizzling over tacos.
Final Thoughts: Salads That Actually Make You Want to Eat
Salads don’t have to be boring. With the right ingredients, they can be flavorful, filling, and easy to make. Whether you’re into something creamy or something bold and tangy, these five options have you covered.
Make sure to check out my last blog: Kitchen Clean Out, where I share what to do when you don’t know what to cook (and how to clean our your fridge without waste)!
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