It's National Salad Month! And while the idea of a salad may seem boring, we're here to change that perception. Like any 'healthy' meal (remember, just because it's a salad doesn't mean it's suitable for your specific needs—there's no one-size-fits-all for healthy eating), salads don't have to be dull and devoid of flavor.
At NutriSense, we believe that food can be delicious and nutritious, including salad. We've asked some members of our Nutrition Team to pick their favorite salads, so you can choose from a variety of unique textures and flavors that will please even the pickiest of eaters.
Thanks to these options, you’ll never have trouble finding a salad recipe again. And best of all, these salads are full of nutrients that your body needs to function at its best. Read on to pick from our favorites.
Recommended by: Marie Funk, MS, RD, LDN
"This salad recipe is super easy to prepare. Just some chopping and mixing, that’s it. The dressing includes balsamic vinegar, which we know is excellent for glucose control. And, it's packed with tons of flavor."
—Marie Funk, MS, RD, LDN
Recommended by: Jordyn Wallerius, MS, RDN, CD
"I love this Cucumber, Dill, Feta, and Pistachio Salad from Spoonful of Flavor for a bright spring side dish. The crunch from the cucumbers and pistachios combined with the salt from the feta and acid from the apple cider vinegar is the perfect combination. I’ve even added a handful of greens when I wanted to mix it up."
—Jordyn Wallerius, MS, RDN, CD
Recommended by: Randi Yow, RDN, LDN
For the salad:
For the dressing:
"For spring/summer, I love a good salad, and avocados happen to be my favorite food (and great for you with healthy fats). So, I love adding this avocado, cucumber, and tomato salad as a side to whatever protein we're having. It's also incredible with some greens and sunflower seeds added in."
— Randi Yow, RDN, LDN
Recommended by: Bahar Brocken, RD, LDN
For the salad:
For the dressing:
"Having a salad with your dinner most nights is an easy and healthy way to get a boost of nutrients and fiber in your diet (along with those glucose-lowering effects of having a salad before a balanced meal). I love mixing up my salads each week and experimenting with something different every time to keep things exciting. This Greek Chickpea salad is one of my favorite go-to's because it’s fast and delicious and has a recipe included for an easy homemade dressing. Chickpeas provide an excellent source of protein and fiber, and I often add some avocado because, well, how can you go wrong with avocado?!"
—Bahar Brocken, RD, LDN
Recommended by: Marissa Kleinsmith, MS, RDN
For the salad:
For the dressing:
"Cabbage for the win! This Green Goddess Salad gets better on day two or three as the flavors in the dressing marry, and you don’t have to worry about the greens getting soggy with sturdy veggies like cabbage and cucumber. Those staple veggies add a snappy crunch to this salad and are fantastic to have on hand because of their long shelf life in the fridge. The dressing is full of heart-healthy fats, loaded with phytonutrients, and as simple as throwing nuts, garlic, greens, and herbs in the blender. I love it so much; I've cooked it with our members at one of our live cooking demos. Double this recipe for crowds or tote it along with you for lunch on busy days."
—Marissa Kleinsmith, MS, RDN
Recommended by: Carlee Hayes, RDN, CD
"Salad doesn't have to be complicated, and the key to a salad that isn’t boring (in my opinion) is the ability to use it in different ways. I love this salad from Tori's Kitchen because it’s versatile. I make a big batch at the start of the week and pair it with multiple meals throughout the coming days. I love a big bowl of this salad topped with juicy grilled chicken and sliced avocado, but it doesn’t stop there. You can throw it on a bowl of greens for a fresh twist, add a few spoonfuls to a hearty wrap, or even use it as a taco filler. The options are endless."
—Carlee Hayes, RDN, CD
Recommended by: Stephanie Etherington, RD, CD, CDCES
"Salads that include a touch of sweetness are my favorite, and this salad is almost too beautiful to eat. It’s a great choice to bring to your next barbeque or family gathering. This Honey Glazed Beet, Fresh Fig, and Roasted Kale Salad is one of my favorites. Pine nuts or pecans would be an excellent addition. Include a nice piece of wild-caught salmon, or enjoy it with grilled chicken for an extra protein boost."
—Stephanie Etherington, RD, CD, CDCES
Recommended by: Molly Downey, RDN, LDN
For the salad:
For the cilantro dressing:
For the marinade:
"This is one of my favorite warm weather salad recipes. It’s easy to season up the shrimp and add it to the grill for a nice smoky flavor. It does not require much time/effort and provides an excellent weeknight meal with minimal ingredients."
—Molly Downey, RDN, LDN
Recommended by: Victoria Eaton RDN, LDN, IFNCP
For the salad:
For the dressing:
"I’m a big fan of lettuce-less salads. Cowboy Caviar falls into my “favorite salads” category. It’s traditionally used as an entertaining dip, but I like to pair it with baked salmon or shredded chicken for an easy, fiber-rich, filling bean salad."
—Victoria Eaton RDN, LDN, IFNCP
It's no secret that diet and nutrition play a vital role in our overall health and wellbeing. However, it can be tricky to know how to eat for optimal health with all of the conflicting information.
That's where NutriSense comes in. Our team of credentialed dietitians and nutritionists uses continuous glucose monitoring technology to help you create a personalized lifestyle plan that will allow you to reach your health goals.
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can help take the guesswork out of nutrition by providing real-time insights into the body's needs. And, because we believe that being healthy should be fun, we also offer a variety of online tools and resources that make tracking your progress easy and engaging. Whether you're looking to lose weight, gain muscle, or improve overall health, we can help. Sign up for one of our commitment programs to get started on your journey to optimal health.