Fresh salads are a healthy, delcious meal option.
Fresh salads are a healthy, easy option for lunch or dinner. There are many possibilities for creating a light yet satisfying salad, so be creative and use a variety of diverse ingredients according to your personal taste; try out different combinations of greens, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, nuts, meats and salad dressings for a nutritious, well-balanced dish. Make the most of seasonal ingredients for ultimate freshness.
Fall
Use hearty, rustic ingredients for a healthy autumn salad. You can use a variety of greens as the base of your salad, so choose according to your personal preferences; for a more nutritious alternative to standard iceberg varieties, use spinach or arugula. To garnish your salad, take advantage of ripe, seasonal fruits like apples and pears. Sprinkle the salad with toasted walnuts, pumpkin seeds or pecans for a bit of crunch; add some cheese for added complexity and creaminess, and drizzle your salad dressing of choice or a simple oil and vinegar mixture to pull the ingredients together.
Winter
A warm, hearty salad is a satisfying meal for a cold winter night. Use rustic greens as your salad base and add roasted root vegetables like beets, squash or sweet potatoes. Add warm meats like duck for extra protein, and sprinkle dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a bit of sweetness and texture. For added complexity, crumble bits of goat cheese or feta over the salad. You can also add nuts to the mix for texture.
Spring
Celebrate the arrival of spring with a light, fresh salad. Use mixed greens for your salad base and add seasonal vegetables like peas, radishes, asparagus and artichokes. If you want to add crunch to your salad, try a lighter nut like sliced almonds or pine nuts. For chillier days, add some fresh tortellini to your salad for a hearty meal. Pull the salad flavors together with a light dressing like balsamic vinaigrette.
Summer
A cool, crisp salad in the summertime can be a light and refreshing way to beat the heat. There are many fresh varieties of produce available during this time of year, so take advantage of your local farmer's market when you shop for ingredients. Use leafy greens as your salad base, and add fresh fruits and vegetables like roasted corn, ripe tomatoes, fresh berries, melons and peaches. For protein, add grilled chicken, salmon or shrimp to your salad, and top with fresh mozzarella.
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