Salads Redefined

For too long, salads have been misunderstood. A few leaves of lettuce, some veggie shavings, and a small dollop of dressing became the stereotype of ‘diet food’ – bland, low in calories, and low in nutrients. It’s time for a comeback. This week, we’re redefining salads –turning them into vibrant, satisfying meals that make it easy to pack more fresh, wholesome ingredients into your day. Here are 5 recipes to inspire your next salad adventure.

Want to receive more meal ideas like this in your email inbox? Sign up for the free Full Plate Living Membership now.

Zesty Pasta Salad

Make it a Full Plate Meal: Pack a serving of this salad for lunch this week and serve it with a couple of fresh kiwis for dessert. Choose whole wheat pasta to increase the fiber, or lentil pasta to keep it gluten-free.

75% water-fiber foods – spinach, tomato, olives, shallots, chickpeas, pepperoncinis, garlic, bell peppers, kiwi fruit
25% foods – whole wheat/lentil pasta, parmesan, provolone

Viral Jennifer Anniston Salad

Make it a Full Plate Meal: Enjoy this salad as a main dish with a fresh mandarin orange for dessert.

75% water-fiber foods – quinoa, red onion, cucumber, chickpeas, olives, parsley, mint
25% foods – feta cheese, pistachios, raisins

Asian Edamame Peanut Salad

Make it a Full Plate Meal: Pick your own 25% item to serve with this salad as a main course. I think baked tofu fits the flavor profile perfectly.

75% water-fiber foods – quinoa, edamame, red cabbage, kale, carrots, scallions, cilantro
25% foods – cashews, dressing, your choice

Chili Line Quinoa Black Bean Salad

Make it a Full Plate Meal: Enjoy this salad on its own or as a filling for a burrito. Frozen mango pairs up perfectly.

75% water-fiber foods – quinoa, corn, tomatoes, cilantro, bell pepper, black beans, avocado, red onion, mango
25% foods – dressing, tortilla if choosing

Winter Happiness Salad

Make it a Full Plate Meal: Serve this salad alongside pan-seared salmon. A cup of blackberries for dessert would up the flavor profile.

75% water-fiber foods – quinoa, kale, chickpeas, parsley, apples, scallions, blackberries
25% foods – dressing, salmon, dried currants/raisins

👉 Water-fiber foods are 75% zone foods – whole, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, beans, and cooked whole grains.