Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad

Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Recipe found on: EatingBirdFood.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad is a nutrient-packed, flavor-loaded meal. With roasted veggies, protein-rich quinoa, and a bright lemon dressing, it’s perfect for meal prep or a hearty side.

Ingredients

Base

  • 1 cup dry quinoa

  • 2 cups water (or veggie broth)

  • ½ lb. broccoli, cut into florets

  • 1 sweet potato, chopped

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained & rinsed

  • 1 bunch kale, chopped

  • Olive oil, as needed

Add-Ins

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • 3 tablespoons feta cheese

Dressing

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook Quinoa

  • Rinse quinoa

  • Combine with water and bring to a boil

  • Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes

  • Remove from heat and let cool

2. Roast Vegetables

  • Preheat oven to 425°F

  • Toss broccoli and sweet potatoes with olive oil

  • Roast for 20 minutes

👉 Add kale and chickpeas

  • Toss and roast another 15 minutes

  • Stir once during cooking

3. Combine

  • Add roasted veggies to quinoa

  • Mix in parsley and feta

4. Make Dressing

  • Whisk lemon juice, vinegar, and maple syrup

  • Slowly stir in olive oil

  • Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes

5. Finish

  • Toss dressing with salad

  • Mix until well combined

Crunchy Cashew Thai Quinoa Salad

Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

Recipe found on: ambitiouskitchen.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Thai Peanut Quinoa Salad is crunchy, colorful, and packed with bold flavor. Tossed in a creamy peanut ginger dressing, it’s perfect for meal prep, lunches, or bringing to a gathering.

Ingredients

Salad

  • ¾ cup uncooked quinoa

  • 2 cups shredded red cabbage

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • ¼ cup red onion, diced

  • 1 cup shredded carrots

  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped

  • ¼ cup green onions, diced

  • ½ cup cashews or peanuts (honey-roasted optional)

  • Optional: 1 cup edamame or chickpeas

  • Fresh lime, for serving

Peanut Ginger Dressing

  • ¼ cup natural peanut butter

  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos

  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup/agave)

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or red wine vinegar)

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil

  • Water, as needed to thin

Instructions

1. Cook Quinoa

  • Bring 1½ cups water to a boil

  • Add quinoa, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes

  • Fluff and let cool

2. Make Dressing

  • Warm peanut butter + honey for ~20 seconds

  • Stir in ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, and oil

  • Add water as needed for desired consistency

3. Assemble Salad

  • Add quinoa to a large bowl

  • Mix in cabbage, bell pepper, onion, carrots, and cilantro

4. Finish

  • Toss with dressing (start with a little, add more as needed)

  • Top with cashews and green onions

  • Serve with lime wedges

Cucumber, Avocado and Feta Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Recipe found on: twopeasandtheirpod.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for summer. With just a few simple ingredients, it delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • 1 large seedless cucumber, chopped

  • 3 large avocados, chopped

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled

  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Combine

  • Add cucumber, avocado, lemon juice, feta, and dill to a large bowl

2. Toss

  • Gently mix until combined

3. Season

  • Add salt and pepper to taste

4. Serve

  • Serve immediately for best texture

Whole30 + Paleo Cucumber Tomato Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Recipe found on: twopeasandtheirpod.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for summer. With just a few simple ingredients, it delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • 1 large seedless cucumber, chopped

  • 3 large avocados, chopped

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled

  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Combine

  • Add cucumber, avocado, lemon juice, feta, and dill to a large bowl

2. Toss

  • Gently mix until combined

3. Season

  • Add salt and pepper to taste

4. Serve

  • Serve immediately for best texture

Avocado Greek Salad &

Greek Salad Dressing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Recipe found on: oliveyouwhole.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Cucumber Tomato Salad has a fresh Greek-inspired flavor with bright vinegar, olive oil, and fresh dill. It’s simple, refreshing, and perfect for summer meals or potlucks.

Ingredients

  • 5 Roma tomatoes, chopped

  • 7 mini cucumbers, sliced

  • 3 tablespoons red onion, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced

  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Prep

  • Chop all vegetables as directed

2. Combine

  • Add everything to a large bowl

3. Mix

  • Toss until well combined

4. Serve

  • Serve immediately or

  • Let marinate a few hours for deeper flavor

Roasted Sweet Potato, Quinoa & Black Bean Salad

Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Recipe found on: wellplated.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Roasted Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep. With roasted veggies, protein-rich quinoa, and a zesty lime dressing, it’s a go-to for healthy lunches or a crowd-pleasing side.

Ingredients

Roasted Veggies

  • 1¼ lbs. sweet potatoes, cubed

  • 1 red onion, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon salt

Salad Base

  • 1½ cups cooked quinoa (from ½ cup dry)

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed & drained

  • 1 bell pepper, diced

  • ¾ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Lime Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • Juice + zest of 2 limes (~3 tbsp juice)

  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup (or honey)

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Roast Vegetables

  • Preheat oven to 400°F

  • Toss sweet potatoes and onion with oil + spices

  • Spread on baking sheet

  • Roast ~25 minutes, flipping halfway

2. Make Dressing

  • Whisk olive oil, lime juice/zest, maple syrup, and garlic

3. Combine

  • In a large bowl, add:

    • quinoa

    • black beans

    • bell pepper

    • cilantro

    • roasted veggies

4. Finish

  • Pour dressing over salad

  • Toss until well combined

Balsamic Chicken Salad with Lemon Quinoa

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Recipe found on: cafedelites.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Balsamic Chicken Quinoa Salad is a full, balanced meal packed with flavor. Juicy pan-seared chicken, lemon quinoa, fresh veggies, and a simple balsamic dressing come together for a satisfying, nutrient-dense dish.

Ingredients

Lemon Quinoa

  • ½ cup dry quinoa

  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock

  • Pinch of salt

  • Juice of ½ lemon

Chicken

  • 6 boneless chicken thighs or breasts

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • Juice of ½ lemon

  • 1 teaspoon stock powder

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove garlic)

Salad

  • 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

  • 7 oz grape tomatoes, halved

  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced

  • 3.5 oz kalamata olives

  • 1.7 oz feta cheese

  • ½ cup parsley

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

Instructions

1. Cook Lemon Quinoa

  • Combine quinoa, stock, and salt

  • Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes

  • Let sit, fluff, and stir in lemon juice

2. Cook Chicken

  • Add chicken, oil, balsamic, lemon juice, and seasonings to skillet

  • Cook until golden and fully cooked

  • Slice into strips

3. Make Dressing

  • Whisk olive oil and balsamic vinegar

4. Assemble Salad

  • Add lettuce, tomatoes, onion, olives, feta, and parsley to a bowl

  • Top with quinoa and sliced chicken

5. Finish

  • Drizzle dressing over top

  • Toss and serve

Quinoa Avocado Spinach Power Salad

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Recipe found on: thegardengrazer.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Spinach Avocado Quinoa Salad is simple, fresh, and perfect for everyday eating. It’s light, nutrient-dense, and even better as leftovers—making it a go-to for meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry quinoa

  • 2 medium avocados, diced

  • 3 oz baby spinach (or more if desired)

  • 8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 3 green onions (or red onion)

  • 1–2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Cook Quinoa

  • Rinse quinoa

  • Cook according to package directions
    👉 Pro tip: use chicken broth or tomato juice instead of water for more flavor

2. Prep Base

  • Chop spinach and add to a large bowl

  • Add minced garlic

3. Combine Warm Ingredients

  • Add hot quinoa to the bowl

  • Toss to lightly wilt spinach and mellow garlic

4. Add Remaining Ingredients

  • Mix in green onions, tomatoes, vinegar, and salt

5. Finish

  • Gently fold in avocado

  • Serve immediately or chill

Queso Fresco Fresh Salad

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Servings: 3

Recipe found on: berrymaple.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad is fresh, simple, and loaded with flavor. It’s a quick go-to side dish that pairs with anything—or works great on its own.

Ingredients

Salad

  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped

  • ½ yellow onion, sliced

  • 1 English cucumber, sliced

  • 1 large avocado, cubed

  • 3 oz queso fresco cheese (or more if desired)

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

  • Juice of ½ lemon

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients

  • Chop tomatoes

  • Slice cucumber and onion

  • Cube avocado and cheese

2. Make Dressing

  • Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice

  • Add salt and pepper to taste

3. Combine

  • Add all ingredients to a bowl

  • Pour dressing over top

4. Toss & Serve

  • Gently mix until combined

  • Serve immediately

Shrimp Cobb Salad with Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette

Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Recipe found on: paleorunningmomma.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Grilled Shrimp Cobb Salad is a fresh, protein-packed meal loaded with flavor. With shrimp, bacon, eggs, avocado, and a lemon garlic vinaigrette, it’s perfect for summer meals or meal prep.

Ingredients

Lemon Garlic Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • ⅛ teaspoon sea salt

  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¼ cup olive oil

Salad

  • 1 lb. shrimp, peeled & deveined

  • Salt & pepper (or seafood seasoning)

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or bacon fat)

  • 6–8 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled

  • 3 large eggs, soft boiled

  • ¾ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced

  • 5 oz spinach or mixed greens

  • Chives or green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Make Dressing

  • Blend lemon juice, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper

  • Slowly add olive oil while blending until creamy

2. Soft-Boil Eggs

  • Boil eggs for 6 minutes

  • Transfer to ice water for 2–3 minutes

  • Peel and set aside

3. Cook Shrimp

  • Heat grill or pan to high

  • Brush with oil

  • Season shrimp

  • Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink

4. Assemble Salad

  • Add greens to bowl

  • Top with shrimp, bacon, tomatoes, avocado, and eggs

5. Finish

  • Drizzle dressing over top or serve on the side

Easy Jennifer Aniston Salad

Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 5

Recipe found on: richanddelish.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Jennifer Aniston Quinoa Salad is fresh, crunchy, and packed with nutrients. Loaded with herbs, healthy fats, and plant-based protein, it’s perfect for meal prep or a light, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa, uncooked

  • 2 cups water

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained & rinsed

  • ½ cup pistachios, chopped

  • ½ cup parsley, chopped

  • 1 cup cucumber, chopped

  • ⅓ cup red onion, chopped

  • ½ cup mint, chopped

  • ½ cup feta cheese

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook Quinoa

  • Rinse quinoa thoroughly

  • Combine with water and bring to a boil

  • Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15–20 minutes

  • Fluff and let cool

2. Combine Ingredients

  • Add cooled quinoa to a large bowl

  • Mix in chickpeas, pistachios, parsley, mint, onion, cucumber, and feta

3. Add Dressing

  • Pour in olive oil and lemon juice

  • Season with salt and pepper

4. Toss & Serve

  • Mix well

  • Taste and adjust seasoning

Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Recipe found on: downshiftology.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Classic Egg Salad is creamy, simple, and packed with fresh flavor. It’s a go-to for quick meals, high-protein snacks, or easy meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 6 eggs

  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons chives, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Boil Eggs

  • Bring water to a boil

  • Reduce heat, gently add eggs

  • Return to boil and cook for 12 minutes

2. Cool Eggs

  • Transfer to ice water bath

  • Let cool at least 15 minutes

3. Mix Salad

  • Peel and chop eggs to desired texture

  • Add to a bowl with all remaining ingredients

4. Combine

  • Stir until well mixed

  • Taste and adjust seasoning

Paleo Antipasto Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Recipe found on: tastesoflizzyt.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Paleo Antipasto Salad is fresh, savory, and full of bold flavor. Packed with crisp veggies and classic antipasto ingredients, it’s tossed in a simple sugar-free Italian-style dressing.

Ingredients

Salad

  • 3 cups Roma tomatoes, diced

  • ½ cup red onion, chopped

  • 1½ cups cucumber, sliced and quartered

  • ½ cup olives, sliced

  • ⅓ cup pepperoni, chopped

  • ½ cup mushrooms, chopped

Dressing

(Use your homemade Italian dressing or preferred version)

Instructions

1. Combine

  • Add tomatoes, onion, cucumber, olives, pepperoni, and mushrooms to a large bowl

2. Add Dressing

  • Pour dressing over the salad

3. Toss

  • Mix until well combined

4. Serve

  • Serve immediately

Healthy Broccoli Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8

Recipe found on: kristineskitchenblog.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Healthy Broccoli Salad is crunchy, sweet, and refreshing. Made with real ingredients and a creamy yogurt-based dressing, it’s the perfect side for summer meals or gatherings.

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1½ lbs fresh broccoli, chopped

  • 1 cup blueberries

  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced

  • ½ cup dried cranberries

  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds

  • 1 large apple, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Dressing

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

  • ¼ cup honey

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients

  • Add broccoli, blueberries, onion, cranberries, and sunflower seeds to a large bowl

2. Prep Apple

  • Toss chopped apple with lemon juice

  • Add to the bowl

3. Make Dressing

  • Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth

4. Combine

  • Pour dressing over salad

  • Toss gently until well mixed

5. Serve

  • Serve immediately or chill before serving

Chicken Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1–2

Ingredients

  • 3 oz cooked chicken, finely chopped

  • ¼ cup grapes (heaping)

  • ½ apple, chopped

  • 8 almonds

  • 1 cup broccoli / cauliflower / celery mix, chopped

  • ½ tablespoon mayo (Primal Kitchen or preferred)

  • Salt, to taste

  • Dill, to taste

Instructions

1. Prep

  • Chop all ingredients into small, bite-sized pieces

2. Combine

  • Add everything to a bowl

3. Mix

  • Stir until well combined

4. Serve

  • Enjoy immediately or refrigerate

Quick & Easy Cherry Tomato Salad

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Recipe found on: thehealthyfoodie.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Cherry Tomato Basil Salad is simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients, it delivers a bold, savory taste that gets even better over time.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

  • ¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons tamari (or coconut aminos)

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (or olive oil)

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Combine

  • Add all ingredients to a large bowl

2. Toss

  • Gently mix until well combined

3. Chill

  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors blend

4. Serve

  • Serve chilled or at room temperature

Vibrant Curry Cashew Chickpea Quinoa Salad

Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Recipe found on: ambitiouskitchen.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Curry Chickpea Quinoa Salad is vibrant, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. With warming spices, fresh veggies, and sweet-spicy cashews, it’s a perfect plant-based meal or hearty side.

Ingredients

Base

  • ¾ cup quinoa

  • 1⅔ cups water

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained & rinsed

  • ¾ cup green peas

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil)

  • ½ tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

  • 1 teaspoon curry powder (more if desired)

  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric

  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • Black pepper, to taste

Mix-Ins

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • ½ cup shredded carrots

  • ½ cup dried cherries or cranberries

  • ¼ cup red onion, diced

  • ⅓ cup cilantro, chopped

  • ⅓ cup parsley, chopped

Maple Cayenne Cashews

  • ¾ cup raw cashews

  • ½ tablespoon maple syrup

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Cook Quinoa

  • Bring quinoa and water to a boil

  • Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes

  • Remove from heat, fluff, and let steam 5–10 minutes

2. Add Base Ingredients

  • Stir in chickpeas, peas, oil, ginger, spices, salt, and pepper

3. Add Mix-Ins

  • Mix in bell pepper, carrots, dried fruit, onion, cilantro, and parsley

4. Make Cashews

  • Toast cashews in skillet for 4–6 minutes

  • Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup, cayenne, and salt

  • Spread out to cool

5. Finish

  • Top salad with cashews just before serving

Easy Quinoa Caprese Salad

Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Recipe found on: thefamilyfoodkitchen.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Quinoa Caprese Salad is fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor. It combines the classic caprese ingredients with quinoa for a more filling, nutrient-dense meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa

  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 1½ lbs cherry tomatoes, chopped

  • 1 lb fresh mozzarella

  • ½ cup fresh basil

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook Quinoa

  • Rinse quinoa thoroughly

  • Add to saucepan with 2 cups water

  • Bring to a boil, then simmer ~15 minutes

  • Remove from heat, cover, and let steam 5 minutes

  • Allow to cool

2. Make Dressing

  • Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper

3. Assemble Salad

  • Add tomatoes and mozzarella to a large bowl or platter

  • Scatter cooled quinoa over the top

4. Finish

  • Drizzle with dressing

  • Top with fresh basil

  • Season to taste

Rainbow Chicken Salad with Almond Honey Mustard Dressing

Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Recipe found on: pinchofyum.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Chicken Berry Almond Salad is fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor. Juicy chicken, sweet fruit, crunchy almonds, and creamy feta come together with a rich almond honey mustard dressing.

Ingredients

Salad

  • 2 teaspoons butter

  • 8 oz chicken breast, cut into pieces

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon pepper

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 2 cups grapes, halved

  • 1 cup blueberries

  • 3 cups lettuce, chopped

  • ½ cup feta cheese

  • ½ cup almonds, chopped

Almond Honey Mustard Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons almond butter

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

  • 3 tablespoons water

  • 1 tablespoon stone ground mustard

  • ½ tablespoon raw honey

  • ¼ teaspoon salt (more to taste)

  • 1 clove garlic

Instructions

1. Cook Chicken

  • Heat butter in skillet over medium-high

  • Season chicken with salt, pepper, and chili powder

  • Cook until golden and fully cooked

  • Set aside and cool

2. Prep Salad

  • Chop fruits and lettuce

  • Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces

3. Assemble

  • Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl

  • Toss or layer as desired

4. Make Dressing

  • Blend all dressing ingredients until smooth

  • Adjust to taste

5. Finish

  • Pour dressing over salad and serve

Healthy Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad - Whole30 & Paleo

Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Recipe found on: wholekitchensink.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad is a fresh, crunchy, flavor-packed dish with a healthy twist. It’s inspired by a classic potluck favorite—but made without sugary dressing or processed ingredients.

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs

  • 4 green onions (or ½ red onion, finely diced)

  • 1 small green cabbage, thinly sliced

  • 2 cups carrots, shredded or matchstick

  • 1 cup sliced almonds

  • 1 can mandarin oranges (no added sugar or syrup)

  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds

  • 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds

Dressing

  • ⅓ cup coconut aminos

  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil

  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

  • 2 tablespoons minced ginger

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Make Dressing

  • Combine all dressing ingredients in a bowl

2. Marinate Chicken

  • Add chicken + 3–4 tablespoons dressing to a bag

  • Marinate for 30 minutes

3. Cook Chicken

  • Cook in skillet over medium heat 6–8 minutes per side
    (or grill)

  • Let cool, then chop

4. Build Salad

  • Add all salad ingredients (except dressing + chicken) to a large bowl

5. Combine

  • Add chopped chicken

  • Toss with dressing

Sweet Potato Quinoa Black Bean Salad

Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Recipe found on: wellplated.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Roasted Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad is hearty, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. With roasted veggies, plant-based protein, and a zesty lime dressing, it’s ideal for meal prep or a satisfying lunch.

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1¼ lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • 1 large red onion, chopped

  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1½ cups cooked quinoa

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 bell pepper, diced

  • ¾ cup cilantro, chopped

Lime Dressing

  • Zest and juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons juice)

  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • Remaining 3 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Roast Vegetables

  • Preheat oven to 400°F

  • Toss sweet potatoes + onion with 1 tablespoon butter + spices + salt

  • Spread in single layer

  • Roast 25 minutes, flipping halfway

2. Prepare Quinoa

  • Cook quinoa if needed

  • Set aside

3. Make Dressing

  • Whisk together:

    • melted butter

    • lime juice + zest

    • maple syrup

    • garlic

4. Assemble Salad

  • In large bowl, combine:

    • quinoa

    • black beans

    • bell pepper

    • cilantro

    • roasted veggies

5. Finish

  • Pour dressing over salad

  • Toss and serve warm or chilled

Low Carb Chicken Cobb Salad

Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Recipe found on: lifemadeketo.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Low Carb Chicken Cobb Salad is loaded with classic flavors—crispy bacon, creamy avocado, juicy chicken, and a simple, tangy vinaigrette. It’s a filling, nutrient-dense meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or gatherings.

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1–2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 avocados, sliced or chopped

  • 4 cups mixed greens, chopped

  • 3 hard-boiled eggs, sliced

  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (optional)

  • ½ cucumber, sliced or chopped

  • ½ cup feta or blue cheese, crumbled

Vinaigrette

  • 3–4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate Chicken

  • Add chicken, salt, pepper, vinegar, and garlic powder to a bag

  • Marinate at least 30 minutes

2. Cook Eggs

  • Bring water to a boil

  • Remove from heat and let eggs sit 15 minutes

  • Transfer to ice bath 8–10 minutes

  • Peel and slice

3. Cook Chicken

  • Grill or cook in skillet over medium-high heat

  • Cook 4–5 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F

  • Let rest, then slice

4. Make Dressing

  • Whisk all vinaigrette ingredients together

5. Assemble Salad

  • Add greens to a large bowl

  • Top with:

    • chicken

    • eggs

    • avocado

    • bacon

    • tomatoes

    • cucumber

    • cheese

  • Drizzle dressing right before serving

Greek Yogurt Coleslaw

Prep Time: 40 minutes (includes chill time)
Servings: 6

Recipe found on: foolproofliving.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Greek Yogurt Coleslaw is a lighter, healthier take on the classic. It’s creamy, crunchy, and full of fresh flavor—without the heavy mayo.

Ingredients

Coleslaw

  • 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced

  • 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced

  • 1 cup carrots, grated

  • 3 scallions, sliced

  • 1 cup parsley, chopped

Greek Yogurt Dressing

  • ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt

  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon celery seed

  • 1½ teaspoons salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prep Vegetables

  • Add cabbage, carrots, and scallions to a large bowl

2. Make Dressing

  • Whisk together all dressing ingredients

  • Taste and adjust seasoning

3. Combine

  • Pour dressing over vegetables

  • Toss until evenly coated

4. Finish

  • Garnish with parsley

5. Chill (Recommended)

  • Refrigerate 30 minutes to 3 hours for best flavor

Avocado Black Bean Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Recipe found on: thetoastykitchen.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Avocado Black Bean Salad is fresh, simple, and packed with flavor. With a bright lime vinaigrette and nutrient-dense ingredients, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or summer side dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 lime (zest + juice)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 30 oz black beans, drained & rinsed

  • 2 avocados, chopped

  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 small red onion, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. Make Dressing

  • Whisk together:

    • lime zest + juice

    • olive oil

    • salt

    • cayenne pepper

2. Combine

  • Add black beans, avocado, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro to a bowl

3. Toss

  • Pour dressing over salad

  • Mix gently to combine

4. Serve

  • Serve immediately or chill before serving

Mediterranean Bean Salad

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Recipe found on: cookieandkate.com
Click photo for full recipe.

This Mediterranean Bean Salad is fresh, crisp, and incredibly satisfying. Packed with beans, herbs, and a bright lemon dressing, it’s a simple, nutrient-dense dish perfect for meal prep or a healthy side.

Ingredients

Salad

  • 2 cans (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed & drained

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed & drained

  • 1 small red onion, diced

  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

  • 1 cucumber, diced

  • ¾ cup parsley, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons dill or mint, chopped

Lemon Dressing

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • ¼ cup lemon juice

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • ¾ teaspoon salt

  • Pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Combine Salad

  • Add beans, onion, celery, cucumber, parsley, and herbs to a large bowl

2. Make Dressing

  • Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes

3. Toss

  • Pour dressing over salad

  • Mix until well combined

4. Serve

  • Serve immediately or

  • Chill for a few hours to enhance flavor