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Healthy Salads in 45 Minutes or Less

June 12, 2017
Photo: Caitlin Bensel
Our fast family salads are ready in less than an hour, so you can serve delicious and nutritious meals and still spend time with those who matter most.
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1 of 9

Summer Salmon Niçoise Salad

Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Summer Salmon Niçoise Salad

Time: 35 minutes

Favor It: A crisp, colorful main-dish salad is just the kind of simple, vibrant, hot-weather food we love. You can sub steak or chicken for salmon.

Serve with Parsley-and-Dill Potatoes

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2 of 9

Greek Chopped Salad with Grilled Pita

Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Greek Chopped Salad with Grilled Pita

We take the extra step of grilling the bell peppers along with the pita wedges to add a big of char and smoky depth to the salad. You could also broil the peppers in the oven until blackened and peel them, and then toast the pita until browned.

3 of 9

Black and Blue Steak Salad

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Black and Blue Steak Salad

Time: 30 minutes

Make Ahead: Grill the steak and cook the sweet potatoes a day or two ahead. Reheat the potatoes while you assemble the salad.

Serve with Mini Baked Sweet Potatoes

This gastropub favorite usually features a heaping portion of steak, butter-yellow croutons, and a blanket of creamy dressing. Our more balanced version includes avocado and a vinaigrette that complements the vegetables instead of disguising them. A little meat goes a long way: just 12 ounces is plenty to serve 4.

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Grilled Lemon Chicken Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Grilled Lemon Chicken Salad

Juicy Fruit: If you've never thrown fresh lemons on the grill, try it: The slight char makes them juicier and intensifies their tartness.

Serve with Orzo and Herb Pilaf

5 of 9

Grilled Balsamic Chicken Salad with Spiced Pecans

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Grilled Balsamic Chicken Salad

Time: 25 minutes

Get Ahead: Grill the chicken and make the spiced pecans in advance. Change up the greens, fruit, and dressing for fast lunches.

Serve with Blue Cheese Toasts

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Pesto Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Time: 25 minutes

Batch It: Squash is mostly water; it will steam if there is too much in the pan. Cook in batches for crisp-tender, lightly browned pieces.

Serve with Sautéed Summer Squash with Thyme and Almonds

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7 of 9

Kale and Beet Salad with Salmon

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Kale and Beet Salad with Salmon

Time: 35 minutes

Simple Sub: Canned salmon is an inexpensive, sustainable seafood option. Sub canned albacore tuna or 2 cooked salmon fillets.

Serve with Herbed Goat Cheese Garlic Toasts

8 of 9

Fresh Pea, Prosciutto, and Herb Salad

Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Fresh Pea, Prosciutto, and Herb Salad

Time: 25 minutes

Layer Up: Build the salad on large slices of ripe tomato for a main that looks and feels more substantial.

Serve with Lentil Tapenade Crostini

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