When you think of weight loss, do you think of a bland bowl of salad?  I’m gonna be honest with y’all – salad and I have not always been on the best of terms.  I used to hate everything to do with lettuce (I thought they tasted like wet paper towels) and would avoid eating it at all costs.  How any human being could possibly ENJOY a salad?!  I have learned an important lesson that has turned me away from the dark side to the salad-eating side – YOU HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE SALAD DELICIOUS.  There are literally hundreds of salad recipes that prove this theory – salad recipes do not have to be a cookie-cutter, “salad-croutons-and-tomatoes” deal.  The right one can both nourish you and taste great at the same time!  Here are some fabulous weight-loss-friendly salads that make green taste great:

1.) Fruit, Avocado, and Feta Salad

This is anything BUT a cookie-cutter salad!  Measurements are up to you; if you want a sweeter salad, add more fruit!  If you want a little extra crunch, add more almonds!

• Salad
  • Lettuce or spinach
  • 1 apple, peeled and diced
  • Strawberries, sliced
  • Avocado, diced
  • Dried cranberries
  • Sliced green onions
  • Toasted sliced almonds
  • Crumbled feta

• 1. 1. Arrange all ingredients in a bowl.
• Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Salt and pepper (about 1/4 t. salt and fresh cracked pepper)

1. 1. 1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Toss salad with dressing right before serving to avoid sogginess!

2.) Strawberry Summer Salad

If you’re a big strawberry fan like me, you will love this salad recipe!

Yield: 4 servings

• Salad
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • 1 handful thin sliced red onion
  • 5 cups baby spinach leaves
  • 3 cups mixed greens
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds or pistachios
  • 1/4 cup feta or goat cheese crumbles (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Strawberry Vinaigrette

1. 1. 1. Slice off the tops of the strawberries, then slice them long-wise. Thinly slice the red onion. Wash the spinach and mixed greens if needed. Chop the pecans.
      2. Place greens on plates and top with all ingredients, then drizzle with the strawberry vinaigrette salad dressing (about 2 T per serving).

• Dressing
  • 1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1. 1. 1. Blend all ingredients together until smooth.

3.) Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette

I bet couscous doesn’t make it onto your table every day…let’s change that!

Yield: 6 servings

• Couscous Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad
  • 3/4 cup couscous
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
  • 1 14-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups baby spinach, cut into small pieces
  • 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 a red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped pistachios (optional)

• • 1. Cook couscous in 1 cup of water.  Fluff with fork and allow to cool.
    2. Place sweet potatoes in a skillet with about 1/2 cup water and a sprinkle of salt. Cover and simmer until fork-tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
    3. Toss all ingredients together with dressing, season with salt and pepper, and serve!

• Lime Basil Vinaigrette
  • 1 bunch of fresh basil (1/2 cup packed)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • Juice of 1–2 limes (to taste)
  • 1 clove garlic 
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup water, if needed

• • 1. Blend ingredients in food processor until semi-smooth.

4.) Steph’s Summer Salad

If fruits are in a salad, I am 100% more likely to eat it – this refreshing recipe has kiwi, apples, and mandarin oranges.  What’s not to love?!

Yield: 6-8 servings

• Dressing
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoon tarragon vinegar or white wine
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 4 teaspoons sugar
  • 4 teaspoons honey

1. 1. 1. Combine ingredients in blender until creamy.

• Salad
  • 1 bag (5 oz) Spring Mix lettuce
  • 1 gala apple, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 kiwis, halved and sliced
  • 1 small can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained and roughly chopped
  • 3 oz Craisins 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

1. 1. Combine salad ingredients in a large salad bowl
   2. Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Enjoy!

Recipe Links

Fruit, Avocado, and Feta Salad – The Girl Who Ate Everything

Strawberry Summer Salad – A Couple Cooks

Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette – Pinch of Yum

Steph’s Summer Salad – Taste and Tell