But since salads are filled with good-for-you veggies, they can be an important meal to add to your rotation. So how do you stop seeing salad as dietary punishment? You rethink them! With the right ingredients, they can be a downright delight.
Leave the basic iceberg lettuce, shredded carrots and fat-free dressing at the door–these protein-packed salads are in a different stratosphere.
Quinoa Spinach Power Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette
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You've probably heard all the buzz about quinoa. Not only is it an ideal plant-based protein source, but it's also gluten-free. It stars in this can't-beat salad that's refreshing, simple to throw together and packed with summer flavors.
Edamame Chickpea Power Salad
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If you need a salad that will keep you full for hours, look no further. With edamame and chickpeas teaming up to provide plenty of satisfying protein, you won't have to worry about your stomach growling in that afternoon meeting.
Southwestern Kale Power Salad
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Sweet potatoes, spiced with cumin, smoked paprika and salt, make a tasty appearance in this colorful salad that also contains black beans and massaged kale. Note that this salad keeps well, so you can even use it as a meal prep recipe.
Salmon Salad Power Veggie Bowls
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This option is part salad, part veggie bowl thanks to the sautéed summer squash and zucchini added to your typical bed of greens. Don't forget about the tasty grilled salmon on top.
Moroccan Chickpea Quinoa Power Salad
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With chopped pistachios, scallions, dates and raisins, this Moroccan-inspired salad is a mix of different textures and crunch. Chickpeas provide the protein, but you can also add meat for an extra punch.
Strawberry Chicken Spinach Power Salad
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Adding a fresh fruit to your salad can make it extra refreshing and fun. This spinach-based salad throws in sweet strawberries to balance out the savory chicken, and we're not complaining.
Rainbow Power Kale Salad With Peanut Dijon Dressing
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Color is the name of the game here. You have purple, green, yellow, orange, red–all in one delicious salad bowl topped with a homemade peanut dressing that adds just enough of a savory, salty kick.
Honey Walnut Power Salad
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With grapes, walnuts, bulgur and honey, this is the perfect salad to throw in the mix when you're starting to get bored. The unexpected flavors combine well, and the extra dose of brain-healthy fats (thanks to the walnuts) will help you feel satisfied.
Israeli Couscous Salad With Broccoli, Chickpeas, and Pesto
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Adding pasta to a salad is one way to have your cake and eat it too, and couscous is a wonderful, healthy option. With plenty of broccoli and pesto, you won't be hurting for greens either.
Chopped Kale Power Salad
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Think of this salad as Old Faithful. It's got all your basic healthy ingredients, but it adds avocado, sweet potatoes and chickpeas to up the ante. It's a perfect go-to meal for a busy week.
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