Salads

This classic Italian recipe replaces the traditional borlotti beans with edamame.

This protein-packed dish is spiked with red-wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard — and keeps in the fridge all week.

This savory recipe works for standard or baby bok choy — both are delicious and nutrient-dense!

The veggie flavors really shine in this salad, which can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to eight hours before serving.

This bright, savory salad will add a refreshing pop of color to your next potluck.

These greens topped with persimmons and pomegranate arils will give your meal some festive flair.

This is a fresh, tart slaw that pairs well with rich chicken, beef, and pork. It’s also tasty on an omelet. The pickled green peppercorns and capers are readily available from Italian or Mediterranean markets, but you can add any salty pickled item that appeals to you.

Zucchini is more than a ubiquitous plant that grows out of control in summer. Along with other summer squashes like yellow crookneck and pattypan, it’s a symbol of Mediterranean cooking. The tender textures and light flavors are inextricably linked to summer and sun.

This beautiful winter salad combines tart pomegranate with tangy citrus, rich avocado, and deep-dark leafy greens. Substitute arugula, endive, or baby kale greens for the spinach if you like. For a little extra crunch, sprinkle with a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans.

Packed with 45 varieties of antioxidant flavonoids, kale delivers outstanding amounts of brain-enhancing vitamin K (for memory), vitamin A (for learning), and vitamin C (for mood). The anthocyanins that give the sweet red grapes in this recipe their deep color are phenomenal antioxidants that may also enhance memory. The olive oil’s fat increases the bioavailability of kale’s fat-soluble nutrients.

On its own, balsamic vinegar can lack the acidic pop to make a good vinaigrette. I usually add a little red-wine vinegar to help balance the dressing. This dressing is incredibly versatile. Try using it as a marinade for chicken. 

By massaging the kale, you help break down some of the rigid plant-cell structure, which can be irritating to the gut when eaten raw. This also helps diminish the bitterness and toughness of the leaves.

Enjoy this colorful and flavorful salad from Danielle Walker!

This spring salad can morph with the seasons: Use cubes of fresh melon or diced tomatoes in the summer, or cubes of roasted squash in the fall or winter. You can also add a cup of diced chicken, smoked ham, or shrimp.

This flavorful grain salad works well as an entrée or a hearty side. For a vegetarian version, substitute some beans and extra veggies.