Side Dishes

The soft yolk of the poached egg becomes part of the salad dressing in this deliciously simple salad. Chop the egg and toss with the greens before eating, if desired. Sub in other sturdy, bitter salad greens, such as radicchio, endive and chicory.

Dressed with a tarragon vinaigrette, this makes a wonderfully refreshing light lunch or first course.

Serve these little “latkes” on a bed of greens for a delightful appetizer or lunch.

The Middle Eastern–inspired flavors of orange flower water and cinnamon pair well with raw carrots in this quick-and-easy salad.

This healthier version of the classic Waldorf salad has plenty of fresh parsley and a crisp, clean flavor.

A Middle Eastern classic, these little patties are made with garbanzo beans and fresh parsley. Serve with Lemon-Tahini Sauce (recipe below), chopped lettuce, tomatoes, feta cheese and whole-grain pita bread. Terrific for lunch.

This comforting dish combines the tangy, earthy tastes of pineapple juice, tamari, fresh gingerroot and sesame oil.

When portobello mushrooms are grilled, they develop a meaty flavor. In this vegetarian version of a steak salad, the heat of the grilled mushrooms slightly wilts the spinach. If you would rather use another salad green, cool the grilled mushroom slices to room temperature before tossing together.

This colorful salad bursts with flavor, thanks to nutty toasted coconut and a tangy lime vinaigrette. The spicy coconut cashews can be sprinkled on top of the salad or served on their own as a quick appetizer.

This light, energizing salad — infused with the fresh flavors of celery, tart apples and toasted pecans — makes a great snack or side. For more substance, add a shaving of Asiago or Manchego cheese.

Black beluga lentils are a perfect base for a quick, light salad. As an alternative to citrus, you can try other fruits, such as unsweetened dried apricots, raisins or dates.

A classic Indian dish of cauliflower and potatoes, Aloo Gobi has a complex base of spices and tomatoes. The turmeric gives the cauliflower a lovely yellow color and has many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. Serve with a cooling spinach raita or add shredded kale to the dish to get your greens.

This slaw can be made even more colorful by using purple or green cauliflower, and by substituting red apples for the green, or adding red cabbage into the mix. Sprinkle in some currants for more texture and flavor. Although a food processor with a grater attachment is helpful for preparing vegetables for this salad, you can use a hand grater or finely chop the vegetables by hand.