Salad recipes

This is my copycat of the popular salad sold at McDonald's. It's the only thing I eat off their menu and I was anxious to replicate it at home.

Sautéed chicken breast sliced thin over crisp romaine with homemade garlic croutons, Parmesan, and a from-scratch Caesar dressing made with anchovy paste and fresh lemon. A low-calorie salad that eats like a meal.

A classic German style potato salad that is served warm. Perfect for Octoberfest.

A light and healthy version of a creamy ranch salad dressing.

Originating from the Castle Restaurant, Olean, NY, this house salad dressing was particularly famous. The restaurant closed in the mid-1980's. The recipe was created by Chef Anthony Quirino Lentola in the 1950's.

Lean ground beef simmered in a spiced no-salt tomato sauce, served in crispy baked tortilla bowls on a bed of shredded lettuce with cherry tomatoes, carrots, and Parmesan. A lighter taco salad that doesn't skimp on flavor.

Gazpacho salad takes all the fresh vegetables from the classic cold soup and serves them chopped over lettuce with a tangy herb dressing. No cooking, no blender, just crisp tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers chilled until the flavors meld.

Three-bean salad tossed in a blended herb dressing with nutritional yeast and molasses creates a protein-packed vegan side for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep.

Lentil salad bulks up earthy brown lentils with bulgur wheat and soy grits, tossed with spinach in a tangy yogurt-mustard-lemon dressing. High-fiber vegan main or side.

Brown rice salad tossed with French dressing, water chestnuts, snow peas, mushrooms, and red bell pepper. A crunchy, make-ahead cold rice salad for potlucks and picnics.

A tangy kidney bean salad dressed in spiced non-fat yogurt with chili powder, cumin, and oregano. No cooking required. Serve over lettuce with cornbread for an easy Mexican-inspired lunch.

Mexican beef salad with seared round steak strips, hominy, olives, and Monterey Jack over lettuce and tomato in a cumin-oregano vinaigrette. A Tex-Mex taco-salad alternative.

Marinated mushroom salad with vinegar-poached mushrooms, blanched carrots, celery, and bell peppers dressed in oregano olive oil. A make-ahead antipasto-style cold salad.

Chicken and peach salad pairs diced cooked chicken with sweet peaches, sliced almonds, and a creamy sour-cream dressing. Stuff into a buttery croissant for an easy summer lunch sandwich.

California chicken salad with grilled chicken, sweet corn, asparagus, plum tomatoes, turkey bacon, and toasted pine nuts in honey-Dijon dressing. A bright West Coast main-course salad.

Hot potato and broccoli salad with a tangy lemon-basil oil dressing, garlic, scallions, and a kick of hot sauce. Mayo-free, picnic-friendly side that holds up at room temperature.