Salad recipes

Spaghetti squash salad with mushrooms and Parmesan: roasted squash strands tossed with garlic olive oil, sauteed mushrooms, and fresh parsley. Low-carb, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, 45 minutes start to finish.

Fresh Mediterranean tomato salad with cucumber, black olives, mint, parsley, and a simple lemon-olive oil dressing. A crisp, herbaceous no-cook side dish ready in 15 minutes.

Sweet potato salad with crushed pineapple, green peas, and fresh parsley tossed in creamy dressing. A no-cook vegetarian side dish ready in 15 minutes.

Warm cheese tortellini salad with broccoli, Havarti cubes, roasted red peppers, and Dijon vinaigrette. A quick, cheesy Italian pasta salad ready in 30 minutes.

Salmon salad platter with marinated broccoli, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and cucumbers on mixed greens. Dressed with a light tarragon yogurt dressing made from the broccoli marinade.

I love this salad, simple and easy, a good accompaniment for a meat dish.

Baja chicken pasta salad pairs poached chicken breast and orzo with crunchy jicama, dried fruit, and a chile-spiked mayo-sour cream dressing. Sweet-savory chilled salad with a Southwest twist for picnics or weekday lunches.

Pasta primavera salad with tri-color rotini, broccoli, carrots, cherry tomatoes, and red onion tossed in peppercorn ranch dressing. A colorful, make-ahead cold pasta salad for potlucks.

Hot German potato salad with bacon, vinegar dressing, and a sweet-tangy sauce. Topped with broiled hot dogs for a one-pan supper. Wisconsin-Midwestern classic.

Greek potato salad with a creamy yogurt-feta dressing, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, oregano, and rosemary. A lighter Mediterranean twist on potato salad with no mayonnaise.

Grilled okra salad with charred pods tossed with tomato, onion and white wine vinegar. Simple Southern-style summer salad ready in 15 minutes.

Lentil fatta salad with soft-cooked lentils, cubed pita bread, scallions, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil. A warm Middle Eastern salad with hearty texture.

Crunchy ramen chicken salad with shredded cabbage, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and a tangy soy-vinegar dressing made from the ramen seasoning packets.

Steamed winter vegetables tossed in a warm orange, maple, and ginger glaze with toasted sesame seeds. Carrots, parsnips, broccoli stems, and cauliflower served hot or at room temperature.

Chili taco salad: spicy chicken chili with kidney beans and chickpeas piled on tortilla chips with lettuce, tomato, jack cheese, sour cream, olives, and jalapenos.

Gingered beet salad with a warm miso, sesame seed, and fresh ginger dressing tossed over boiled beets. An earthy, umami-rich side dish with Japanese-inspired flavors.