Salad recipes

Italian bean and pasta salad with anasazi beans, spinach spaghetti, fresh vegetables, and a lemon-herb dressing. A no-cook, protein-packed side that improves as it chills.

Easy carrot salad with shredded carrots, fresh herbs, scallions, and a bright lemon-and-safflower-oil dressing. A 15-minute vegan side that brings color and crunch to any plate.

Mixed greens tossed with homemade balsamic vinaigrette made from shallots, fresh basil, and extra-virgin olive oil, then topped with grape tomatoes and yellow bell pepper strips.

Quick rotini pasta salad tossed with mozzarella, mixed vegetables, and a herbed mayo dressing scented with oregano and basil. A 15-minute lunchbox-friendly side that holds up cold.

French-style steak salad with grilled flank steak, lemon-sauteed mushrooms, and red onion marinated in a herb vinaigrette with chervil, basil, and thyme.

Asparagus shrimp salad with herb dressing marinates plump shrimp and crisp-tender spears in a vinaigrette sharp with basil, oregano, and chervil. Cool, make-ahead salad served over lettuce with diced tomato and Monterey Jack.

Tri-pasta salad combines ziti, bow-tie, and spinach rotini with tri-color peppers, olives, and capers in a no-oil herbed red wine vinaigrette. Colorful, tangy, and low-fat for picnics and potlucks.

Caprese salad: fresh mozzarella and ripe summer tomatoes layered with torn basil, dressed with red wine vinegar and good olive oil. The Italian classic that proves three ingredients are sometimes enough.

Marinated cucumber and red bell pepper salad: crisp cucumber, sweet pepper, and slippery bean thread noodles tossed in Italian dressing and basil, chilled until they soak up the tang. A light, make-ahead salad.

Tomato salad with basil buttermilk dressing made from two cups of fresh basil blended with buttermilk, green onions, and mayonnaise. A creamy, herb-packed summer side for peak-season ripe tomatoes.

Pasta salad with marinated artichoke hearts, alfalfa sprouts, black olives, and red wine vinegar dressing. A fresh, oil-free Italian-style cold pasta salad with vegetables.

Bright colors make salads more appealing and give you a different taste you can't get enough of!

Tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad (insalata caprese) with thick-sliced ripe tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, fresh basil strips, and a drizzle of olive oil. Five ingredients, 15 minutes, Italian perfection.

French country potato salad with turkey strips, green beans, and fresh herbs, drizzled with Italian dressing. A warm, lighter take on potato salad.

A good combination, and very quick and easy to make!

French green salad with butter lettuce, spinach, and sauteed shiitake mushrooms in a lemon-Dijon vinaigrette topped with fresh basil. An elegant, earthy side salad.