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.

Southwestern corn salad: a no-cook tossed salad with sweet corn, kidney beans, bell peppers, scallions, and cilantro in a light salsa-chili dressing. Vegan, picnic-ready, and made in 10 minutes.

My version of Bobby Flay's very distinctive southwestern, egg-less potato salad from his restaurant, Mesa Grill. Make sure you pour the sauce over the potatoes while they're still warm to ensure the flavors soak in. This salad goes nicely with grilled meat, poultry or seafood.

The eggplant was seasoned with curry and chili powder, after roasting in the oven, it was full of flavor. I had lots of tomatoes, so I made a fresh salsa, also added some homemade chili sauce. The result was outstanding! Slightly spicy, mango added some fresh sweetness. Definitely a keeper!

Jicama, cucumber, and orange salad with lime juice, chili powder, and fresh mint. A crisp, refreshing Mexican-style fruit and vegetable salad served cold.

Mexican pasta salad with cumin-rubbed chicken breast, fettuccine, lime, cilantro, and fresh zucchini. A weeknight bowl that bridges Italian comfort and Tex-Mex brightness.

Three bean salad with chunky salsa-lime dressing, kidney, black, and chickpeas tossed with red pepper, scallion, and carrot. A protein-packed make-ahead picnic side.

Taco salad with crisp baked tortilla whiskers, seared steak glazed with cumin, cinnamon and vinegar, black beans, cheese and guacamole over shredded romaine. A lighter, restaurant-worthy taco salad in 20 minutes.

Mexican-style chicken potato salad tossed in a chili-lime-cumin mayo with fresh tomato salsa, cilantro, and jalapeños. A zesty, no-cook twist on classic potato salad.

Thai-style hot and sour vermicelli salad (yam wun sen) with mushrooms, garlic oil, lemon juice, and soy sauce. Vegetarian, light, and packed with texture.

A Korean stir-fried cucumber side dish (banchan) tossed in sesame oil, soy sauce, and chili powder. Quick, savory, and a refreshing change from raw cucumber salads.

Yam Wun Sen: Thai hot and sour glass noodle salad with button mushrooms, black fungus, carrot, and a bright lemon-soy-chili dressing. A vegetarian take on a Bangkok street classic.

Cold red beans and rice salad with cilantro, lime, cumin, and chili powder. Zesty Tex-Mex style make-ahead dish, great for picnics and meal prep.

White bean chili with turkey, tomatillos, green chiles, and a cilantro yogurt cream. A leaner Southwest twist on red chili that tastes even better the next day.

Seared tuna on leaf lettuce: quickly seared tuna over dressed greens with a warm pineapple-ginger-jalapeño salsa, finished with sizzled scallions in smoking olive oil. A restaurant-caliber composed salad for summer entertaining.

A crowd pleasing appetizer to take to any party or serve it with a Mexican Caesar salad for a meatless meal.