Salad recipes

Asparagus and crabmeat salad layers crisp-tender spears over butter lettuce, crowned with sweet lump crab folded into a tomato-Dijon mayonnaise. Elegant cold appetizer or light lunch that comes together in minutes with make-ahead dressing.

Crunchy Thai chicken salad with crispy wonton strips, bean sprouts, and peanuts tossed in a zesty lime-fish sauce dressing with fresh mint, basil, and lemongrass.

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.

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.

Peppery mozzarella salad with beefsteak tomatoes, avocado, and shallots in a crushed green peppercorn and lemon dressing. Marinated one hour for bold flavor.

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

A tropical fruit salad of papaya, kiwi, starfruit, and strawberries tossed in a spicy jalapeno-lime-cilantro dressing. Sweet, tangy heat in every bite.

Cranberry fruit salad jello mold with raspberry gelatin, cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, walnuts, and orange juice. Classic holiday potluck dish, makes ahead easily.

Authentic German potato salad with diced apple, hard-boiled eggs, spicy mustard, and pickle juice in a creamy dressing. Best when chilled overnight for fully developed flavors.

Microwave taco salad with hot Italian sausage, green chilies, and Monterey Jack over crisp lettuce and tomatoes. Single-person dinner ready in 20 minutes start to finish.

Pear and parsnip salad with blanched parsnips, fanned fresh pear slices, green onions, and a light honey yogurt dressing. A low-fat, elegant side for fall and winter.

Orange jicama salad over butter lettuce with red onion, fresh cilantro, and a bright orange juice and white wine vinegar dressing. A crisp, no-cook Mexican side that comes together in 25 minutes.

Smoked potato salad with cold smoked potatoes, celery, green onion, capers, and lemon mayo. A smoky, briny twist on the classic picnic side dish.

Warm rice and barley salad with shrimp, butter-toasted almonds, raisins, and a Dijon vinaigrette. A hearty grain salad cooked entirely in the microwave and served on lettuce.

4 Bean salad dressed with honey and cider vinegar.

A colorful five-bean salad with green beans, lima beans, kidney beans, wax beans, and chickpeas tossed in a tangy sweet vinegar dressing with green pepper, celery, and green onions. Best made overnight.