Salad recipes

Minted peaches and melons is a fresh summer fruit salad of ripe peaches and cantaloupe in a light orange-lemon dressing, finished with chopped mint and toasted almonds. No cooking, and easy to make ahead.

Pineapple-pear mold is a light, refreshing gelatin salad made with orange juice, crushed pineapple, and sliced pears. A retro potluck classic with no added sugar.

Sweet potato phoenix nests deep-fried between two sieves into crispy, golden lattice bowls. Just 3 ingredients and a stunning presentation for stir-fries or salads.

Homemade tahini from scratch with just toasted sesame seeds and oil. Smooth, nutty paste for hummus, baba ganoush, salad dressings, and Middle Eastern cooking. Keeps for months in the fridge.

Two-layer molded gelatin salad with lime Jell-O and cucumber on the bottom and a cranberry-cabbage layer on top. Vintage chilled appetizer with retro charm.

Peanut butter dressing stirs chunky peanut butter with dark corn syrup and milk into a thick, sweet drizzle for fresh fruit salads. Three ingredients, five minutes, kid-approved.

Penne alla malefemmina, a no-cook Southern Italian pasta sauce of raw tomatoes, kalamata olives, capers, and garlic marinated in olive oil. Tossed with hot pasta or served cold as pasta salad.

Classic poppy seed dressing with sugar, dry mustard, vinegar, onion juice, and oil beaten thick. Sweet, tangy, and studded with crunchy seeds. A staple for fruit and spinach salads.

Pasta Mexicali is a cold penne salad loaded with black beans, cannellini, corn, red pepper, and cilantro in a cumin-cayenne vinaigrette. Vegetarian, protein-packed potluck stunner.

No-cook summer couscous salad with fresh and sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, mint, coriander, parsley, and garlic in olive oil. A light, herby Mediterranean side dish.

Pineapple cheese mold layers sugar-free orange Jell-O with cottage cheese, yogurt, and crushed pineapple for a creamy, light retro gelatin salad. A church potluck classic.

Toasted crab rolls with a mayo-bound crab salad, melted cheese, and crispy bacon on split dinner rolls. A quick open-faced seafood sandwich baked until bubbly.

Toasted hazelnut vinaigrette with lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of sugar. A light, nutty salad dressing with only 6 ingredients, ready in 15 minutes.

Soba noodle and cucumber salad with daikon sprouts and seared ahi tuna. A cold Japanese-style noodle plate finished with chile oil drizzle. Light, fresh, restaurant-style.

Vegan tofu cottage cheese mashes firm tofu with oil, vinegar, dill, soy sauce, and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cottage cheese substitute. Five minutes to make, perfect for salads, toast, or veggie sandwiches.

Light raspberry vinaigrette made with raspberry vinegar and orange juice instead of oil. A fat-free, fruity salad dressing that comes together in 5 minutes with just 4 ingredients.