Salad recipes

Light salmon mousse made with canned and smoked salmon, Greek yogurt, ginger, and whipped egg whites, served with a grapefruit-walnut oil salad. An elegant British-style starter.

Jumbo prawns butterflied and stuffed with a garlic-coriander-chicken paste, then grilled on skewers until bright orange. Served with a tangy sweet-sour cucumber salad on the side.

Vintage Midwest Jell-O salad with lime gelatin, sour cream, crushed pineapple, pecans, and maraschino cherries. No baking required. Set, slice into squares, and top with whipped cream.

Pickled shallots in red wine vinegar with bay leaf and thyme. Crunchy, rosy-pink no-cook refrigerator pickle that brightens salads, sandwiches, and cheese boards.

Toasted country bread brushed with olive oil and oven-toasted until golden, the base for bruschetta and tomato salad toasts. Two ingredients, restaurant-quality crunch.

Pickled red beets in a sweet brown sugar and vinegar brine. Old-school canning recipe that yields jewel-toned jars perfect for sandwiches, salads, and holiday relish trays.

A no-cook marinated string bean salad with mushrooms, cucumber, cauliflower, and pimentos in a tangy champagne vinegar dressing. Make ahead, fat-free, perfect for picnics and potlucks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tuna pita pockets stuffed with creamy yogurt-mustard tuna salad, fresh dill, crisp celery, lettuce, and tomato. A light, mayo-free lunch ready in 10 minutes.

Black-eyed pea and crab salad with bacon, roasted peppers, and fresh herbs in a bright vinaigrette. A Stephan Pyles-style Southwestern recipe served on gorditas or crisp tortillas.

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.

Itch pilaf is a no-cook Armenian bulgur salad soaked in tomato sauce, brightened with lemon, paprika, and fresh parsley. A cousin of tabbouleh, ready in 15 minutes with zero stove time.

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.