Supper salads are the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you crave something delicious, nutritious, and easy to throw together. Today, I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite meal salads with you, packed with flavor, protein, and all the good stuff. These light and refreshing supper salads will quickly become a staple as they have for me!
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I remember the first time I made something similar to this recipe. It was a warm summer evening, and I was feeling utterly uninspired by the idea of cooking a heavy meal. I rummaged through my fridge and pantry, pulling out whatever looked interesting and fresh. The result was a surprisingly delicious and filling salad that hit all the right notes. It was so simple, yet satisfying, and has been a cherished part of my cooking ever since.
Why You Will Love This supper salads Recipe
This isn’t just any salad this is a vibrant celebration of flavors and textures. Imagine a bowl filled with crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and grilled chicken, all drizzled with a tangy homemade dressing. Sounds amazing, right?
What makes this recipe so special is its incredible versatility. You can easily adapt it to whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it a perfect way to use up leftovers. It’s also incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for those evenings when you’re short on time. These easy supper salads are a guaranteed crowd pleaser, and you’ll find yourself making them again and again.
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Ingredients Needed for This supper salads Recipe
*For the Salad:*
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
*For the Dressing:*
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
This dinner salad recipe allows for easy customization! Feel free to add chickpeas for added protein or substitute feta cheese with goat cheese.
How to Make This supper salads Recipe
- 1. Prepare the salad dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- 2. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, red bell pepper, red onion, and grilled chicken.
- 3. Dress the salad: Pour the salad dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- 4. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad. Serve immediately and enjoy the hearty salads.
How to Serve This supper salads Recipe
This salad is fantastic on its own as a complete meal, but it also pairs well with a variety of other dishes. Consider serving it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing.
For a complete meal, serve alongside a refreshing Margarita Recipe, or perhaps The Perfect Christmas Margarita Recipe if you’re looking for festive flair. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and flavor. It also holds up well as a base which allows for some freedom in incorporating any ingredients you already have on hand!
How to Store This supper salads Recipe
If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Refrigeration: Store undressed salad for up to 2 days. Dress only the portion you plan to eat immediately to prevent the greens from wilting.
- Freezing: Freezing isn’t recommended, as the lettuce and other fresh ingredients will become soggy.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary.
Tips to Make This supper salads Recipe
Want to take your supper salads game to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks to help you create the perfect salad every time:
- Ingredient swaps: Feel free to substitute any of the ingredients with your favorites. For example, you can use grilled shrimp or tofu instead of chicken, or add different types of vegetables like corn, carrots, or bell peppers.
- Success tips: Make sure to use fresh, high quality ingredients for the best flavor. Also, don’t overdress the salad, as this can make it soggy.
- Common mistakes to avoid: Avoid adding the dressing too far in advance, as this can cause the greens to wilt.
- Pro tips for best results: Grill the chicken right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Helpful Notes for This supper salads Recipe
- Ingredient details: Feel free to customize the dressing to your liking. You can add a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Equipment recommendations: A good quality salad spinner is essential for ensuring that your greens are dry, which will help the dressing adhere better.
- Using a high-quality olive oil can really elevate the taste of the dressing and your overall simple meal salads.
Variation of This supper salads Recipe
Want to spice things up a bit? Here are a few variations of this recipe to try:
- Seasonal twists: Add seasonal fruits and vegetables to the salad. For example, in the fall, you can add apples, cranberries, and walnuts.
- Optional versions: Instead of grilled chicken, try using smoked salmon or roasted chickpeas.
- Creative modifications: Add a grain like quinoa or farro to make the salad even more filling and nutritious. I typically find myself adding a can of chickpeas to any variety of this recipe for an additional protein boost as well. These hearty salads can always get a nutritional boost as your preference desires!
What exactly are supper salads?
Supper salads are substantial, meal-sized salads that are satisfying enough to be served as the main course for dinner. They typically include a mix of greens, vegetables, protein, and a flavorful dressing.
What are some good protein sources for supper salads?
Excellent protein sources for supper salads include grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, tofu, hard-boiled eggs, and quinoa. These additions help to keep you full and satisfied.
How can I meal prep supper salads in advance?
To meal prep supper salads, prepare and store each component separately. Chop vegetables, cook protein, and make dressing in advance, then assemble the salads just before serving to prevent wilting.
What kind of dressings go well with supper salads?
Many different dressings pair well, depending on the salad’s ingredients. Consider vinaigrettes, creamy dressings like ranch or blue cheese, or even a simple lemon-herb vinaigrette to elevate your supper salads.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy this delightful and refreshing take on supper salads as much as I do! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. And with its incredible versatility, you can easily adapt it to suit your own tastes and preferences.
So, go ahead give this recipe a try. Let me know in the comments below how it turns out and if you made any fun modifications. Happy cooking and happy salad making!
Supper Salads: 10 Easy Recipes for a Delicious Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A fresh and vibrant grilled chicken salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette, perfect for a quick and healthy supper.
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- nFor the Dressing:n1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the salad dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- 2. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, red bell pepper, red onion, and grilled chicken.
- 3. Dress the salad: Pour the salad dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- 4. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad. Serve immediately and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
