Salads get a bad rap for being boring, soggy, and not very filling. But it doesn’t have to be so! These five lettuce-less salads prove that ditching flimsy greens can actually lead to a heartier, more exciting dish. Plus, each of these salads allows interesting dressings, from kimchi vinaigrette to lemon basil vinaigrette, to really shine. Your salad era has officially arrived!
Chunky Avocado Salad with Kimchi Vinaigrette
Kimchi’s bright acidity and pleasant funk mean our go-to blender vinaigrette packs a major punch. Be sure to serve this salad shortly after dressing it so all the vegetables remain crispy and chilled!
Nectarine and Burrata Salad
Not only is this sweet, summery salad from Real Simple a great way to use up a lot of excess produce, but the pickled onions and vibrant nectarines make it a showstopping addition to any garden party or picnic table! Let the salad rest for 30 minutes in the fridge to really allow the flavors to bloom before serving.
Best Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh is a Middle Eastern dish made up of a hefty amount of herbs and cooked bulgur, which is a chewy cracked wheat grain. This recipe from Cookie and Kate is wonderful when eaten alone or alongside falafel, topping grilled chicken, scattered on flatbreads, or on the side with hummus.
Chopped Grilled Vegetable Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
Turn this healthy side dish from Plays Well with Butter into a main by tossing in chunks of pan-fried tofu or flaky salmon. Don’t be afraid to customize your veggie blend based on what’s currently available in your region!
Cornbread Panzanella Salad with Peaches, Chicken, and Tomatoes
To achieve the coveted crispy-gone-moist texture, serve this panzanella salad from Chatelaine 10 minutes after dressing, so the cornbread croutons have a few minutes to soak up the flavorful dressing.
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