Making easy, healthy salads is a great way to enjoy a quick and nutritious meal, even when traveling. Whether you’re looking for something light for lunch or need a fast dinner idea, these salad recipes are perfect for busy days on the go. Packed with fresh ingredients, they’re simple to prepare and full of flavor, making healthy eating easy and delicious no matter where you are.
My Salad Making Experience
I used to dislike salads, but over time, I’ve learned they’re a great and healthy way to eat. When I was working, I often packed a big salad for lunch. It was a perfect way to fuel my body without feeling guilty about eating unhealthy food. After switching to a plant-based diet over 8 years ago, I started trying different salad recipes and even came up with my own.
One important lesson I learned is that a good salad dressing is key to making the salad taste great. I spent a lot of time searching for the perfect dressing because, as salad lovers know, the right dressing can make all the difference. Even though I found many delicious recipes, I discovered that making the dressing was often the trickiest and most time-consuming part of preparing a salad.
Transforming My Salads with Balsamic Vinegar
When I searched for salad dressings, I wanted something simple and convenient. That’s when a friend recommended California Balsamic Vinegar, and it completely changed the way I make salads. With just a splash of this vinegar, I could instantly add a tangy, delicious flavor without needing complicated ingredients.
What’s great about California Balsamic Vinegar is that it’s SOS-free—no salt, oil, or sugar—but it still tastes amazing. I love using their 7 Herb Italian Balsamic on my salads, but they also offer other flavors like Teriyaki and Sweet Heat. These vinegars are so versatile, perfect for salads or even stir-fried veggies.
Although they’re a bit pricey, I think they’re worth it. The quality and taste make every salad more enjoyable and much easier to prepare. I even carry these dressings with me when I travel, especially when I’m craving a healthy salad to prepare. Now, I use California Balsamic Vinegar in all my salad recipes to create quick, healthy, and flavorful salads.
Simple and Healthy Ideas
When I make a salad, I like to keep it simple and use whatever I have available. I usually start with fresh veggies like mixed greens, romaine lettuce, purple cabbage, and red onion. These give the salad a crunchy and flavorful base.
Next, I get creative with toppings. I love adding fruits like mangoes, melon, or berries for a touch of sweetness. For some richness and texture, I’ll throw in chopped nuts like walnuts or cashews, or even avocado slices. These toppings not only make the salad tastier but also add healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.
The great thing about salads is how versatile they are. You can mix and match ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen and what you like. Even though they’re light, salads can be filling and packed with nutrients. Whether you keep it simple or experiment with new ingredients, salads are an easy way to enjoy a healthy meal.
Simple and Fresh Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Start by preparing the base for your salad recipe. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens and chopped romaine lettuce. Add the shredded purple cabbage and thinly sliced red onion. Then, mix in the shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, chopped cucumbers, and steamed broccoli. Toss everything together until well combined.
For the toppings, sprinkle the diced melon or mango evenly over the salad base for a touch of sweetness. Add the berries for a juicy burst of flavor. Then, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or cashews for a satisfying crunch and healthy fats. Finally, top with the sliced avocado for a creamy texture.
Before serving, drizzle the dressing with California balsamic vinegar over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients. Sprinkle Everything but the Bagel Sesame seasoning on top and serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Quick and Customizable Salad Recipe
This salad recipe has become my go-to meal when I’m on the road. With the convenience of California balsamic vinegar, I can easily put together a healthy meal no matter where I travel. It’s healthy and delicious, making it the perfect choice for busy days or when I’m craving something fresh while traveling.
The best part is you can use any ingredients you prefer. Feel free to add steamed sweet potatoes, chickpeas, olives, or whatever you enjoy—the options are endless. It’s all about personalizing it to your taste. Whether you’re at home or on the go, this salad is always a quick, satisfying, and customizable meal.
Check out my other healthy salad recipes, like the Healthy Spicy Salad and Korean Rice Salad (Bibimbap). Both are tasty, nutritious, and easy to make!
