Top 10 healthiest salads
Discover our top healthy salad recipes, including high-protein, low-carb and vegetarian salad ideas to try for lunch or dinner
Serving up a big bowl of fresh, crunchy salad is a great way to get your nutrients. Not only can you easily hit your five-a-day, with a few clever additions, you can top up your protein and fibre intake, too.
For vegans and vegetarians, avocado is a wise choice as it's packed with healthy fats, and a sprinkling of nuts or seeds can increase the plant-based protein. If you're happy to have meat or fish, lean chicken and tinned tuna are quick, easy and healthy ingredients to go for.
Below, find our top 10 healthiest salad recipes then check out the health benefits of lentils, avocado, olive oil and tomatoes. For more ideas, have a look at our salad ideas for dinner, warm salad recipes and chicken salad recipes.
1. Healthy salad
Crunchy chopped salad
Everyone needs a good chopped green salad recipe in their repertoire. You can easily add cold leftover chicken, cooked fish, feta, halloumi or tofu – as well as any cooked grains. Top with seeds and pomegranate seeds for extra crunch.
2. High-protein salad
Chicken satay salad
Try this no-fuss salad for a filling lunch or dinner. It's high in protein, thanks to the marinated chicken breasts and punchy peanut satay dressing.
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3. Low-calorie salad
Tuna, asparagus & white bean salad
This rustic salad calls for only eight ingredients, most of which you may already have in your kitchen. It's low in calories and fat, and packs up well for lunch. If asparagus isn't in season, you could use cooked and cooled green beans instead.
4. Healthy vegan salad
Vegan roast spiced squash salad with tahini dressing
Roast butternut squash with smoked paprika until it becomes sweet and smoky, then add to this nutrient-rich salad. It's super filling and a great source of plant-based protein, thanks to the quinoa and beans. It's delicious cold the next day, too.
5. High-fibre salad
Giant couscous salad with charred veg & tangy pesto
Beetroot is rich in folate, iron and a chemical called betalain, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The roasted tomatoes and red onion lend a sweetness to this wonderful dish. The zingy coriander pesto dressing makes this a next-level salad.
6. Healthy vegetarian salad
Peanut lime salad
Make this punchy peanut and lime salad to enjoy with cooked cubes of paneer or tofu. It's flavoured with fragrant curry leaves (available in big supermarkets) and bulked out with potato and rice, so you're guaranteed to feel satisfied. You’ll be making it again and again.
7. Healthy gluten-free salad
Lentil & tuna salad
Throw together this easy, no-cook lentil and tuna salad for a speedy and healthy lunch or supper. It takes just 15 minutes to make – ideal for busy days. You could serve alongside some dressed green leaves, if you like.
8. Low-carb salad
Epic summer salad
Perfect for barbecues and buffets, our epic salad is an assembly job of gorgeous ingredients – no cooking required. It's low in carbs and salt, too. For an impressive summer feast, serve with lamb kebabs.
9. Low-salt salad
Celery salad
This herby celery and bulgur wheat salad will keep in the fridge for a few days - it's a great healthy lunch to have on hand. The contrast of toasted nuts and sweet apple complements really well, and means you get a good dose of healthy fats.
10. Low-sugar salad
Chickpea salad
Use a touch of harissa to liven up a this easy chickpea salad. It's low in calories, takes just 10 minutes to whip up and makes an ideal side dish for cooked lamb. Alternatively, top with crumbled feta and serve with tzatziki.
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