Life
11 Drama Queen Salads That Belong in the Spotlight
You know the salads you see in stock photos? They’re the sad-looking ones containing little more than a few leaves and some balsamic vinegar. You’ll find them cradled by women who seem to be smiling — but really, everyone knows they’re dying inside.
We are not making those salads. From steak to fried chicken, our salad fixings are bright and hearty enough to make these dishes worthy of your main course. Grab a fork — we’ve rounded up 11 gorgeous salads that deserve your dinnertime spotlight.
Image: How Sweet It Is
Avocado & Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon and avocado are made for each other. In this springtime salad from Joy the Baker, homemade croutons balance them out with a welcome crunch.
Image: Joy the Baker
Warm Spinach & Bacon
Who says salad has to be cold? Stick it to the man with this rich, warm plate from Brown Eyed Baker. An egg on top is this salad’s crown jewel.
Image: Brown Eyed Baker
Cobb
Everyone needs a classic cobb under her culinary belt. A Better Happier St Sebastian has your new go-to recipe.
Image: A Better Happier St. Sebastian
Bulgur & Cauliflower
Here’s one for the veggies: roasted cauliflower and wholesome bulgur make this salad a healthy weeknight recipe. Big Girls Small Kitchen recommends the genius addition of grilled halloumi for an even heartier meal.
Image: Big Girls Small Kitchen
Fennel, Prosciutto, & Pomegranate
This is pretty much the holy trinity of salad ingredients. Sweet bites of pomegranate seeds brighten up The Fromagette’s recipe.
Image: The Fromagette
Eggplant Caprese
The Comfort of Cooking is taking the caprese in a new direction: up!
Image: The Comfort of Cooking
Farro with Chicken Andouille & Shrimp
With Climbing Grier Mountain’s farro salad, you can have your protein and eat your grains, too. Leftovers pack well for a crave-worthy lunch the day after.
Image: Climbing Grier Mountain
Fried Chicken
Crispy fried chicken and tangy buttermilk dressing…this is the salad you always wish your mother would make. Plus, it’s got lettuce, so it’s totally healthy. Thanks, Big Girls Small Kitchen!
Image: Big Girls Small Kitchen
Sesame Noodle
Love and Lemons looks eastward for salad inspiration. Complete with sriracha, sesame oil, and soy sauce, the dressing is the star of this show.
Image: Love and Lemons
Warm Arugula, Quinoa, & Goat Cheese
Also on the warm salad bandwagon is Good Life Eats’ delectable quinoa salad. Sprinkled with crumbled goat cheese, it’s comfort on a plate.
Image: Good Life Eats
Thai Steak
We’re no stranger to steak salads, but How Sweet It Is kicks it up a notch with Thai-inspired flavors and a chili mango vinaigrette.
Image: How Sweet It Is
