5 easy & healthy salad recipes for lunchtime

Salads are one of my favorite things to bring to lunch, but they can get boring after a while, especially if you always use the same combinations of vegetables & dressing. And, if you don’t add any protein or other toppings, this potentially nutrient dense meal can be much less filling & satisfying. We need good fuel at lunchtime to power through our afternoons, which means whatever we choose for lunch needs to be a balanced, healthy meal.

These five salad recipes are some of my personal favorites. They are packed with flavor & nutrients for a satisfying & delicious meal that you’ll want to have again & again.

Apple Walnut Salad

One of the most delicious ways to spice up your salad is to add fresh fruits & nuts. This Apple Walnut Salad is a delicious medley of fruits, vegetables & nuts that create a tasty medley on your tongue with every bite.

Makes: 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups mixed spring greens
  • 1/4 cup blackberries
  • 1/2 apple, sliced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cucumber, sliced
  • 2 tbsp walnuts, chopped
  • 1 tbsp paleo jam (I love Wellbees strawberry jam)
  • 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • sea salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Toss mixed spring greens, blackberries, apple slices, red bell pepper, & cucumber slices in a bowl. Top with chopped walnuts.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together paleo jam, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, orange juice, extra-virgin olive oil, & sea salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  3. Drizzle dressing over salad & enjoy!

Thank you Carlsbad Cravings for the delicious recipe inspiration!

Vegan Caesar Salad

This delicious Caesar salad recipe is made without anchovies & topped with a vegan Parmesan cheese! It is honestly the best salad I have ever had.

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:

For the croutons:

  • 3 slices sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Caesar Dressing:

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 tsp drained capers
  • 1/2 tbsp ground black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 cup avocado mayonnaise (or vegan mayonnaise for a completely vegan recipe)

For the Vegan Parmesan:

  • 1 1/3 cups unsalted roasted cashews
  • 2/3 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 tbsp sea salt

For the salad:

  • Romaine lettuce, chopped
  • Mixed greens, chopped
  • Fresh avocado, sliced

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a large bowl, toss together bread cubes, olive oil & sea salt. Spread on a prepared baking sheet & cook for 15 minutes or until beginning to brown.
  2. In the bowl of a food processor, combine cashews, nutritional yeast & sea salt. Pulse until crumbly & resembles Parmesan cheese.
  3. In the bowl of a food processor, combine capers, black pepper, mayonnaise, mustard, & garlic cloves. Pulse until combined & garlic is completely minced.
  4. Prepare plates with a mix of romaine lettuce & mixed greens. Top with sliced avocado, Caesar dressing, vegan Parmesan, & croutons.
  5. Enjoy!

Note: I topped my salad with shrimp for a little extra protein. Feel free to top with your favorite protein or eat as is for a completely vegan recipe.

Thank you Pure Wow for the delicious recipe inspiration!

Fresh Summer Salad

This salad is fresh & summery, the perfect meal for a hot day.

Makes: 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 cups romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 peach, sliced
  • 1 ear cooked corn, corn shaved off the cob
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 6 large shrimp, thawed if frozen
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp pure maple syrup

Directions:

  1. Spray a pan with cooking spray. Cook shrimp over medium heat until pink & cooked through.
  2. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, & maple syrup.
  3. Top lettuce with peach slices, shaved corn kernels, carrot slices, & shrimp. Drizzle with dressing.
  4. Enjoy!

Antioxidant-Boost Salad

This delicious, vibrant salad is full of antioxidants thanks to the almonds, strawberry & veggies, & the shrimp add some extra protein to give you energy all afternoon.

Makes: 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 cups romaine lettuce
  • 7 strawberries, sliced
  • 2 tbsp sliced almonds
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 6 large shrimp, thawed if frozen
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp pure maple syrup

Directions:

  1. Spray a pan with cooking spray. Cook shrimp over medium heat until pink & cooked through.
  2. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, & pure maple syrup.
  3. Top romaine lettuce with strawberries, almonds, carrot slices, & shrimp. Drizzle with dressing.
  4. Enjoy!

Harvest Salad

This harvest salad is a delicious & filling lunch bursting with fall flavor. The recipe is vegan, but you can add your favorite protein, if desired.

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups brussels sprouts
  • 4 cups diced acorn squash
  • 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups chopped kale
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
  • 5 tbsp tahini
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 4 tbsp water, to thin dressing
  • salt, to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F & prepare a baking sheet with foil & cooking spray. Cut the ends off the Brussels sprouts & discard; then cut the sprouts in half. Toss Brussels sprouts halves & chopped acorn squash with olive oil & salt & pepper, to taste. Spread evenly on the baking sheet & roast for 30 minutes, or until tender.
  2. Whisk together tahini, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, water, & salt, to taste.
  3. Top kale with roasted veggies, pomegranate arils, chopped walnuts, & dried cranberries. Drizzle with dressing.
  4. Enjoy!

Thank you Running On Real Food for the delicious recipe inspiration!

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20+ healthy spring recipes made with fresh produce

Photo by Jessica Ruscello on Unsplash

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy a product after clicking a link, I may earn a commission off of that purchase.

Spring is in the air, & that means it’s time for delicious spring produce!

Spring is the perfect time to start a healthy lifestyle. While the world outside is beginning to grow once again, you can commit to growth in your own life. With the weather outside getting warmer, there’s no better time to get out & start moving! And there are lots of spring fruits & vegetables that taste delicious & are beneficial for your health.

Look below for over 20 healthy spring recipes that can help you achieve your goals & have fun while doing it!

Breakfast

Berry Chia Overnight Oats

Photo from Pinch of Yum

Have you heard of overnight oats? This delicious dish is so easy to make, & it’s prepared the night before, so it’s an easy grab-and-go breakfast for busy mornings! Check out this delicious recipe made with fresh or frozen berries from Pinch of Yum. It has chia seeds for extra fiber, & you can sweeten it with pure maple syrup or another natural sweetener, if needed, to keep it healthy.

Asparagus & Fontina Quiche

Photo by Amy Neunsinger from Magnolia Table

Quiche is my absolute favorite breakfast food. I love the savory taste paired with the perfect cheeses & vegetables, &, of course, the buttery, flakey crust. This quiche recipe from Pure Wow was created by Joanna Gaines, the home improvement guru, & it does not disappoint. However, feel free to play around with the vegetables & cheeses added for different flavors!

One-Pan Eggs with Asparagus & Tomatoes

Photo by Liz Andrew/Styled by Erin McDowell

If you don’t have the energy or time to make a quiche in the morning, try this easy egg dish from Pure Wow that’s made with fresh asparagus & tomatoes. It’s a simple way to get in a balanced breakfast of protein & veggies.

Squash & Squash Blossom Frittata

Photo by Gentl & Hyers from Open Kitchen

For an even healthier, gluten-free alternative to quiche, try this Squash & Squash Blossom Frittata from Pure Wow. It’s a low-carb, high-protein dish made with lots of vegetables, including zucchini, squash blossoms, tomatoes, & scallions.

Honeyed Ricotta Toast with Berries

Photo from Breakfast for Dinner

Last but not least, if you’re in a big rush in the morning, try this easy toast recipe from Breakfast for Dinner that’s both savory & sweet. It has ricotta cheese for some much-needed protein, & it’s topped with delicious, fresh berries & honey to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Lunch

Rainbow Roll-Ups with Peanut Sauce

Photo from Pinch of Yum

Are you ready to detox your body after a long winter? Try this delicious Rainbow Roll-Ups recipe from Pinch of Yum. They are packed with fresh vegetables, & the sweet & salty peanut sauce is dreamy & delicious.

Kiwi Strawberry Spring Rolls with Honey Lime Dipping Sauce

Photo from A Sweet Pea Chef

This bright & delicious spring roll recipe from A Sweet Pea Chef highlights all of the wonderful fruits of the season. It’s a fun & inventive way to get in your serving of fruits for the day.

Shaved Spring Vegetable & Apple Salad with Ginger-Dijon Dressing

Photo by Kirsten Buck from Buck Naked Kitchen

Salad doesn’t have to be boring. This spring vegetable & apple salad from Pure Wow has tons of fresh vegetables you normally wouldn’t expect to taste raw, but they taste so delicious that way! The ginger-dijon dressing really pulls the dish together with a fun, Asian twist. Leave the recipe vegetarian, or add your favorite protein for a more filling lunch.

Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Strawberries

Photo by Gentl & Hyers from Open Kitchen

Put an Asian spin on your traditional pasta salad with this cold soba noodle salad recipe from Pure Wow. It adds a fresh touch of spring by adding cucumber, strawberries, fresh mint, & cilantro. What really makes it pop is the spicy Asian dressing – you’re going to love it!

Asparagus Caesar Salad

Photo by Liz Andrew/Styled by Erin McDowell

Forget boring Caesar salad! Try this fun spring recipe from Pure Wow that uses fresh asparagus in place of the lettuce. That’s right – this recipe has no leafy greens! It’s a fun twist on the traditional salad that is going to delight your taste buds.

Dinner

Salmon Burgers with Slaw

Photo from Pinch of Yum

This easy burgers recipe from Pinch of Yum uses canned salmon, eggs, & breadcrumbs (gluten-free alternative here) to create patties that are simple to make but taste delicious. The slaw is made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a higher protein & lower fat content than the traditional dish.

Skillet Bruschetta Chicken & Asparagus

Photo from Evolving Table

If you’re in the mood for some light Italian fare, try this delicious & easy bruschetta chicken recipe from Evolving Table. Instead of putting the tomato mixture on top of bread, it’s served on top of the chicken for a high-protein, zero-carb alternative. The bright asparagus is a delicious finishing touch that helps make this a filling but still low-carb meal.

Seared Ahi Tuna with Sesame Green Beans

Photo from Jessica Gavin

This bright & beautiful Asian dish from Jessica Gavin just screams spring. It’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. The ahi tuna is rich in protein & omega-3 fatty acids, & the sesame green beans are fully of nutrients such as Vitamin C, folate, & vitamin K.

Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

The chicken tacos with pineapple salsa that I made for dinner a few weeks ago – I used gluten-free tortillas for a low-FODMAP alternative

This chicken tacos recipe from Jessica Gavin is a current favorite in my house. The tart & sweet pineapple salsa recipe is so refreshing, & the chicken is cooked to a succulent perfection. Warming the tortillas in the pan at the end is the delicious secret to this tasty, balanced dish.

One Pot 15-Minute Pasta Limone

Photo by Liz Andrew/Styled by Erin McDowell

Sometimes, we all just need some comfort food. If you’re in the need of some pasta, try this Pasta Limone recipe from Pure Wow. Instead of topping the noodles with marinara or Alfredo sauce, it uses fresh lemon & basil. It’s a bright & delicious dish that’s still hits the spot.

Snacks

Fruit Pizza Crackers

Photo from Homemade Ginger

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, try these Fruit Pizza Crackers from Homemade Ginger. You can use your favorite crispbread or crackers (use gluten-free if needed), & experiment with your favorite berries or other fruits for different, tasty variations.

Banana Sushi

Photo from My Fussy Eater

This Banana Sushi recipe from My Fussy Easter is a super fun snack for kids & adults. Slice your banana to look like little sushi rolls, & then top the slices with your favorite toppings. If you’re looking for something healthier, antioxidant-rich dark chocolate & fiber-rich chia seeds are a great idea, or try nut butter & shredded coconut for some healthy fats & protein.

Desserts

Fruit Pizza

Photo from Life Made Sweeter

Make fresh spring fruits the star of the show with this Fruit Pizza recipe from Life Made Sweeter. You can top it with the recommended fruits, or use your favorites. The crust is made with oats for a gluten-free & fiber-rich alternative, & the “sauce” is made from Greek yogurt, which adds protein to the dish.

Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Photo from Spoonful of Flavor

I love lemon! I will choose a lemon dessert before anything else on any dessert table – hands down. These Lemon Cheesecake Bars from Spoonful of Flavor are the perfect balance of tart & sweet, & the Greek yogurt & cream cheese filling has extra protein, making this a delicious, healthy dessert.

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Photo from Well Plated

The first fruit I think of when I think about spring is strawberries. I remember going strawberry picking when I was little & coming home to make delicious cobbler. These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars from Well Plated are made with whole wheat flour & old-fashioned oats for a fiber-rich dessert that’s just as sweet as the one from your childhood. The powdered sugar glaze is completely optional, but you can add it for a sweeter dish.

Lemon & Poppyseed Cake with Blueberry Glaze

Photo from Ana’s Baking Chronicles

Blueberries & lemon are a match made in heaven. This lemon poppyseed cake from Ana’s Baking Chronicles has a delicious, tart, lemon-y punch that’s balanced by the sweet blueberry jam & glaze for a delightfully balanced dessert. It’s the perfect treat for a lovely spring occasion.


No matter where you are in your health journey, I hope you found some recipes that inspired you. Cooking with fresh ingredients is a simple way to get more nutrients into your diet, & it’s a big step towards a healthier lifestyle. The bright & beautiful flavors of spring are a delicious way to eat healthy without even realizing it!

What are some of your favorite spring recipes? Leave me a comment below!

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Healthy recipes to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. If you buy a product after clicking a link, I may earn a commission off of that purchase.

St. Patrick’s Day is almost here! 

Traditionally, this would be the time for sodium-rich corned beef & cabbage, carb-laden colcannon potatoes, artificially dyed green desserts (see a natural alternative here), & multiple pints of beer. And while this is a perfectly fine way to celebrate on occasion, if you are currently trying to tackle some health & fitness goals for summer, or if you are just looking to make some healthier meals for your family, this may not be the ideal choice.

If you are looking for some healthier but still festive alternatives, check out this round-up of delicious St. Patrick’s-themed recipes, so you can still have fun & feel good.

Breakfast

Green Eggs & Ham Mini Frittatas from Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

Photo from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

These mini frittatas are a delicious, high-protein, low-carb choice for breakfast. They are easy to make, & you can use different ingredients to customize them for the flavor you want.

Green Smoothie Bowl from Recipes from a Pantry

Photo from Recipes from a Pantry by Bintu

This vegan smoothie recipe uses matcha to get the desirable green color. Matcha has a number of health benefits – it’s a rich source of antioxidants, & it can promote good heart, brain & liver health. This smoothie recipe is also free of added sugars; it is sweetened with fruit & date syrup, one of my new favorite, natural sweeteners.  

Kale Kefir Pancakes from Tin & Thyme

Photo from Tin & Thyme

Sneak some veggies into your breakfast with this Kale Kefir Pancake recipe. If you don’t have kefir, substitute buttermilk (you can make your own by adding 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk & letting it sit for 5 minutes). These pancakes are gluten-free as well – they use buckwheat flour & oats instead of all-purpose flour. This is a savory pancake recipe, but if you want something a little sweeter, take out the turmeric & add in some honey. Or, embrace the savory component & pair this recipe with salsa & eggs.

Lunch

Creamy Broccoli Soup from Hungry Healthy Happy

Photo from Hungry Healthy Happy

This soup is so indulgently creamy, but it’s packed with vegetables, making it a delicious but still nutritious choice for lunch. Enjoy it alone for a light meal, or pair it with a small salad and/or crusty bread for a more filling lunch.

St. Patrick’s Day Bento Box from Little Passports

Photo from Little Passports

This bento box is too cute, & it has all the healthy foods you need for a balanced meal, plus a fun little treat. Instead of using cream cheese, spread hummus between the spinach tortillas for a higher-protein choice.

Green St. Patrick’s Day Lunch from Stuffed Suitcase

Photo from Stuffed Suitcase

Pair lots of green foods together for an overwhelmingly Irish-themed meal. Dye a hard boiled egg green, serve it with green tortilla chips & guacamole for dipping, & add in some sliced green vegetables & kiwi for snacking. 

Snacks

Shamrock Dippers with a Pot of Gold from Super Healthy Kids

Photo from Super Healthy Kids

This recipe uses real cheese to make the Pot of Gold dip, making it a much healthier choice than traditional queso from the store. The Shamrock Dippers are made from spinach tortillas, making it a simple but festive choice for chips. 

St. Patrick’s Day Snack Board from Eating with Elaine

Photo from Eating by Elaine

On most holidays, I find what people struggle most with is getting in enough fruits & vegetables. This snack board is absolutely adorable, & it’s packed with healthy fruits & veggies, so you can make sure you are getting in all your necessary servings for the day. 

Avocado Deviled Eggs from Little Family Adventure

Photo from Little Family Adventure

Instead of using mayonnaise & green food coloring, this deviled eggs recipe gets its creaminess & festive green color from avocados! It’s a recipe packed with protein & healthy fats.

Dinner

Pot o’ Gold Stuffed Peppers from Super Healthy Kids

Photo from Super Healthy Kids

The whole family is going to love this fun, festive dish. Yellow bell peppers are stuffed with ground turkey, brown rice, & tomatoes & topped with cheddar cheese to make the most delicious pot of gold you have ever seen!

Rainbow Bell Pepper Pizza from Super Healthy Kids

Photo from Super Healthy Kids

Rainbows are another theme of St. Patrick’s Day, & eating from the rainbow is another way to stay healthy. This Rainbow Bell Pepper Pizza is covered in vegetables, making it a delicious & nutritious choice for celebrating the holiday.

Easy Spinach Pesto from Super Healthy Kids

Photo from Super Healthy Kids

This pesto is made from fresh spinach, walnuts, & extra-virgin olive oil, making it a great choice of healthy fats & vegetables. Stir it into your favorite pasta (or zucchini pasta to keep the dish extra festive), add in some ground turkey for protein if you like, & pair it with your favorite crusty bread for a delicious meal.

Desserts

Chocolate Matcha Ice Cream Sandwiches from Nadia’s Healthy Kitchen

Photo from Nadia’s Healthy Kitchen

Matcha steals the show again in this delicious, raw & vegan ice cream sandwich recipe. The ice cream is made from coconut milk & sweetened with pure maple syrup, & the cookies are made from dates, cashews & cocoa powder, making it a delicious, lower-sugar recipe that everyone is sure to enjoy!

Keto St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookies from Veg Annie

Photo from Veg Annie

If you’re trying to keep your dessert low-carb, try these Keto sugar cookies. They are gluten-free & sweetened with sugar-free maple syrup. The green frosting is made from avocado, monk fruit sweetener, & butter. It’s a delicious, simple recipe that you can have fun making with the kids.

Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies from Bakerita

Photo from Bakerita

When I think of green desserts, I think of mint. These Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies are paleo & gluten-free, making them a healthy choice for anyone trying to stay away from processed foods. The layers of brownie, mint cream, & chocolate topping make this treat so indulgent, you won’t even miss the traditional sugar. 

I hope you all have a fun & festive St. Patrick’s Day! Remember, if the diet breaks for one day, all progress is not lost. Have fun & get back on track tomorrow. 

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