Healthy Salads

I find that people who don't regularly eat salad typically don't have the experience of enjoying one that's rich and varied enough to be a satisfying, stand alone meal.

If this describes you, I hope that the salad making tips found below are helpful in making world-class, nutrient-rich salads a regular part of your day.

My wife surprised me with this delicious salad one night after a fun evening of playing tennis. It's best when tomatoes and sweet corn are in season, but it's still highly satisfying when made with frozen corn that's been steamed or boiled.

This filling salad is rich in folate (folic acid), manganese, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1, healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, and lycopene.

If you're looking for a delicious and filling vegetable that is naturally abundant in antioxidants, look no further than the humble sweet potato.

Sweet potatoes are rich in a number of micronutrients, the most prominent of which are vitamin C and beta-carotene; both are powerful antioxidants that can significantly decrease your risk of experiencing cardiovascular disease, including diabetes, and various types of cancer, including colon cancer.

I learned this recipe from a similar version that was presented in an issue of GOOP, a newsletter put out by actress Gwyneth Paltrow.

Rich in cancer-fighting carotenoids and healthy doses of plant protein, iron, folate, and fiber, this succulent sweet potato and lentil salad is well worth trying.

Few herbs pack the same health-promoting punch that fresh cilantro does. Also called coriander in some parts of the world, fresh cilantro is thought to support blood sugar-regulating mechanisms and gastrointestinal health.

On days when I feel like having an all-raw and relatively light meal, I turn to some type of salad with a handful of raw nuts. Yesterday, I found a recipe for baby spinach salad with pecans and Bosc pear in a wonderful raw foods cookbook called Living Cuisine. I tweaked the recipe a bit, taking into account the ingredients that we had on hand in our kitchen, and proceeded to have a truly memorable salad meal.

If you enjoy healthy salads that provide a number of contrasting textures and flavors, I encourage you to give the following recipe a try. Did I mention that it's really good for your health? It's rich in calcium, iron, folate, healthy fatty acids, healthy protein, and complex carbohydrates, including fiber.

I'm constantly on the lookout for recipes that call for raw red beets, as these root vegetables contain a variety of nutrients that can help prevent heart disease and certain types of cancer, especially colon cancer.

If you're looking to include foods in your diet that can help to promote and maintain strong and steady blood flow through your circulatory system, give this simple and delicious fig, citrus, and romaine lettuce salad recipe a try.

This salad recipe is rich in a variety of minerals, including calcium and phosphorus, making it good fuel for the development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones.

Sardines are naturally plentiful in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which are also needed in your system to support your teeth and bones.

This salad brings together a rich blend of antioxidants, easy-to-digest protein, and cucumbers that make it cool and refreshing for after a workout or on a hot day.

Be sure to dry the berries before combining them with the dressing ingredients.

Please note: although most people who cannot tolerate dairy products tend to have no problems digesting small amounts of cottage cheese, if you are apprehensive about including any amount of dairy in your diet, this recipe is just as good without the cottage cheese. The combination of balsamic vinegar and lime juice really seems to enhance the natural flavors of the berries.