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No rabbit food here — just healthy salads with bold flavors and real nourishment!
🌞 Why Summer Salads Deserve the Spotlight
Summer is officially on — which means it’s hot, the kids are wild, and meals need to be fresh, nourishing, and fast. When the weather’s blazing and life’s busy, I lean hard into healthy summer salads that actually hit the spot. I’m talking colorful, crave-worthy bowls full of whole food ingredients that leave you feeling energized — not hungry again in 20 minutes.
🥗 Real Meals, Not Side Thoughts
These are the go-to salads we pull out for backyard dinners, BBQs, and those evenings where dinner needs to happen now (but you still want to feel good after). They’re great as mains, satisfying sides, or even packed up for picnics and potlucks. And yes — most are totally plant-based and kid-adaptable, because no one has time for a separate meal just because someone “doesn’t like green things touching.”
🌱 Omnivore-Friendly with Plant-Based Options
Some of these recipes include protein pairings like grilled chicken or fish — but I always include vegan swaps and plant-based alternatives that stand up on their own. So whether you’re feeding a mixed crowd or just easing into more plant-forward meals, these recipes flex with your lifestyle.
Grilled Cajun Chicken Salad with Cilantro, Lime & Avocado
Healthy, whole food grilled Cajun Chicken Salad recipe with video! Great recipe for general health, weight loss, and kicking off your spring / summer grilling!
The Italian Dense Bean Salad combines cannellini beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and giardiniera for a tangy, protein-rich dish. Tossed with parsley, herbs, and olive oil, it’s perfect for meal prep, staying fresh for 3-5 days. Each serving offers around 10g of protein, making it a flavorful and nutritious option.
This tangy Grilled Veggie Antipast-a Salad is an incredible addition to your grilled entrees! It’s also vegetarian and would be great to support your endurance nutrition or general health. It is balanced with a good dose of carbs, healthy fats, veggies, and plant-based protein.
Traditional Mexican Street Corn salad doesn't have tomatoes and avocado, therefore I called this "healthfully loaded". It is creamy, packed with fresh flavors, and so easy to make. And bonus – your kids will love it too!
This red potato broccoli vegan salad is an easy, tasty, and nutritious alternative than traditional potato salad. It is a great side to bring to a party or to make as a side for a picnic!
This refreshing Mediterranean bean salad is packed with chickpeas, cannellini beans, lentils, and fresh herbs, making it a hearty, high-protein meal prep staple.
Sometimes a party salad just doesn't do it without all the fixin's! Therefore, this broccoli salad still includes cheddar and bacon, but is made lighter to greatly reduce the guilt. You and your party guests won't know the difference!
Salmon Kale Salad with Lemon Cracked Black Pepper Vinaigrette
My Salmon Kale Salad is made with the best whole-food ingredients, that will support your body and help you feel satisfied and energized. Not to mention my incredible Lemon Black Pepper Vinaigrette, a creamy and light dressing that can turn even the saddest salads happy.
This unique Cherry Gorgonzola Salad is one of my favorite salad recipes. Juicy cherries along with creamy gorgonzola are a match made in heaven! 😇 And the almonds give a crunchy element to the mix!
Light, zesty, and Mexican-inspired: my Spicy Quinoa Salad 🥗 is the perfect compromise between enjoyment and nourishment! Indeed, this quinoa black beans salad is high in plant-based proteins (around 12 grams in just one serving), fiber, iron and vitamin C. All essential for strengthening our immune system and boosting our overall health!
Check out this fresh and unique Watermelon Shrimp Avocado Salad – like ceviche but with steamed shrimp! A simple and healthy Summer salad recipe, perfect for those hot days!
Say goodbye to boring salads! My Creamy Tuna Chickpea Salad with Yogurt Dill Dressing is crisp, creamy, and utterly delicious: are you ready to try it?!
Spring is here: what's better than an earthy and nourishing Cold Broccoli Salad for your Easter picnic? Easy and quick to make, this healthy salad is enriched with a flavorful and creamy Pear Vinaigrette, made with pureed pear, vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and honey. 🍯
Hi, I’m Caitlin Rogers — Certified Precision Nutrition Coach, whole food plant-based recipe creator, and mom of five (yes, it’s a full house!). I help busy women nourish their bodies, boost their energy, and support their wellness with real-life tools and recipes that actually fit into real life — no extremes, no judgment, just good food and better days.
