Flexitarianism is an increasingly popular lifestyle, combining the best of vegetarian and meat-eating into a balanced diet. If you’re looking to introduce more plant-based foods into your meals without giving up your favorite meats entirely, then flexitarianism could be the perfect fit for you.
Salads are a great way to get started, as they’re easy to prepare and full of good-for-you ingredients. Here are ten delicious and healthy flexitarian salads that will have you feeling your best in no time!
Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables – Roast a medley of vegetables such as sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and red onions. Mix cooked quinoa with the roasted vegetables and top with a lemon vinaigrette.
Spinach and Berry Salad – Toss together baby spinach, chopped strawberries, blackberries, goat cheese, and sliced almonds. Serve with a balsamic vinaigrette.
Chickpea and Avocado Salad – Mix together canned chickpeas, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese. Drizzle with a lemon-garlic dressing.
Grilled Chicken and Veggie Salad – Grill chicken breast and asparagus, then arrange on a bed of mixed greens with sliced tomatoes and cucumbers. Dress with your favorite vinaigrette.
Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese and Roasted Beets – Cook lentils and marinate them in a mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Roast beets in the oven and slice them into cubes. Mix the lentils and beets with crumbled goat cheese and serve on a bed of arugula.
Caprese Salad with Arugula – Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes on a bed of arugula. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.
Southwest Quinoa Salad – Mix cooked quinoa with black beans, corn, diced red pepper, and avocado. Dress with a chili-lime vinaigrette.
Greek Salad with Grilled Shrimp – Toss together sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Top with grilled shrimp and serve with a lemon-oregano vinaigrette.
Thai Chicken Salad – Mix cooked chicken breast with shredded carrots, sliced bell pepper, chopped peanuts, and cilantro. Dress with a spicy peanut sauce.
Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese – Roast beets in the oven and slice them into cubes. Mix with chopped walnuts and crumbled goat cheese, then serve on a bed of mixed greens dressed with a honey-balsamic vinaigrette.
Making the switch to a flexitarian lifestyle can be an easy and delicious way to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet. With these ten creative and healthy salads, you’ll have no shortage of ideas for nutritious meals that fit all your dietary needs. Enjoy!