Have you ever found yourself standing in front of the fridge so hungry that you can’t even think. No? Well I have plenty of times. For those of you who are often in the same quandry I’ve put together a selection of easy (no measurements and infinitely customizable to use what you already have) make-ahead salads that will be ready to go when you are. Plus they’re perfect to pack up and take along to work, on a hike, to a picnic …
Note: if you’re looking for a Neutral or Vegetarian salad instead of a Protein salad just leave out the meat, cheese or egg. It won’t hurt these recipes at all. Infinitely customizable 🙂
Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad
Diced or sliced cucumber, green onion (both white and green parts), tossed with Trader Joes Spicy Peanut Vinegarette.
Optional Garnishes:
- toasted sesame seed
- toasted pumpkin seed
- toasted sunflower seed
- diced waterchestnut
- crumbled dried seaweed
- baked tofu
Ranch Coleslaw
Toss a bag of shredded coleslaw with any sugar-free ranch dressing. Add one or more of the following if you like:
- chicken or turkey
- shredded carrot
- sliced celery
- diced or shredded jicama
- diced or shredded zucchini
Orange Cucumber Salad
Diced or sliced cucumber dressed with Trader Joe’s Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegarette and tossed with one or more of the following:
- tomato
- bell pepper
- zucchini
- ham or proscutto
- radishes
Optional Garnishes:
- feta cheese
- green or red onion
- crumbled bacon
- diced hard-boiled egg
- olives
- toasted nuts: walnuts, pecans or almonds
- toasted seeds: sunflower, pumpkin or pine nuts
