I used to dread figuring out what to bring for lunch every day. While there are microwaves at my workplace, I prefer to not carry my hot lunch container down the hallway to my office. I usually walk during my scheduled lunch time and then eat at my desk. Since I’m also trying to eat healthier, salads are a good option. Although my husband, who helps prepare my lunch in the morning may not agree, as he’s the one who preps the lettuce each morning for me (chopping, rinsing and spinning it in the salad spinner). However, he knows how much I look forward to lunch when I have one of these salads, so he continues to help me out! Although I’ve tried many different lunch recipes and salads, the four salads below are my favorites and are on a weekly rotation.
Falafel Salad – My favorite salad from Chop’t (the salad chain) was the Kebab Cobb Salad with Falafel. Sadly, they stopped making it. While it was delicious, my wallet is happy not spending the hefty price tag for it. I don’t have an actual recipe, but I’ve done my best to recreate it.
I start with a base of chopped romaine lettuce. Then I add cooked falafel (my quick go-to is the Trader Joe’s frozen falafel), halved grape tomatoes, crumbled feta, red onion (pickled red onion instead, if I’m feeling motivated to make them) and then I bring a bag of crushed pita chips to top the salad with, right before eating. I enjoy the nice crunch and flavor they give. Dressing-wise I like to use this Marzetti dressing when I can find it. Otherwise, I’ll use this Bolthouse dressing.
Caprese Salad – This is another salad without a real recipe. I start with chopped romaine and add fresh mozzarella cubes, halved cherry tomatoes, some red onion and cooked chik’n tenders (I don’t eat meat so I use the Beyond Chicken Tenders or Gardein Chik’n Tenders). Sometimes I’ll also add avocado and/or bring a bag of croutons. I bring a container of Ken’s Honey Balsamic dressing (which is my favorite balsamic!).
Orzo Salad with Grapes, Arugula and Feta – This recipe is from the food blog Two Peas & Their Pod. I pre-make the orzo and then assemble this salad each morning. Some changes that I make are: I buy salad dressing. Ken’s Honey Balsamic is my favorite. I pack the dressing separately and pour on right before eating. I also do not make the candied pecans and instead use the Emerald brand bagged glazed walnuts. I love the combo of salty from the feta with the sweet of the grapes, candied walnuts and balsamic dressing.
Mango Mandarin Sesame Chicken Salad – This is a take on the Shrimp Salad from the Creme de la Crumb food blog. Since I usually also make a salad for my daughter’s lunch and she doesn’t eat shrimp, I substitute it with the Beyond or Gardein Chik’n Tenders. This is one of the salads that takes the most time to prep since there’s so much “stuff.” But it’s so good! It has mango, canned mandarin oranges, chopped red pepper, edamame and avocado. I do not make the dressing (do you sense a pattern here?! LOL!). Instead, I buy either the Panera Bread Asian Sesame Dressing or Ken’s Asian Sesame dressing. I also add a handful of chow mein noodles on top for crunch and texture.
Which of these salads will you be making? What is your favorite lunch salad? I’d love some new suggestions!
These all sound SO good!