Sarra Ina Garten green salad recipes prove that a great salad starts with great greens. These 11 picks range from crisp kale with Parmesan to warm goat cheese over mixed greens, with plenty of arugula-based bowls in between.
1. Kale Salad
Lacinato kale tossed in a punchy lemon-Dijon dressing with minced garlic, grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil. Massaging the leaves makes them tender and silky instead of tough. Ready in about 10 minutes with no cooking at all.
2. Salad With Warm Goat Cheese
Pan-crisped goat cheese rounds coated in golden breadcrumbs sit on a bed of mixed greens dressed in a tangy red wine vinegar and honey vinaigrette. Rich, creamy cheese against crisp, cool greens makes every bite count. Done in about 25 minutes.
3. Pomegranate Salad
Jewel-toned pomegranate seeds scattered over mixed greens with crumbled feta and toasted walnuts. A bright lemon-Dijon dressing with a touch of honey brings sweetness and tang together. No cooking needed and ready in about 13 minutes.
4. Cape Cod Salad
Crisp Granny Smith apple, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese piled on mixed greens. An orange juice and cider vinegar dressing adds a bright, tangy layer to every forkful. Comes together in about 15 minutes.
5. Roasted Beet Salad
Oven-roasted beets layered over arugula with crumbled goat cheese and toasted walnuts. A balsamic-honey-orange vinaigrette adds sweetness and warmth to the earthy flavors. Ready in about an hour, with most of that time hands-off in the oven.
6. Roasted Carrot Salad
Honey-glazed roasted carrots served warm over a bed of arugula with crumbled goat cheese. White wine vinegar and Dijon mustard in the dressing add a sharp, tangy contrast. Done in about 40 minutes.
7. Artichoke Salad
Marinated artichoke hearts quartered and tossed with arugula, shaved Parmesan, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar. Savory, briny, and bright all at once. Ready in 10 minutes with no cooking whatsoever.
8. Feta Watermelon Salad
Sweet watermelon cubes mixed with baby arugula, crumbled feta, fresh mint, and thinly sliced red onion. A lime and olive oil dressing makes it tangy and refreshing. Done in 10 minutes and ideal for warm weather.
9. Waldorf Salad
Chopped apples, celery, halved grapes, and toasted walnuts tossed in a creamy mayo-lemon dressing and served on Bibb lettuce leaves. Crunchy, creamy, and lightly sweet in every bite. Ready in about 15 minutes.
10. Lemon Chicken Salad
Garlic-rubbed chicken breasts roasted with lemon juice and olive oil, then sliced over a bed of fresh arugula with shaved Parmesan. Juicy, savory chicken on peppery greens with a bright citrus kick. Ready in about 40 minutes.
11. Avocado Grapefruit Salad
Sliced ripe avocado paired with fresh grapefruit segments and a tangy lemon-Dijon vinaigrette over mixed greens. Creamy, citrusy, and light with a pleasant bitter edge from the grapefruit. Comes together in 15 minutes.
