5 Super Easy 5-Ingredient Salad Recipes

Salads are truly the perfect meal — they’re low in calories, high in nutrients, and easy to make. If you want to incorporate more salads into your diet, here are 5 super easy 5-ingredient salad recipes to try:

1. ZUCCHINI PEA PASTA SALAD

This hearty salad combines whole wheat pasta with fresh zucchini, basil and peas.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces whole wheat pasta
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 3 medium zucchinis
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 teaspoons grated lemon rind
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves

Directions:

• Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the instructions on the package
• Add frozen peas for the last 5 minutes
• Drain and cool for 10 minutes
• Place the pasta and peas in a bowl
• Shave zucchini into ribbons
• Heat a skillet on medium heat
• Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds
• Throw in the zucchini, and cook for 1 minute
• Add the zucchini mixture to the pasta mixture in the bowl
• In a cup, combine the lemon rind, lemon juice, remaining olive oil, and salt and pepper
• Drizzle over pasta salad and sprinkle with basil

2. CUCUMBER GREEK SALAD

This low-carb Mediterranean salad consists of a cornucopia of healthy veggies.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber, sliced and halved
• 3 cups of pearl tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegarette
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions:

• Slice up the cucumber and place it in a large bowl
• halve the pearl tomatoes and add to the bowl
• Dice up the red onion and place in the bowl
• In a cup, mix together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• Drizzle over the vegetables
• Add the crumbled feta cheese
• Mix all ingredients together

3. WATERMELON VEGETABLE SALAD

This refreshing summery salad combines watermelon with cucumber and mint.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
• 2 cucumbers, sliced
• 6 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, minced
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Directions:

• Cube the watermelon and place in a bowl
• Slice up the cucumbers and green onion, placing in the bowl
• In a cup, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and olive oil
• Drizzle on the salad
• Toss with fresh mint, salt, and pepper

4. BRUSSELS SPROUT WALNUT SALAD

This ultra healthy salad combines shaved Brussels sprouts with Romano cheese and heart healthy walnuts.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 6 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
• 1 lemon
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Directions:

• Use an adjustable blade slicer to thinly slice Brussels sprouts in a bowl
• On a cutting board, coarsely chop up the walnuts
• Add the walnuts to the bowl
• Grate the Romano cheese over the salad
• Halve the lemon and squeeze its juice on the salad
• Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• Toss until combined

5. GRILLED SALMON GRAPEFRUIT SALAD

This vitamin-c packed salad is rich in protein and essential fatty acids.

Ingredients:

• 2 6-ounce salmon fillets
• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 8 cups mixed baby salad greens
• 1 24-ounce jar grapefruit sections, drained
• Favorite dressing of choice
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• Cooking spray

Directions:

• Start the grill
• Sprinkle salt and pepper on the salmon fillets
• Coat fillet and chopped onion with cooking spray
• Place the salmon and onion on the grill
• Cover and grill 5 minutes on each side or until salmon flakes
• Onion should be tender
• Break the salmon into chunks
• Place baby greens in a bowl
• Add the salmon chunks and diced onion
• Combine the salad with grapefruit sections
• Drizzle with your favorite salad dressing

1. “5-Ingredient Salad Recipes,” Cooking Light, n.d.
2. “5-Ingredient Salad Recipes,” Taste of Home, n.d.
3. “5-Ingredient Salad Recipes,” Whole Foods, n.d.