I’m not sure how the weather has been in your area. But here in California, I wish the weather would keep up with the calendar. We should be welcoming in spring, not having an extended winter. While I’m dreaming of warmer and slightly less wet spring days I decided to create a list of my favorite macro-friendly spring salads, like my favorite wedge salad. Check them out!
Arugula and Quinoa Waldorf Salad
This Arugula and Quinoa Waldorf Salad! Drizzled with a creamy orange basil vinaigrette? It’s crunchy, juicy, slightly salty, fruity… Such a winner for me!
I’m aware that a Waldorf doesn’t usually have tomatoes, and it does usually have grapes… pretty sure I’ve always had it with walnuts and not Marcona almonds… at best it’s a very LOOSE interpretation of the Waldorf. But that’s what I wanted when I made this so in my head it’s my macro-friendly Waldorf. Just go with me.
BBQ Salmon Salad
We love eating this BBQ salmon salad for a full meal at lunch or dinner…maybe even both. It’s that tasty! It’s also super zippy with the dressing which makes it feel like a bright spring day. I also like tossing in grain from time to time if I’m wanting a few more carbs. It ALWAYS makes this BBQ salmon salad more filling and delicious!
Wedge Salad with Creamy Blue Cheese
A wedge salad is so simple to throw together, and yet since I associate it with fancy steak houses, it always feels so fancy! This wedge salad with creamy blue cheese dressing is seriously one of our favorites. So simple, tasty, crisp, and of course, macro-friendly.
For the salad, you’ll of course need a crisp wedge of fresh iceberg lettuce if you want to keep it classic. But we always have romaine on hand so we love to split the mini heads of romaine in half and use that! Besides that, you just need your cherry tomatoes, bacon, red onion, and some radishes if you’ve got them on hand. Top it all with a balsamic glaze drizzle and it’s perfection. If you’ve been looking for a wedge salad recipe without blue cheese, feel free to leave it out or substitute it with a crumbled cheese you love!
Salmon Romesco Salad
Salads are definitely one of my love languages. (I’m sure you can tell. Ha) Nothing is better than a crisp and healthy salad full of all sorts of toppings tossed up in a big bowl. Who says we have to sacrifice flavor when eating healthy? Not me, that’s for sure! This recipe for salmon romesco salad is one you are going to want to add to your spring salad lineup.
If you want to take this salmon romesco salad to the next level, I always love to supplement with a fresh, slightly sweet white balsamic vinegar. My favorites are peach, lemon, and grapefruit infused. You can find these types of vinegar at specialty olive oil shops, or on Amazon. I get mine at Baker and Olive! Use my code Lillieeats for 15% off.
Cobb Salad with Creamy Lemon Basil Dressing
A good Cobb salad will ALWAYS have my heart. In fact, there’s a few cobb salads in this spring salad lineup because it was too hard too choose just one that brings the freshness of spring. They are so classic and satisfying.
This cobb salad with creamy lemon basil dressing is just so good! Think creamy, lemon, basil, buttermilk dressing, and the knowledge that it’s got all the flavors of your favorite Cobb for great macros?? It’s a NO BRAINER.
Summer Chop Salad with Light Champagne Basil Vinaigrette
I know what you are thinking…”Why is there a summer chop salad in the list of spring salads?” Hear me out. This salad may have summer in the name, but its light champagne vinaigrette is everything you need to feel fresh and vibrant no matter what season it technically is. Especially with this winter we’ve had.
This Summer Chop Salad has the best, the lightest, JUST barely creamy, champagne basil vinaigrette tossed into all of these little bits of crunchy veggies, sweet corn (summer corn is why it’s named after summer), fresh herbs, and chewy little pieces of brown rice or farro… it’s everything I want in a bowl right now.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken and Mango Cobb Salad
This Chipotle Grilled Chicken and Mango Cobb is a perfect, EASY spring (or summer) night salad! If you keep this delicious and SUPER LIGHT cilantro lime ranch on hand like me, all you really need to do is grill some chicken and chop for a few minutes while it cooks! Which leaves you more time outdoors to participate in your favorite spring activities.
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Blackened Salmon Cobb
Smash salmon and cobb together and everything is just better… and low carb doesn’t make me want to cry anymore. This blackened salmon cobb is just extra special because I tossed in some of my ALL TIME FAVORITE cheese ever (for when I’m eating dairy of course). The Trader Joe’s Toscana soaked in Syrah. Have you HAD IT?????? It’s heaven. For that full-fat, dairy lovin’ life. Of course, you can always sub in your favorite dairy-free cheeses too and it will be an amazing salad to enjoy all spring!
Macro-friendly Spring Salads
If you can’t tell, I’ve got a thing for salads! Especially these macro-friendly spring salads. They are such a great way to work with your macros to get everything just right so that you can enjoy all of your activities without spending too much time calculating. If you are looking for other macro-friendly recipes, check out my cookbooks! They are full of meals that my family really loves. I also share a ton on Instagram (and I’m trying TikTok) so make sure to hang out with me for all the latest macro foods.
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