#1 Healthy Customizable Salad Bowl

A Burst of Freshness

My Favorite is Customizable Salad Bowl and I love the feeling of creating something fresh and vibrant in the kitchen, and my Customizable Salad Bowl is a perfect example of that. On a warm summer afternoon, I found myself craving something light yet satisfying. The idea of mixing crisp greens with a variety of colorful vegetables, juicy fruits, and flavorful proteins sounded just right. I was inspired by my visit to Salata’s Next Generation Salad Bar, where endless combinations of fresh ingredients made every bowl unique. With that in mind, I decided to bring that experience home, crafting a salad that could be customized to suit anyone’s taste.

Mixing It Up

As I prepared the salad, I marveled at the colors and textures coming together. I started with a base of mixed greens—field greens, in this case, though you could use spinach or arugula if you prefer. Then came the veggies: cool cucumber slices, juicy diced tomatoes, and crunchy florets of cauliflower and broccoli. Each addition brought a new layer of flavor and crunch. Next, I added thin slices of green apple, sweet dried cranberries, and fresh strawberries for a touch of sweetness that balanced the savory notes beautifully. The feta cheese crumbles added a creamy texture that tied everything together.

The Perfect Protein

Of course, a salad isn’t complete without a good source of protein. I opted for herb-marinated chicken breast, which I had prepared earlier with a blend of fresh herbs and olive oil. The chicken was juicy and packed with flavor, making it the perfect addition to this salad. But one of the things I love most about this recipe is its flexibility—you can easily swap out the chicken for grilled shrimp, tofu, or even keep it completely vegetarian. The final touch was a drizzle of herb vinaigrette, which enhanced all the flavors and brought the salad to life.

A Meal for Everyone

The beauty of this Customizable Salad Bowl is that it caters to everyone, whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner. I topped it off with some garlic croutons for a satisfying crunch, and the dish was ready to enjoy. As I sat down to eat, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. This salad wasn’t just a meal; it was a burst of freshness that reflected my love for healthy, delicious food. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with friends and family, this salad is sure to please, offering a little something for every taste.

Chef’s Notes-Customizable Salad Bowl

• Choose avocados that are ripe but not overly soft. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure. This ensures they are creamy without being mushy, which helps maintain the sandwich’s texture.
• Seeded bread adds a wonderful texture and nutty flavor. Lightly toasting the bread enhances these flavors and provides a sturdier base, preventing sogginess.
• The raspberry-chipotle mayo can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a richer, more balanced taste.
• To prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy, place the arugula between the turkey and tomato slices. This helps absorb some of the moisture from the tomatoes.
• For a slightly melted cheese effect, you can warm the assembled sandwich in a panini press or skillet for a minute or two. This also crisps up the bread, adding to the sandwich’s overall texture.

Customizable Salad Bowl

Course: Main Course, SaladCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

bowls

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

Total time

30

minutes

Dive into the world of fresh, customizable salads with this delightful recipe! Inspired by Salata’s Next Generation Salad Bar, this dish allows you to mix and match your favorite greens, veggies, fruits, proteins, and dressings. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, this salad is both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, this recipe caters to all tastes and preferences. Get ready to enjoy a burst of flavors in every bite!

Ingredients

• Salad Base

• 6 cups mixed salad greens (field greens or your choice)

• Vegetables

• 1 cup cucumber slices

• 1 cup diced tomatoes

• 1 cup cauliflower florets

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• Fruits

• green apple, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup sliced strawberries

• Cheese

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

• Protein

• 2 cups herb-marinated chicken breast, diced (or your preferred protein)

• Dressing

• 1/2 cup herb vinaigrette dressing

• Toppings

• 1 cup garlic croutons

• Alternative Ingredients

• Spinach or arugula

• Goat cheese or blue cheese

• Grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option

• Balsamic vinaigrette or lemon tahini dressing

Directions

• Prepare the Base – In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed salad greens. This will be the foundation of your salad.
• Chop the Veggies – Slice the cucumber and dice the tomatoes. Add them to the bowl along with the cauliflower and broccoli florets. This step should take about 5 minutes.
• Add Fruits – Thinly slice the green apple and add it to the bowl along with dried cranberries and sliced strawberries. This adds a sweet contrast to the savory elements.
• Incorporate Cheese – Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad for a creamy texture.
• Add Protein – Dice the herb-marinated chicken breast and add it to the salad. Ensure it’s evenly distributed for balanced bites.
• Top with Croutons – Finally, add the garlic croutons for a crunchy finish.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 350kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Potassium: 700mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 15g
• Vitamin A: 60IU
• Vitamin C: 80mg
• Calcium: 15mg
• Iron: 10mg

FAQ-Customizable Salad Bowl

Can I prepare the sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time, but to prevent sogginess, avoid adding the mayo and avocado until just before serving.

What can I use instead of Havarti cheese?

Swiss or provolone cheese are great alternatives, offering similar creaminess and meltability.

Is there a substitute for raspberry-chipotle mayo?

If you prefer a milder flavor, use plain mayo, or try Dijon mustard for a tangier option.

How can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

Replace the turkey breast with marinated tofu or grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! Whole grain or sourdough bread works well and adds a different flavor profile to the sandwich.