Summer Salad Swaps

Not to sound like a dietitian, but salads don’t have to be boring! In fact, they’re probably one of the most versatile dishes you can make. It’s easy to build salads to your liking and preferences. And they can also be a bridge to surprising flavors you love. With unique recipes, Guiding Stars earning ingredients, and some creativity, you can nutritious summer salads can satisfy comfort food cravings.

Comfort Dish Salads

Keep the “comfort” but boost the nutrition when you turn well-loved dishes into satisfying salads. These recipes maintain the flavor and texture of comforting dishes, while creating a well-rounded plate packed with nutrition.

When You’re Craving Mexican Food…

Taco Salad with Creamy Cilantro Dressing, or

When You’re Craving Asian Food…

 When You’re Craving Pub Food….

BLT Panzella Salad, or

Turn Rice Bowls into Salads

It’s easy to get your greens in by simply switching from a grain bowl to a lettuce base instead. Go for soft or crunchy greens to add the perfect texture and color to your bowl. Try these options:

Build Your Own with Guiding Stars

Look for Guiding Stars earning ingredients like croutons, salad toppers, and salad dressings that bring familiar flavors to your salad bowl. You’ll be able to turn a simple salad into something with more texture and color. Or embrace packaged salad kits for a unique option. Top these blends with leftover grilled protein, baked tofu, steamed edamame, mixed nuts, or air-fried chicken to create a delicious dinner salad.

Allison Stowell

Allison Stowell

Allison J Stowell MS, RD, CDN uses her background as a food and nutrition expert to help others adopt healthier living. She frequently speaks to community groups and leads seminars on nutrition, balanced diet, and disease prevention. As Guiding Stars’ Dietitian, Allison supports Guiding Stars partners in using Guiding Stars algorithms to educate the communities they serve. Her thoughts on nutrition can be found in her Guiding Stars health and wellness blog. Allison also serves as a Retail Dietitian for Hannaford Supermarket, a Guiding Stars retail partner. Additionally, her professional journey includes maintaining a private practice that emphasizes a non-diet approach and increasing mindful eating to help her clients sustain positive health changes. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two children and her dog Josie.
Allison Stowell

Allison Stowell

Allison J Stowell MS, RD, CDN uses her background as a food and nutrition expert to help others adopt healthier living. She frequently speaks to community groups and leads seminars on nutrition, balanced diet, and disease prevention. As Guiding Stars’ Dietitian, Allison supports Guiding Stars partners in using Guiding Stars algorithms to educate the communities they serve. Her thoughts on nutrition can be found in her Guiding Stars health and wellness blog. Allison also serves as a Retail Dietitian for Hannaford Supermarket, a Guiding Stars retail partner. Additionally, her professional journey includes maintaining a private practice that emphasizes a non-diet approach and increasing mindful eating to help her clients sustain positive health changes. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two children and her dog Josie.

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