7 Make-Ahead Salad Recipes for Simple and Delicious Greens to Go
If you need make-ahead salads for a crowd, a premade Brussels sprouts salad for a satisfying side, or just some salads you can throw together the day before so you have dinner at the ready, give one of these make-ahead salad recipes a try.
Beef and Blue Cheese Salad with Honey-Horseradish Dressing
Check off all five food groups in one meal with this easy, make-ahead salad recipe. Swing by the deli counter for some thinly-sliced roast beef, then round out the main dish salad with greens, quinoa, apples, walnuts, blue cheese, and beets. Pack it up in the a.m. (dressing on the side) and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
All-Things-Green Chopped Salad
The chile-lime dressing for this day-before salad recipe is so delicious, we'd sip it with a straw. But we suggest serving it spooned over green beans, snap peas, fresh asparagus, cucumber, and zucchini. Layer those veggies in a container up to 24 hours early, chill, then tote that with small containers of cheese, seeds, the aforementioned dressing, and your favorite protein (we're fond of rotisserie chicken).
Corn and Blueberry Salad
For a day-before salad recipe that will steal the show at your summer potluck or picnic, turn to this colorful fresh corn combo. Spiked with cilantro, lime, and jalape?o, the sweet-and-spicy salad is designed to chill for 24 hours before serving. Enjoy it by the forkful, or pile it over any grilled meat for a crowd-pleasing condiment.
Chopped Green Salad
Mix up edamame, cucumber, green beans, and green grapes for an easy (and gorgeously color-coordinated) make-ahead salad recipe. Serve with homemade herb dressing and sour lemon slices. To make it a breeze to devour, chop and cook the produce and shake up the salad dressing the day before you dine to help cut down on prep time.
:Easy Make-Ahead Lunch Ideas to Add to Your Meal Prep Repertoire
Warm Eggplant and Kale Panzanella
Salad in a slow cooker? Yep, it's a thing—and it's undeniably delicious. For a quick-fix Mediterranean make-ahead salad recipe, fill your countertop MVP with eggplant, tomatoes, bell pepper, kale, and red onion. Toast bread crumbs up to a day before to sprinkle on top for a craveable, crunchy garnish.
Buy It: Crock-Pot Slow Cooker ($50, Bed Bath & Beyond)
Basil Quinoa Salad
A quick spin in your food processor is all it takes to make this salad's cool citrus dressing. Wait to drizzle the delicious stuff until just before serving to keep your greens nice and fresh. For those who are really into meal prep, take note that this is even better than a day-before salad recipe. You can pop the quinoa and chop the veggies up to 4 days ahead of time.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Green Onion Vinaigrette
This make-ahead Brussels sprouts salad is so delicious, it might just steal the show from the entrée—yes, even if it's part of a holiday menu. (That's actually when we love to serve it most.) Start with the pre-shredded sprouts you can find by the bag in the produce section, or use a mandoline to shave them thin yourself. Either way, the vegetables will stand up beautifully for up to 4 hours even after being coated in the citrusy vinaigrette.
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