Skip to main content

Mix and Match Salad

Stay hydrated with fruits and vegetables that are full of water, flavor and nutrients.
Recipe Image for Mix and Match Salad - Strawberry Cucumber Salad
Makes: 1 or 2 servings

Ingredients

1 cup fruits and vegetables, any mixture (see Notes
1 to 2 Tablespoons flavor enhancers (see Notes
1 to 4 Tablespoons nutrient boosters (see Notes)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Cut or grate fruits and vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Add flavor enhancers and stir to mix.
  5. Top with nutrient boosters, as desired.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

Fruits and Vegetables: apple, bell pepper, berries, banana, broccoli, cucumber, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, grapes, grapefruit, mango, melon, orange, peach, pear, pineapple, salad greens

Flavor Enhancers

  • Savory dressing: add ¼ teaspoon honey or sugar
  • Yogurt dressing: 2 teaspoons yogurt, 1 teaspoon vinegar or citrus juice, ¼ teaspoon honey (optional) and salt to taste
  • Dried or fresh herbs and spices: basil, cilantro, dill, oregano, cinnamon, garlic or chili powder

Nutrient Boosters

  • Protein: nuts, seeds, fish, poultry, meat, cheese, yogurt, tofu
  • Calcium: cheese, yogurt, canned salmon, tofu
  • Fiber: beans, nuts, seeds, dried fruit

Try these combinations!

  • Pineapple and mango with sweet dressing and chili powder
  • Tomatoes and cucumber with savory dressing, basil and feta cheese
  • Apples and grapes with yogurt dressing, cinnamon and almonds
  • Celery and orange with savory dressing, cheddar cheese and walnuts

Comments

Wow! Thanks for this simple way to make a salad. I appreciate the dressing ideas. Since this doesn't make specific suggestions I found that I've been more experimental and we have less waste.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Winter Fruit Crisp
Plate of baked sliced apples with a sweet granola topping.

Winter Fruit Crisp

Quick and easy fruit treat with warm buttery oats, sweetened with brown sugar.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Bars (4 inches x 2 inches)
Vegetables and Turkey Stir-Fry
Plate of rice with a turkey and vegetable topping.

Vegetables and Turkey Stir-Fry

Quick and easy turkey meal with garlic, ginger and whole grain noodles.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Jollof Rice
Big bowl of Jollof Rice shown served with plantains and beans.

Jollof Rice

This flavorful variation of a West African favorite includes brown rice, tomatoes, onions, peppers, broth and seasonings. Thanks to the OSU Extension African Heritage Work Group for this recipe.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
55 to 60 minutes
Makes:
8 to 9 cups
Hearty Chicken and Homemade Noodle Soup
Bowl of chicken noodle soup served with crackers.

Hearty Chicken and Homemade Noodle Soup

Make your own noodles for this comforting soup.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Agua Fresca (Fruit Water)
glass of agua fresca

Agua Fresca (Fruit Water)

Enjoy a refreshing and delicious blended drink made with your favorite fruit. Thanks to the Latin Heritage workgroup for this recipe.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
about 4 cups
Stovetop Bulgur
Bowl of soft, cooked bulgur.

Stovetop Bulgur

Nutrient-rich whole grain with a light and nutty flavor that cooks quickly.
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 cups