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)

Cherry Oat Crumble
Photo of Cherry Oat Crumble

Cherry Oat Crumble

Low-sugar dessert that combines wholesome oats and tart cherries. Enjoy it for breakfast with a serving of plain yogurt.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 to 45 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Rice Bowl Southwestern Style
Bowls of rice, vegetables and chicken with shredded cheese.

Rice Bowl Southwestern Style

Lots of filling grains, healthy veggies and southwestern flavor make this a meal to enjoy any time of day.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Jack-O-Lanterns (Pumpkin Pancakes)
Stack of pumpkin shaped pancakes with raisins.

Jack-O-Lanterns (Pumpkin Pancakes)

Brown sugar, pumpkin and warming spices make this a fun and delicious recipe that the whole family will enjoy.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
16 pancakes (4-inch)
Pineapple Veggie Chicken
Medium bowl of chicken, pineapple and vegetables in broth served with rice.

Pineapple Veggie Chicken

Chicken breast simmered in a sweet and tangy broth with a hint of citrus, garlic and ginger.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Mix and Match Pasta Salad
Mix and Match Pasta Salad

Mix and Match Pasta Salad

Enjoy a pasta salad in under 30 minutes, made from the ingredients you have on hand! Change the flavors and match your food preferences with different proteins, veggies and dressing.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
Green cabbage with strips of chicken on a plate.

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Quick dinner idea combining crisp-tender veggies with ginger, garlic and soy sauce. You can change the veggies and proteins to fit what you have on hand.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups