Spring Salads for Meat Lovers

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that as butchers, we love adding meat to our salads. Like a cool drink on a hot day, cooked meat in cold salads is light and refreshing, an ideal spring and summer dinner. 

We firmly believe salads don’t have to be boring. So here are five recipes that will guarantee smiles on faces when you declare, “we’re having salad for dinner!”

1. Berry Avocado Grilled Chicken Salad

Easy and healthy, this fruit-filled salad from Real Housemoms is a cinch to whip up. Tart berries delight the palate while fresh avocado brings an incredibly creamy texture to the meal. Layer grilled chicken on top of a bed of romaine, and sprinkle feta throughout. Chopped walnuts surprise with a much-needed crunch, while the poppyseed dressing brings all of the ingredients together into a symphony of flavors. Beautifully plated, your family will beg for this salad to be added to your dinner rotation. 

2. Greek Avocado & Grilled Chicken Salad with Greek Dressing

A great dinner should be cause for a celebration. You’ll be declaring “Opa!” when enjoying this Greek-inspired protein-packed chicken salad from Gimme Delicious. With ingredients like Kalamata olives, marinated artichoke hearts, and avocado, your family will forget the simple Iceberg lettuce salads of yesteryear. Take your meal to the next level by freshly grilling the chicken on your stovetop or outdoor grill. Complete the meal experience by serving warm bread sticks on the side.  
 
 

3. Carne Asada Steak Salad

When is the last time you heard “juicy” and “salad” in the same sentence? Inspired by taco salad, Skinnytaste‘s combination of broiled strip steak, pico de gallo, and guacamole will make your whole family’s mouth water. After broiling, squeeze fresh lime onto the steak, then divide the lettuce, cheese, and mixings between the plates. Craving a little extra heat? Add jalapeño slices on top.

4. Arugula Skirt Steak Salad with Caramelized Pears, Pecans, and Gorgonzola

Spicy arugula, chunks of stinky gorgonzola, and caramelized pears make Baker By Nature‘s skirt steak salad truly audacious in the best way possible. Peppery steak, sweetness from the candied pecans, and tangy mustard vinaigrette play a flavor game that everyone will win. Serve this bold salad immediately after letting the steak rest for 10 minute

5. Paleo Sausage and Peppers Salad

Love sausage and peppers hoagies, but want to ditch the bread? Then this is the salad for you. A Whole New Twist‘s sweet Italian sausage salad recipe makes the traditional street fare paleo-friendly and healthy. Raw honey, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar create a light and slightly sweet vinaigrette, adding a new dimension to this old favorite. Keep the salad from becoming soggy by roasting the peppers, onions, and mushrooms on a baking sheet. Make this salad even healthier by substituting turkey sausage for the pork links.

Looking for more delicious ways to serve vegetable-themed dinners? Try spiralized veggie noodles! 

Want more spring dinner ideas?

Stop by our store in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.

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