Fruit in Salad? 8 Savory Recipes That Actually Work

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We see fruits and immediately start planning a perfect dessert menu. Well, let me show you an unconventional side of fruits: savory salads. The natural sweetness of fruit can balance bold greens, sharp cheeses, salty meats, and tangy dressings – creating a fresh, vibrant salad that steals the spotlight wherever it is served. Ingredients like strawberries, peaches, and apples can bring depth to a dish — especially when paired with ingredients like feta, arugula, and nuts.  Try these 8 salad recipes that feature fruit as their main star.

Grilled Halloumi and Strawberry Salad

Strawberries are ever so much sweeter when grilled. They usually need just a few minutes on the grill before unleashing their full magic. Since the grill is already on, put some halloumi pieces on the grill too, just to add an extra smoky flavor and enjoy the rich creaminess of halloumi cheese. Full Recipe: Grilled Halloumi and Strawberry Salad

Grilled Peach Salad

Like grilled strawberries, grilled peaches are absolute heaven. The smoky, slightly charred texture combined with the burst of sweetness is a flavor combination you absolutely need this summer. Mix it up with peppery arugula for a showstopping summer salad. Full Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad 

Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

If you prefer fresh strawberries over grilled ones, this strawberry goat cheese salad is the one for you. The salty goat cheese complements the fresh strawberries, bursting with sweetness. The candied walnuts are just a cherry (or a candy?) on the top, adding an earthy tone and extra crunch to the salad. Full Recipe: Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

Apple Pecan Salad

Apples are such versatile fruits, because what else can you use in mains as well as in salads, sides, and even desserts? Thin slices of apples give off the main character energy in this apple pecan salad, with crunchy pecans acting as a loyal sidekick. If you have some dried cranberries available, don’t forget to add them too. Full Recipe: Apple Pecan Salad

Pear Arugula Salad

As we enter our late summer/early fall time of the year, you’d probably start seeing pears in the farmers’ markets. For me, the first mode of action is making this delicious pear arugula salad. The delectable combination of sweet, juicy pears with peppery arugula and crunchy pecans, topped with sharp parmesan, is what makes the wait worth it. Full Recipe: Pear Arugula Salad 

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Cranberries have a rich and diverse flavor palette. They give off a curious, sweet, and tangy flavor, which makes them a perfect addition to simple salads, like this cranberry walnut chicken salad. Despite other major ingredients, like the savory chicken and the earthy walnuts, cranberries still steal the spotlight in this recipe: Full Recipe: Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad. 

Kale Pomegranate Salad

Vibrant, juicy, tangy, crunchy – this holiday salad checks off all the boxes to make the perfect salad. Slightly peppery kale acts as a perfect green base for the rich, juicy, and vibrant pomegranates. A light drizzle of feta cheese adds a creamy texture to the whole salad. Full Recipe: Kale Pomegranate Salad

Mexican Watermelon Salad

Watermelons are an absolute treat in summer. Add a Mexican twist to these watermelons by combining them with toasted pepitas for added crunch, queso fresco for a creamy texture, fresh cilantro as greens, and a dressing of tangy vinaigrette. If you’re planning to host a Taco Tuesday anytime soon, this is the salad you’d want to serve. Full Recipe: Mexican Watermelon Salad