Salads have long been considered a healthy and delicious way to incorporate fresh produce into your diet. However, they are not just limited to greens and vegetables. Salads can be a hearty and satisfying meal with a variety of ingredients and flavors from all over the world.
Here’s our ultimate salad bucket list of 10 must-eat salads from every corner of the world.
Caesar Salad (Mexico)
The Caesar salad might be a staple in American restaurants, but it was actually created by a Mexican chef, Caesar Cardini, in Tijuana. This salad includes romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons, and a creamy dressing made with anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
Greek Salad (Greece)
The classic Greek salad, also known as Horiatiki, is a colorful combination of fresh vegetables and feta cheese. This salad includes tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. It is dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano and is a light and refreshing salad that is perfect for the hot summer months.
Nicoise Salad (France)
Originating from the French city of Nice, the Nicoise salad is a simple yet delicious salad that is packed with flavor. It includes boiled potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and canned tuna. It is dressed with a tangy vinaigrette made with Dijon mustard, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and garlic.
Caprese Salad (Italy)
The Caprese salad is a simple and classic Italian salad that celebrates the flavors of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. This salad is made with sliced fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves and dressed with extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Som Tam (Thailand)
Som Tam is a popular salad from Thailand that is made with green papaya, carrots, tomatoes, and peanuts. The salad is dressed with a spicy-sour-sweet dressing made with fish sauce, lime juice, and chili peppers. It is a refreshing salad that is perfect for anyone who loves bold and spicy flavors.
Cobb Salad (USA)
The Cobb salad is a classic American salad that features a variety of ingredients like chicken, bacon, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, and blue cheese. The salad is usually served on a bed of lettuce with a tangy dressing made with red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey.
Fattoush (Middle East)
Fattoush is a refreshing Middle Eastern salad that is made with fresh vegetables, herbs, and toasted pita bread. The salad includes tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, radishes, lettuce, and parsley. The dressing is a tangy mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and sumac.
Tabouli (Lebanon)
Tabouli is a healthy and refreshing salad that is packed with flavor. It is made with fresh parsley, mint, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat. The salad is dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of salt and pepper. It is a great side dish for any meal or can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch.
Ensalada Mixta (Spain)
Ensalada Mixta is a colorful and flavorful salad from Spain. The salad includes lettuce, tomatoes, onions, hard-boiled eggs, tuna, and olives. It is dressed with a simple vinaigrette made with sherry vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard.
Coleslaw (United Kingdom)
No salad list would be complete without the classic coleslaw from the UK. This salad includes shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions mixed with a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. It is the perfect side dish for any barbecue or picnic.
What to Serve with These Salads
The best side dishes to serve with these salads will depend on the individual salad and personal preferences. However, some common options include bread or crackers, grilled or roasted vegetables, quinoa or rice, hummus or other dips, or a light soup. For heartier salads like the Poke Bowl or Cobb Salad, consider serving them with a side of fresh fruit or a light dessert. When it comes to drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon can be the perfect complement to any salad. Finally, don't forget to offer a variety of dressings or condiments to allow guests to customize their salads to their liking.
So why not add some international flair to your salad game and try out some of these must-eat salads from around the world? Make your salad bucket list and start exploring!