15 Leafy Green Hacks That Don’t Require A Farmer’s Market Haul

Interested in making a salad but feel like you’re on a first-name basis with every plant at your local farmer’s market? Let’s keep it simple! These leafy green hacks rely on ingredients you likely have at hand, so your biggest challenge will be deciding which one to try first—not dodging the over-enthusiastic kale promoter on Saturday mornings.

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever found yourself dreaming of the vibrant streets of Mexico while rummaging through your pantry? Well, Mexican Street Corn Salad turns that dream into a plateful of joy, using just a few kitchen staples. No need for a passport or a trip to the farmer’s market; this salad brings the fiesta to your fork with minimal fuss. It’s all about bold flavors meeting simple ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine a salad that’s as refreshing as a gentle breeze on a warm day. That’s what Shirazi Salad delivers, with its simplicity and no hard-to-find ingredients. It’s a homage to the bright flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine, but you won’t need to venture further than your local shop to whip this up. This is the go-to when you’re looking for a burst of freshness without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Herbed potato salad on a white platter.
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Remember those backyard barbecues where potato salad was a staple? Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic reinvents that classic without requiring a scavenger hunt for ingredients. It’s all about upgrading humble potatoes with a twist of green garlic and fresh herbs you can find anywhere. This recipe gives a nod to tradition while freshening things up a bit.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

A plate of Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Craving that Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl but don’t want to leave the house? This recipe’s got you covered with ingredients that are probably chilling in your kitchen right now. It’s a simple, no-fuss way to recreate that fast-food favorite with a hint of home-cooked love. No need for a drive-thru when you can whip up this bowl of goodness on your own.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’ve been looking for a way to make pasta salad more exciting, look no further. Easy Salmon Pasta Salad is here, combining pantry staples with a touch of elegance from canned or leftover salmon. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel a little fancy without any of the hard work. Great for quick dinners or impressing at potlucks, all without a single trip to the market.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Tired of the same old chicken salad? Chinese Chicken Salad is the refresh your meal prep has been waiting for, with common ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. It’s a fusion that doesn’t require a special shopping trip, bringing you a taste of Asia from the comfort of your kitchen. This is about giving that leftover chicken a new lease on life. A little tangy, a little sweet, and a whole lot of delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice salad served on a white rectangular plate.
Wild Rice Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For those days when you crave something hearty yet refreshing, Wild Rice Salad is your go-to. It’s a mix of pantry-ready items that come together to create a dish that’s both filling and simple. No need to hunt down exotic grains or greens; seasoned wild rice takes the spotlight in this easy ensemble. Ideal for those looking to add a bit of oomph to their salad game without any extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A plate of Mediterranean Couscous Salad With Smoked Tomatoes topped with parsley.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Want the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean but stuck with a pantry of basics? Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is your ticket to flavor town. Just a few simple ingredients can transport your palate, blending smoky, savory, and fresh in every bite. It’s a dish that looks fancy without all the work. So, whether it’s dinner for one or a party platter, this salad’s a winner.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Close-up shot of Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad on a white plate.
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

When you want to blend the smoky with the fresh, Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad is the answer. It takes those pantry staples and takes them to the next level with a charred twist, all without needing to step foot outside your kitchen’s comfort zone. This salad is about transforming the everyday into something extraordinary with just your grill and a handful of ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Horiatiki Salad

Horiatiki Salad with feta cheese on top served on a plate.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Dreaming of Greece but your kitchen says otherwise? Horiatiki Salad to the rescue, bringing the essence of a Greek summer into your home. It’s the no-fuss approach to a food getaway, blending simple ingredients with bold flavors. This salad is all about ease and authenticity, minus the plane ticket. A quick mix, a pour of olive oil, and you’re practically in the Mediterranean.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Are you aiming for a taste of the Mediterranean without the hassle? Mediterranean Chopped Salad is where it’s at. Simple ingredients come together to give you bold, refreshing flavors without the prep work. It’s like taking a little vacation, minus the packing and passport hassles. This salad laughs in the face of complication, offering up a dish that’s easy, tasty and looks like you tried harder than you did.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Spring salad with asparagus and potatoes on a white plate.
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes has got your back when spring is in the air. It’s a celebration of spring flavors that don’t require a fresh produce haul. Using easy-to-find ingredients, this salad brings a hint of the season to your plate, regardless of what your local farmer’s market has in stock. It’s about making the most of what you have and still evoking the freshness of spring.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A black bowl filled with tabbouleh salad with smoked tomatoes.
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Fancy a bit of Middle Eastern flair without a complicated ingredient list? Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is your savory shortcut. With items easily found in your pantry or local grocery, it transforms basic into bold. This salad brings a smoky twist to the traditional, making it a standout dish that’s as easy to assemble as it is to enjoy. It adds a punch of flavor to any meal, no special trips required.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

A bowl of yellow bean and potato salad.
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Have you ever found yourself longing for a summer picnic but your salad game feels a bit winter-weary? Yellow Bean & Potato Salad is the refresh button you didn’t know you needed. It’s all about making the most of what’s in your kitchen to create something that tastes like sunshine. A little creativity, some veggies, and you’re all set for a salad that feels like a mini-vacation.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who knew that bringing Italian flair to your table could be so effortless? With Pesto Orzo Salad, it’s all about turning basics into a dish that’s brimming with flavor and style. This salad is your fast track to an Italian-inspired meal that’s easy, quick, and guaranteed to impress. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special dinner, simplicity never tasted so good! Try it today.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

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