Too often relegated to the side, the humble salad is finally claiming its deserving place as the featured dish. And as a caregiver for an older adult, salads can be a perfect opportunity to not only change up the meal routine but also incorporate a full plate of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients into your loved one’s diet.
Created by a registered dietitian, these recipes are adaptable and easily customized to your senior’s tastes and preferences—from a rich balsamic vinaigrette or Italian salad dressing to sliced cucumbers and bell peppers (or even a little shredded mozzarella or parmesan) on top. Versatile and healthy, full of leafy greens and satisfying crunchy goodness, these salads will be a welcome addition to your loved one’s lunch and dinner home care menu.
Savory summer zoodle salad
Not your average noodle, not your typical pasta salad! This low-carb, nutrient-rich “zoodle” salad is packed with fresh veggies (like cherry tomatoes and red onion) and savory flavors, and is a perfect companion for grilled chicken or baked salmon. Plus, because this salad is low in carbs and delivers plenty of fiber from chickpeas, it’s perfect for a senior managing diabetes or high cholesterol.
Superfood quinoa salad
This quinoa salad is the perfect superfood summer salad—full of protein, fiber, potassium, iron and many other nutrients. Complete with green beans, red onion, carrots, feta cheese and more, it works as a stand-alone plant-based meal or as a side dish for chicken or fish.
Peanut & sesame chicken salad
This peanut and sesame chicken salad is inspired by Asian flavors for a zesty spin on a traditional salad—including tasty green onions, yellow pepper and even cucumber cut into small “chopsticks.”
Green apple butternut squash salad
No croutons needed here! This healthy salad is full of vibrant colors and warming, hearty winter vegetables like butternut squash, along with delicious arugula. This is a perfect meal for a senior living with diabetes or for those fighting cancer, heart disease and many other health challenges.
Winter grain salad
Several fruits and vegetables add a dose of sweetness to this hearty winter salad, while still delivering plenty of healthy vitamins and nutrients to an older adult’s diet. You’ll love the added tart from the craisins (which are just dried cranberries)!
Brussels sprouts Caesar salad
This recipe switches out the romaine with Brussels sprouts to create a new, exciting salad that also offers more nutrition, including added fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and, surprisingly, ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid.
