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How to Make Simple Salads a Little More Sassy and Sexy (+ Free Recipes!)

Ashley Marie
May 19
3 min read

Updated: Jun 2

"I'll Just Have a Salad": Transforming Salad into a Delicious Meal

How many times have you heard that phrase when dining with friends or family? Today, I’m here to tell you that “just a salad” doesn’t have to be the sad, soggy side dish of your healthy eating goals.

The Power of a Fresh Salad

Once the weather warms up each spring, I crave light, hydrating foods bursting with colors. As a busy mom, I know that nutrient-dense, simple salads help me keep up with the kids by fueling my body and mind.

With the right ingredients and a little creativity, a salad can be just as craveable as a burger or slice of pizza. Seriously. I’m talking about meals that are refreshing, nutrient-dense, full of flavor—and yes, sexy. Plus, I've got two sassy salad recipes you can try today!

5 Things Every Sassy Salad Needs

You can’t go wrong when incorporating these five simple tips into your next healthy and hearty salad, whether as an entree or even a quick snack.

1. Add Texture

Crunch is key. Without texture, your salad becomes just a bowl of soft leaves. Incorporate ingredients you can actually bite into—like juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, or jicama for that sweet, earthy crunch. Texture keeps every bite interesting and satisfying. It’s what transforms “just a salad” into something you’ll think about later.

2. Add Color and Season Your Greens

If your salad looks beige, it’s already lost. The more color you add, the more nutrients—and visual appeal—you’ll have. Toss in some orange bell peppers, purple cabbage, or bright red radishes. But don’t stop there. Season your greens before you even add the dressing. A pinch of salt, pepper, and chopped herbs like dill, basil, or parsley can drastically change the flavor.

3. Use Salad Choppers

Boost your salad-making skills with a good pair of salad choppers. They make big leafy greens easier to eat and help you achieve that restaurant-style, bite-sized chop. Look for choppers with a double blade so you can slice through tougher veggies or protein add-ins. You’ll save time and probably eat more greens because they’re easier to handle.

4. Make Your Own Dressing

You don’t need a chemistry degree to whip up your own dressing. It takes just a few minutes, and you have complete control over what goes into it. Skip the preservatives and added sugars found in store-bought options. Instead, mix something fresh with olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and a little mustard or honey.

5. Dress It Right Before You Plate It

Nobody enjoys wilted lettuce. Instead of pouring dressing over plated salad, toss your greens in a big bowl. Drizzle dressing around the edges, and mix well so every leaf gets coated without drowning the salad. Start small—you can always add more if needed.

Two Free Salad Recipes

To help you get started, I’ve spun up some incredible sexy and sassy salad recipes. Feel free to check out more of the Legg Day Fitness Recipes on my recipe page.

Sassy Salad

This creative combination hits most of the major food groups while keeping it simple.

Greek Salad Bowl with Chicken

The textures, crunch, and mix of flavors in this Greek Salad Bowl with Chicken make it a perfect salad to snack on or serve as a main course.

INGREDIENTS: 1 lb Grilled or baked chicken; 2 bags lettuce of choice; 1/2 cup chopped Kalamata olives; 1/2 cup Feta cheese broken into chunks; 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes; 2 cups diced cucumbers; 1/2 sliced purple onion. DRESSING: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup Red wine vinegar; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 tsp dried mustard; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp salt & freshly ground pepper. DIRECTIONS: Either grill chicken or bake it in advance, or use shredded rotisserie chicken if in a pinch. If baking chicken, preheat oven to 400 degrees, wash chicken, season with salt/pepper, and bake for 25 minutes or until necessary. Divide lettuce into 4 serving bowls. Top each with 4 ounces of chicken, 1/2 cup tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumbers, desired Kalamata olives, purple onion, and Feta cheese. For dressing, combine all ingredients and whisk until mixed well, drizzle dressing over the top, and store the rest for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Shop This Simple Salad Blog

If you’re wondering where to start, I’ve put together a list of my favorite kitchen items for salad prepping, crafting, and serving.

Ashley's kitchen favorites Amazon store — Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means Legg Day Fitness may earn a small commission if you purchase at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we actually use and love (like those salad choppers that make life easier).

It's Never "Just a Salad"

At Legg Day Fitness, we don’t do boring—and that includes salads. Eating well should feel good, taste great, and fuel your life, not limit it. Whether you’re chopping greens or chasing goals, it’s about building habits that actually stick.

That’s why Legg Day offers one-on-one nutrition accountability programs tailored to you, plus an on-demand channel packed with wellness content, recipes, and fitness sessions. Think of it as your toolkit for a healthier life—one that’s just as vibrant and satisfying as the salads you’re about to start craving.