Recycled Salad

Transform your leftovers into a vibrant and satisfying meal with this ingenious Recycled Salad recipe! Perfect for reducing food waste while crafting something delicious, this customizable salad combines four cups of crisp mixed greens or leftover lettuce with hearty cooked grains like quinoa or farro, roasted or steamed veggies, and your protein of choice—think shredded chicken, chickpeas, or tofu. A sprinkle of crumbled cheese or a dairy-free alternative adds a creamy touch, while fresh herbs and crunchy toppings like croutons or nuts deliver bursts of flavor and texture. Tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing, this no-cook meal comes together in just 15 minutes and is ideal for busy weeknights or next-day lunches. Elevate your leftovers into a fresh, wholesome masterpiece that’s as eco-friendly as it is delicious! Perfect for those searching for quick salad recipes, waste-free meals, and creative ways to repurpose leftovers.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups Mixed greens or leftover lettuce
• 1 cup Cooked grains (e.g., quinoa, rice, or farro)
• 1 cup Roasted or steamed vegetables (e.g., carrots, broccoli, or sweet potatoes)
• 1 cup Protein of choice (e.g., shredded chicken, chickpeas, or tofu)
• 0.25 cup Cheese or dairy alternative (e.g., crumbled feta, shredded Parmesan, or vegan cheese)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, cilantro, or basil)
• 0.5 cup Leftover bread, croutons, or nuts for crunch
• 2 tablespoons Lemon or lime juice
• 3 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Wash and dry the mixed greens or leftover lettuce. Place them in a large salad bowl.

Step 2

If using cooked grains, fluff them with a fork to separate any clumps, then add to the salad bowl.

Step 3

Chop any large pieces of roasted or steamed vegetables into bite-sized chunks and add them to the bowl.

Step 4

For the protein, shred or dice if necessary, then toss it into the salad bowl.

Step 5

Sprinkle the cheese or dairy alternative over the assembled salad ingredients.

Step 6

Mince the fresh herbs and add them to the salad to brighten its flavor.

Step 7

For the crunch, chop any leftover bread into croutons, or use shelled nuts. Scatter these atop the salad.

Step 8

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon or lime juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 9

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 10

Divide the salad into individual bowls or plates and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1010.8 grams (1010.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1699

Total Fat 79.60g	102%
Saturated Fat 20.60g	103%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 246mg	82%
Sodium 2622mg	114%
Total Carbohydrate 141.00g	51%
Dietary Fiber 12.90g	46%
Total Sugars 5.70g
Protein 109.00g	218%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 638mg	49%
Iron 11mg	62%
Potassium 1875mg	40%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.7%

Protein: 25.4%

Carbs: 32.9%