We all know that salad is truly the best meal to prepare especially if you are healthier. When you hear the word “salad,” you can automatically think of some greens, nuts, and vegetables thrown at a big bowl. But did you know salads also come in different types? And did you know warm salad recipes even exist?
The salad that we might have come familiar with might be the ones we let sit on the fridge. But there are other salad types that not many know. Among these types are warm salads.
Warm salads are salads mostly eaten during cold days. In this article, we will talk more about warm salads. In my blog, you will also get to peek at some of my friendly salad recipes. These recipes are not only guaranteed tasty, but they have all the nutritional value you can benefit from.
Why is warm salad called such?
You might be thinking that a warm salad is a type of cooked salad. But that is where most people are wrong. According to Lexico, a warm salad consists of one or more warm ingredients. Most people put either cooked meat or fish in their warm salads. An excellent example of a warm salad is a bowl of spinach with hard-boiled eggs and baked bacon.
The term warm salad came from the idea of a salad eaten during the cold season. When you think of salad, you will automatically think of sunny days. However, it’s less likely for some people to think of salad for their meal.
Can you eat salad warm?
Since we have talked about warm salad, you might have a guess now that salads can be eaten warm. Most people eat and make warm salad during the winter season. If you love salad and you seem not to get enough of it, then the warm salad is the answer to your cold season cravings.
To answer this question, yes—you can eat salad warm. You can quickly identify whether a salad is warm or cold through its ingredients. Do you see more warm ingredients and meat in it? Then it is probably a warm salad. Warm salad dressings can also be checked.
Does a salad have to be cold?
Salads do not have to be necessarily cold. Since warm salad bowls exist, cold salads are just another type of salad in the food chart. However, when making salads, you need to be aware of the items you put in your mix.
It is best for fresh and garden salads to chill in the fridge for a few minutes. Green vegetables, especially those that wilt fast, should not be kept out at room temperature for too long. If you do so, it might cause the greens to darken.
However, some people also say that the vegetables’ freshness will depend on their type. For romaine lettuce it should be kept chilled in the fridge to keep its crisp. But for arugula, you can keep it at room temperature.
Can a salad be cooked?
Another argument about salads is whether they can be cooked. The answer: it is not necessary to cook salad. Whether it is a warm or cold salad, you should not grill or cook the greens anymore. Except if you add meat in the salad, especially for warm salads, those items need to meet the grill.
What temperature is best for a salad?
The best temperature for salad depends on the ingredients you use. When preparing food, you must know and understand proper food safety temperatures. This way, you can ensure you are making a healthy meal and protecting the people consuming the salad from foodborne illness.
For warm salads, since most items are warm and cooked, you need to ensure the items are well-cooked. If you add meat and dairy to the salad, it should be cooked at the right temperature. Fish and shellfish should also be double-checked before adding them to the salad bowl.
How long can you keep warm salad out?
Salad, no matter what type, can only be kept out at room temperature for two hours. If the room temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you only have an hour to keep the salad out. This applies to all types of salad.
However, since they compose most of the leafy vegetables for green salads, you need to refrigerate them within two hours. Experts say that multiple bacteria can grow in green salads faster when left at room temperature.
For warm salads, experts say it is dangerous for it to sit out in two hours. Also, warm salads should be kept at room temperature between 40 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you warm up a salad?
As someone who loves to work inside the kitchen, I have learned many ways to make salads. I also know some techniques on how to warm up a salad. One of the easiest ways to warm up a salad is to heat the dressing. Whether it is store-bought or homemade, you can easily pop the salad dressing in your microwave and toss it in your salad right after.
The other way to preheat salad is to toss it with your warm vegetables, beans, or grains. I like to mix some fresh greens with some roasted or stir-fried vegetables. I sometimes also heat the veggies first and mix them in my salad mix. This way, your leafy greens will not wither.
What are the types of salads?
Now that we have talked about warm and cold salads let us look into their other types. A good salad is everything, but it is also crucial to know which kind of salad you are devouring. Here are some of the kinds of salads you should know:
- Green salad. This is the primary type of salad that everyone comes to know. This is often made of leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, spinach, and arugula.
- Fruit salads. From the name itself, this type of salad consists more of fruits than vegetables. This is a sweet type of salad and often is fresh or canned.
- Pasta and rice salads. This type of salad offers more carbohydrates and starch. However, there are also other pasta and rice alternatives that you can use for this salad.
- Bound salads. This type of salad has mayonnaise or any thick condiment as a significant ingredient. Chicken salads, egg salads, and coleslaw are among the salads in this category.
- Dessert salads. This type of salad is often served after dinner. Hence, it is called dessert salad. This type usually has gelatin mixed in it too.
See also summer salad bowls.
15. Pretzel Panzanella Salad with Mustard Dressing
This Pretzel Panzanella Salad with Mustard Dressing is easy to make, tossing pretzels and fresh veggies together in a sweet and tangy mustard dressing.
Check it here.
14. Mediterranean Pearl Barley Salad with Goat Cheese
Looking for a unique salad or a way to use up your stored pearl barley? Try this delectable mediterranean pearl barley salad with goat cheese!
Check it here.
13. Roasted Broccoli Salad with Bacon & Pecans
Be prepared to make this roasted broccoli salad over & over again once you try it! Roasted broccoli combines with salty crispy bacon, crunchy pecans, sharp red onion, and the most delightful tangy-sweet dressing to keep you coming back for more.
Check it here.
12. Roasted Asparagus With Egg And Parmesan Salad
This delicious warm Spring salad recipe combines roasted asparagus, egg with oozing yolks, parmesan shavings and toasted pine nuts. The perfect Spring meal in my opinion!
Check it here.
11.
If you hate wasting produce just as much as I do, this is the perfect recipe for you. This warm kale salad can be made with wilting kale and other greens by heating it up with butter, garlic, and lemon juice.
Check it here.
10.
Chipotle chicken salad is sweet, spicy, fruity yet filling, and nutritious. It’s high in protein and gluten-free.
Check it here.
9.
This Mexican street corn salad features sweet and smoky grilled corn that’s tossed in a tangy, creamy sauce of mayonnaise and lime juice with salty cotija cheese and a little spice from chili powder to balance out the flavor. It goes great with grilled meats and barbecue and it’s a perfect side dish for the summer.
Check it here.
8. Lemon Couscous Salad Recipe
A light and flavorful lemon couscous salad made with cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese and more! Serve it as a hot or cold side dish.
Check it here.
7. Warm German Potato Salad
Warm German potato salad is tangy, sweet, and loaded with crispy bacon pieces. Make this recipe for dinner or your next family gathering!
Check it here.
6. Tofu & Sweet Potato Summer Salad
A light and summery protein-packed salad with smoked tofu, roasted sweet potato, and a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing.
Check it here.
5. Santa Fe Chicken Salad with Tangy Lime Dressing
Santa Fe Chicken Salad with Tangy Lime Dressing is a fresh, hearty salad packed with black beans, roasted corn and tortilla strips tossed with a zesty lime dressing!
Check it here.
4. Salmon Nicoise Salad
Salmon Nicoise Salad is a classic french salad with wild salmon tossed in a tangy lemon dijon vinaigrette! {GF}
Check it here.
3. Lemon Parmesan Quinoa Salad
Warm and filling, this easy to make Lemon Parmesan Quinoa Salad is perfect as a side or add a protein for a quick and easy dinner idea.
Check it here.
2.
Two types of potatoes, broccoli, and eggplant roasted to perfection and paired with a smoky and spicy harissa sauce. A harissa potato salad, gluten-free, vegan, and paleo, that will elevate you bland dinner side dish to an all new level!
Check it here.
1.
A warm sorghum salad paired with roasted kohlrabi, ginger gold apple, and fennel. This gluten-free vegan recipe is slightly sweet, comforting, and nourishing for the cold months ahead.
Check it here.
15 Warm Salad Recipes | Healthy Salad Recipes
Warm salads are as balanced, fresh, and delicious as your usual newly served salad. With that said, here are 15 healthy warm salad recipes you will love!
Ingredients
- Pretzel Panzanella
- Pearl barley
- Roasted broccoli
- Asparagus
- Egg
Instructions
- Choose any warm salad recipes from the post that you like.
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best warm salad and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.