5 Hungry Lady Salads for Labor Day

Summer wouldn’t be complete without enjoying one last spread of delicious food outdoors surrounded by loved ones. And who would I be if I wasn’t advocating for at least one Hungry Lady Salad?! If you’ve been following along for a while now, you would know that Hungry Lady Salads are so much more than just salads. They are delicious meals that satisfy all of your flavor cravings while also satisfying your hunger, and today I’m sharing 5 of our favorites.

If you have been searching for the perfect addition to your end of summer party, cookout, picnic, or barbecue, then you have come to the right place. These recipes are simple, packed full of flavor and can be made in advance so that you can spend more time with family and friends, and less time in the kitchen this Labor Day.

To some, Labor Day is the day we all gather around turkey sandwiches and give thanks to the corny one-liners on screen, but to me, what takes the cake (pun intended) are the sweet treats that finish off your meal and round everything out.

As we head into the home stretch of beach-going season, Labor Day is a great chance to enjoy some homemade goodies, and these 5 healthier desserts aren’t just delicious, they’re guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

“Cheesy” Vegan Kale Salad with Farro (Vegan)

This recipe is so simple and straightforward, but it packs a huge punch of flavor. The combination of chewy farro, tender kale, bright tomatoes, toasty almonds and a savory, umami-packed lemon dressing will make your tastebuds dance. It’s also incredibly filling and holds up in the fridge—the hearty kale and farro make it ideal for meal prep lunches (save it for back to school!), or use its keeping-power to your advantage by prepping ahead for your labor day festivities.

Mediterranean Chopped Salad With Roasted Red Pepper Dressing (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free)

This is one of those salads that comes together to create the perfect bite. It is crunchy, creamy, salty and sweet all at once – the perfect blend and balance of flavors. It takes 20 minutes from start to finish, and the dressing… oh the DRESSING! That’s what has everyone (including Rachel Ray) so excited. It is only 5 ingredients, takes 30 seconds in a blender and is packed with flavor.

Air Fried Artichoke Salad With Lemon Parmesan Dressing (Gluten-Free)

I know I say this with every salad, but this one is special. It’s hearty, but light at the same time. When you dress it, the lettuce soaks up all of the juices and dressing but still keeps its crunch. You’re left with a delicious combination of flavors and textures that makes this salad a meal in itself. I don’t know how many times I’ve eaten the leftovers for lunch… and then dinner. And sometimes an afternoon snack thrown in there too (if it lasts that long!).

Revolutionary Broccoli Salad (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian)

Who said a broccoli salad couldn’t taste as good as it looks?! Admittedly, I’ve never been a big fan of traditional broccoli salad (they often lack a little pizzazz), but this is not your Aunt Mary’s broccoli salad. (No offence, Aunt Mary.) This revolutionary version is a full meal in a bowl thanks to the addition of quinoa, and is sweet, tart, chewy, and crunchy all at one. Plus it will keep all week in the fridge!

Lentil Chopped Salad With Honey Walnut Dressing (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free)

Hand me a regular lentil salad and you can guarantee I’ll be craving more crunch, more texture, more complex flavor… I won’t apologize for being a girl who knows what she wants! This is my answer to that personal problem, and perhaps to yours too. Get ready for lots and lots of tiny pieces of vegetables, lentils and cheese dressed with yet another insanely delicious dressing. I eat (read: devour) this with a spoon, or with tortilla chips as a salad dip of sorts.

If you make any of these 5 Hungry Lady Salads for Labor Day, and I hope you do, please leave me a comment and rate the recipe. Your feedback means a lot to me! You can also post to Instagram and tag me so I can share your creations! 

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