Most people hear the word “salad” and immediately visualize a light summer meal. But there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a salad all year round. Salads are quick and easy to make, affordable and healthy (especially if you use fresh, seasonal ingredients) and incredibly customizable. What’s not to love?
With that in mind, here are a few of our favorite salad recipes for winter—but that can easily be enjoyed throughout every other season, too. Bonus: they all feature Tilapia—a fresh, flaky, mild fish that won’t overpower the other flavors in the dish.
Jerk-Marinated Tilapia Salad with Baked Plantain
At first glance, this may not look like a filling salad—but you can trust us when we say that this will satisfy even the largest appetites. That’s because it’s loaded with romaine lettuce and cabbage, and topped with Tilapia (glazed in a sweet-and-spicy jerk marinade) and slices of baked plantain. When you want to be full but not too full, this should be your go-to meal.
Try the recipe: Jerk-Marinated Tilapia Salad with Baked Plantain from The Healthy Fish.
Grilled Tilapia Spinach Salad
We can’t get enough of this salad. While Tilapia and pecans add protein, the sautéed mushrooms and zucchini are even bigger sources of nutrients—including vitamins A, B6 and C, and minerals like potassium and manganese. This is a light-yet-filling combo that works well with a variety of herbs and spices, so feel free to experiment with other dressings. Or better yet, put a few on the table and let everyone choose their own.
Try the recipe: Pan-Fried Tilapia and Spinach Salad from Tablespoon.
Tilapia Fattoush Salad
Fattoush might be a staple of the Mediterranean region, but that doesn’t mean it can only be served in warm weather. Winter greens, tomatoes, chickpeas, baked Tilapia fillets and warm pita bread are exactly what you need to enjoy a salad in the winter—but with this recipe, you’ll still get a taste of summer thanks to the zesty lemon dressing.
Try the recipe: Tilapia Fattoush Salad from The Healthy Fish.
Tilapia Salad with Herb Dressing
Aside from being high in protein, Tilapia is super versatile. To make this salad, all you need to do is season the fish with salt, pepper and paprika and then quickly sear it in a pan over medium-high heat—it’s that simple. Paired with fresh produce (salad greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes) and a creamy herb dressing, it can be enjoyed at either lunch or dinner. To make it even healthier, just swap the mayonnaise and sour cream in the dressing for Greek yogurt.
Try the recipe: Simple Pan-Seared Tilapia Salad with Creamy Herb Dressing from Tried and True.
Salad can be a satisfying meal in the colder months—we promise! All you need to do is pair protein-rich Tilapia with fresh vegetables, a few crunchy elements (think nuts or seeds) and a healthy dose of your favorite dressing.
Hungry for more salads? Check out these fresh recipes or consult our store locator to find your nearest Tilapia retailer.
Photo Credits: Elena Veselova / Shutterstock Inc., Regal Springs, Haley Davis for The Healthy Fish