Happy New Year! If you’re like most people out there, one of your goals for this new year is to eat healthier and that typically includes eating more greens/salads. Whether you’re seasoned at making salads or not sure where to begin, look no further! In this post, I am sharing 3 (yes, 3!) fun salads to kick off your healthier season this 2025.

These salads can be eaten as is or topped with your favourite protein (I personally love chicken and salmon).
Recipes are below. Enjoy

SALAD 1: PEAR AND CRANBERRY SALAD

You’ll only need some fresh mixed greens, pears, pecans, dried cranberries, cheese (I used Asiago cheese – has a milder flavor) and some honey balsamic dressing to make this delicious tasting salad.

Toss in a bowl until well coated and serve alone or with topped with your favorite protein.

SALAD #2: APPLE POMEGRANATE SALAD

Tickle your taste buds this season with a vibrant apple pomegranate salad. A combination of crisp apples, juicy pomegranates and a balsamic dressing coming together to create the perfect balance of sweet and crunch in every bite!

All you’ll need for this salad is some mixed greens, pomegranates, walnuts, apples and some honey balsamic dressing.

SALAD 3: SQUASH POMEGRANATE SALAD

Butternut squash are still available at the grocery stores at this time so they’re an easy addition to this salad. The ingredients are listed below:
-Baby greens
-Roasted butternut squash cubes (recipe below)
-Pecans
-Pomegranates
-Goat cheese
-Lemon and dijon vinaigrette

Mix all ingredients together and enjoy with some protein or as a side salad. 

Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes Recipe:
-1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
-Olive oil or other vegetable oil
-Maple syrup
-Unsalted butter
-Herbs and spices:
  Garlic powder
  Smoked paprika
  Salt
  Black pepper
  Thyme
  Basil leaves 
  Oregano
  Parsley flakes (also to garnish) 

-Pumpkin seeds and pecans (roasted if you like the crunch) 
-Dried cranberries 
-Goat cheese 
-Suya spice (optional)
-2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, maple syrup, herbs and spices together

In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash cubes and mix with the olive oil/herb/spice/maple syrup mixture until well combined. 

Place squash cubes in a baking dish, cover with foil and roast in the center of the oven for 25 minutes at first. 

Remove foil, turn the squash and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until it is tender and easily poked by a fork (time will vary depending on the size you cut the squash).

Once soft, remove squash from the oven and sprinkle with suya spice and melted butter. Toss until well coated. 

Top with dried cranberries, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and goat cheese.