From Veggie Aversion to Salad Lover: My 30-Day Journey & 15 Delicious Recipes for Beginners

For most of my 43 years, the mere thought of a salad or, frankly, any vegetable, was enough to send me running. If you’ve followed my journey on Instagram for the past two and a half years, you’re well aware of my non-existent relationship with greens. While I intellectually understood the health benefits, my palate simply refused to cooperate. However, a desire for personal growth and a love for challenging myself sparked an idea: could I, a lifelong veggie-phobe, genuinely learn to enjoy salads? For the entire month of June, I committed to eating a salad every other day. This was a monumental undertaking for me, and I’m thrilled to share that not only did I stick to it, but I genuinely enjoyed every single one of them!

This journey wasn’t about forcing myself to eat bland, traditional salads laden with ingredients I disliked. Instead, it was about creative exploration and discovering combinations that genuinely appealed to me. You’ll notice that many of my salad creations share similar elements, and for good reason—they worked! Furthermore, a common theme you’ll see is the absence of heavy dressings. I’m not a big fan of them, and honestly, with the addition of fresh berries and various fruits, there’s often no need for extra dressing. The natural sweetness and juiciness provide all the flavor you need.

Now, don’t expect to see me suddenly embracing tomatoes, mushrooms (YUK!), or avocado (seriously, don’t even get me started!). My comfort zone certainly has its boundaries. But despite these personal preferences, I can proudly claim that I successfully ate a salad every other day in June, and surprisingly, I didn’t despise a single bite. In fact, I genuinely enjoyed them! I know many of you on Instagram share my struggle with vegetables and salads, so my hope is that these simple, approachable combinations will inspire you to try something new, just as they did for me. The most positive outcome? I now actively make sure I have a salad at least a few times a week, which is a significant improvement from before I embarked on this challenge!

The Journey to Embracing Greens: A 30-Day Transformation

My decision to undertake this 30-day salad challenge stemmed from a deeper commitment to holistic well-being. It wasn’t just about weight loss, though the Weight Watchers SmartPoints and PointsPlus values included in my recipes certainly help with that. It was about proving to myself that I could overcome a lifelong dietary aversion and expand my palate. The initial days were filled with apprehension, but as I started experimenting with different flavors and textures, a new world opened up. I realized that “salad” didn’t have to mean a bowl of plain, uninspiring lettuce; it could be a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying meal.

The key for me was incorporating ingredients I already loved. Fruit became my best friend in these salads, providing natural sweetness, crunch, and a burst of flavor that often masked the earthiness of the greens. Lean proteins like grilled chicken, steak, or even a homemade burger patty provided satiety, making each salad a complete meal rather than just a side dish. Cheese, in moderation, added a touch of indulgence and richness. This approach allowed me to gradually introduce more greens without feeling like I was sacrificing taste.

Tips for Fellow Veggie-Phobes: Making Salads Enjoyable

If you, like the old me, find vegetables a chore, here are a few insights gleaned from my challenge that might help you on your own journey:

Start Small and Experiment: Don’t feel pressured to love all vegetables overnight. Begin with mild greens like sweet baby lettuce or spinach, which have less intense flavors.
Embrace Fruits: Natural sweetness from berries, pineapple, apples, and citrus can balance the bitterness of greens and add a delightful dimension to your salad.
Focus on Textures: A variety of textures keeps salads interesting. Think crunchy nuts, crispy bacon, soft cheese, and juicy fruits alongside your greens.
Protein Power: Ensure your salad is satisfying by adding a good source of protein. Grilled chicken, steak, pork sausage, or even a burger patty can turn a light side into a hearty meal.
Customization is Key: Don’t be afraid to omit ingredients you genuinely dislike. This challenge was about finding my way to enjoy salads, not conforming to a strict definition.
Go Easy on Dressings (or Skip Them!): Many commercial dressings can be high in calories and unhealthy fats. As I discovered, the right combination of ingredients can create a flavorful salad that needs no additional dressing. If you do use one, opt for light versions or a simple drizzle.
Make it an Experience: Use beautiful bowls, arrange your ingredients nicely, and treat your salad as a meal to be savored, not endured.

My 15 Game-Changing Salad Recipes That Made Me Love Greens

Here are the 15 salad combinations that helped me conquer my aversion to vegetables. Each recipe is designed to be flavorful, satisfying, and easy to prepare. I’ve included the estimated Weight Watchers Points Plus and SmartPoints values as a guide for those tracking their intake. Remember, these are starting points – feel free to adjust to your taste!

1. Tropical Chicken & Berry Salad

This salad was a fantastic start to my challenge, proving that salads could be exciting. The blend of sweet and savory notes, enhanced by the fresh pineapple, truly made the greens enjoyable. It’s a vibrant and refreshing choice.

Base: Sweet baby lettuce
Protein: 4 oz grilled chicken, seasoned with a little Simple Girl Carolina Sauce and Cajun spices
Fruits: Fresh pineapple, strawberries, blueberries
Cheese: 20g Havarti cheese
Toppings: 1 Tbsp almond slices, 1 Tbsp raw coconut chips, fresh cilantro
Points: 8 Points Plus, 7 SmartPoints

2. Pizza Inspired Salad

Who says salads can’t be fun? This creative take on a pizza offers all the beloved flavors without the heavy crust. It’s hearty, satisfying, and an excellent way to enjoy those classic pizza toppings in a lighter format.

Base: Lettuce
Veggies: Red onion, green pepper
Cheese & Meat: 1 cheese string, 8 slices pepperoni
Seasoning: Italian seasoning
Dressing: 1 Tbsp light ranch dressing
Points: 5 Points Plus, 6 SmartPoints

3. Berry & Yogurt Delight Salad

This sweet and creamy salad feels more like a dessert than a typical green dish, making it perfect for those who are hesitant about savory salads. The Greek yogurt adds a lovely tang and protein boost.

Base: Spinach
Fruits: Fresh pineapple, cherries, blackberries, a few banana chips
Toppings: 28g yogurt-covered raisins, 50g Greek vanilla yogurt
Points: 6 Points Plus, 9 SmartPoints

4. Ultimate Berry Blast Salad

Packed with antioxidants and natural sweetness, this salad is a fruit lover’s dream. The array of berries makes it incredibly vibrant and flavorful, proving that spinach can be a fantastic base for sweet combinations.

Base: Spinach
Fruits: Raspberries, pineapple, cherries, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries
Side: A blueberry Lara Bar (for an extra energy boost or a treat)
Points: 5 Points Plus, 7 SmartPoints

5. Classic Chicken Caesar Twist

A perennial favorite, the Chicken Caesar salad gets a thoughtful makeover here. By using center-cut bacon and light on the croutons and cheese, it maintains its classic appeal while being more mindful of point values. It’s a staple for a reason.

Base: Romaine lettuce
Protein: 3 oz seasoned grilled chicken
Toppings: 1 slice cooked and crumbled Oscar Mayer center-cut bacon, 10g croutons, 1 tsp Parmesan cheese
Points: 6 Points Plus, 5 SmartPoints

6. Fruity Spinach & Nut Crunch Salad

This salad is a masterclass in combining sweet and savory with a wonderful textural variety. The crunch from the nuts and chips, paired with the softness of the cheese and the juiciness of the fruit, makes every bite interesting.

Base: Spinach
Fruits & Veggies: Raspberries, pineapple, cherries, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, red onion
Cheese: Mini Baby Bell cheese
Toppings: 2 Tbsp raw almonds, apple chips, banana chips
Points: 6 Points Plus, 7 SmartPoints

7. Asiago Chicken & Berry Delight

A sophisticated yet simple salad, featuring the distinct flavor of Asiago cheese beautifully complementing the grilled chicken and mixed berries. The hickory sticks add an unexpected, delightful crunch.

Base: Sweet baby lettuce
Protein: 4 oz seasoned grilled chicken
Fruits: Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries
Cheese: 1 Tbsp shredded Asiago cheese
Toppings: 28g Greek yogurt covered raisins, 2 Tbsp hickory sticks, 1/2 Tbsp sliced almonds
Points: 11 Points Plus, 12 SmartPoints

8. Grilled Pork & Havarti Salad

This salad demonstrates that even grilled pork sausage can find a place in a delicious and balanced meal. The sweet and tangy fruits cut through the richness of the sausage and Havarti, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Base: Spinach
Protein: Small pork sausage (3 SmartPoints/Points Plus, grilled)
Fruits & Veggies: Peppers, pineapple, blackberries, raspberries
Cheese: 20g Havarti cheese
Toppings: 2 Tbsp craisins
Points: 7 Points Plus, 9 SmartPoints

9. Deconstructed Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Craving a bacon cheeseburger but aiming for something lighter? This salad delivers on flavor! By deconstructing the classic, you get all the satisfying elements – savory burger, crispy bacon, and cheese – atop a fresh bed of lettuce, with a zesty kick from chipotle sauce.

Base: Lettuce
Protein: 3 oz homemade burger (cut up)
Cheese & Meat: 1 Tbsp shredded light cheese, 1 slice cooked Oscar Mayer center-cut bacon
Veggies: Red onion
Dressing/Sauce: 1 Tbsp chipotle sauce
Points: 6 Points Plus, 6 SmartPoints

10. Citrus & Granola Power Salad

This light and refreshing salad highlights the bright, zesty flavors of citrus fruits, perfectly complemented by the crunch of apple chips and granola. It’s an invigorating choice, especially for a warm day, and surprisingly low in points!

Base: Spinach
Fruits: Lemon & lime segments, grapefruit, clementine, apple chips
Toppings: 2 Tbsp granola
Points: 3 Points Plus, 4 SmartPoints

11. Mixed Green & Nutty Berry Salad

A versatile salad that combines the freshness of mixed greens with the sweetness of berries and the satisfying crunch of nuts and coconut. The mini Baby Bell cheese adds a creamy, mild element.

Base: Mixed greens
Veggies: Cucumber, peppers
Fruits: Blackberries, strawberries
Cheese: Baby Bell cheese
Toppings: 1 Tbsp each of raw almonds, raisins, coconut chips
Points: 5 Points Plus, 5 SmartPoints

12. Steak & Feta Crunch Salad

For those who love a hearty meal, this steak salad offers robust flavors and satisfying textures. The salty feta, sweet raisins, and crunchy nuts perfectly complement the tender steak and crisp vegetables.

Base: Sweet baby lettuce
Protein: 1 oz steak
Veggies: Cucumber, red onion
Cheese: 2 Tbsp feta cheese
Toppings: Few cashews, 1 Tbsp raisins, 1 Tbsp almond slices
Dressing: 1 tsp drizzled ranch dressing
Points: 7 Points Plus, 7 SmartPoints

13. BBQ Chicken Ranch Salad

This salad brings the beloved flavors of a BBQ picnic right to your plate. The smoky BBQ chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing create a satisfying and flavor-packed experience, perfect for a fulfilling lunch or dinner.

Base: Lettuce
Protein: 3 oz grilled seasoned chicken with BBQ sauce
Toppings: 2 slices Oscar Mayer center-cut bacon, 2 Tbsp shredded Asiago cheese
Dressing: 1/2 Tbsp light ranch dressing
Points: 6 Points Plus, 6 SmartPoints

14. Zesty Buffalo Chicken Salad

A vibrant and spicy option for those who love a kick! The homemade buffalo chicken mixture is incredibly flavorful and pairs wonderfully with the crisp lettuce and savory bacon. It’s a delightful way to enjoy bold tastes while keeping things healthy.

Base: Lettuce
Protein: Buffalo chicken mixture (1 Tbsp soft light cream cheese, 1 oz shredded chicken, 1 Tbsp light ranch dressing, 1 Tbsp Frank’s hot sauce)
Toppings: 2 Tbsp shredded light cheese, 1 slice Oscar Mayer center-cut bacon
Points: 5 Points Plus, 5 SmartPoints

15. Sweet & Savory Chicken with Pumpkin Seeds

This final salad beautifully encapsulates the variety and enjoyment I found in my challenge. The combination of seasoned chicken, sweet berries, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and a hint of cheese creates a balanced and incredibly satisfying meal.

Base: Sweet baby lettuce
Protein: 4 oz grilled seasoned chicken
Cheese: 1 Tbsp shredded Asiago cheese
Fruits & Veggies: Blueberries, red onion, peppers, cherries
Toppings: 1 Tbsp raisins, 1 Tbsp raw pumpkin seeds
Points: 7 Points Plus, 5 SmartPoints

My Salad Revelation: A Lasting Change

Completing this 30-day salad challenge was a genuine revelation. What started as a daunting task to incorporate more “good for me” foods transformed into an enjoyable culinary adventure. I discovered that salads don’t have to be boring or restrictive; they can be incredibly diverse, flavorful, and a fantastic way to nourish your body without feeling deprived. The biggest takeaway for me is the power of intention and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, even if it’s just a little bit.

If you’re someone who has always struggled with vegetables or found salads unappealing, I truly hope my journey and these recipes offer you a fresh perspective. You don’t need to become a strict vegan or embrace every single green. Start with what you like, experiment with flavors, and build your way up. My goal was to eat a salad every other day in June, and now, I happily include them several times a week. That’s a huge win in my book, and it’s a testament to the fact that even the most stubborn eating habits can be gently nudged in a healthier direction. Give these combinations a try, and who knows, you might just find your inner salad lover too!