Soup or Salad 13 Recipes for Lighter Nights

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Soup or Salad 13 Recipes for Lighter Nights

As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, the appeal of light and refreshing meals begins to outshine the heavier comfort foods of winter. Enter the perfect duo for satisfying yet lighter dinners: soups and salads. This post is dedicated to those seeking to maintain a balance between nourishing ingredients and the desire for meals that won’t weigh you down. Whether you’re a fan of creamy soups that comfort the soul without the heaviness, or vibrant salads packed with seasonal produce, we’ve got a collection of recipes that promise flavor, nutrition, and simplicity.

A salad with chicken, corn, tomatoes and avocado on a white plate.
Cobb Salad. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Roasted Vegetable Salad

Close up of roasted vegetable salad on a white platter.
Roasted Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Savor the rich, earthy flavors of a Roasted Vegetable Salad, featuring a colorful array of roasted veggies tossed with fresh greens and a vibrant dressing. It’s a healthy, satisfying meal that celebrates the bounty of the garden.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad

Creamy Mushroom Soup

Wild rice and mushroom soup in a white bowl with sprigs of sage.
Creamy Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Indulge in the deep, umami flavors of Creamy Mushroom Soup. This rich soup combines various mushrooms with a velvety broth, creating a luxurious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any mushroom lover.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Soup

Slow Cooker Butternut Soup

A crock of butternut soup.
Slow Cooker Butternut Soup. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Enjoy the simplicity and flavor of Slow Cooker Butternut Soup, a creamy, spiced soup that cooks to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s a fuss-free meal that warms you from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Butternut Soup

Burger Bowls

Burger bowl with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and special sauce.
Burger Bowls. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Get all the flavors of your favorite burger in a healthier, low-carb package with Burger Bowls. These bowls feature seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and all your favorite burger toppings in a deconstructed form.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A bowl of chicken and gnocchi soup with a spoon in it.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Warm up with this comforting Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a creamy delight filled with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables. It’s a soothing, hearty soup perfect for chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Crispy Chicken Salad

Crispy Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Little Big Alaska.

Crunch into a Crispy Chicken Salad, where golden, breaded chicken pieces are tossed with fresh greens, veggies, and a zesty dressing. It’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors that make for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken Salad

Lasagne Soup

A warm pot of tomato soup, perfect for cozy winter dinners.
Lasagne Soup. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Experience the classic taste of lasagna in a cozy, spoonable format with Lasagne Soup. This innovative recipe combines ground meat, noodles, and cheese in a tomato-based broth for a comforting meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Lasagne Soup

Antipasto Salad

A platter of salad with croutons.
Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Dive into an Antipasto Salad, bursting with the flavors of Italy. This salad combines cured meats, cheese, olives, and vegetables for a refreshing yet hearty dish that’s perfect as a starter or a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Cobb Salad

A large platter of cobb salad.
Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Enjoy the timeless appeal of a Cobb Salad, a layered masterpiece of chicken, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, cheese, and greens. Drizzled with a tangy dressing, it’s a fulfilling salad that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Cowboy Stew

Cowboy stew in a bowl.
Cowboy Stew. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Cowboy Stew is a hearty, robust dish that embodies the spirit of the Wild West with its rich blend of flavors and ingredients. This one-pot wonder combines tender chunks of beef, a variety of beans, potatoes, and vegetables, all simmered in a thick, savory broth infused with a blend of spices.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Stew

Club Sandwich Salad

A club sandwich salad on a plate.
Club Sandwich Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Reinvent the classic club sandwich as a Club Sandwich Salad, mixing the traditional ingredients of chicken, bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce with a light dressing. It’s a novel way to enjoy the flavors of a club sandwich without the bread.
Get the Recipe: Club Sandwich Salad

Buffalo Chicken Salad

Buffalo Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Spice up your salad routine with Buffalo Chicken Salad, featuring spicy buffalo chicken atop a bed of crisp greens and veggies, all topped with a creamy blue cheese dressing. It’s bold, flavorful, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Salmon Salad with Bagel

Overhead of smoked salmon and bagel salad.
Salmon Salad with Bagel. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Elevate your lunch with a Salmon Salad with bagel slices, combining flaky salmon, fresh greens, and your choice of veggies, served with a crunchy bagel on the side. It’s a refreshing, protein-packed meal ideal for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad with Bagel

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