Composed salads are a beautiful and structured way to present a salad. Unlike tossed salads, where all ingredients are mixed together, composed salads are carefully arranged on a platter, allowing each ingredient to shine. These salads are not only visually stunning but also a delicious way to enjoy a variety of textures and flavors. Ella Chef loves creating composed salads that balance seasonal produce, protein, and vibrant dressings, making them perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual lunch, a special dinner, or a holiday gathering.
Let’s dive into some of Ella Chef’s favorite composed salad ideas that will wow your guests and satisfy your taste buds!
1. Nicoise Salad
The classic French Nicoise salad is a composed salad that combines fresh vegetables, olives, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and anchovies, all beautifully arranged on a platter. It’s a light, satisfying meal that balances savory, salty, and umami flavors with a tangy vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
- Mixed greens (such as arugula or spinach)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup green beans, blanched
- 1/4 cup black olives
- 1/2 cup cooked potatoes, cubed
- 1 can of tuna (preferably in olive oil)
- Anchovies (optional)
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Arrange the mixed greens on a large platter.
- On top of the greens, arrange the boiled eggs, tomatoes, green beans, olives, potatoes, and tuna.
- For the dressing, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad.
- Optionally, add anchovies on top for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this classic salad.
2. Caprese Salad
The simple and elegant Caprese salad is a composed salad that showcases fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, it’s a perfect salad to highlight summer produce.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1 ball of fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Directions:
- On a platter, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella, arranging them in a circular pattern.
- Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately for a fresh and vibrant summer salad.
3. Autumn Roasted Vegetable Salad
For a warm, hearty composed salad, try this autumn roasted vegetable salad. Roasted seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, beets, and Brussels sprouts are paired with arugula and topped with goat cheese and nuts for extra flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 small beets, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup arugula
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the vegetables for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
- Arrange the roasted vegetables on a platter with arugula.
- Top with crumbled goat cheese and toasted pecans.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and serve warm.
4. Greek Salad
A vibrant and flavorful composed Greek salad features juicy tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. The salad is topped with a lemon-oregano dressing that brings the whole dish together.
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Arrange the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and olives on a platter.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve immediately.
5. Grilled Chicken Salad with Avocado
For a more filling composed salad, grilled chicken and creamy avocado come together with greens, cherry tomatoes, and corn. This salad is both nutritious and satisfying, with a simple lime dressing that ties everything together.
Ingredients:
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 cups mixed greens (such as romaine or spinach)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Arrange the mixed greens on a large platter.
- Add the sliced grilled chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and corn.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve immediately.
6. Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
This composed beet and goat cheese salad combines the earthy flavor of roasted beets with the creaminess of goat cheese, paired with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s perfect for fall or winter gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 2 large beets, roasted and sliced
- 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups arugula
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Roast the beets and slice them into thin rounds.
- Arrange the arugula, beet slices, and crumbled goat cheese on a platter.
- Top with toasted walnuts.
- Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve.
7. Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
For a sophisticated composed salad, try pairing sweet pears with the bold flavor of Gorgonzola cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
- 2 pears, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Arrange the mixed greens on a platter.
- Top with sliced pears, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, and toasted walnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve immediately.
Conclusion
Composed salads are a wonderful way to showcase the fresh, seasonal ingredients of the fall. With their vibrant colors and varied textures, these salads are as beautiful as they are flavorful. Whether you’re making a hearty roasted vegetable salad or a lighter option with fresh fruit and cheese, these fall salad ideas are perfect for any occasion. They can be served as a side dish, main course, or even as part of a holiday spread. Enjoy the deliciousness of autumn with these refreshing, satisfying, and easy-to-make composed salads!