The cauliflower is finely chopped so it resembles couscous and better absorbs flavors. It’s then tossed is a light basil-lemon sauce with a hint of maple syrup.

Bread salads are a traditional Italian way to use day-old bread. Adding cooked chicken and greens makes this a balanced meal.

For this salad, fresh pears are poached in red wine to give them a gorgeous color and deeper flavor that’s delicious with the assertive blue cheese and toasty hazelnuts.

Maple glazed tuna is just that: tuna steak brushed with a maple syrup-mustard glaze. Along side is a salad of Yukon Gold potatoes, pears, nuts and greens.

For this barley salad, pearl barley and black barley are tossed with pine nuts, chiles, cucumber, and olives. Serve the salad as starter or as a toothsome lunch.

This Italian pear, basil, and Pecorino Toscano salad is a perfect fall dish. The sweet pears, pungent basil, and meaty Pecorino Toscano play well together.

This wintertime salad is composed of salad greens, pomegranates, and tender pears. Sweet and crunchy caramelized pumpkin seeds round out this leafy delight.

This pasta salad with tuna is tinted yellow by saffron. The pasta salad is easy to cook and can be made ahead. For the salad use big pasta for big effect.

White asparagus and orange slices are tossed in a sherry dressing. Block olive oil is drizzled on top. The white asparagus and oranges lend a fresh taste.

Quinoa salad with pistachios and cranberries is an ideal holiday salad or side dish. The salad can be made ahead as the quinoa will remain fluffy.

Napa cabbage, carrots, peanuts, scallions, and herbs are tossed with seared tofu and drizzled with an Asian garlic-chile sauce. A tofu lover’s salad.

This papaya, green pea, and rice salad is perfect for a summer’s day. The papaya is fresh, the green pea snappy, and the rice plump with the dressing.

For this chickpea and spinach salad, tender chickpeas are tossed in a dressing and served over a bed of spinach. A cooling yogurt topping crowns the salad.

The grilled lamb kebabs in this lamb kebab salad are tossed with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, mint, and pita bread. Substitute beef for the lamb.

This Asian noodle salad with peanut dressing is a mix of sweet and spicy. The noodles are tossed with tofu and sprouts and topped with the peanut dressing.

Cooked shrimp, grilled focaccia, cucumbers, tomatoes, capers, olives, and frisee are tossed in a spiky vinaigrette. A classy panzanella or bread salad.

Poached chicken, cabbage strips, carrot slivers, and Vietnamese coriander are tossed in a classic Vietnamese lime dressing. A great outdoor salad.

Fusili pasta, bell peppers, celery, onions, olives, and pickles are tossed in a tangy dressing made from Greek yogurt. A perfect summer pasta salad.

A summer potato salad couldn’t be easier. Warm baby red potatoes are drizzled with a basil-packed dressing made with garlic, vinegar, and mustard.

This recipe for the classic French bistro salad combines salad greens, a softly cooked egg, and bits of bacon. It makes for an easy lunch or dinner.

When avocados are ripe, this is the salad to make. Chicken breast, dried cranberries, and avocados are tossed in a cramy dressing. Healthy, simple salad.

Hearts of palm and sweet mango are tossed in a mustard dressing flavored with shallots, garlic, and thyme. A perfect light, healthy summer lunch.

For this potato salad recipe, sweet potatoes and a homemade pepper relish are tossed in a dressing full of garlic, mustard, olive oil, and lots of parsley.

Warm black-eyed peas and spinach are nestled in a bowl topped with cool tomatoes and onions. A drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice dress it up.

This potato salad gets a makeover with three types of cheeses: Cheddar, Parmesan, and smoked Gouda. The salad dressing is tangy with sour cream.