12 Colorful Paleo Side Salads

It’s been a rare occurrence in my food-focused life, but every once in a while, I have the thought: “Grrrr… I’m too busy to eat!”

Like I said, it’s rare.

What’s more important than food?! But it does happen.

When food becomes a must-do, rather than a want to, I try to make our meals—and the associated shopping and food prep—as simple as possible. There are two ways I’ve found to do that: (1) Follow a meal plan so there’s no thinking required; just a big Cookup day. (2) Go back to basics with some nice protein (grilled or baked chicken, bunless burgers, roasted pork loin) and a bright, colorful side salad.

These salads are fresh, bursting with bold flavors, involve very simple prep, and will make you happy to be eating, whether you’re in crunch mode or la-la-la-ing your way through a relaxing day.

Snap Peas with Lemon, Mint, and Pistachios

Lemon-Maple Kale Salad with Dates and Almonds

Thai Yummy Salad

Thai Pink Grapefruit Salad

Simple Red Cabbage Salad

Spring Chopped Salad

Classic Potato Salad with Bacon

Herb “Rice” Salad

Muffaletta Salad

Sweet and Salty Broccoli Salad

Belly Dance Beet Salad

 Moroccan Orange Salad

Turkish Chopped Salad