Is having a salad your first thought when you head to lunch with your friends, or out to dinner with your spouse? While your instincts are right on, salad can be one of the most unwise choices for your medical weight loss program. But it doesn’t have to be.

Craving more salads in the hot weather months? We’ve got lots of creative and delicious ways to make your summer salad the centerpiece of your meal, while sticking to your medical weight loss plan.

Cool off this summer and keep it slim with these doctor-approved healthy recipes for summer salads.

If you tend to avoid Caesar salads because you’re afraid of the fat content, try this lightened-up version. It uses light mayonnaise and omits the eggs and croutons.

This “omelet” is really more of a pita sandwich stuffed with a healthy and tasty mixture of  hummus, tabouli, and egg substitute.

Enjoy a taste of summer with this delicious fish dish paired with a refreshing seasonal salad.

This Indian-influenced chicken salad – made with low-fat yogurt instead of mayo – makes a tasty treat for tonight’s dinner.

Crunchy breaded chicken doesn't have to be unhealthy – not when it's baked as in this tasty recipe. Serve with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions for a refreshing dinner salad.

Need a refreshing side salad for a picnic or barbecue? Try this tasty falafel salad for something different that will please everyone, even vegetarians!

Get a taste of the tropics with this delightful Mexican-influenced dinner salad.

Though this recipe takes a little time to prepare, the resulting salad is a nutritional powerhouse: Lentils are high in fiber, which helps lower cholesterol, as well as folate and magnesium, both good for the heart.

Our Italian sandwich consists of layers of meats and cheese on crusty bread – and it may be the quickest dinner you’ve ever made!

Our version of this Greek specialty is easy to make and a definite family favorite.

A variation on the French croque-monsieur, this tasty and easy sandwich is sure to satisfy your craving for a little sweet and a little savory.

We’ve freshened up this family favorite by adding a delightful side salad of fennel, peaches, and mint. 

This traditional composed salad is easy to make – and even easier to enjoy! Skinless chicken breast and turkey bacon keep the fat low and the taste high.

Try a taste of the Mediterranean for dinner with our take on a classic Nicoise Salad.

When you want a quick, light, and healthy dinner, prepare this veggie platter – it even includes hummus made from scratch!

If you’re a chicken salad fan but avoid it because of all the fat, try this lightened-up version that uses light mayo.

You won’t miss the eggs in this lightened-up version of a traditional frittata.

Visit the seaside in the comfort of your home with our quick-and-easy version of a Crab Louis Salad.

We bring the old-fashioned chef salad up-to-date by substituting a smidgen of bacon for the traditional ham and lightening the cheese and dressing.

Tangy citrus – orange, grapefruit, and lemon – adds a refreshing flavor to this easy salad. 

You’ll feel the ocean breezes as you bite into these savory, scrumptious crab cakes. They’re simply perfect for a light meal anytime.

Make this healthy grilled tuna more festive by pairing it with fresh oranges and a delightful dressing. 

Chicken wings are usually fried, but our delicious version is cooked and served with a refreshing cucumber salad.

Get a taste of the Mediterranean with these delicious lamb burgers, livened up with a hint of mint and a refreshing tomato salad.

If you’ve never tried stromboli, it’s like a pizza pocket stuffed with filling. Make our savory version even healthier by using whole wheat ready-to-use pizza dough if you can find it. 

We’ve lightened up the Waldorf salad by omitting the mayo and modernized it with pear instead of apple.

Give your salad a Southwestern kick by adding some delicious barbecued shrimp, along with antioxidant-rich black beans and heart-healthy avocado.

Enjoy this Asian-inspired salad on its own, or spice it up a little by adding sambal oelek, a red chili-based sauce.

Looking for a quick and refreshing dinner? Try this tasty and easy-to-make salad!

Enjoy a taste of summer with this delicious fish dish paired with a refreshing seasonal salad.