Turn Sad Desk Salads to Happy Desk Salads

A huge work-from-home perk is the absence of sad desk salads! Remember those? That grab-and-go, purchased in a rush and consumed at your desk during work salad was decidedly not great. Some of those sad desk salad characteristics included wilted or unappetizing greens, a need for more diverse ingredients, and a highly processed dressing. The toppings were preselected and probably lacked good nutritional value like nuts, fruits, seeds, or extra vegetables. And, to wrap up the yuck, who knows how long that salad had been sitting in that little plastic clamshell? 

Enter the “happy desk salad” that you prepare in your own kitchen with the freshest ingredients because you work from home! One big remote work perk is making your own breakfast and lunch. This saves money and if done right, is healthier than routinely purchasing lunch on the go. Make lunch most days and save up for a restaurant, and sit down for lunch with other neighborhood work-from-home friends or colleagues, which is also good for your health! 

Prepped at home with fresh ingredients for a Happy Desk Salad!

For fun, we asked Chat GPT for a Happy Desk Salad recipe and this looks pretty good.

Happy Desk Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed greens (such as lettuce, spinach, or arugula)

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cucumber, diced

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced (any color you prefer)

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced (green or black, according to your taste)

• 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds

• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, or cilantro), chopped

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, feta cheese, olives, sunflower seeds (or pumpkin seeds), and fresh herbs. Toss gently to mix everything together.

3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.

4. Enjoy! Add a piece of toast or some crackers for a little crunch.

   Note: You can customize this recipe based on your preferences or what ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for some protein, and include other vegetables like avocado, radishes, or carrots. The key is to keep it fresh, vibrant, and full of flavors to elevate your desk lunch experience!

Stock your pantry with items to make delicious Happy Desk Salads.

We also asked Chat GPT for a list of great Trader Joe’s pantry items to have on hand for creating your own Happy Desk Salad:

1. Trader Joe's Balsamic Vinegar: This balsamic vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to your salad dressing.

2. Trader Joe's Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil is essential for making a delicious salad dressing.

3. Trader Joe's Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a zesty kick to your dressing and helps to emulsify it.

4. Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle this seasoning blend on your salad for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.

5. Trader Joe's Roasted and Salted Sunflower Seeds: Sunflower seeds are a great addition to salads, providing a nutty taste and satisfying crunch.

6. Trader Joe's Marinated Olives: These flavorful marinated olives can add a briny and tangy element to your salad.

7. Trader Joe's Crumbled Feta Cheese: Feta cheese adds a creamy and salty taste to your salad. You can use it as a topping or mix it into the salad.

8. Trader Joe's Roasted Red Peppers: These jarred roasted red peppers can be sliced and added to your salad for a sweet and smoky flavor.

9. Trader Joe's Artichoke Hearts: Tender and tangy artichoke hearts are a great addition to salads, providing a unique texture and taste.

10. Trader Joe's Raw Nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews): Keep a variety of raw nuts on hand to add a satisfying crunch and a dose of healthy fats to your salads.

Remember, these items are just suggestions, and you can mix and match them according to your taste preferences. Trader Joe's also offers a range of fresh produce options that can be incorporated into your happy desk salad. Any grocery store should carry a good variety of nutritious elements for your personalized Happy Desk Salad.