the sexiest salads on instagram

Salads, by nature, are not sexy. The base of the dish is literally leaves… LEAVES. With that said, if you think salads stand no chance of being sexier than say, a juicy, melted, grilled cheese, you’re grossly underestimating the power of nutrients. Try to keep your mind open—to kale, quinoa, and everything in between. If you’re (still) a non-believer, hopefully these salads will inspire you to leave your wilted lettuce and ranch dressing behind and embrace the real art of salad making (and photographing…).

@ohsheglows

When there’s so many toppings you can’t find the lettuce…

@fitfoodiefinds

The tastiest looking blueberry salad we’ve ever seen.

@saladforpresident

Potato salad counts as salad, right?

@stefaniegoldmarie

Pumpkin protein patties (yeah, that’s what those are) are anything but basic.

@twohandsnyc

A salad whose hero ingredients are chorizo and butternut squash is welcome in our bellies any day.

@saladpride

I spy with my little eye… Grapefruit!

@nutriliciously

This is quite the detox alkaline salad…

@david_and_joy

Pro tip: Flowers are an acceptable salad garnish.

@kalememaybe

Now featuring figs, persimmon, and heirloom cherry tomatoes.

@elsas_wholesomelife

That is one sexy bowl of greens.

@benineskitchen

Newsflash: That’s not kale you see beneath those caramelized endives, pomegranate seeds, pumpkin seeds, and radish slices. It’s grilled flower sprouts (you learn a new vegetable every day)!

@rootingthesun

If you’ve never had a leafy brussels sprout salad, go change that immediately.

@abckitchen

Congratulations to ABC Kitchen for having the best-looking summer salad and natural lighting EVER.

@estelanyc

You’re looking at some sexy farro, asparagus, and two different types of wild mushroom.

@jackswifefreda

One word: YUM.

@lonijane

Our new favorite toppings: Black rice and smoked tofu.

@foodwolf

Even mass produced salad is sexy.

@lindseyeatsla

Upgrade your regular caesar salad to a spicier (and healthier!) kale salad.

@maple

Fresh on fresh on fresh veggies.

@wholefoods

A sinful combination of pear, red onion, goat cheese, and walnuts.

@justsalad

Playing with your food never gets old.

@choptsalad

Yes, you can get spiced carrots at Chop’t.

@emmajstubbs

Pumpkin, pomegranate, and a pup.

@gkstories

This photo makes us want to eat salad for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the rest of our lives.

@ashrod

Apparently, this salad is bitter, sweet, AND tart. Wowza.