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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.