Variety is the spice of life with 11 salad
choices. Photo courtesy Dole.com.

The three we had were absolutely delicious.

Here’s the skinny: Normally we avoid bagged salads. It takes us just minutes to tear up our own lettuce, carrots, radishes and whatever. And we don’t buy bottled dressing—making vinaigrettes is a snap. Why pay a premium for what we can make quickly for a fraction of the cost?

Because the three complete Dole Salad Kit choices we tried—Asian Island Crunch, Autumn Splendor and Southwest salads—were as good as any restaurant salad. They were a treat. And they were ready to eat within 90 seconds of opening the bag.

Dole Salad Kits saved us from making far less healthy lunch choices, and served as a really satisfying snack when the brownies beckoned.

The salads are perfectly appointed: Each bag has a packet of excellent dressing and a packet of mix-ins.

• In the case of Asian Island Crunch, it was sliced almonds, dried pineapple, Chinese noodles and snow peas with sesame ginger dressing.
• For Perfect Harvest it was dried cranberries and sliced almonds with an apple cider Dijon vinaigrette.
• For Southwest Salad it was tortilla strips, Cheddar cheese and sour cream with a spicy ranch dressing.

The base for the salads varies according to the theme, but can include a mixture of romaine, iceberg lettuce, butter lettuce, red leaf lettuce, radicchio, red and white cabbage, carrots and radishes. The mix-ins range from dried fruits and nuts to cheese to croutons and other crunchies (like the tortilla strips).

The salad kit varieties we tried provided a very fast and very good salad lunch or dinner. You can add proteins—leftover chicken or beef, for example, or grilled tofu.