Dole Food Company, Inc. hopes to encourage Americans to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables in honor of May’s National Salad Month and all year long, with the release of a dozen original salad recipes linked to the specific astrological personalities of the 12 Zodiac signs.
Part of “Healthier by Dole,” a monthly recipe series that seeks to provide healthier, easier and tastier menu alternatives for big and small holidays and eating occasions, said the company, the new Zodiac-inspired recipes were created by Melanie Marcus, Dole’s nutrition and health communications manager.
This month’s salad-eating message is meant to be fun, slightly irreverent and reach those who may not be following a regular salad routine, said Marcus in a release.
“From the Virgo who appreciates a more structured bowl of greens to the Scorpio looking for more daring ingredients to the Gemini conflicted between sweet and savory, we’ve got your salad profile covered,” she said. “Our ‘Healthier by Dole’ menu series is all about making fresh produce more fun and accessible.
“Our hope is that by personalizing salad prep and selection, we inspire non-salad-eaters to discover that when fresh lettuces, fruits, vegetables, toppings and dressings come together in a bowl, the result can taste like a little slice of heaven,” continued Marcus.
Read more: Industry poised to make most of National Salad Month
Dole's year-long calendar of salads has already featured a big game-worthy vegan tailgate in February, healthier, Irish-themed dishes for St. Patrick’s Day in March, and banana-centric recipes in honor of National Banana Week in April.
Marcus’ 12 salad signs of the Zodiac with Dole’s descriptions include:
Capricorn: December 22-January 19
Chopped Bacon Caesar with Shrimp. Ambitious, always-working Capricorns have precious little time to prepare recipes, so should appreciate this classic, easy-to-assemble salad that takes just five minutes to make.
Aquarius: January 20-February 18
Watermelon and Shaved Ricotta Salata with Mint. Aquarians are clever, unique, glass-is-half-full individuals who add a breath of fresh air to any situation — much like this Watermelon and Shaved Ricotta Salata with Mint puts a fun twist on the typical bowl of greens.
Pisces: February 19-March 20
Pepper Crusted Tuna Cucumber Crunch Salad. Often considered the most lovable and soulful of the Zodiac signs, Pisces, identified by the fish, will be drawn to this artistic creation that adds peppercorn-crusted tuna steaks, Dole cucumber and radishes to a Dole Chopped Sunflower Crunch Salad Kit.
Aries: March 21-April 19
Blazin’ Fruit Salad. Created as a tribute to the bigger-than-life Maui in Disney’s Moana, Dole’s Blazin’ Fruit Salad with lemon zest and grilled tropical goodness is the perfect choice for this spontaneous, often-impetuous sign that possesses an internal fire that sets it apart.
Taurus: April 20-May 20
Southwest Caesar Chicken Salad. Trustworthiness is a key trait of a Taurus — and if there's one salad you can always count on, it’s the ever-popular Caesar. In fact, Caesar is one of Dole’s best-selling packaged salad varieties.
Gemini: May 21-June 21
Sweet and Savory Potato Salad. Geminis, the twins, are a study in contradictions, and paradoxes — a dilemma that undoubtedly extends to the choice between savory and sweet. Dole makes it easy with this split-personality salad that delivers both flavor profiles.
Cancer: June 22-July 22
Shaved Spring Vegetables, Spring Greens and Curry Salad. Known for their intuition and intensity, Cancerians follow their instincts. This veggie-based salad delivers with an unapologetically robust blend of raw beets, radishes, carrots and cashew curry dressing.
Leo: July 23-August 22
Lion Cobb Chicken Salad. Bold and fierce, Dole’s Lion Cobb Chicken Salad, developed by Marcus as part of Dole’s celebration of Disney’s “The Lion King,” truly stands out in a crowd, which any confident Leo will love.
Virgo: August 23-September 22
Summer Cobb Salad. Virgos love stability in their life so should appreciate the chance to take control by assembling this deconstructed Dole Summer Cobb Salad.
Libra: September 23-October 23
Chopped Tahini-Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken. Delivering the perfect mix of ingredients and flavors in every mouthful, this Dole chopped salad appeals to harmony- and balance-seeking Librans.
Scorpio: October 24-November 21
Southwestern Gazpacho. If there is one word to describe a Scorpio it is unafraid — and what’s braver than using a blender to create a drinkable Dole salad?
Sagittarius: November 22-December 21
Walkabout Salad Cones. Stepping out of their comfort zone is natural for Sagittarians. This movable salad delivers out-of-the-box goods with such diverse ingredients as golden beets, edamame, pistachios, arugula and corn tortillas.