Food and mood — what a complicated relationship! One moment you’re feeling low and want something comforting, and the next, you’re energetic and ready to eat something fresh and light. While most of us think of salads as a “healthy but boring” option, they’re actually incredibly versatile — especially when you know how to build them right.
At Salad Tub, we believe salads can match any mood — whether you’re craving something tangy, spicy, indulgent, or refreshing. So here’s a guide for those “mood swings” of yours, all wrapped up in bowls of freshness and flavour.
😌 Feeling Stressed?
Try: Comfort Bowl with Potatoes, Corn, and Yogurt Dressing
Stress often has us reaching for fried snacks or sweets. Instead, try a comfort salad packed with boiled potatoes, sweet corn, and a creamy curd-based dressing with a pinch of roasted jeera and kala namak.
The carbs will calm you, the yogurt will cool you down, and the crunch will keep your senses satisfied.
✅ Pro Tip: Add some peanuts or croutons for a little bite.
😎 Feeling Energetic?
Try: Power Protein Bowl with Chickpeas, Paneer, and Millets
This one’s for when you feel like conquering the world (or at least your to-do list).
Boiled chickpeas, grilled paneer cubes, and a spoonful of cooked foxtail millet tossed with mint chutney dressing can fuel your productivity.
High in protein and fibre, this bowl will keep you full and focused.
✅ Pro Tip: Add chopped capsicum and coriander for freshness.
🥵 Feeling Hot and Tired?
Try: Hydration Bowl with Watermelon, Cucumber, and Mint
India’s heat is no joke, and some days just feel like dehydration waiting to happen.
Cool off with this water-rich bowl made from chilled watermelon cubes, cucumber slices, mint leaves, and a drizzle of lime juice.
It’s like eating a summer breeze.
✅ Pro Tip: Sprinkle some black salt and chia seeds for a mineral boost.
😐 Feeling Bored of Khichdi-Roti Routine?
Try: Tangy Desi Fusion Bowl with Raw Mango, Sprouts, and Moong Dal
Monotony on your plate can kill your appetite. Wake up your taste buds with a chatpata bowl!
Use sprouted moong, grated raw mango, chopped onions, green chillies, and a dash of imli chutney.
It’s a bhel-inspired salad — just healthier.
✅ Pro Tip: Top with roasted murmura or crushed papdi for that desi crunch.
😍 Feeling Romantic or Extra Pampered?
Try: Indulgence Bowl with Avocados, Strawberries, and Seeds
Special moments deserve a fancy twist. This salad has avocado slices, strawberries, and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds.
Dress it with a honey-lemon vinaigrette and treat yourself to a luxurious meal that still keeps things light.
✅ Pro Tip: Swap strawberries with seasonal Indian fruits like papaya or apple if needed.
🥲 Feeling Under the Weather?
Try: Healing Bowl with Steamed Veggies, Turmeric-Honey Dressing
When your energy is low, and immunity needs a boost, go easy on your stomach.
Steam broccoli, carrot, and beans, and toss them with a light turmeric-honey dressing.
It’s anti-inflammatory, soothing, and so good for the gut.
✅ Pro Tip: Add a few pumpkin seeds for zinc and crunch.
🤤 Feeling Crave-y (You Know… Like Junk)?
Try: Masala Bowl with Spicy Chickpeas, Onion Rings, and Sev
Sometimes, we all want something junk-ish. Enter the chaat salad.
Use boiled black chana, onion rings, chopped tomatoes, chaat masala, and sev as topping. It satisfies those evening cravings without all the guilt.
✅ Pro Tip: Pair with chilled masala buttermilk for the full snacky experience.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Salads don’t have to be same-same every day. Just like your moods change, your salad bowls can too.
The beauty of Indian ingredients is that they are diverse enough to make each salad feel like an entirely new dish.
At Salad Tub, we play with flavours, textures, and nutrition to create mood-based salads that actually get you excited about eating healthy.