27 Salad Recipes To Help You Waste Less And Enjoy More

Making salads at home can be both tasty and practical. Trying 27 different salad recipes helps use up ingredients that might otherwise go to waste. Each recipe can bring new flavors and textures, making meals more exciting. Enjoying these varied salads can lead to healthier eating and less food waste.

Close-up of a delightful broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Mixed ingredients are visible in detail, showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of this fresh broccoli salad.
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Copycat Big Mac Salad

Close-up of a salad featuring ground beef, sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and diced onions, topped with a creamy dressing.
Copycat Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Craving that famous burger but want to keep it light? Try Copycat Big Mac Salad which brings all those known flavors into a healthier option. Combining fresh greens with burger-style toppings, it’s the best of both worlds. Easy to prepare, it’s perfect for those fast-food cravings without the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

Grilled Paneer Salad

A close-up of a salad featuring grilled tofu cubes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and leafy greens, all drizzled with a creamy dressing.
Grilled Paneer Salad. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Giving a new twist to your salads, Grilled Paneer Salad is both filling and flavorful. Grilled paneer adds a nice texture, making each bite enjoyable. Perfect for a nice, protein-rich meal, it’s simple to prepare and delicious to eat. Great for when you want something easy yet wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Paneer Salad

Healthy Chicken Salad

Close-up of a salad with grilled chicken, strawberries, blueberries, pecans, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing on a bed of leafy greens.
Healthy Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Kickstart your day with a nourishing mix that’s light yet filling. Healthy Chicken Salad brings together flavors that feel clean and refreshing. A great way to enjoy your protein with some greens. Every bite keeps you energized until your next meal.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

A bowl of Mexican street corn salad garnished with lime wedges and cilantro.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Enjoy a mix that offers bold flavors and creamy textures. Mexican Street Corn Salad brings a taste of street food excitement to your salad bowl. It’s a little spicy, a little sweet, and all-around unique. Perfect for when you want something truly special.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Potato Salad

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Got a bunch of potatoes lying around? Toss them into a bowl with some tasty extras, and you have Potato Salad. It’s all about using what you have and making a little magic. Perfect for when you need a quick and easy dish.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.
Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Get a nice balance between fresh greens and a hint of sweetness. Honeycrisp Salad gives you that delicious crunch paired with juicy bites. It’s a blend that’s simple yet refreshing. This salad keeps things exciting and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Macaroni Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mix things up with a dish that’s comforting and inviting. Macaroni Salad is all about combining pasta with fun and flavorful ingredients. It’s the kind of salad that’s both filling and enjoyable. A great choice when you’re in the mood for a classic dish.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Embrace a lively blend packed with colorful veggies and good flavors. Pasta Primavera is for those who appreciate a good mix of flavor and texture. It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Perfect for any occasion, leaving you happy with each bite.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

A bowl of vibrant pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of dressing.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Try out a mix that’s all about tasty veggies and pasta. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies offers nicely grilled flavors combined with classic pasta. It’s a simple, enjoyable choice whenever you crave something wholesome and hearty. Every bowlful hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

A bowl of fresh red cabbage coleslaw garnished with herbs.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Thinking about using up that cabbage? Shred it and mix it with a few simple ingredients for a crunchy Red Cabbage Coleslaw. It’s all about refreshing textures and flavors coming together. Make use of that cabbage in a fun way.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe

Mexican taco salad cups on a plate.
Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combining the fun of tacos and the freshness of salads, Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe is super easy to make. These bite-sized treats offer a perfect mix of textures with each mouthful. No more soggy taco salads; enjoy the crunch of the cup and the freshness of the filling. Ideal for a quick meal when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe

Cabbage Salad

Cabbage salad in a white bowl with chips in the background.
Cabbage Salad. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Easy, crunchy, and refreshing, Cabbage Salad is a simple, tasty side for any meal. Deliciously crisp to eat, you get that pleasing crunch with every forkful. Toss it together without much hassle, and enjoy how effortless healthy eating can be. It’s great for adding some variety to your daily meals.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Salad

7 Layer Salad

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layers upon layers of goodness combining textures and flavors to keep you coming back for more. 7 Layer Salad brings together different ingredients in a beautiful array, making healthy eating fun. Perfect for meal prepping, it’s a convenient and delicious choice. Whip it up and enjoy the colors and crunch in every bite.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Buffalo Chicken Salad

A croissant sandwich filled with buffalo chicken and blue cheese, served on a white plate with celery sticks in the background.
Buffalo Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Adding a spicy twist to your regular salads, Buffalo Chicken Salad makes mealtime exciting. With a mix of flavors that hit the spot, it’s a fulfilling way to use up leftover chicken. Great for a hearty lunch or simple dinner, this salad is sure to be a hit. You can prepare it quickly, making it perfect for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Kachumber

Kachumber salad in a grey bowl.
Kachumber. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Try a crisp and refreshing mix that’s packed with flavor. Kachumber combines fresh ingredients that offer a nice balance in every mouthful. It’s a simple way to bring a bit of excitement to your meal. A staple for those looking for something effortlessly tasty.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber

Cobb Salad

A close-up of a Cobb salad featuring sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, boiled eggs, red onion, bacon bits, and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of lettuce.
Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bursting with diverse ingredients, Cobb Salad combines everything you love into one fantastic dish. Each layer offers a new texture, making it an enjoyable, varied meal. It’s an ideal way to use different leftovers and create something delicious. Simply mix, eat, and repeat for an easy, wholesome meal.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Curried Chicken Salad

Close-up of a dish featuring a creamy yellow curry with chunks of vegetables, cashews, and raisins, garnished with fresh herbs.
Curried Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Combining the warmth of spices with the freshness of a salad, Curried Chicken Salad is packed with flavor. It’s a wonderful way to reinvent leftover chicken, turning it into something unique. Quick to make, it’s perfect for a meal that’s both fun and full of flair. Ideal for those who enjoy a little spice in their meals.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Enjoy a mix that brings a touch of Italy to your plate. Italian Pasta with Salami combines hearty pasta with flavorful slices of salami. It’s perfect when you’re in the mood for something filling and delicious. Make every forkful feel special and inviting.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

A honey hot chicken salad with succulent fried chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, cucumber slices, and mixed greens, all topped with a creamy dressing.
Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Experience a blend of warmth and sweetness in your meal. Hot Honey Chicken Salad is a mix of tender chicken tossed with a spicy twist. It’s the kind of dish that adds a bit of kick to your usual salad. Ideal for those who like a little extra heat in their meal.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Enjoy a fun take on a familiar favorite with a cool twist. Pizza Salad combines beloved pizza toppings with fresh greens for something interesting. It’s a creative way to add variation to your meal routine. A great choice for a unique meal experience.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

A salad with arugula, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and a drizzle of creamy dressing on a white plate.
Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Those sweet potatoes need some love. Roast them and toss with chickpeas for a hearty Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad. This salad is a pleasing and wholesome dish in itself. Use those pantry staples creatively!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Do you have some cucumbers on hand? Give them a spicy kick and make a Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. It’s a simple but bold way to add some interest to your meal. Just the right touch of heat and crunch.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Tomato,Cucumber,and Onion Salad

Chunks of tomato, cucumber, and onion in a bowl.
Tomato,Cucumber,and Onion Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Found a few tomatoes and cucumbers? Mix them with onions for a refreshing Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad. It’s a straightforward and fresh combo that never fails to delight. Use what you have and keep it simple.
Get the Recipe: Tomato,Cucumber,and Onion Salad

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Need to do something with those apples and celery? Combine them for a classic Waldorf Salad that’s both crunchy and creamy. A quick way to bring some variety and texture to your plate. Making the most of pantry staples never tasted so good.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet, nutty, and pleasing in every bite, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delight for your meals. With a mix of textures from the cranberries and pecans, it’s a refreshing way to enjoy chicken. A great recipe to help you use up leftover chicken while creating a scrumptious dish. You can quickly toss it together for a lovely meal option.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Cucumber Peanut Salad

A bowl of chopped cucumber salad mixed with nuts and fresh herbs.
Cucumber Peanut Salad. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Mixing crunchiness with a nutty twist, Cucumber Peanut Salad is both refreshing and tasty. The peanuts add a different texture, making each bite interesting and enjoyable. Ideal for a light meal or side dish, you can put it together in no time. Great for using up extra cucumbers in a delicious way.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut Salad

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Close-up of a delightful broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Mixed ingredients are visible in detail, showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of this fresh broccoli salad.
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Have some broccoli on hand? Turn it into something special with a Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. This salad is a lovely way to enjoy your greens with a wholesome twist. Easy, creamy, and oh-so-enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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