The 29 Spring Salads You Didn’t Know Your Lunch Routine Needed

Lunch often feels like just another meal to squeeze into a busy day. But it’s time to change that notion with a little creativity. With 29 fresh salad ideas on hand, lunchtime becomes an exciting midday break. Bringing that fresh twist to the table makes every bite a chance to refresh and rejuvenate before tackling the rest of the day.

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.

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.

Inject some fun into your lunch with Mexican Street Corn Salad. It fuses the vibrant flavors of street food with the freshness of a salad. Each bite is a mini fiesta in your mouth, and it’s just as easy to put together as it is enjoyable. This salad is a surefire way to mix things up at lunchtime.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

A bowl of mixed salad with grilled shrimp, avocado, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you blend well-seasoned seafood with a rich, smooth dressing, you get Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. It’s a refreshing yet hearty option that switches up the typical lunch fare. It’s quick to put together, too, so no waiting around when hunger strikes.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

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.

Sometimes you want those familiar fast-food flavors without the heaviness that comes with them, and Copycat Big Mac Salad pulls that off. It’s especially good for anyone looking for a nostalgic nod to a well-known burger. Simple to toss together, it provides both convenience and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

Dense Bean Salad

A spoonful of chickpea salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, and feta cheese being served from a bowl.
Dense Bean Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you’re looking for a protein-packed lunch option, you’re in luck. Dense Bean Salad mixes an assortment of beans that keep you fueled through your day. It’s a refreshing change from the usual, and it’s hearty enough to keep you full until dinner. Plus, it’s a snap to whip up when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

7 Layer Salad

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

If your lunchtime feels like it’s missing some layers, 7 Layer Salad brings just that, and then some. With its distinct layers, each mouthful offers a new texture and flavor that keep lunch interesting. It’s a classic choice for meal prepping as it stays crisp, even days after assembly. Just grab a fork and dig in; it’s a crunchy tower of freshness you’ll look forward to.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer 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.

Lean, tender chicken tossed with a mix of fresh greens makes Healthy Chicken Salad a go-to for a nutritious midday meal. It’s light yet wholesome, keeping you alert and ready to tackle the afternoon. Whip it up in no time, and enjoy a lunch that’s as easy as it is healthy.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Mexican taco salad cups on a plate.
Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bite-sized and full of flavor, Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!) might just become a go-to when those midday cravings hit. Since they’re hand-held, they’re as convenient for desk dining as they are for on-the-move munching. Plus, who doesn’t love a little playful touch to their meal?
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Potato Salad

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

Sometimes, a classic Potato Salad is just what you need to complement your meal. It’s creamy, filling, and has that comforting taste that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re at work or relaxing at home, it’s a tried and true favorite that never goes out of style. And it pairs well with nearly anything.
Get the Recipe: Potato 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.

Take a detour from the ordinary with a bowl of Curried Chicken Salad that brings a pop of international flavor. The spice level is just right for waking up your palate without overwhelming it. As a meal, it’s both comforting and invigorating, with an exotic twist that keeps things interesting. When you need a hearty pick-me-up, this is the salad to reach for.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken 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.

A bowl of Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing promises a nutritious crunch with every forkful and could be your new midday staple. Its thick dressing clings to each bite, ensuring you never have a bland mouthful. Make it the night before, and you’ll find it tastes even better after marinating overnight.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

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.

Picture a plate of charred, golden chunks of paneer paired with crisp greens. Grilled Paneer Salad offers a smoky flavor that’s sure to shake up your usual lunch game. It’s the perfect blend of textures and tastes for when you need something different. And it comes together quickly for those busy days when you just can’t stop.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Paneer 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.

If you’re a fan of a good kick in your dish, Buffalo Chicken Salad brings the heat in a refreshing salad form. It’s a hearty option that won’t leave you wanting more halfway through the afternoon. Look forward to a punch of flavor that’ll keep your meals far from mundane.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Cabbage Salad

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

A simple, crisp option, Cabbage Salad shines with its minimalist appeal. It’s light enough not to weigh you down but with plenty of flavors. Whether it’s complementing a main dish or standing alone, its versatility is unmatched. When it’s crunch you’re looking for without too much fuss, reach for this salad.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage 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.

Want a lunch that’s as refreshing as it is quick to prepare? Honeycrisp Salad incorporates crisp apples for a sweet crunch in every bite. Pair it with your favorite dressing for a midday meal that’s both fast and fresh. It’s a simple way to add a spark of sweetness to your usual lunch lineup.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Cucumber Peanut Salad

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

Light and easy to whip up, Cucumber Peanut Salad adds a pleasing crunch to your lunch routine. A perfect foil to heavier dishes, it also stands out as a standalone snack. When you’re done, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of your day.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut Salad

Laccha Pyaz

Close-up of thinly sliced red onions, marinated with herbs and spices, placed on a white plate.
Laccha Pyaz. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Add some flair to your midday meal with a side of Laccha Pyaz. It’s a simple yet flavorful addition that complements any salad or sandwich. Its subtle spiciness is perfect for when you want an extra flavor boost. Quick to assemble, it’s the ideal last-minute add-on to your lunch.
Get the Recipe: Laccha Pyaz

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.

Sometimes lunch needs a kick, and Hot Honey Chicken Salad brings just that. It’s a combination of spicy and sweet that wakes up your senses. Perfect for those days when you’re craving something with a bit of an edge. And it’s just as convenient to make as it is exciting to eat.
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.

Whoever said you can’t have pizza for lunch in a healthier way hasn’t tried Pizza Salad. This dish combines your favorite pizza toppings over a bed of greens for a guilt-free pleasure. It’s a playful twist on a classic favorite, and preparing it is as fun as eating it. You’ll be looking forward to lunchtime with this creative mix.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Kachumber

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

Add a touch of excitement to your lunch menu with Kachumber. This salad is a tangy and crunchy experience with each forkful. It provides a bright burst of flavors to perk up your day. Not only does it taste great, but it’s also quick to prepare—ideal for those hectic days.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber

Kala Chana Chaat

Kala chana chaat served in a blue bowl.
Kala Chana Chaat. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Give your lunch a tasty twist with Kala Chana Chaat. It’s a combination of spicy, tangy, and utterly pleasing without weighing you down. It’s the perfect meal to recharge during a busy day. Just toss it together, and enjoy the bold flavors that unfold.
Get the Recipe: Kala Chana Chaat

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.

Switch your lunch routine with a classic Macaroni Salad. It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and yet surprisingly light. Perfect for when you need a change from the usual, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Craft a batch in minutes for a lunch that’s both familiar and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad

Roasted beetroot and feta salad in a bowl, with a light pink cloth around it.
Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For those days when you’re looking for something a little different, Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad is a flavorful adventure. The sweetness of roasted beetroot pairs beautifully with the saltiness of feta, creating a harmony of flavors. It’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, and it’s surprisingly filling. A truly unique salad option that’s easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad

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.

Mix up your usual lunch routine with the smoky flavors of Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. The char from the grilled vegetables adds a unique twist to the familiar pasta salad. It’s as filling as it is easy to make, meaning you can enjoy a delicious lunch without a fuss. Plus, it’s a great way to get in those veggie servings.
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.

Brighten up your plate with the vibrant colors and crisp taste of Red Cabbage Coleslaw. This salad is a crunchy, fresh addition to any meal, adding both texture and flavor. It’s incredibly quick to toss together, making it a perfect last-minute side dish. Plus, it’s a stylish way to add some veggies to your day.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Seven Layer Salad

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise.
Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you enjoy layers of flavor, then Seven Layer Salad will hit the spot. This dish combines seven distinctive layers, each adding its own texture and taste to the mix. It’s a visually appealing choice that’s equally delicious and can easily be the centerpiece of your lunch. Plus, it’s versatile enough to match any palate.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer 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.

When you’re craving something light but still want a bit of heartiness to your meal, Pasta Primavera is a fantastic choice. It combines pasta with a variety of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a light and inviting dressing. It’s perfect for a quick lunch that doesn’t disappoint on flavor. This dish truly makes eating your veggies something to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

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.

With a tasty combination of sweet and crunch, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a lively bowl that makes midday meals anything but boring. It’s a handy go-to that combines nutrition with a pleasant variety of textures. Expect it to become a regular request if you’re lunching with others, as it has a way of winning over a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken 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.

Invigorate your lunchtime with the hearty and healthy Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad. It’s a delicious blend of sweetness from the potatoes and a slight crunch from the chickpeas, all brought together with a tangy dressing. It’s a stand-out dish that promises to keep lunchtime interesting.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

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.

Level up your lunch with the classic Cobb Salad, a dish known for its perfect balance of ingredients. It includes everything you need for a fulfilling meal, from greens to protein, all topped with a decadent dressing. It’s a sophisticated option when you want something both traditional and tasty. And best of all, it’s customizable to suit your dietary needs.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

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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