Reset Without Regret With 29 Feel-Good Salads

Eating better doesn’t have to mean giving up flavor or chewing through cardboard. These 29 feel-good salads bring the kind of balance that makes you forget you’re eating something healthy. They’re built for real life—messy schedules, random cravings, and all. Reset your routine without pretending you suddenly love kale.

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.

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.

Let’s talk about a snack that feels right anytime—Mexican Street Corn Salad. Simple, fresh ingredients give this its bright and bright notes. Perfectly balanced and a pleasure to eat, it’s hard to stop at just one bite. It’s a great way to feel good with every mouthful.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn 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.

When you need a side to perk up any meal, try Laccha Pyaz. Thinly sliced and well-flavored, it adds crunch and a burst of brightness to your plate. It’s about the simplicity and how it complements everything else. This one’s easy to love and even easier to eat!
Get the Recipe: Laccha Pyaz

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.

Feeling the need for a fun twist on the usual? Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!) has got you covered. Each bite-sized cup is filled with flavors that are both hearty and fulfilling. They bring that familiar feel while keeping it fresh.
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Kachumber

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

Kachumber is a true friend to your main dish, offering a light and refreshing experience. It brings a mix of textures and an undeniable perkiness to each bite. Whether you enjoy it alone or as a side, it’s sure to bring a smile. It’s a small dish with a big heart.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber

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.

Ever feel like ordinary salads need a little excitement? Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is the answer. The crunch and the blend make every bite interesting. It’s perfect for any time you need a meal that feels like a treat but leaves you feeling just right.
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.

For those moments you want a crunch, Cucumber Peanut Salad is where it’s at. Easy to enjoy, every bite gives that familiar crispness with an added twist. It’s light, refreshing, and never fails to endear itself as a favorite. Simple but never boring.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut 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.

Comfort meets fresh in this take on salad—Pasta Primavera. Effortlessly combines the best of textures and flavors. Every bite feels like a gentle hug, and it’s hard not to go back for more. A reliable and easy choice for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

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.

Get a bit adventurous with Curried Chicken Salad. It brings bold notes that are both warming and exciting. Perfectly suited for lunch or dinner, it checks all the boxes of a great meal. It’s that little twist that makes everything better.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken 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.

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing is a mix of rich flavors that satisfy and creaminess that balances it all out. Shrimp meets a smooth and creamy dressing. Together, they’re like a dance of flavors that’s always welcome.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

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.

Ever get a craving for something with a bit of kick? Buffalo Chicken Salad is your go-to. Every bite packs a punch yet feels refreshing at the same time. Great for when you need that extra bit of flavor in your meal.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

A bowl of orzo salad with mixed vegetables, including olives, tomatoes, and spinach, garnished with herbs.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Enjoy a bit of everything with Mediterranean Orzo Salad. A great way to have a delicious and fulfilling meal without any fuss. Offers a fine blend of elements that work together harmoniously. It’s an easy choice when you want something wholesome and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo 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.

When you need something green and creamy, Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing fits the bill. Smooth dressing coats every piece, making it a treat to eat. It’s an easy way to enjoy a hearty salad that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Waldorf Salad

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

Classics never go out of style, like Waldorf Salad. Known for its blend of crunch and burst of flavor, it’s easy to see why it has staying power. Perfect for when you want something traditional yet fresh. It’s always a good time to have a Waldorf.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

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

Add some color and crunch with Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Vibrant and crunchy, this coleslaw is both visually and palate-pleasing. It’s a fantastic side or light meal when paired well. Keeps things light, fresh, and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

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.

For those days you need a bit more sustenance, Dense Bean Salad is ideal. It gives a solid, fulfilling feel every time. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’ll keep you going and feeling good. An easy solution for a wholesome meal.
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.

It’s all about giving you a stacked mix of textures and flavors in one dish. 7 Layer Salad is great for sharing and makes any gathering a bit more special with its colorful presentation. You’ll find layers in every scoop that keep things fun and appealing to everyone. It works well if you’re looking for something that stands out without being complicated.
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.

Keeping it light and nutritious is easy with Healthy Chicken Salad. It’s a combination that feels rewarding with each bite. Perfect for lunch and dinner without feeling heavy. A wholesome choice when you want something quick and light.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken 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.

A hearty and delicious choice is Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Warm grilled veggies and pasta make a beautiful match. Every bite gives that balanced feel of textures and flavors. Enjoy any time of day for a fulfilling meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

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.

Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad focuses on bold flavors that make it feel like something special. This pairing of rich roasted veggies with creamy textures makes every bite balanced but not heavy. It’s great for small gatherings or simply upgrading your daily meals. You’ll enjoy how it all comes together in a dish that feels vibrant and easy.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad

Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, grated cheese, and dressing.
Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sometimes you just want something reliable like Caesar Salad. Crunchy, creamy, and undeniably good, it always hits the spot. Perfect for a meal that needs no fuss but delivers every time. Simple, classic, and always welcome.
Get the Recipe: Caesar 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.

When you’re in the mood for something familiar, Macaroni Salad feels right. The right choice when you want an easy, comforting meal. Every bite combines that feeling of comfort and satisfaction. Simple yet always good.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni 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.

This salad offers a hearty mix with just the right balance of sweet and rich flavors. Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad is versatile enough to stand on its own or join other dishes easily. Pairing roasted veggies with proteins makes it rewarding without being too overwhelming. You’ll appreciate how simple yet balanced this dish feels.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea 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.

Fresh and easy, Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad is your go-to. Crisp and refreshing, it’s a perfect side or light meal. Works well anytime you need something simple and bright. Each bite keeps things effortlessly fresh.
Get the Recipe: Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad

Cabbage Salad

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

When you need something crunchy and fresh, Cabbage Salad delivers. Simple and fulfilling, it’s a lovely addition to any meal. Easy to prepare and enjoy, it’s a go-to for light salads. Keeps things crisp and fresh with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Salad

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

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

It isn’t shy about bringing bold heat to crisp textures. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is a vibrant choice that makes every bite a little exciting without feeling heavy. This one’s perfect as a side dish or snack for when you want something that pops. Fresh yet bold, it’s an easy way to mix things up.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

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.

It combines savory bites of chicken with a subtle touch of sweetness for a balanced dish. Hot Honey Chicken Salad is hearty enough to take center stage while still working as an addition to meals. This mix of flavors feels fresh and unexpected without being overwhelming. You’ll love how it stays interesting with every bite.
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.

This takes all your favorite parts of pizza and puts them into a fresh bowl that’s fun and easy to enjoy. Pizza Salad is perfect for when you want those familiar flavors but need something a little lighter. The mix feels balanced but still exciting, making it great for quick meals or sharing with friends. A creative twist that works every time.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Potato Salad

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

Potato Salad is another classic that adds comfort and variety to any meal. The texture keeps things fulfilling, whether paired or enjoyed on its own. This dish stands out by being simple, versatile, and endlessly reliable. Great for casual meals or gatherings when you want something familiar but still enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Potato 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.

Bringing some hearty flavors to your meal, Italian Pasta with Salami is a treat. The salami adds depth and character to a simple pasta dish. Combining the essentials, it’s perfect for when you want something with a touch of flair. Enjoy whenever you wish!
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

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.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *