I Relied On 25 Salad Recipes To Keep Things Simple During Burnout
Burnout doesn’t leave much room for overthinking what’s for dinner. That’s why the 25 salad recipes ended up doing most of the heavy lifting without making things harder. They were quick, low-key, and didn’t ask for more than what was already on hand. It felt like a win every time.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Sometimes, simplicity wins big, and it’s exactly what this dish brings to your meal routine. Bursting with freshness, it pairs perfectly with any main dish or shines brightly on its own. Cucumber Tomato Salad is your go-to when you want something light, refreshing, yet rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad
Honeycrisp Salad

Ever crave something sweet and tasty in one go? This dish hits that spot perfectly. With every forkful of Honeycrisp Salad, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite. Its crunch and juiciness offer an amusing contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad
Laccha Pyaz

Immerse in the flavors of this side, a staple that unexpectedly becomes the star of any dining table. It’s not just about the unique texture but the burst of flavor it brings. Laccha Pyaz introduces an easy yet impactful way to complement rich meals. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself looking for excuses to make this quick, flavorful add-on.
Get the Recipe: Laccha Pyaz
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

When you’re looking for a dish that’s both hearty and not too heavy, this one steps up. Its balance of sweet, nutty, and tasty elements makes it a versatile choice for lunches or light dinners. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad isn’t just about taste; it’s a visually appealing addition to your table.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad

Elevating the basic corn side dish to something extraordinary, it brings a street food vibe right into your home. It’s as vibrant to look at as it is delicious to eat, making it a celebration on a plate. Mexican Street Corn Salad encapsulates the essence of warm-weather cookouts in each bite, but honestly, it’s so good you’ll want it year-round.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Italian Pasta with Salami

Introduce a bit of Italian flair into your weekly menu with this mouthwatering pasta dish. It’s hearty enough to please the hungriest of diners yet has a certain lightness that surprises. Italian Pasta with Salami walks the line between comfort food and a dish with a bit of an edge. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami
Cucumber Peanut Salad

When crunch is what you crave, this salad answers the call in the most rewarding way. It’s a unique twist on the traditional salad, blending textures and flavors in an unexpected way. Cucumber Peanut Salad is proof that simple ingredients can marry to create something unexpectedly amusing.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut Salad
Hot Honey Chicken Salad

For those times you want a dish that packs a bit of heat but also leans into the sweet side, here’s your answer. It’s bold, it’s different, and it’ll wake up your palate in the best possible way. Hot Honey Chicken Salad is a vibrant dish that adds an exciting twist to your salad game.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad
Caesar Salad

It’s a classic for a reason and proves that some dishes never go out of style. With its creamy dressing and worthwhile crunch, it’s a staple that goes with anything or stands strong on its own. Caesar Salad combines tradition with the potential for a personal twist.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

If you’re looking for a way to make greens more exciting, this salad dives right into that challenge and emerges victorious. Its creamy dressing envelops every nook and cranny, ensuring a flavor-packed bite every time. Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing isn’t just delicious; it’s a visually appealing way to bring veggies to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Curried Chicken Salad

Sometimes you need something to break the monotony. It’s a merge between worthwhile chicken and the warmth of curry, creating a dish that’s both comforting and intriguing. Curried Chicken Salad ensures that your meal is anything but boring, blending familiar with a twist that keeps things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Imagine your favorite veggies getting a smoky makeover and then joining forces with pasta. It’s a dish that celebrates the best of the grill and the comfort of pasta all in one. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies brings a new definition to rewarding with its bold flavors and hearty ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies
Dense Bean Salad

For those days when only a dish that feels like a meal will do, this one steps in to fill the void. It’s packed with goodness, making it an ideal choice for a filling and nutritious option. Dense Bean Salad is all about hearty satisfaction without weighing you down. It’s that perfect balance of being both indulgent and wholesome at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad
Green Goddess Salad

If ever there was a salad that made you feel like you were doing something good for yourself, it’s this one. With its vibrant colors and flavors, it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Green Goddess Salad is like a fresh breath in the world of salads, bringing a refreshing and energizing twist.
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Salad
Kala Chana Chaat

Immerse in a world where spice meets tasty and creates an explosion of flavor with every bite. This dish is a celebration of textures, from soft to crunchy, that will keep your fork diving back in for more. Kala Chana Chaat is a vibrant, tangy, and spicy dish that brings a bit of excitement to your daily meals.
Get the Recipe: Kala Chana Chaat
Pizza Salad

Why choose between pizza and salad when you can have the best of both worlds? This dish combines all the flavors you love in pizza but in a fresher, lighter form. Pizza Salad is your go-to when you’re craving pizza but want something that won’t weigh you down. It’s a playful twist on a favorite that proves salads don’t have to be boring.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad
Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Tired of the same old side dishes? This vibrant coleslaw mixes it up with its crunch and slight tang, promising to be the highlight of your meal. Red Cabbage Coleslaw is not just another side but a statement piece on your dinner table. It adds color, texture, and a unique taste that complements any dish beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Waldorf Salad

When you yearn for a dish that’s a mix of crunchy, sweet, and creamy, look no further. This classic salad is a testament to timelessness, bringing together ingredients that you wouldn’t think to combine but work perfectly. Waldorf Salad is the epitome of a classic dish that has stood the test of time for good reason.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad
Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Picture a dish that transports you to the sunny Mediterranean with every bite. It’s light, flavorful, and brimming with ingredients that sing of freshness. Mediterranean Orzo Salad is like a holiday in a bowl, offering a gratifying escape with its vibrant mix. It’s perfect for when you want a meal that’s both nourishing and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad

On hot days, or when you want something simple yet rewarding, this salad is the answer. It’s a trifecta of freshness that effortlessly brightens any meal. Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad is a humble combination that proves basic doesn’t mean boring. It’s a refreshing side or main that leaves you feeling light and refreshed.
Get the Recipe: Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad
Seven Layer Salad

For those times when you want to impress without too much fuss, this layered beauty is your secret weapon. It’s as visually appealing as it is delicious, with layers of flavor and texture. Seven Layer Salad is a showstopper, perfect for gatherings or when you just want to treat yourself.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad

If you’re seeking something a little different, the earthy sweetness of beetroot paired with the tangy kick of feta cheese might just be your next favorite. This salad is a harmonious blend of flavors that might surprise you. Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad is a vibrant dish that stands out not just for its looks but its bold taste profile.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad
Taco Pasta Salad

Combining the beloved flavors of tacos with the pleasing heft of pasta salad results in a dish that’s a total winner. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for when you can’t decide between Mexican night and pasta night. Taco Pasta Salad brings the best of both worlds into one dish that’s sure to please everyone.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Ready for something with a bit of a kick? This salad combines the coolness of cucumbers with a spicy dressing that makes each bite an adventure. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is an ode to bold flavors, offering a refreshing yet spicy taste that’s addictively good. It’s the perfect side dish for those who like their meals with a little extra spice.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Healthy Chicken Salad

When you’re looking for a dish that’s both nourishing and won’t leave you feeling weighed down, this salad steps up. It’s packed with protein, making it an ideal post-workout meal or a light but worthwhile lunch. Healthy Chicken Salad is about enjoying what you eat while sticking to your wellness goals.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad
About the Author

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.
