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.

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.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A bowl of fresh salad with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and herbs, seasoned with black pepper, with a serving spoon.
Cucumber Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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 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

A close-up of a plate with bright green guacamole, chopped vegetables, and tortilla chips on the side.
Green Goddess Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

A bowl of fusilli pasta mixed with ground beef, black beans, chopped tomatoes, and herbs, garnished with lime wedges.
Taco Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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

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

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

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.

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
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 *