I Kept Making The Same Meals—Until I Tried These 29 Salads
When meals start blending together and everything tastes like déjà vu, a reset button comes in handy. That’s where 29 salads with actual personality show up, changing the usual routine without turning it upside down. They’re filling enough to count, easy enough to repeat, and somehow don’t make you miss what came before.

Kachumber

You’ll be surprised how refreshing and crunchy this salad can be. Kachumber is all about keeping things simple, yet flavorful. It combines crisp textures with tangy notes that make every bite enjoyable. Perfect for mixing up a boring meal routine without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber
Cobb Salad

Cobb Salad is like a salad packed with surprises. It brings together layers of textures that keep it interesting from start to finish. Each bite feels hearty enough to be a full meal. If you’re tired of the same leafy greens, this one mixes it up big time.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad
Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

The smokiness of this pairing is what makes Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing stand out. Creamy dressing adds a nice contrast to the texture of the main ingredient. It’s a great option when you’re craving something bold and light at the same time. Definitely not your standard simple salad.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Asian Slaw

This brings crunch to a whole new level. Paired with a punchy dressing, Asian Slaw makes a great alternative to plain salads. It’s quick to put together, but still keeps meals feeling fresh and exciting. Works as a side or a meal on its own if you need something light but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw
Curried Chicken Salad

Adding a twist to regular salads, Curried Chicken Salad blends a nice kick with a hearty feel. It’s perfect if you want something protein-packed but outside typical flavors. You’ll also enjoy the mix of textures, balancing everything out. This is the salad to turn to when you’re not sure what meal you feel like having.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad
Italian Pasta with Salami

Taking things in a more filling direction, Italian Pasta with Salami combines chewy pasta with rich flavors. It’s great if you want your salad to leave you full rather than hunting for snacks afterward. Everything comes together in a way that feels complete and satisfying. A nice change from the lighter salads you might be used to.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami
Grilled Paneer Salad

Grilled Paneer Salad shifts between savory and slightly smoky flavors. The texture keeps everything balanced without making it too heavy. It’s ideal for situations where you need a quick dish but want something memorable. This one’s perfect if you’re burnt out on greens but still want something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Paneer Salad
Cowboy Caviar

This is definitely a fun addition. The combination of ingredients makes it feel more like a party snack than a typical salad. Cowboy Caviar is colorful, loaded with different flavors, and works well for sharing or keeping it all to yourself. You don’t need an occasion to enjoy this, it’s good for any day you want a change.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar
Buffalo Chicken Salad

Bringing some heat to the table, Buffalo Chicken Salad combines spicy flavors with cooling textures. It’s hearty enough to satisfy when you want more than just greens. This option packs a punch and keeps things interesting in every bite. Perfect for switching up a plain meal lineup.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad

If you want bold, Mexican Street Corn Salad has you covered. The blend of creamy and grilled flavors makes this salad hard to forget. It works as a great side for your meals, but you’ll probably want to eat it on its own. It’s different from basic salads in all the best ways.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad is fresh, simple, and gets the job done. It’s all about textures with crisp and juicy elements working together. Great for when you’re looking for something light but not boring. Sometimes less is more, and this salad proves that.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad
Taco Salad

This turns a simple meal into something fun and filling. The combination of fresh and hearty ingredients makes every bite count. If you’re tired of regular tacos, this is a great way to mix things up. Taco Salad is a perfect blend of greens and bold toppings in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Taco Salad
7 Layer Salad

Layers make all the difference with 7 Layer Salad. Each bite gives you different textures and flavors that keep you hooked. It’s perfect when you want something that looks great and tastes even better. A full salad that feels more like a layered feast.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad
Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe is like a fun twist on tacos. It’s a hands-on version that’s still super convenient to eat. The individual servings keep portions controlled, but you’ll want seconds anyway. A must-try for anyone looking to spice up taco night.
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)
Waldorf Salad

It combines crunch with sweetness in a way that feels balanced. Waldorf Salad is perfect for moments when you want something light but still fulfilling. The mix of prominent textures works well for casual meals or something a little more upgraded. It’s not flashy, but definitely memorable.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Creamy dressing helps turn Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing into one of those salads you actually look forward to. Crisp textures paired with a smooth finish make it feel more complete. Great for days when heavier meals aren’t appealing. Definitely keeps things fresh and easy-going.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Tuna Salad

This takes classic flavors and makes them practical and filling. Tuna Salad is simple, straightforward, and great for busy days. The mix of textures is easy to enjoy without overthinking it. A no-nonsense pick for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Sweet and savory come together nicely in Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. It’s a hearty option that still manages to keep things fresh. The combination of textures and flavors works great for mixing up your routine. Not too complicated, but definitely worth breaking out when you need something new.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Adding heat to simplicity, Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad brings fresh and bold flavors together. It’s light enough for a snack but works great as part of any meal. The contrast of textures doesn’t overwhelm everything going on. Definitely not your standard cucumber salad.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Honeycrisp Salad

There’s a nice crunch with Honeycrisp Salad that feels fresh and energizing. The balance between sweet elements and other textures makes it interesting. Perfect for when you need a lighter option without it feeling dull. Easy to enjoy, no matter the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad
Dense Bean Salad

Dense Bean Salad is filling and straightforward. The focus is on hearty textures that come together smoothly in one bowl. It’s great for keeping dinner simple while making it feel complete. Definitely scratches that need for something nutrient-packed but easy.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad
Cucumber Peanut Salad

Light but packed with flavor, Cucumber Peanut Salad creates a great mix of textures in every bite. The nuttiness adds something unique without being too heavy. It’s a solid choice for solo meals, and a great side for bigger spreads too. Definitely not boring.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut Salad
Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Sweet and spicy meet nicely in Hot Honey Chicken Salad. It’s hearty enough to be a complete meal while mixing up typical salad flavors. The combination is smooth without feeling like too much. Perfect for when you need a delicious twist on chicken.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad
Kala Chana Chaat

Packed with fresh textures, Kala Chana Chaat brings something new to every bite. It’s hearty while staying light and easy to throw together. Definitely not your basic salad, and that’s kind of the point. Perfect for switching up routines without the heavy effort.
Get the Recipe: Kala Chana Chaat
Macaroni Salad

Soft and comforting, Macaroni Salad is all about comfort and texture. It’s quick to make and works well for both meals and gatherings. The slight creaminess keeps it from being dry or boring. A great go-to option for relaxing lunches or dinners.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Laccha Pyaz

Laccha Pyaz is simple but full of unique textures. It works as a great side dish to bump up any meal. It’s a quiet star that makes everything else feel more complete. Easy to make, but you’ll want to include it more often.
Get the Recipe: Laccha Pyaz
Mango Shrimp Salad

Sweet and savory combine perfectly in Mango Shrimp Salad. The fresh textures make it light, but still delicious. Great for adding variety if your meal routine feels tired. Definitely one of those salads that feels special without making it hard on yourself.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad
Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera feels fresh and filling at the same time. The mix of soft and crisp textures makes it stand out from plain pasta salads. Great for dinner but light enough for lunch too. If you want something hearty without feeling weighed down, this is the pick.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera
Healthy Chicken Salad

Packed with protein, Healthy Chicken Salad keeps things fresh and simple. It brings together enough texture to keep you enjoying every bite. Perfect for busy days or when you’re sticking to simpler meals. Easy to add to any weekly lineup without much hassle.
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.
