Dress Them Up Or Keep Them Simple With 29 Salad Recipes

Salads don’t have to be an afterthought. Whether you’re piling on extra toppings or keeping it minimal, these 29 recipes prove there’s a version for every mood. With the right mix of flavors and textures, even the simplest greens can become something special. They work as a side, a main, or the answer to whatever’s left in the fridge.

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

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.

If you love a good twist on a classic, this one’s for you. Mixing it up with a beloved street food, it brings a unique flavor to your table without needing a grill. Mexican Street Corn Salad is all about that fresh-off-the-cob taste but in a bowl. It’s casual, fun, and yes, you can go as heavy on the dressing as you like.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn 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.

Ever thought tacos could be turned into a salad? Well, this recipe proves it’s not only possible but absolutely amazing. With Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!), you get all your favorite taco flavors neatly packed into edible cups. It’s hands-on, mess-free, and a total hit for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Kala Chana Chaat

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

For those who lean towards plant-based options, here’s something that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. Kala Chana Chaat is a powerhouse of nutrients, with a crunch that makes every bite moreish. It’s street food turned healthy, keeping you full without the fuss. Perfect for when you want to snack smartly.
Get the Recipe: Kala Chana Chaat

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.

Imagine juicy shrimp spiced just right sitting atop a bed of greens. Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing marries seafood delight with green goodness in a way that’s hard to resist. It’s a tad fancy without being over the top. And yes, that avocado dressing is everything!
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

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.

Sometimes, you just crave that classic comfort without any fancy twists. Macaroni Salad brings back memories of picnics and family gatherings. It’s got that creamy, comforting taste that fills you up and wraps you in a warm hug. Go on, make a big bowl; it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni 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.

Bringing a bit of Indian flare to the salad game, this one’s simple but packs a punch. Laccha Pyaz is essentially thinly sliced onions taking a quick bath in a tangy dressing. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any feast, ready to cut through the richness. Really, it’s simplicity at its best.
Get the Recipe: Laccha Pyaz

Potato Salad

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

No list is complete without this staple. Potato Salad is versatile, filling, and has that perfect balance of creamy and tangy. Whether it accompanies a barbecue or serves as a standalone meal, it never disappoints. It’s like the comfy sweater of salads—always a good choice.
Get the Recipe: Potato 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.

Fancy something with a bit of a kick? Buffalo Chicken Salad brings the heat in a refreshing way. It’s for those days when you want a salad but also crave something bold. And let’s be honest, who could say no to buffalo chicken?
Get the Recipe: Buffalo 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.

Yes, you read it right—pizza and salad had a baby. Pizza Salad is your guilt-free ticket to enjoying all your favorite pizza toppings but on a green base. It’s a win-win for pizza lovers who are trying to keep things light. A slice of pizza in every forkful, without the crust.
Get the Recipe: Pizza 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.

Adding a bit of spice to your chicken salad can transform it from ordinary to extraordinary. Curried Chicken Salad is the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and spicy. It’s that salad you go to when you want something with a bit more character. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken 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.

When you’re after something that’s hearty and rewarding, beans have got your back. Dense Bean Salad is loaded with different textures and flavors, making every bite interesting. It’s the type of salad that could easily stand as a meal on its own. Plus, it’s great for your health.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

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.

For all the cheese lovers out there, this one’s a treat. Grilled Paneer Salad combines the subtle, fresh taste of paneer with the charred flavors from the grill. It’s a light option that still feels indulgent. Trust us, you’ll want to grill extra paneer just because.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Paneer 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.

When you’re after something sweet, crunchy, and refreshing, look no further. Honeycrisp Salad uses a specific type of apple to bring a burst of freshness to your palate. It’s like biting into a crisp day, any time of the year. Perfect for those who enjoy a fruity touch to their greens.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Cabbage Salad

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

Often underrated, cabbage can be the star of the show, too. Cabbage Salad is all about showcasing this humble vegetable in a fresh light. It’s crunchy, it’s zingy, and it can take on so many flavors. A simple way to get your greens in without feeling bored.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage 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 skeptical about broccoli, this salad might change your mind. Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing turns the often shunned veggie into something crave-worthy. The dressing, oh, it ties everything together beautifully. It’s a testament to the power of a good sauce.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

7 Layer Salad

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

Want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen? Our 7 Layer Salad is a visually stunning dish that’s just as delicious as it looks. With each colorful layer adding a unique texture and flavor, this salad creates a striking presentation that’s sure to grab attention.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer 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.

When you can’t decide what you feel like eating, Cobb Salad offers a bit of everything. It’s the kind of salad that refuses to be boring, with each ingredient bringing its A-game. It’s filled with variety, ensuring you get a bit of a different taste with each forkful. A classic choice that satisfies.
Get the Recipe: Cobb 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.

For those who believe salads need more carbs to be fulfilling, here’s your hero. Pasta Primavera tosses pasta with a colorful array of veggies for a well-rounded meal. It’s like bringing the garden to your bowl, with pasta being the enjoyable bonus. Comfort food, but make it salad.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

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.

Ever thought salad could do with a little more drama? Hot Honey Chicken Salad enters the scene with a bold mix of sweet and heat. It’s not just salad; it’s a flavor adventure that keeps you coming back for more. This one’s for the brave hearts out there.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey 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.

Here’s to something crunchy, refreshing, and slightly nutty. Cucumber Peanut Salad is a dance of textures in your mouth, marrying the juiciness of cucumbers with the crunchy peanuts. It’s straightforward, yet surprisingly fulfilling. An excellent choice for a light, nutritious snack.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut Salad

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

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

No barbecue is complete without a good slaw. Red Cabbage Coleslaw brings that vibrant color and tangy taste to the table. It’s a refreshing side that cuts through the heaviness of grilled meats. Plus, it’s an easy way to add a pop of color to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Kachumber

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

Bringing a bit of Indian flavor to the mix, Kachumber is a simple yet vibrant salad. It’s about fresh veggies finely chopped and lightly dressed, offering a refreshing bite. Ideal as a side, it complements rich dishes beautifully, offering balance. It’s simplicity done right.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber

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 who love a good sweet and salty combo, this salad hits the mark. Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad combine the earthiness of beets with the creaminess of feta. It’s a hearty option that brings both flavor and color to your table. A salad that proves simplicity is bliss.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beetroot and Feta 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.

Similar to its cousin, this layered beauty is all about making a statement. Seven Layer Salad packs a punch with its variety and colorful presentation. Each layer a different flavor, it’s like a treasure hunt in a bowl. Perfect for those who get bored easily.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer 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.

When you’re looking for something light and refreshing, this trio comes to the rescue. Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad is the epitome of simplicity, but don’t let that fool you. It’s packed with flavor, offering a crisp, hydrating bite every time. An easy choice for a quick, healthy side.
Get the Recipe: Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion 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.

Sweet, tasty, and filling is the game here. Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad brings a lovely mix of textures and tastes to the table. It’s a robust dish that can stand on its own, proving salads can be hearty too. Great for when you want something a bit more substantial.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

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

Love a bit of spice in your life? Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad offers just that with an added crunch. It’s a refreshing side that packs a bit of heat, perfectly complementing any meal. Just the right choice for those looking to spice things up a bit.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber 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.

Bringing the best of both worlds, pasta and grilled veggies unite in this dish. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies is a hearty choice for anyone looking to combine carbs with the fresh flavors of the garden. It’s filling, flavorful, and sure to satisfy. Perfect for picnics or a hearty lunch.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Waldorf Salad

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

If you’re in the mood for something classic, this is a go-to. Waldorf Salad is all about that crunchy, creamy texture combined with subtle sweetness. It’s a timeless choice that provides a refreshing take on what a salad can be. Truly a dish that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf 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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