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.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

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!)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
