I Didn’t Want To Meal Plan—I Wanted Peace. So I Made These 29 Salads

Meal planning felt like too much, and the mind needed rest. These 29 salads made things calm and easy again. No stress, no big steps, just simple food with fresh taste. Each bowl felt light but still full enough to keep going. Some days call for peace, and this was the right choice.

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.

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.

Tired of figuring out what’s for lunch, so something quick was the answer. Tossed spicy shrimp on greens with a creamy avocado mix to pull it all together. It felt nice to have something easy that didn’t require overthinking. Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing just made things calm and simple.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Green Salad

A close-up of a fresh green salad with mixed leafy greens, cucumber slices, and pecans on a plate with a gold fork.
Green Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Needed something plain and straightforward when deciding felt like too much. Mixed up crisp greens and called it a day. It ended up being exactly the low-effort choice needed for peace of mind. Green Salad was clean and uncomplicated.
Get the Recipe: Green 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.

The plan was to keep it simple, so loaded beans into a bowl with a few add-ins. Not much was needed to make this hearty and no-nonsense. The flavors worked well without overplanning anything. Dense Bean Salad just made sense for those moments when decisions felt too much.
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.

Skipped all the fuss and picked something easy but filling. Lightly grilled paneer and arranged it with some greens it just worked. It wasn’t about perfection, just about something that felt steady and easy. That’s how Grilled Paneer Salad came about.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Paneer Salad

Taco Salad

A taco salad served in an edible tortilla bowl, topped with ground meat, lettuce, black beans, diced tomatoes, avocado, and shredded cheese.
Taco Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When planning became a chore, just decided to throw flavors together that felt familiar. A quick setup of taco ingredients turned into an easy fix. Didn’t overthink it but ended up pleased with how it all came together. So, Taco Salad became the answer that day.
Get the Recipe: Taco Salad

Mango Shrimp Salad

A bowl of shrimp ceviche with diced mango, avocado, red onion, red pepper, and cilantro, with a spoon inside.
Mango Shrimp Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Days like that called for something fresh but hassle-free. Combined juicy mango pieces and shrimp without looking for perfection. It was one of those meals that just clicked because the effort stayed low. Mango Shrimp Salad hit the spot in a no-stress way.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp 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.

Felt like stopping the endless cycle of meal prep ideas for a minute. Pulled out some leftover chicken and gave it a mild curry twist with greens. It seemed almost effortless but felt good having something ready to eat. Curried Chicken Salad just helped keep things easy.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad

Potato Salad

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

No grand expectations, just boiled up some potatoes and made it work. Mixed them up with enough to give a bit of flavor without complicating anything. Needed calm, and Potato Salad answered that without requiring much thought. It was comfort made simple.
Get the Recipe: Potato 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.

Thought of barely cooking and balancing something light and filling. Threw together pasta, slices of salami, and a few accents to get it done quickly. Didn’t overthink anything, just enjoyed not needing much effort. Italian Pasta with Salami felt right in the moment.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

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.

The need for something simple made the decision easy greens and a herby dressing were enough. Didn’t look for fancy combinations, just mixed ingredients that felt calming. It turned out fine without any big steps or plan. Green Goddess Salad was like a pause from complexity.
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Salad

Kachumber

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

Something straightforward was needed, and chopped vegetables did the trick. Just tossed them together without expecting anything complicated or grand. Deciding felt easier with the simplicity of Kachumber making things calm. It ended up working perfectly when keeping it low-key mattered.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber

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 peace meant zero meal prep drama, something light came to mind. Pared it down to crisp apple slices with a quick topping, and kept it simple. It wasn’t about impressive results, just having something ready. Honeycrisp Salad made things easy when nothing else felt manageable.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Kala Chana Chaat

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

Needed calm instead of cooking stress, so I grabbed chickpeas and a few spices for flavor. Tossed it together casually without worrying if it was perfect. Saved time and energy, which made Kala Chana Chaat an idea worth repeating. It came together without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Kala Chana Chaat

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.

Decisions were tiring, so chopped cucumbers and tomatoes felt like the easiest choice. Added a quick mix to make it taste balanced but kept everything low-key. It was nice to skip heavy steps for once and just let Cucumber Tomato Salad do its job. Simplicity made that day better.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Asian Slaw

A bowl of colorful coleslaw with shredded purple and green cabbage, carrots, chopped peanuts, and greens, mixed with dressing.
Asian Slaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Stripped everything down to smooth and quick by shredding some veggies. Tossed them with enough to create balance without chasing specific flavors. It was all about getting a meal ready without wasting time. Asian Slaw worked perfectly when calm was the goal.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw

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.

After feeling done with planning meals, something simple and comforting worked perfectly. Macaroni Salad offers a mix of textures that’s easy to make. It’s quick and no-frills, built for moments when all that’s needed is calm and ease. A quick bowl later, meal decisions felt simpler.
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.

Some days, it’s about keeping things effortless while staying flavorful. Laccha Pyaz brings crisp onion slices paired beautifully with a simple touch. It’s one of those side dishes that come together without thinking twice. Perfect when the goal is a peaceful day and easy choices.
Get the Recipe: Laccha Pyaz

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

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

Skipping the complicated meal prep made all the difference. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad adds a simple kick that keeps things refreshing and easy. It’s quick to toss together with minimal effort involved. Just right for keeping life low-key while enjoying some flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber 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.

Not overthinking meals brings a certain calm to the day. Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing makes putting together food quick and stress-free. Balanced and hearty without requiring more decision-making than needed. It’s comforting when simplicity is the goal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

A plate of watermelon salad with cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and mint leaves, served with a lime wedge.
Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Grabbing something simple to create felt like the best idea. Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad pairs sweetness with a touch of creaminess in the simplest way. No long lists or overplanning just a small moment of calm while eating. That salad made slowing down completely worthwhile.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta 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.

Complicated dinners weren’t happening, so options had to stay easy. Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!) blended crunch with flavor, step by step. It’s the type of dish that feels like a breath of fresh air on hectic days. Sometimes the smallest bites make a big difference.
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Pizza Salad

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

Knowing when to skip meal-planning creates peace immediately. Pizza Salad combines everything loved about pizza in an effortless, lighter option. No extra thought or stress added, and it still feels perfect. Simple eating feels better during calm-focused days.
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.

Making decisions around meals wasn’t the move, so simple picks worked. Red Cabbage Coleslaw came together with bright textures and no hassle. It’s all about grabbing what’s easy to mix and enjoy without spending too much thought. Just a plate and calm vibes.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Quinoa Salad

Close-up of a quinoa salad with chickpeas, chopped cucumber, parsley, red onion, and a light dressing, with a spoon partially visible.
Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

After setting aside meal plans, choosing easy food felt perfect. Quinoa Salad brings a filling base paired with light additions that don’t overwhelm. Quick to make and easy to enjoy, it’s for those pause and take it easy moments. Small efforts create peaceful meals.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa 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.

Skipping long recipes and meal ideas saved energy instantly. Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad worked with its bold and fresh combination that felt effortless. It’s the type of dish built for calm and decision-free eating. Lighter meals sometimes make the day better.
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.

Moving past overthinking meal options was a relief. Seven Layer Salad came through with layers that are simple, crisp, and quick to put together. Stacking flavors kept things hassle-free and delicious when the goal was staying peaceful. One less decision to worry about.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Waldorf Salad

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

Keeping meal planning out of the picture led to easy choices. Waldorf Salad balances sweetness with crunch and minimal preparation. It’s a classic that’s comforting without being over the top. Perfect for the times when less effort is exactly what’s needed.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf 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.

Turning a busy day into a relaxed one became the goal. Taco Pasta Salad helped with its simple layers combining filling and easy flavors. A quick option like this made skipping meal planning totally worth it. Eating peacefully was all that mattered here.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta 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.

Choosing easy dishes quickly brought a sense of calm. Hot Honey Chicken Salad blended light bites of chicken with a sweet heat, all done simply. It’s no-fuss cooking that’s about putting good food together without extra work. Life stayed peaceful and decisions felt easier.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey 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.

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