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.

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.

Kachumber

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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 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

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.

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

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.

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

Close-up of a mixed salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, black beans, chickpeas, corn, cucumber, red onion, and parsley, being drizzled with dressing.
Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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!)

Mexican taco salad cups on a plate.
Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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

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

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

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.

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

A bowl of tuna salad mixed with chopped herbs, likely parsley or chives, with a spoon resting inside the bowl.
Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

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.

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
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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