I Made 29 Refreshing Salads To Balance Out All The BBQ Sauce

The grill stayed hot, and the smell of BBQ filled the air all day. Every plate had smoky meat, rich sauce, and bold flavors. To keep things balanced, 29 refreshing salads were made. Each one brought something cool, crisp, and light to the table. Fresh greens, juicy fruits, and tangy dressings helped cut through the heavy bites.

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.

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.

A mix of tender chicken and crunchy greens comes together to create a perfect bite. Light and refreshing, it’s a great way to add balance to heavier dishes. Packed with protein, Healthy Chicken Salad leaves you feeling nourished and energized. Perfect for pairing with all the bold flavors barbecue brings to the table.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken 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.

Crisp lettuce gets tossed with bold and flavorful toppings that bring excitement to each forkful. By adding a Mexican-inspired twist, Taco Salad becomes a fun way to refresh your plate. Every ingredient has a purpose, keeping things light while still delivering big tastes. It’s sure to balance out the richness of BBQ mains effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Taco 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.

Smoky paneer adds a bold touch to a mix of veggies that complement each bite perfectly. Balanced in both flavor and texture, Grilled Paneer Salad creates a refreshing way to enjoy something hearty without feeling heavy. Enjoying such a combination makes any BBQ menu feel well-rounded. It’s definitely a standout addition to the spread.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Paneer Salad

Potato Salad

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

Creamy potatoes are matched with simple yet flavorful ingredients for a dish that feels reliable and comforting. Each bite of Potato Salad brings a mild and cool counterpoint to those bold BBQ sauces. It’s a classic addition but still manages to feel fresh and vibrant with a proper twist. A true crowd-pleaser for all kinds of gatherings.
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.

Tender pasta and tasty salami come together with fresh veggies for a dish bursting with personality. Italian Pasta with Salami offers balanced flavors that never overwhelm the meal but still hold their own. Every bite feels fresh yet hearty, keeping things interesting on your plate. Pairing it with BBQ turns your table into a winner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

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.

A hearty mix of protein-packed beans gives a filling and refreshing change of pace. Dense Bean Salad has the kind of texture that feels robust yet light, without ever being too much. Fitting seamlessly next to BBQ dishes, it introduces variety while remaining enjoyable to eat. Beans never felt this versatile before!
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Kachumber

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

Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and onions create a salad that feels both light and vibrant. Adding just a few basic seasonings makes Kachumber even more refreshing without overcomplicating things. Each bite is clean, flavorful, and a natural partner to anything smoky or grilled. Sometimes simplicity truly shines brightest on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber

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 mango pairs perfectly with succulent shrimp to make a salad that feels special yet effortless. Every element in Mango Shrimp Salad balances each other beautifully, offering a taste of fresh flavors. It’s the perfect cool-down dish to include when BBQ gets intense and smoky. The combination feels tropical without trying too hard.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp 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.

Crunchy cabbage and carrots meet a tangy dressing to create a refreshing plate with lots of texture. Adding bold ingredients gives Asian Slaw a unique twist, setting it apart from ordinary coleslaw. It’s light, tasty, and pairs beautifully with smoky BBQ dishes as a contrast. Honestly, it feels right at home alongside anything grilled.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

A bowl of orzo salad with mixed vegetables, including olives, tomatoes, and spinach, garnished with herbs.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bright Mediterranean flavors come alive in a mix of tender orzo, olives, and a sprinkle of light herbs. Balancing hearty elements with cooling ingredients, Mediterranean Orzo Salad creates a dish for any table. Pairing it with BBQ makes things more flavorful without overpowering. Who could say no to a salad with such variety and charm?
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo 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.

Chicken gets a flavorful makeover with a blend of curry spices that feel bold yet refreshing. Mixed with crunchy elements, Curried Chicken Salad has the kind of texture that keeps the meal interesting. It blends well with smoky BBQ dishes, providing a break from heavy flavors. Adding it to the menu makes everything feel rounded out.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken 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.

Fresh tomatoes and cucumbers meet crisp onions for a dish that feels impossibly light and clean. A simple dressing keeps Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad bright and refreshing alongside richer items. Its simplicity never overshadows the bigger, bolder flavors on your plate. Every other dish benefits from having this on the table.
Get the Recipe: Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion 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.

Seven distinct layers of freshness come together to make a visual and flavorful statement. Each crunchy and creamy element in Seven Layer Salad works in harmony without competing for attention. It’s perfect for bringing a burst of light textures to counter heavier BBQ mains. No wonder it remains a trusted favorite for any kind of gathering.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Cucumber Peanut Salad

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

Crisp cucumbers meet nutty peanuts to create a salad with a unique texture that’s both light and hearty. Adding a dash of tangy flavors keeps Cucumber Peanut Salad bright while still packing enough depth. It’s sure to be a refreshing contrast when paired with smokier dishes. It feels fresh, exciting, and worth a spot on the table.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut Salad

Waldorf Salad

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

Crunchy celery, sweet apples, and walnuts come together for a combination that’s as refreshing as it gets. The creamy dressing in Waldorf Salad ties it all together without taking away the natural flavors. Offering the perfect balance to smoky BBQ flavors, it will surely stand out on any plate. It’s a classic you can’t go wrong with.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf 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.

Refresh your plate with a mix of crunchy cucumber and juicy tomatoes. Cucumber Tomato Salad brings a burst of coolness to your meal. Enjoy the simple flavors that balance perfectly with rich dishes. It’s a refreshing side you can count on to keep things light.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato 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.

Crisp apples combine with fresh greens in Honeycrisp Salad for a refreshing bite. The sweetness of the apples pairs perfectly with the tasty BBQ sauce. Each forkful is a refreshing contrast to heavier foods. It’s a bright pairing to your favorite barbecue dishes.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Pizza Salad

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

Imagine taking your favorite pizza toppings and having them in a refreshing way. Pizza Salad brings those classic flavors in a lighter form. You get that familiar taste you’re craving with a refreshing twist. It’s a fun and tasty way to keep things balanced.
Get the Recipe: Pizza 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.

Experience the sweet heat with Hot Honey Chicken Salad for a unique twist. The spicy and sweet combo pairs nicely with a crisp salad, making it refreshing. This salad is a great counter to the richness of BBQ flavors. It’s something different that keeps things light, yet flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken 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.

Thinly sliced onions twirled with spices create Laccha Pyaz. It’s the perfect way to add some freshness beside your rich barbecue favorites. This tangy mix keeps your meal exciting without being too heavy. Enjoy the crunch in each bite as it cuts through bolder flavors.
Get the Recipe: Laccha Pyaz

Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe

Mexican taco salad cups on a plate.
Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Simple, fun, and bite-sized, Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe brings all the taco flavors you love. These are perfect for adding a refreshing crunch to your meal lineup. They’re just the right size to enjoy as a side without overpowering your plate. The different textures and tastes make for an exciting contrast.
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe

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.

Creamy, yet refreshing, Macaroni Salad is classic and comforting. It offers a nice balance to your barbecue spread with its cool flavors. Simple ingredients with a creamy dressing ensure it’s both tasty and delicious. It’s that familiar dish everyone can enjoy alongside grilled favorites.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni 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.

Crunchy and creamy, Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing offers something different. Enjoy fresh broccoli coated in a tasty dressing that complements everything else on your plate. It’s not just a veggie side; it’s part of what makes the meal complete. Each bite brings both health and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

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

Bring some spice with Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad to your meal. Its unique flavor keeps your palate interested with every bite. Cool cucumbers paired with spice bring excitement and balance. It’s a refreshing dish that stands out but doesn’t overpower.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

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.

Mix different textures with Quinoa Salad for a light but filling side option. Quinoa adds a bit of nuttiness along with fresh veggies. It’s a versatile addition to your meal, offering both flavor and nutrition. Enjoy a balanced bite that pairs well with barbecue offerings.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

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

Give your plate a colorful touch with Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Crispy cabbage brings an interesting layer to your meal without being too heavy. It’s just what you need to brighten up your dish and bring contrast. Every forkful has that familiar crunch and tangy flavor.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

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.

Enjoy the earthy sweetness of beets with the saltiness of feta in Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad. The combination keeps your meal varied and interesting. Each ingredient brings its own texture and taste, blending perfectly. It’s an elegant addition to balance barbecue flavors.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad

Kala Chana Chaat

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

Dig into a mix of flavors and spices with Kala Chana Chaat. It’s a refreshing salad perfect for adding boldness to your meal. The spiced chickpeas bring a nice contrast to richer flavors on your plate. It’s a vibrant dish you’ll want to add to your barbecue spread.
Get the Recipe: Kala Chana Chaat

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.

Packed with different ingredients, Cobb Salad offers a hearty and fresh choice. It turns simple ingredients into something exciting that refreshes your meal. With each bite, enjoy the combination of textures and colors. It’s a classic salad that stands on its own but complements any BBQ menu.
Get the Recipe: Cobb 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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