Salad Night Just Got Exciting With 27 Must-Try Recipes

No one said salad night had to be boring, and with 27 must-try recipes, it definitely won’t be. There’s plenty to load up a plate without feeling like it’s just another side dish. These options bring crunch, flavor, and variety that can hold their own at any meal. It’s time to give the usual routine a break and make salads the star for a change.

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.

Potato Salad

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

When you want something traditional yet open to twists, this choice hits the spot. It combines comfort and a homely feel with each forkful. Potato salad offers a familiar creamy texture. It’s simple, versatile, and always welcome at any salad night.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Copycat Big Mac Salad

Close-up of a salad featuring ground beef, sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and diced onions, topped with a creamy dressing.
Copycat Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Craving fast food but want to keep it fresh? This recipe brings home the flavors of a classic without the bun. Copycat Big Mac Salad lets you enjoy all your favorites in one bowl. It’s perfect for those who love a good burger but are keen on keeping things light.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac 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.

For those who like a sweet kick with their greens, this salad is the answer. With each bite, Hot Honey Chicken Salad offers a unique taste. It’s great for anyone looking to spice up dinner. This dish keeps things exciting and deliciously unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken 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.

Welcome an Italian favorite to your table in a lighter way. Experience a burst of garden flavors with Pasta Primavera. It’s a brilliant way to incorporate pasta into your greens. This dish is ideal for those nights when you want something filling yet refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

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.

Turn up the heat on your salad night with a tangy thrill. Buffalo Chicken Salad is a crowd-pleaser for those who love a bit of spice. This dish combines indulgence with the crispness of fresh salad. It’s best served when you desire a hearty meal with an edge.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken 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.

If you enjoy a sweet crunch in your salads, this one’s for you. Honeycrisp Salad brings a pleasing texture to your meal. It is a wonderful choice for adding a fruity punch to salad night. Each serving is as refreshing as it is fulfilling.
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.

Ever thought of having your pizza in a bowl? Welcome the exciting twist of Pizza Salad. It’s a novel concept that never compromises on that beloved pizza flavor. This dish is a creative way to cater to pizza lovers looking for a lighter option.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

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.

When you’re after something light without skimping on protein, go for this one. Healthy Chicken Salad balances nutrition with mouthwatering appeal. This choice is perfect for post-workout meals or a protein-packed dinner. It’s a smart pick for health-conscious diners.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

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

Introduce a tang from the East into your evening with a chilled, spicy crunch. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is never shy on flavor. It’s a dazzling choice for adventurous eaters. This recipe is a refreshing break from the ordinary, offering an authentic Asian zing.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Close-up of a wonderful 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.

Broccoli takes center stage in this rich, textured offering. The creamy dressing complements it in Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. This dish is a wholesome way to enjoy your greens. It’s equally fit for a potluck or a quiet dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

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.

Enjoy a hearty helping of grains and vegetables in one. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies presents a fulfilling blend of tastes. It’s a colorful addition to your salad rotation. The grilled touch brings a wonderful warmth to the palate.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

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.

Cater to the cheese lovers with this grilled gem. Grilled Paneer Salad is rich in flavor and substance. It’s an excellent vegetarian option that doesn’t compromise on taste. This dish provides a filling, protein-rich experience in a fresh salad format.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Paneer Salad

7 Layer Salad

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

Impress with layers of textures and tastes in a single dish. 7 Layer Salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious. This choice adds depth to your dinner table. It’s a fantastic way to bring variety with every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer 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.

Bring the flavors of Italy into your salad night with gusto. Italian Pasta with Salami mixes the love for cured meats with fresh pasta. It’s a robust dish for those who enjoy a hearty salad. This recipe is sure to become a fast favorite with its fulfilling feel.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Cabbage Salad

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

Keep it light and refreshing with a classic crunch. Cabbage Salad offers a crisp texture and clean flavor. It’s an excellent base for a variety of dressings. This dish is a go-to for anyone seeking a simple yet versatile salad option.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage 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.

There’s something about the combination of tart cranberries and rich pecans. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad brings them together beautifully. It’s perfect for when you want a salad that’s both fruity and nutty. This dish is a splendid choice for a unique twist on chicken salad.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Kachumber

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

Sample the essence of Indian cuisine with a refreshing crunch. Kachumber is a lively addition to the spread with its bright flavors. It’s a great side dish that adds an exotic touch. This recipe is often a conversation starter for those new to Indian salads.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

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

Add a pop of color and a peppery kick with a classic side. Red Cabbage Coleslaw is always a hit with its vibrant hue and tangy taste. This salad is a must-try for anyone who loves a good slaw. It’s an excellent complement to any type of meal, barbecues included.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Kala Chana Chaat

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

Dig into the world of Indian street food in a healthy way. Kala Chana Chaat is spicy, tangy, and utterly addictive. This salad is for those who enjoy bold flavors and textures. It’s a brilliant pick for stirring up excitement at salad night.
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.

Embrace the comforting embrace of pasta in a classic form. Macaroni Salad is an all-time beloved dish for all ages. It’s a staple choice for picnics and gatherings, and just as good at home. This dish is a surefire winner for those seeking familiar flavors.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni 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.

Welcome warmth and substance in a bowl with this hearty option. Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad boasts a filling experience with a mix of soft and crunchy elements. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a full meal in salad form. The dish is a great pick for a nutritious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Waldorf Salad

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

Experience a New York classic with a refreshing blend of crunch and sweetness. Waldorf Salad has stood the test of time with its iconic profile. It’s perfect for those who enjoy the interplay of fruits and nuts in their greens. This dish is a nod to timeless sophistication on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf 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.

Relish in the simplicity of this crisp and juicy trio. Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad is the epitome of freshness. It’s a no-fuss option for a quick and easy addition to any meal. This salad is great for when you need a light yet flavorful side dish.
Get the Recipe: Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad

Cucumber Peanut Salad

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

Nut lovers will find joy in the wonderful crunch of this salad. Cucumber Peanut Salad is all about texture. It’s a lovely way to add something nutty to your evening. This dish is a fun, crunchy twist on a simple salad.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut 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.

Here’s a way to bring zingy onions into your palette with a bold flair. Laccha Pyaz is a staple accompaniment in Indian cuisine. It’s a simple yet powerful way to enhance any meal. This salad is often the forgotten hero of the dinner spread, offering a sharp and aromatic finish.
Get the Recipe: Laccha Pyaz

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.

Add a dash of aromatic spices to your chicken for an exotic spin. Curried Chicken Salad introduces a warm theme to your meal. It’s fantastic for those who desire a bit of international flair. This dish can turn an ordinary night into a memorable dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken 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.

If you’re after a fulfilling American classic, look no further. Cobb Salad is packed with diverse ingredients for a fulfilling meal. This salad is a complete dish with a balance of vegetables, protein, and a rich dressing. It’s a go-to for a filling and classic salad choice.
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.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *