The 29 Spring Salads You Didn’t Know Your Lunch Routine Needed
Lunch often feels like just another meal to squeeze into a busy day. But it’s time to change that notion with a little creativity. With 29 fresh salad ideas on hand, lunchtime becomes an exciting midday break. Bringing that fresh twist to the table makes every bite a chance to refresh and rejuvenate before tackling the rest of the day.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Inject some fun into your lunch with Mexican Street Corn Salad. It fuses the vibrant flavors of street food with the freshness of a salad. Each bite is a mini fiesta in your mouth, and it’s just as easy to put together as it is enjoyable. This salad is a surefire way to mix things up at lunchtime.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

When you blend well-seasoned seafood with a rich, smooth dressing, you get Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. It’s a refreshing yet hearty option that switches up the typical lunch fare. It’s quick to put together, too, so no waiting around when hunger strikes.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Copycat Big Mac Salad

Sometimes you want those familiar fast-food flavors without the heaviness that comes with them, and Copycat Big Mac Salad pulls that off. It’s especially good for anyone looking for a nostalgic nod to a well-known burger. Simple to toss together, it provides both convenience and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad
Dense Bean Salad

If you’re looking for a protein-packed lunch option, you’re in luck. Dense Bean Salad mixes an assortment of beans that keep you fueled through your day. It’s a refreshing change from the usual, and it’s hearty enough to keep you full until dinner. Plus, it’s a snap to whip up when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad
7 Layer Salad

If your lunchtime feels like it’s missing some layers, 7 Layer Salad brings just that, and then some. With its distinct layers, each mouthful offers a new texture and flavor that keep lunch interesting. It’s a classic choice for meal prepping as it stays crisp, even days after assembly. Just grab a fork and dig in; it’s a crunchy tower of freshness you’ll look forward to.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad
Healthy Chicken Salad

Lean, tender chicken tossed with a mix of fresh greens makes Healthy Chicken Salad a go-to for a nutritious midday meal. It’s light yet wholesome, keeping you alert and ready to tackle the afternoon. Whip it up in no time, and enjoy a lunch that’s as easy as it is healthy.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad
Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Bite-sized and full of flavor, Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!) might just become a go-to when those midday cravings hit. Since they’re hand-held, they’re as convenient for desk dining as they are for on-the-move munching. Plus, who doesn’t love a little playful touch to their meal?
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)
Potato Salad

Sometimes, a classic Potato Salad is just what you need to complement your meal. It’s creamy, filling, and has that comforting taste that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re at work or relaxing at home, it’s a tried and true favorite that never goes out of style. And it pairs well with nearly anything.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad
Curried Chicken Salad

Take a detour from the ordinary with a bowl of Curried Chicken Salad that brings a pop of international flavor. The spice level is just right for waking up your palate without overwhelming it. As a meal, it’s both comforting and invigorating, with an exotic twist that keeps things interesting. When you need a hearty pick-me-up, this is the salad to reach for.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

A bowl of Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing promises a nutritious crunch with every forkful and could be your new midday staple. Its thick dressing clings to each bite, ensuring you never have a bland mouthful. Make it the night before, and you’ll find it tastes even better after marinating overnight.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Grilled Paneer Salad

Picture a plate of charred, golden chunks of paneer paired with crisp greens. Grilled Paneer Salad offers a smoky flavor that’s sure to shake up your usual lunch game. It’s the perfect blend of textures and tastes for when you need something different. And it comes together quickly for those busy days when you just can’t stop.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Paneer Salad
Buffalo Chicken Salad

If you’re a fan of a good kick in your dish, Buffalo Chicken Salad brings the heat in a refreshing salad form. It’s a hearty option that won’t leave you wanting more halfway through the afternoon. Look forward to a punch of flavor that’ll keep your meals far from mundane.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Cabbage Salad

A simple, crisp option, Cabbage Salad shines with its minimalist appeal. It’s light enough not to weigh you down but with plenty of flavors. Whether it’s complementing a main dish or standing alone, its versatility is unmatched. When it’s crunch you’re looking for without too much fuss, reach for this salad.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Salad
Honeycrisp Salad

Want a lunch that’s as refreshing as it is quick to prepare? Honeycrisp Salad incorporates crisp apples for a sweet crunch in every bite. Pair it with your favorite dressing for a midday meal that’s both fast and fresh. It’s a simple way to add a spark of sweetness to your usual lunch lineup.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad
Cucumber Peanut Salad

Light and easy to whip up, Cucumber Peanut Salad adds a pleasing crunch to your lunch routine. A perfect foil to heavier dishes, it also stands out as a standalone snack. When you’re done, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of your day.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut Salad
Laccha Pyaz

Add some flair to your midday meal with a side of Laccha Pyaz. It’s a simple yet flavorful addition that complements any salad or sandwich. Its subtle spiciness is perfect for when you want an extra flavor boost. Quick to assemble, it’s the ideal last-minute add-on to your lunch.
Get the Recipe: Laccha Pyaz
Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Sometimes lunch needs a kick, and Hot Honey Chicken Salad brings just that. It’s a combination of spicy and sweet that wakes up your senses. Perfect for those days when you’re craving something with a bit of an edge. And it’s just as convenient to make as it is exciting to eat.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad
Pizza Salad

Whoever said you can’t have pizza for lunch in a healthier way hasn’t tried Pizza Salad. This dish combines your favorite pizza toppings over a bed of greens for a guilt-free pleasure. It’s a playful twist on a classic favorite, and preparing it is as fun as eating it. You’ll be looking forward to lunchtime with this creative mix.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad
Kachumber

Add a touch of excitement to your lunch menu with Kachumber. This salad is a tangy and crunchy experience with each forkful. It provides a bright burst of flavors to perk up your day. Not only does it taste great, but it’s also quick to prepare—ideal for those hectic days.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber
Kala Chana Chaat

Give your lunch a tasty twist with Kala Chana Chaat. It’s a combination of spicy, tangy, and utterly pleasing without weighing you down. It’s the perfect meal to recharge during a busy day. Just toss it together, and enjoy the bold flavors that unfold.
Get the Recipe: Kala Chana Chaat
Macaroni Salad

Switch your lunch routine with a classic Macaroni Salad. It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and yet surprisingly light. Perfect for when you need a change from the usual, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Craft a batch in minutes for a lunch that’s both familiar and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad

For those days when you’re looking for something a little different, Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad is a flavorful adventure. The sweetness of roasted beetroot pairs beautifully with the saltiness of feta, creating a harmony of flavors. It’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, and it’s surprisingly filling. A truly unique salad option that’s easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Mix up your usual lunch routine with the smoky flavors of Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. The char from the grilled vegetables adds a unique twist to the familiar pasta salad. It’s as filling as it is easy to make, meaning you can enjoy a delicious lunch without a fuss. Plus, it’s a great way to get in those veggie servings.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies
Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Brighten up your plate with the vibrant colors and crisp taste of Red Cabbage Coleslaw. This salad is a crunchy, fresh addition to any meal, adding both texture and flavor. It’s incredibly quick to toss together, making it a perfect last-minute side dish. Plus, it’s a stylish way to add some veggies to your day.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Seven Layer Salad

If you enjoy layers of flavor, then Seven Layer Salad will hit the spot. This dish combines seven distinctive layers, each adding its own texture and taste to the mix. It’s a visually appealing choice that’s equally delicious and can easily be the centerpiece of your lunch. Plus, it’s versatile enough to match any palate.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
Pasta Primavera

When you’re craving something light but still want a bit of heartiness to your meal, Pasta Primavera is a fantastic choice. It combines pasta with a variety of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a light and inviting dressing. It’s perfect for a quick lunch that doesn’t disappoint on flavor. This dish truly makes eating your veggies something to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

With a tasty combination of sweet and crunch, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a lively bowl that makes midday meals anything but boring. It’s a handy go-to that combines nutrition with a pleasant variety of textures. Expect it to become a regular request if you’re lunching with others, as it has a way of winning over a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Invigorate your lunchtime with the hearty and healthy Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad. It’s a delicious blend of sweetness from the potatoes and a slight crunch from the chickpeas, all brought together with a tangy dressing. It’s a stand-out dish that promises to keep lunchtime interesting.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad
Cobb Salad

Level up your lunch with the classic Cobb Salad, a dish known for its perfect balance of ingredients. It includes everything you need for a fulfilling meal, from greens to protein, all topped with a decadent dressing. It’s a sophisticated option when you want something both traditional and tasty. And best of all, it’s customizable to suit your dietary needs.
Get the Recipe: Cobb 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.
