When Eating Greens Feels Like A Win, Try 27 Salad Recipes

Ever feel like having something light yet filling? Well, 27 different salad recipes can make that happen. Each one is a unique twist on tossing greens into a meal that feels like a win. Mix and match flavors, and suddenly, eating well doesn’t seem like much of a chore, does it?

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.

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.

Cravings for a certain famous burger can be quenched with the healthier Copycat Big Mac Salad. It deconstructs a fast-food favorite, turning it into a green feast. Expect a blend of flavors that’s anything but ordinary in a salad. It’s how you keep meal times fun and guilt-free, focusing on freshness over fries.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

Potato Salad

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

Potato Salad serves up childhood memories with a side of eye-catching green. It’s the ultimate side dish that pairs creamy comfort with the crispness of fresh additions. Perfect for a family meal where nostalgia is as important as nutrition. Every spoonful brings you back to those familiar flavors, now with a refreshing twist.
Get the Recipe: Potato 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.

Searching for a green dish that punches up the protein? Healthy Chicken Salad is your go-to. It combines lean meat with greens, proving you can hit your fitness goals without skipping flavor. It’s all about finding joy in a bowl that’s both fresh and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken 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.

When pairing crispy greens with a complementary sauce, Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing comes to mind. It’s a green dish that seamlessly integrates nutrients into your diet without compromising on taste. Get ready for a unique combination where greens are more than just a sidekick. Perfect for when you crave something crunchy and rich in 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.

Kick up the heat in your greens with Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. It’s the side dish that’s got a fiery edge and isn’t afraid to show it. Treat yourself to a flavor-packed meal that’s cool but packs a punch. It’s a must-try for anyone who likes their greens with a bold twist.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

7 Layer Salad

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

Greens deserve a chance to stand out, and nestled among a variety of textures and flavors, 7 Layer Salad makes its mark. It’s like uncovering different treasures as you delve through each stratum. Hosting a dinner? Present it as the centerpiece for a healthy, yet indulgent spread.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer 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.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad strikes the perfect balance between lush greens and indulgent toppings. It’s how you pack flavor into a meal without giving up on your green goals. Spruce up any lunch with this combo that’s festive enough for any occasion. It effortlessly meshes with your wellness journey.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Cabbage Salad

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

With crisp leaves that bring a refreshing crunch, Cabbage Salad is simplicity at its finest. Its crispiness is key in turning a regular meal into a feel-good experience with greens. Easy to prep and infinitely versatile, it goes well with any meal plan. Enjoy it and know that you’ve made a choice good for both palate and well-being.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage 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.

For a big hunger, look no further than Cobb Salad, where greens are just the beginning. Its heft comes from a robust mix that keeps you full and content. Guests might forget they’re even eating a salad with such a satisfying lineup. Each forkful is a new discovery, making greens the highlight of your day.
Get the Recipe: Cobb 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.

Experience an ensemble where pasta plays nicely with vegetable variety in Pasta Primavera. This dish celebrates the essence of freshness with each twirl of the fork. It’s about embracing greens in a warm, comforting hug of noodles. Rest assured, you’ll walk away feeling both light and looked after with every serving.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Cucumber Peanut Salad

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

Sometimes, the most straightforward dishes, like Cucumber Peanut Salad, become favorites for a fresh experience. Let’s talk about snappy cucumbers combined in a way that’s simple yet impactful. It’s a go-to for those quick lunch breaks that require no fuss. Who knew greens could pair so well with just about anything?
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut 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.

Bringing a hint of the exotic to your plate, Curried Chicken Salad revolutionizes the green scene. It’s got greens in a mix that’s far from the typical. Not your usual salad, it’s an adventure in every bite without leaving your dining table. Let’s get greens into our day in the most vibrant way.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken 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.

Vegetarians, rejoice with Grilled Paneer Salad, where hearty meets healthy. Paneer adds a smoky depth to your green plate, making you forget it’s good for you. It’s a protein-packed meal that’s bound to become a staple. With every bite, be reminded that greens can lead to gratifying meals that don’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Paneer 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.

Sometimes, a side dish like Laccha Pyaz can steal the show with its unpretentious charm. Revel in delicate strands that offer a pop of both color and freshness. It’s an easy win for adding a zing without overpowering your main meal. Consider your green quota met with minimal effort and maximal impact.
Get the Recipe: Laccha Pyaz

Honeycrisp Salad

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

Bite into crispness with a twist when you reach for Honeycrisp Salad. It’s the type of meal that brings together crunchy elements with a hint of sweetness. Make lunch count with a dish that’s cool, refreshing, and packs a gentle flavor punch. Ideal for days when you need something quick yet inherently nourishing.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

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.

Greens sneak their way into comfort classics, as seen in Macaroni Salad. A dish where pasta and fresh elements meet halfway to form the perfect partnership. Whenever you yearn for a childhood favorite but still want to nail it on the green front, here’s your answer. It’s proof that old favorites can learn new, nourishing tricks.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni 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.

Spice and everything nice, Hot Honey Chicken Salad is where comfort embraces greens. You won’t miss the heavy meals with a dish that’s got a gentle kick. It’s your chance to experiment with warmth in a category known for its cool reputation. Perfect when you want a meal that’s both nourishing and has a little attitude.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey 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.

Carbs and greens find a happy balance in Italian Pasta with Salami. It hints at tradition with a playful side, pairing well-loved ingredients in a new arena. It’s about enjoying what you love, with a side of green victory. Change up your usual pasta routine for something more vibrant and full of life.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

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.

Layer it up with Seven Layer Salad and see how it becomes more than just greens. Each layer packs in flavor and texture for a dish that’s fun to assemble and even better to dig into. It’s perfect when you’re after a dish that can double as a conversation starter. With this salad, greens are anything but an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Kala Chana Chaat

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

Indulge in the world of tang and crunch with Kala Chana Chaat. This dish is a testament to how greens and legumes can dance together harmoniously. When you fancy something bold, turn to a plate that balances nutrition with spirited spice. Enjoy a meal that’s as lively as it is good for you.
Get the Recipe: Kala Chana Chaat

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.

Let your grill do the talking and add a charred twist to your greens with Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. It’s a dish where smoky flavors meld with the comfort of pasta. Serve it up when you’re in the mood for a robust yet refreshing meal. It strikes a lovely balance between hearty and healthful.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Pizza Salad

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

You’ve got all the joy of pizza but with the bonus of guilt-free greens in Pizza Salad. It’s where pizza night meets your inner health nut, all on one plate. Bold, Italian-inspired flavors come together in a cooler, crunchier way. When traditional pizza feels too heavy, here’s a lighter option that still hits all those classic notes.
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.

For a dash of color that’s as vibrant as it is nutritious, turn to Red Cabbage Coleslaw. This slaw is a playful mix that brightens up any plate. Toss it together for a side that’s both crunchy and tangy. Great for those looking to add a visually stunning and health-conscious option to their meal.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

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.

Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad might just be your new favorite way to enjoy a nutrient-dense meal. With oven-roasted warmth, it introduces a subtly sweet flavor to your greens. Ideal for when comfort food is the goal, but greens are a must. This dish is a filling yet wholesome choice.
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.

Take a bite of history with Waldorf Salad, a timeless classic that balances crunch with creamy. This dish is an homage to tradition, while still stacking up the greens. Ideal for when you’re keen on a mix that’s both sophisticated and simple. It’s a way to honor the past with a salad fork in hand.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Kachumber

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

Unearth the simplicity of Kachumber, where raw freshness meets traditional flavor profiles. It’s the salad that keeps things straightforward yet striking. Each crunch signals a refresh, turning a basic meal into a celebration of simple tastes. Count on it to cleanse your palate while keeping things light and rejuvenating.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber

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.

Crave something spicy? Buffalo Chicken Salad brings the heat and pairs it with crisp greens. It’s a plate that combines indulgence with the feeling of making a smart choice. Reach for it when you’re in the mood for something bold yet balanced. It speaks to the soul of comfort food with a much-welcomed green twist.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo 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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