Whether It’s Lunch Or Dinner, 29 Salads Work Every Time

When choosing what to eat becomes a full-time job, having 29 solid salad options is basically a life hack. Lunch, dinner, even that weird in-between snack you pretend isn’t a full meal, there’s something that fits. It’s like hiring a personal assistant, but way cheaper and crunchier. Decision fatigue never stood a chance.

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

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.

This is a salad that’s bold and full of personality. Mexican Street Corn Salad brings together familiar flavors in a way that’s just a bit unexpected. It’s got a mix of textures that make every bite interesting. Perfect for when you want something with a little bit of energy.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn 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.

Fresh and dynamic, this one feels a little fancy but stays effortless. Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing gives you a great mix of smoky and creamy in each bite. The shrimp add richness, while the dressing keeps it nice and balanced. It’s simple but makes an impression.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

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.

With just the right amount of warmth, Curried Chicken Salad is all about blending comfort with a little fun. Each bite feels hearty without being heavy. The chicken works perfectly with the subtle curry twist. It’s easy to enjoy and works for both a casual meal or something a bit more thoughtful.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken 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.

Here’s something fun that’s worth sharing. Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe takes everything you’d love in taco flavors and presents it in a creative way. Each bite feels fresh and interactive. Ideal for when you’re eating with others and want something casual but clever.
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Pizza Salad

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

Who says pizza and salad can’t team up? Pizza Salad is a smart combo that layers the savory thrill of pizza with a lighter, refreshing edge. If you’re in the mood for something familiar but different, it’s got that balance nailed. Everyone ends up loving this one at the table.
Get the Recipe: Pizza 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.

Simple but packed with substance, Dense Bean Salad is one of those dishes that just works. The beans give you a hearty feel, while everything else pulls it together effortlessly. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, it’s reliable, filling, and always feels like a good idea.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

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.

When you’re craving bold and reliable, Buffalo Chicken Salad steps up. It’s a mix of tangy with just the right touch of spice. Each bite feels balanced in a way that doesn’t overwhelm. It’s perfect when you need something quick that still feels like it delivers.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo 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.

Comfort meets balance with Grilled Paneer Salad. The paneer offers a warm richness that pairs well with the lighter elements. It’s filling, without sitting too heavy, making it great for meals when you’re between something casual and something thoughtful.
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.

Keeping it classic and always reliable, Potato Salad works for just about any occasion. It’s not too complicated, which is exactly why it’s such a favorite. Its creaminess works well with the potatoes, creating something simple but pleasing to share.
Get the Recipe: Potato 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.

Full of texture, Laccha Pyaz keeps things refreshing and straightforward. It’s simple yet adds a unique flair to whatever meal you pair it with. This one feels like it’s made to complement something bigger but can stand as its own side perfectly well.
Get the Recipe: Laccha Pyaz

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.

Sometimes you just need something easy and comforting, and Macaroni Salad fits that perfectly. It has that familiar mix of creaminess and chewiness you expect. Perfect for gatherings or even when you’re just in the mood for something classic and unfussy.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni 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.

Balanced and slightly lighter, Healthy Chicken Salad is about keeping things simple without compromising on flavor. It’s the kind of salad that feels fresh and filling, making it perfect for a clean and easy meal. Definitely one to turn to for quick lunches or dinners.
Get the Recipe: Healthy 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.

Always a crowd-pleaser, Cobb Salad is packed with distinct layers that all work so well together. It’s the kind of salad that makes you feel like you’re having a full meal. Whether you need something for lunch or dinner, this one checks all the boxes with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

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

Fresh, crisp, and with a real kick, Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is all about bringing a different kind of energy to your meal. The spice adds a layer of excitement without being overwhelming. Perfect when you’re in the mood for something light with a little edge to it.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber 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.

A little hearty with a touch of creaminess, Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing makes broccoli feel exciting. The dressing ties everything together in a way that’s both simple and memorable. Great when you’re looking for something more than just your usual veggie side.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Kachumber

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

Fresh, simple, and full of crunch, Kachumber is what you turn to for a quick boost to your meal. It doesn’t steal the show, but it adds a refreshing balance that’s always appreciated. A solid option when you need something easy and crisp to round out your plate.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber

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.

A little more playful, Pasta Primavera feels like a mix of cozy and light. It’s perfect for when you want pasta but with a refreshing kind of twist. Everything blends together easily, making it feel comforting without being too much. Good for a casual lunch or dinner anytime.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

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

Bright and crunchy, Red Cabbage Coleslaw brings a different twist to your everyday salad options. The cabbage gives it a bold texture, while the other elements balance it out. A good pick whenever you want something fresh but just a little unexpected on the table.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Cucumber Peanut Salad

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

Light and a bit nutty, Cucumber Peanut Salad is one of those salads that feels both refreshing and filling. The cucumber keeps it fresh, while the peanuts add a nice bit of texture to keep it interesting. Great for pairing with bigger dishes or just enjoying it on its own.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut Salad

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.

This salad brings together earthy and creamy in such a seamless way. Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad makes for a meal that’s laid-back but a little elegant. Good for when you need something interesting but still easy to put together. Each bite keeps things surprising and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beetroot and Feta 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 come together perfectly in Hot Honey Chicken Salad. The honey gives it a gentle sweetness that works with the heartiness of the chicken. It’s a great option for something that manages to feel comforting but not too heavy. Perfect for almost any mealtime setup.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

7 Layer Salad

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

Layers full of texture and flavor, 7 Layer Salad is made to stand out at the table. It’s one of those salads that feels complete and filling all on its own. Great for sharing or just keeping as a reliable meal option that doesn’t skimp on variety.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer 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.

Hearty and grounded, Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad is ideal for adding substance to your day. The sweet potato brings warmth, while the chickpeas add texture in a way that feels balanced. It’s an easy salad for those moments when you want something with a little more depth.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea 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.

Packed and colorful, Seven Layer Salad is all about giving you variety in a single dish. Each scoop brings a different element that doesn’t compete but adds to the whole. Perfect for gatherings or when you want something that feels complete right out of the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Waldorf Salad

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

A mix of crunch and soft textures, Waldorf Salad makes for a refreshing addition to your plate. It balances sweetness with a hint of tang, all while feeling light and easy to enjoy. A dependable choice for a meal that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still leaves an impression.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Cabbage Salad

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

Simple and crunchy, Cabbage Salad focuses on texture and freshness. It’s one of those salads that’s always welcome on the table. Light and straightforward, it works beautifully on its own or as a side dish without stealing the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Salad

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.

Warm and hearty with just the right amount of freshness, Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies keeps things relaxed but interesting. The grilled veggies give each bite a nice depth, while the pasta brings comfort. A solid option when you want something more filling but still light.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad

Chunks of tomato, cucumber, and onion in a bowl.
Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crisp and straightforward, Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad focuses on the simple charm of putting great textures together. It’s light but has just enough substance for a quick side dish or a casual addition to your plate. A classic that never really goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion 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.

Refreshing and fun, Honeycrisp Salad is great for when you want to finish your meal with something light but with a crunch. The ingredients all play into a balance that feels clean and vibrant. Good for those days when you just want something easy and energizing.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp 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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