These salads aren’t filler—they’re full-on stars. Crisp veggies, bold dressings, and add-ins that keep things interesting. They’re light but satisfying, healthy but indulgent. Say goodbye to boring greens, and hello to salads with swagger.

Scrumptious Southwest Salad

Scrumptious Southwest Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This is a very easy and delicious southwest salad recipe with fresh greens, black beans, corn, and a creamy homemade southwest dressing. Gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Scrumptious Southwest Salad

Kale White Bean Salad

A square white bowl filled with kale salad, featuring beans and avocado pieces, placed on a table with a spoon beside it.
Kale White Bean Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This Kale White Bean Salad is a vibrant, flavorful, and a simple side dish to feed your family. The tender kale, hearty white beans, all coated in a lemon mustard vinaigrette.
Get the Recipe: Kale White Bean Salad

Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

A white bowl filled with tri-color rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber chunks, and feta cheese on a red-and-white checkered tablecloth.
Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

We love pasta but not hot pasta during hot weather. The simplest way to satisfy that pasta craving was creating a cold pasta salad, which, in the winter, can be served as a side instead of the main course.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad

A bowl of Mediterranean-style salad with orzo, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, red peppers, tuna, and a lemon wedge, garnished with basil.
Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Whip up a quick and tasty Mediterranean tuna orzo salad for a weeknight dinner. This recipe is ideal for a healthy meal that’s ready fast.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad

Italian Broccoli Salad

A bowl of Italian broccoli salad with sliced olives, almonds, and vegetables is being drizzled with dressing from a spoon.
Italian Broccoli Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Fresh broccoli, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and a sharp vinaigrette give this salad a bold Italian flavor that stands up to grilled meats or hearty mains. It’s colorful, crunchy, and always a conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Italian Broccoli Salad

Asian Cucumber Tomato Salad: Easy And Refreshing

A bowl of salad with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and lemon slices, topped with sesame seeds and herbs.
Asian Cucumber Tomato Salad: Easy And Refreshing. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Asian cucumber tomato salad is a delightful fusion of crunchy cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and a burst of Asian flavors.
Get the Recipe: Asian Cucumber Tomato Salad: Easy And Refreshing

Curly Endive Salad with Celery, Apple and Candied Pecans

A fresh salad with sliced apples, pecans, and mixed greens on a white rectangular plate. The apples have a red peel and are thinly sliced, while the greens provide a leafy background, creating a colorful and healthy dish.
Curly Endive Salad with Celery, Apple and Candied Pecans. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Curly Endive Winter Salad brings together crisp apple slices, sweet crunchy pecans, and hearty leafy greens for a refreshing cold-weather dish. A light vinaigrette adds the perfect balance of brightness and bite!
Get the Recipe: Curly Endive Salad with Celery, Apple and Candied Pecans

Strawberry Blueberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Close-up of a fresh salad featuring strawberries, cherry tomatoes, blueberries, and basil leaves on a bed of mixed greens. The salad is sprinkled with grated cheese, adding a textured contrast to the vibrant colors of the fruits and vegetables.
Strawberry Blueberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Strawberry Blueberry Salad brings together crisp greens, juicy berries, and creamy mozzarella for a fresh, vibrant dish that’s perfect for light spring lunches and breezy summer cookouts. A drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together with just the right amount of zing!
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Blueberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

A bowl of creamy potato salad garnished with chopped green onions on a wooden table.
Crispy Smashed Potato Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

With roasted garlic, a creamy lemon and herb dressing and crispy-skin potatoes that are tender inside, this smashed potato salad is a winner.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Amish Broccoli Salad

A bowl of broccoli cauliflower salad with shredded cheese and bacon, placed on a checkered cloth.
Amish Broccoli Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This Amish Broccoli Salad recipe is a classic dish that is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or any other gatherings. It’s also a great side dish for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Amish Broccoli Salad

Sesame Salmon Bowl

Sesame Salmon Bowl with cucumber, avocado, sesame seeds, red cabbage, green onions and spring mix in a white bowl.
Sesame Salmon Bowl. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Sesame Salmon Bowls are a delicious and healthy dinner idea. It takes under 15 minutes to make start to finish! The sesame dressing adds tasty nutty flavor to this dish.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Salmon Bowl

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad with chickpeas, cucumber, and herbs served in a bowl, with a lemon, a red onion, and additional bowls on the side.
Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Sage Alpha Gal.

With a delicious blend of quinoa, cucumbers, fresh herbs, and chickpeas tossed in a lemony dressing and accented with crunchy pistachios, this filling salad might just become your new best friend.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Classic Black Bean & Corn Salad

A close-up of a spoonful of black bean, corn, and vegetable salad held above a bowl filled with the same salad.
Classic Black Bean & Corn Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Black beans, sweet corn, and bell peppers come together in this colorful salad that’s equal parts fresh and filling. A splash of lime juice brings it all to life.
Get the Recipe: Classic Black Bean & Corn Salad

Barley Salad with Herbs & Lemon Vinaigrette

A bowl of barley salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley sits on a plate, with a spoonful of salad being held above the bowl.
Barley Salad with Herbs & Lemon Vinaigrette. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Hearty barley gives this salad a chewy texture, while lemon and fresh herbs keep it light and bright. It’s filling without being heavy and makes a great lunch or picnic dish.
Get the Recipe: Barley Salad with Herbs & Lemon Vinaigrette

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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