This collection brings together fresh, flavorful salads that go well beyond a basic bowl of greens. From hearty options like quinoa and farro blends to fruit-filled favorites and creative twists on classics, these dishes offer something for every kind of appetite. Whether you’re pairing them with a main course or making them the meal, these salads come packed with texture and color. There are also a few unexpected combos here that might just become your new go-to.
Grilled Eggplant Salad
Slices of eggplant are grilled until tender and smoky, then tossed with fresh ingredients. The warm vegetables mix beautifully with cool components like herbs or cheese. This dish has depth and a touch of char. A standout side or vegetarian main.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Eggplant Salad
Spring Salad with Roasted Salmon
This salad pairs tender greens with flaky roasted salmon. Seasonal vegetables and a light vinaigrette bring everything together. It’s a fresh option for a main dish. Great when you want something that feels light but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Roasted Salmon
Light and Healthy Tuna Salad
Tuna gets a refresh with chopped vegetables and a lighter dressing. It’s more crisp than creamy, and full of texture. Ideal for wraps, sandwiches, or eaten straight from the bowl. A good make-ahead option.
Get the Recipe: Light and Healthy Tuna Salad
Chickpea Tuna Salad
Chickpeas and tuna are tossed with chopped vegetables and a light dressing. It’s protein-packed and easy to prep. This version skips mayo in favor of more texture and crunch. Great for meal prep or a filling lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Tuna Salad
Easy Kale Salad with Mango Chutney Dressing
Kale leaves are massaged and dressed in a fruity mango chutney vinaigrette. The sweet and savory dressing balances out the hearty greens. Add-ins like nuts or dried fruit take it up a notch. A fun twist on traditional kale salads.
Get the Recipe: Easy Kale Salad with Mango Chutney Dressing
Watermelon Salad
Watermelon chunks are paired with ingredients like feta, mint, or cucumber. The sweet and salty combo is especially refreshing. It’s a favorite in hot weather. Serve chilled for the best taste.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Salad
Quinoa Salad with Corn, Bell Pepper, and Jalapeno
Quinoa forms the base for this colorful salad with sweet corn and spicy jalapeno. A lime-forward dressing gives it a zippy finish. It’s a lively mix with a little heat. A solid side or vegetarian meal.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad with Corn, Bell Pepper, and Jalapeno
Asparagus Salad with Feta
Tender asparagus meets salty feta in this fresh salad. Often dressed with lemon or balsamic, it has a bright finish. Add nuts or grains for more texture. A great way to enjoy asparagus during its peak season.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Feta
Strawberry Salad
Sweet strawberries are mixed with greens, nuts, and sometimes cheese. A light vinaigrette enhances the fruit’s natural flavor. This salad is all about bright, fresh ingredients. Ideal during berry season.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Salad
Arugula Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Chicken, and Honey-Roasted Pecans
This salad combines peppery arugula with sweet roasted potatoes and juicy chicken. Honey-roasted pecans add a crunchy, caramelized touch. The balance of savory and sweet makes each bite interesting. It’s a satisfying option that works well as a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Chicken, and Honey-Roasted Pecans
Tomato Salad Recipe
Thick-cut tomatoes are dressed simply with oil, vinegar, and herbs. This salad lets the produce shine. It’s juicy, flavorful, and a nice break from leafy options. Serve with crusty bread or grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Salad Recipe
Farro Arugula Salad
Peppery arugula and nutty farro make a strong pairing in this salad. Fresh veggies and a lemony dressing round things out. It’s a nice mix of greens and grains. Works well as a lunch or light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Farro Arugula Salad
Pizza Pasta Salad
This salad takes pizza toppings and combines them with pasta and dressing. Think pepperoni, olives, cheese, and bell peppers. It’s fun, filling, and easy to customize. Ideal for casual gatherings or make-ahead meals.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Cherry Tomato Salad
Cherry tomatoes take center stage in this simple salad. Their natural sweetness pairs well with a light vinaigrette and fresh herbs. It’s bright, juicy, and full of flavor. Perfect as a side dish during peak tomato season.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Tomato Salad
Green Salad with Arugula and Fresh Herbs
A mix of arugula and herbs creates a salad with fresh, bold flavors. The herbs add a burst of brightness to each bite. It pairs easily with a wide range of dressings. A simple but elevated option for everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Green Salad with Arugula and Fresh Herbs
Chickpea Salad Recipe
This chickpea salad is a hearty mix of legumes, vegetables, and herbs. It’s easy to make and even better after chilling. The dressing ties everything together with a tangy finish. Ideal for meal prep or picnics.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad Recipe
Pesto Pasta Salad
Pasta is tossed with a generous helping of pesto, veggies, and sometimes cheese. It’s vibrant and flavorful without needing too many ingredients. This dish works well warm or cold. Great for cookouts or lunchboxes.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad
Black Bean Salad with Cumin-Lime Dressing
Black beans are tossed with vegetables and a zesty cumin-lime dressing for a fresh, bold flavor. The citrus and spice combo gives it a Southwest flair. It’s quick to mix up and keeps well for leftovers. Great on its own or served with tortilla chips.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Salad with Cumin-Lime Dressing
Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans
This creamy chicken salad gets a sweet crunch from grapes and pecans. It’s both refreshing and filling, making it a good choice for lunch. The textures come together well in every bite. Serve it on greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans
Farro and Vegetable Salad
Farro adds a chewy texture to this colorful mix of fresh vegetables. A simple vinaigrette ties it all together. It’s satisfying without being heavy. Great as a standalone dish or alongside grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Farro and Vegetable Salad
Cucumber Onion Salad
Thinly sliced cucumbers and onions are tossed in a sweet and tangy marinade. It’s crisp, cool, and super refreshing. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld. A classic side for grilled dishes or summer lunches.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Onion Salad
Hawaiian Salad and Freschetta Pizza
This combo brings tropical flair to the table with a sweet and savory salad. Think pineapple, ham, and crunchy toppings alongside pizza slices. The mix of fresh and hot makes for a fun pairing. It’s a meal that feels casual but still special.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Salad and Freschetta Pizza
Old-fashioned Three Bean Salad
This bean salad blends three types of beans with a tangy-sweet dressing. It’s a potluck classic that holds up well over time. The marinade brings out the flavors in the beans. Serve it cold as a side dish or quick lunch.
Get the Recipe: Old-fashioned Three Bean Salad
Pear Salad – An Old-fashioned Southern Favorite
Sliced pears are served with sharp cheese, lettuce, and a dollop of mayo or cottage cheese. This vintage recipe has a surprising mix of flavors that works. It’s a nod to retro Southern cuisine. Best served chilled for contrast.
Get the Recipe: Pear Salad – An Old-fashioned Southern Favorite
