These salads don’t play backup. They bring bold flavors, real ingredients, and enough substance to stand on their own. Whether loaded with pasta, packed with protein, or topped with fruit and cheese, every recipe here earns its spot on the table. Forget boring — these are the ones you’ll actually look forward to.

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

A salad with strawberries, blueberries and feta cheese.
Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Taste the vibrant flavors of summer with this berry salad. It adds blueberries and strawberries along with a sweet and tangy dressing.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Red Skin Potato Salad

Red potato salad in bowl with bacon and parsley garnish.
Red Skin Potato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This deliciously creamy red-skin potato salad is made with bacon for an extra savory kick. Enjoy this classic side dish at all your summer BBQs.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

Brussels Sprouts Salad

Brussels Sprouts Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This salad brings a fresh perspective to a frequently underrated vegetable, combining shaved Brussels sprouts with complementary textures and flavors in a light dressing.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad

Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Chopped crispy chicken citrus salad on a white plate with purple kitchen towel.
Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This chopped winter salad is packed with crispy rotisserie chicken, bright citrus, toasted pine nuts, fresh herbs and hearty bed of Tuscan kale then tossed in an orange dijon dressing.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Herbed potato salad on a white platter.
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Say goodbye to mayonnaise and hello to a burst of flavor from herbs and green garlic! This easy potato salad is so delish and so different, everyone will want seconds!
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Peach Tomato Caprese Salad

Sliced peaches, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella slices on a tray.
Peach Tomato Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Peach Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe is full of juicy peaches, fragrant basil, creamy fresh mozzarella, and tender lettuce.
Get the Recipe: Peach Tomato Caprese Salad

Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad

Broccoli and shredded carrots on a mixing spoon.
Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad is brimming with broccoli, apples, carrots, cranberries, walnuts, and a creamy yogurt mayo dressing.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arugula Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Chicken, and Honey-Roasted Pecans

Sliced grilled chicken breast served on a bed of mixed greens with sweet potato pieces and dried cranberries—a delicious choice for those seeking healthy salads or unique salads.
Arugula Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Chicken, and Honey-Roasted Pecans. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Arugula Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Chicken, and Honey-Roasted Pecans is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Chicken, and Honey-Roasted Pecans

Easy Kale Salad with Mango Chutney Dressing

A glass bowl filled with kale salad, mixed with dried fruit and seeds, showcases one of the most unique salad recipes, with serving utensils resting inside.
Easy Kale Salad with Mango Chutney Dressing. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Easy Kale Salad with Mango Chutney Dressing is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Kale Salad with Mango Chutney Dressing

Green Salad with Arugula and Fresh Herbs

A wooden bowl filled with mixed greens sits on a cloth-covered surface, with metal tongs inside and a jar of salad dressing nearby—perfect inspiration for your next healthy salads or unique salads recipes.
Green Salad with Arugula and Fresh Herbs. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Green Salad with Arugula and Fresh Herbs is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Green Salad with Arugula and Fresh Herbs

Grilled Eggplant Salad

A white bowl filled with a unique salad of chopped eggplant, cherry tomatoes, green herbs, and seasonings sits on a beige fabric surface—perfect inspiration for those seeking healthy salads or new salad recipes.
Grilled Eggplant Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Smoky, tender eggplant meets fresh herbs and tangy dressing in this Grilled Eggplant Salad. It’s the perfect dish to elevate your backyard BBQ or weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Eggplant Salad

Hawaiian Salad and Freschetta Pizza

A slice of ham and pineapple pizza sits next to a unique salad—a mix of greens, kiwi, orange segments, chickpeas, and nuts—on a white plate, with a fork and napkin beside it. Perfect inspiration for healthy salads or creative salad recipes.
Hawaiian Salad and Freschetta Pizza. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Hawaiian Salad and Freschetta Pizza is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Salad and Freschetta Pizza

Light and Healthy Tuna Salad

A close-up of a stacked tuna salad sandwich with lettuce and tomato on toasted bread, served with potato chips on a white plate—perfect inspiration for unique salads and creative salad recipes.
Light and Healthy Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Light and Healthy Tuna Salad is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Light and Healthy Tuna Salad

Pizza Pasta Salad

Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Pizza Pasta Salad is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Quinoa Salad with Corn, Bell Pepper, and Jalapeno

Quinoa Salad with Corn, Bell Pepper, and Jalapeno. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Healthy and vibrant, this Quinoa Salad is a refreshing mix of crunchy veggies, zesty lime, and a slight kick of heat from jalapenos. Perfect for meal prep or sunny potlucks!
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad with Corn, Bell Pepper, and Jalapeno

Spring Salad with Roasted Salmon

Spring Salad with Roasted Salmon. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Spring Salad with Roasted Salmon is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Roasted Salmon

Strawberry Salad

A black bowl with a healthy salad of mixed greens, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, seeds, and edible flowers, with a gold fork resting inside.
Strawberry Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Strawberry Salad is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Salad

Tomato Salad Recipe

Tomato Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Tomato Salad Recipe is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Salad Recipe

Watermelon Salad

Watermelon Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Watermelon Salad is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Salad

Chickpea Tuna Salad

Chickpea Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This easy chickpea tuna salad is loaded with protein and zippy flavor from capers, sweet relish, and a touch of olive oil. There’s no mayo, but it still turns out creamy and satisfying with a mix of textures from mashed chickpeas, flaky tuna, and chopped eggs. It’s a great option for meal prep or a quick lunch, and it stays fresh for days in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Tuna Salad

Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Chicken

A bowl of spinach and lettuce salad with sliced strawberries, shredded chicken, crumbled cheese, and pecans on a marble countertop, with bowls of salt and pepper beside it—a perfect pick for healthy recipes and fresh salads.
Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Chicken. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This spinach salad with strawberries and chicken is fresh, flavorful, and easy to love. Juicy berries, tender chicken, crumbled feta, and toasted walnuts come together in a simple maple balsamic dressing that ties it all together. It’s quick to make, holds up well in the fridge, and works just as well for lunch or a light weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Chicken

Asparagus Salad with Feta

Asparagus Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This asparagus salad with feta is fresh, crisp, and full of bright flavor. Tender asparagus pairs with salty feta and a touch of tang for a simple dish that feels a little special. It’s quick to make and perfect when you want something light, refreshing, and easy on prep.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Feta

Greek Orzo Salad with Feta

Greek Orzo Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Greek orzo salad with feta is the kind of dish that feels a little fancy but is incredibly easy to throw together. With crunchy veggies, tangy olives, and creamy feta tossed in a light Greek dressing, it’s full of fresh, bold flavor. Using a bottle of dressing keeps things simple without cutting corners on taste. It’s perfect for make-ahead lunches or as a refreshing side dish for a summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: Greek Orzo Salad with Feta

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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