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Looking to add more variety to your meals? These 18 salad recipes are anything but boring! From light and refreshing to hearty and satisfying, there’s a salad here for every craving and occasion. Packed with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and easy-to-follow steps, these recipes will inspire you to make salads the star of your table.

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

Slices of roasted chicken on a bed of arugula with sweet potatoes and cranberries.
Arugula Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Chicken, and Honey-Roasted Pecans. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.
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Packed with hearty chicken, tender roasted sweet potatoes, and crunchy honey-roasted pecans, this arugula salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Chicken, and Honey-Roasted Pecans

Black Bean Salad with Cumin-Lime Dressing

A bowl of salad containing black beans, lettuce, chopped red peppers, and green onions.
Black Bean Salad with Cumin-Lime Dressing. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This zesty black bean salad features a tangy cumin-lime dressing that adds a refreshing punch to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Salad with Cumin-Lime Dressing

Cherry Tomato Salad

A rectangular plate of colorful cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves.
Cherry Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes and a hint of seasoning, this minimalist salad is as vibrant as it is quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Tomato Salad

Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

Chicken salad sandwich with lettuce, grapes, chopped nuts, and creamy dressing on a croissant, placed on a dark wooden surface.
Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A creamy blend of tender chicken, sweet grapes, and crunchy pecans make this a filling and flavorful option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

Chickpea Salad Recipe

A white fish-shaped dish filled with chickpea salad mixed with herbs and red onions on a wooden surface.
Chickpea Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This protein-packed chickpea salad is full of diced veggies and lightly tossed with a flavorful dressing.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad Recipe

Cucumber Onion Salad

A bowl of cucumber and onion salad on a marble countertop.
Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

The cool crunch of cucumbers with the zing of onions makes this salad incredibly refreshing and light.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Onion Salad

Easy Kale Salad with Mango Chutney Dressing

A glass bowl of kale salad with dried fruits, sunflower seeds, and two serving utensils.
Easy Kale Salad with Mango Chutney Dressing. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A mix of hearty kale and a sweet mango chutney dressing turns this salad into a bright and exciting dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Kale Salad with Mango Chutney Dressing

Farro and Vegetable Salad

A glass bowl filled with a colorful mixed vegetable salad, including farro, broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, corn, and zucchini.
Farro and Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Earthy farro pairs beautifully with a rainbow of fresh veggies in this hearty and nutritious salad.
Get the Recipe: Farro and Vegetable Salad

Farro Arugula Salad

A glass bowl filled with a salad of arugula, chickpeas, farro, raisins, and sun-dried tomatoes, being tossed with wooden salad forks.
Farro Arugula Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

The nutty farro and peppery arugula make a simple yet satisfying combination you’ll want in your regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Farro Arugula Salad

Green Salad with Arugula and Fresh Herbs

A white bowl filled with a salad of grilled eggplant, cherry tomatoes, chopped herbs, and spices on a beige textured surface.
Green Salad with Arugula and Fresh Herbs. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Crisp arugula and a medley of fresh herbs combine to create a refreshing green salad bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Green Salad with Arugula and Fresh Herbs

Grilled Eggplant Salad

Grilled Eggplant Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Sweet, smoky grilled eggplant is the star of this dish, accompanied by fresh greens and a light dressing.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Eggplant Salad

Avocado Tuna Salad

A bowl of avocado tuna salad with avocado slices and lemon slices.
Avocado Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This is a wonderful mix of creamy avocado, tender tuna, and crisp veggies for a protein-packed treat.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad

Pea Salad

Pea salad in a blue bowl.
Pea Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Sweet peas are tossed with diced veggies and a creamy dressing for an effortlessly delicious salad.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad

Peach Tomato Caprese Salad

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

Sweet peaches and tangy tomatoes give a fresh twist to the traditional Caprese salad.
Get the Recipe: Peach Tomato Caprese Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad

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

Al dente pasta meets fresh, basil-packed pesto in this delightfully herby pasta salad.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Close up on beet cucumber salad with dill.
Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This salad brings together the tang of pickled beets with the crunch of refreshing cucumbers.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Spicy Southwestern Chicken Salad

Plate of chicken salad next to spices and tomatoes.
Spicy Southwestern Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Loaded with bold spices, shredded chicken, and fresh veggies, this salad brings the heat in the best way possible.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Southwestern Chicken Salad

Spinach Strawberry Salad With Shrimp

Spinach Strawberry Salad With Shrimp. Photo credit: The Foodie Affair.

Sweet strawberries pair perfectly with tender shrimp and crisp spinach for an elegant salad packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Strawberry Salad With Shrimp

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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