A great salad brings color, crunch, and lively flavor to any meal. Seasonal produce, bold dressings, and fun textures keep things interesting. These recipes balance freshness with satisfaction, making them suitable for lunches, sides, or full meals. Easy prep encourages more greens without any boredom. A refreshed menu often starts with a good salad.

Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Juicy chicken, sweet grapes, and crunchy pecans create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Creamy dressing ties everything together without overpowering the ingredients. Ideal for sandwiches, croissants, or lettuce cups. A reliable favorite for gatherings and lunches alike.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

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

Arugula Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Chicken, and Honey-Roasted Pecans. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Peppery arugula meets roasted sweet potatoes, tender chicken, and sweet pecans for a hearty salad. Balanced flavors make it filling enough for a main dish. Works beautifully for lunch or dinner. Nutty, savory, and lightly sweet in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Chicken, and Honey-Roasted Pecans

Farro and Vegetable Salad

Farro and Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Chewy, nutty farro pairs with colorful vegetables for a filling yet wholesome salad. Ideal as a light lunch or a hearty side dish. Packed with texture and natural flavor. Keeps well and tastes even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Farro and Vegetable Salad

Farro Arugula Salad

Farro Arugula Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Nutty farro and peppery arugula come together for a clean, satisfying salad. Minimal ingredients allow bold natural flavors to shine. Easy to prepare yet impressive on the table. Ideal for lunches or dinner sides.
Get the Recipe: Farro Arugula Salad

Old-fashioned Three Bean Salad

Old-fashioned Three Bean Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Classic three bean salad delivers nostalgic flavor with a tangy vinaigrette. A mix of textures keeps every bite interesting and satisfying. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. Timeless, simple, and crowd-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Old-fashioned Three Bean Salad

Cherry Tomato Salad

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

Juicy cherry tomatoes shine in a fresh, simple preparation. Light seasoning enhances their natural sweetness and acidity. Perfect as a summer side or quick appetizer. Bright, refreshing, and easy to assemble.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Tomato Salad

Black Bean Salad with Cumin-Lime Dressing

Black Bean Salad with Cumin-Lime Dressing. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Protein-rich black beans are tossed in a bright cumin-lime dressing for bold flavor. Fresh ingredients keep it light yet filling. Works well as a side dish or quick lunch. Zesty, colorful, and incredibly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Salad with Cumin-Lime Dressing

Brussels Sprouts Salad

Brussels Sprouts Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Shaved Brussels sprouts bring crunch and freshness to the table. Balanced textures and light dressing elevate an often-overlooked vegetable. Great for holiday spreads or everyday meals. Crisp, modern, and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad

Santa Fe Salad

Santa Fe Salad with creamy dressing.
Santa Fe Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Hearty ingredients make this salad both filling and refreshing. Perfect for using leftover chicken or turkey. Southwestern flavors add boldness without heaviness. Ideal for lunch or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

Broccoli Slaw Salad

A plate of broccoli slaw with a dressing on it.
Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crunchy broccoli slaw gets a flavorful upgrade with a zesty dressing. Bright colors and textures keep it exciting and fresh. Perfect for lunches, potlucks, or BBQ sides. Anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Kachumber Salad

Kachumber salad in a white bowl with fancy silver spoons on the side.
Kachumber Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and chiles create a fresh, vibrant salad. Finished with citrus juice, herbs, and spices for bold flavor. A perfect side for Indian dishes like curries or biryani. Crisp, bright, and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber Salad

Salmon Salad

Salmon salad on white plates and lettuce greens in a bowl.
Salmon Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Flaky salmon combines with fresh ingredients for a healthy, satisfying meal. Simple preparation keeps flavors clean and balanced. Great for lunch or light dinners. Nutritious, flavorful, and easy to customize.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

Green Bean Tomato Salad

Green beans and tomatoes on a white plate.
Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crisp green beans and juicy tomatoes make a fresh summer side dish. Light dressing enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. Bright, clean, and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

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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