13 Salad Ideas So Good, You Won’t Even Notice The Vegetables

Salads often get a bad rap for being the boring part of the meal—the obligatory side dish that’s more chore than choice. But what if salads could be the star of the show, packed with flavors so bold you forget you’re even eating vegetables? It’s possible to enjoy a salad without feeling like you’re munching on lawn clippings! Say hello to salad bowls that make you go back for seconds.

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

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for something light yet flavorful, Shirazi Salad is a great pick. This dish is refreshing and perfect for a side at dinner or a standalone meal at lunch. You’ll enjoy the crisp, fresh experience it offers, and it’s so good that you might forget how healthy it actually is. It’s a simple, effective way to fit more greens into your day.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bringing the vibrant tastes of street food into your home, Mexican Street Corn Salad transforms a simple dish into a burst of flavors. It’s a perfect choice for those who appreciate a bit of flair in their meals. This salad is both colorful and full of texture, making it a standout at any gathering. Who knew salads could be this exciting and still pack a nutritional punch?
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

A plate of Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For those who love fast food but want to keep it wholesome, Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl is your answer. This dish combines various elements in a way that makes you forget it’s actually good for you. It’s ideal for a quick dinner or a nutritious lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavor. You’ll find yourself making this more than once, guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad is a fantastic way to enjoy something different in your salad routine. It’s not just easy to prepare but also fills you up without weighing you down. This dish is a wonderful blend of flavors that makes it a favorite for meals any time of the day. It’s a robust dish that makes you look at salads in a new light.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A plate of Mediterranean Couscous Salad With Smoked Tomatoes topped with parsley.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Introducing a salad that’s as robust as it is refreshing, Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes offers a taste of the Mediterranean with every bite. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a bit more substance in their salads. It’s packed with flavors that dance on your palate, proving that salads can indeed be the star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Cucumber Salad with Feta is the way to go when you need a quick, refreshing side that doesn’t disappoint. It’s crisp, it’s fresh, and it brings a hint of sharpness with every bite. This salad pairs well with any meal, providing a satisfying crunch. It’s so good that you’ll forget you’re eating something that’s also benefiting your health.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice salad served on a white rectangular plate.
Wild Rice Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When you want a salad that stands out from the usual leafy offerings, try Wild Rice Salad. This dish is hearty and satisfying, with a nutty flavor that makes it uniquely delicious. It’s ideal for those looking to add a bit of variety to their diet without compromising on taste. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy day, making healthy eating simple and fun.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When you need a crowd-pleaser, Pizza Pasta Salad is a perfect pick. It’s a fun twist that combines beloved flavors in a fresh format. Ideal for gatherings or a family dinner, it offers a delicious way to enjoy a salad without missing out on comfort. It’s as enjoyable to eat as it is easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Close-up shot of Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad on a white plate.
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad is a hearty option that brings a touch of elegance to your meal. It’s great for those who prefer a warm salad with robust flavors. This dish is surprisingly easy to put together, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy the depth of flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Horiatiki Salad

Horiatiki Salad with feta cheese on top served on a plate.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When you’re looking for a dish that brings a refreshing crunch to your table, look no further than Horiatiki Salad. It’s a celebration of bold flavors and textures. This salad is perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of simplicity in their meals. Dig into this dish for an effortless way to enjoy a medley of fresh elements, all in one bite.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A black bowl filled with tabbouleh salad with smoked tomatoes.
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Imagine a dish that perfectly marries the smokiness of grilled flavors with the light, refreshing notes of a classic salad. Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is just that—a culinary marvel that combines the best of both worlds. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking to add a twist to their meal routine, without straying too far from the comfort of familiar tastes.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re on the hunt for a meal that promises to be as lively on the palette as it is colorful on the plate, Chinese Chicken Salad is your go-to dish. This salad is a vibrant blend of elements that work together to create a memorable dining experience. It’s perfect for those days when you crave something light yet fulfilling, striking a delicate balance between the two.
Get the Recipe: Chinese 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.

For a dish that redefines what you can expect from a humble potato, Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic stands out. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when brought together thoughtfully, can transform into something extraordinary. This salad is an excellent choice for anyone looking to introduce a bit more green into their diet, without overwhelming their palette.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

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