17 Grandma Approved Salads

Grandma’s salads always have a way of stealing the show, and these 17 recipes are no exception. Each one is packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients that make every bite a charm. With grandma’s touch, these salads become more than just a side dish; they are a delicious highlight of any meal.

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

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.

Grandma always finds a way to make a dish both hearty and healthy, similar to Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. It’s a splendid way to get some omega-3s while indulging in a bit of pasta. Ideal for gatherings or a fulfilling weeknight dinner, it brings a touch of elegance without any fuss. It’s dishes like these that make you appreciate the simple joys of cooking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Horiatiki Salad

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

When summer veggies are at their prime, Horiatiki Salad becomes grandma’s go-to. It’s a no-fuss approach to showcasing ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers. Truly, it’s as if the sunny Mediterranean has been served on a plate. Plus, it’s a perfect lesson in the beauty of simplicity – just what grandma always says.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

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.

Grandmas know best when it comes to making a dish that’s both nourishing and flavorful, much like Chinese Chicken Salad. It’s a fantastic blend of crunch and tangy, making it a hit at any table. Not to mention, it’s a creative way to jazz up leftover chicken. It’s salads like these that remind you how simple ingredients can create something wonderfully satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For those days when you want to feel whisked away to the coasts of the Mediterranean, Mediterranean Chopped Salad does just the trick. It’s packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, just like grandma would make. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy can also mean flavorful. And truly, it’s salads like this that can brighten even the dullest of days.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Cucumber Salad with Feta

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

If grandma was looking for a fresh side to brighten up a meal, she’d definitely go with something like Cucumber Salad with Feta. It’s light, it’s refreshing, and the feta adds just the right touch of creamy goodness. Easy to whip up for any occasion, it’s a true crowd-pleaser among family and friends. Plus, it has this knack for making even the simplest meal feel a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

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.

Ever wondered if grandma’s cooking could meet fast-food cravings head-on? Well, Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl is the answer. It’s a homemade take on a fast-food favorite that’s both healthier and packed with flavor. Perfect for a family dinner that demands something a little different, it’s sure to become a household favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Spring salad with asparagus and potatoes on a white plate.
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Embracing the bounty of spring, Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes brings the garden to your table. It’s a hearty yet fresh feast, showcasing the best of what the season has to offer. Grandma would approve of its simplicity and its ability to pair well with just about anything. Plus, it’s a splendid way to introduce more veggies into your diet.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Pizza Pasta Salad

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

Imagine taking two of grandma’s favorite dishes and combining them; that’s exactly what Pizza Pasta Salad does. It’s like a family picnic and pizza night all rolled into one delicious dish. Perfect for when you can’t decide between pasta and pizza, it brings the best of both worlds. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want a salad that reminds them of pizza?
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

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

Channeling the vibrant streets of Mexico, Mexican Street Corn Salad is a fiesta in a bowl. It’s creamy, it’s tangy, and it’s bursting with flavors. Grandma would love the playful twist on the classic elote, making it a perfect side dish for barbecues and family dinners. It’s salads like this that prove you can have fun with your food and enjoy every bite.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn 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.

When spring rolls around, Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic becomes a staple in grandma’s kitchen. It’s a lighter, fresher take on classic potato salad that’s just bursting with the season’s best. An ideal side for everything from a casual barbecue to a sit-down dinner, it has a way of making everyone ask for seconds. And the green garlic? It adds just the right punch of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

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.

Bringing a bit of the Mediterranean into your home has never been easier with Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Grandma would say it’s like a sunny day on a plate, thanks to those beautifully smoked tomatoes. It’s perfect for when you want something light yet fulfilling. And honestly, it’s just so pretty to look at, making any meal feel more special.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

A bowl of yellow bean and potato salad.
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Grandma always finds a way to highlight seasonal produce, and Yellow Bean & Potato Salad is the perfect example. It’s a colorful dish that brings a bit of sunshine to any table setting. Perfect for picnics, it’s a less traditional take on the classic potato salad. What’s more, it’s a fantastic conversation starter about the joys of garden-fresh veggies.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato 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.

For those warm days when grandma fires up the grill, Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad are a must-have on the menu. The char on the asparagus adds a fantastic element of flavor that can turn a simple meal into something extraordinary. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, yet versatile enough to accompany your favorite grilled main. And let’s not forget, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the tastes of spring and summer.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato 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.

If grandma could pick a salad to remind her of the old country, Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes might just be it. With its fresh herbs and the rich flavor of smoked tomatoes, it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s always a hit at family gatherings, where everyone appreciates a touch of tradition. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies with lots of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Nothing says “I love you” quite like a homemade Pesto Orzo Salad, at least that’s what grandma might say. It’s a fresh take on pasta salad that’s bursting with flavor, thanks to the pesto. Simple to make but impressive to serve, it’s ideal for those last-minute lunch gatherings. Plus, it has that comfort food vibe that just feels like a hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When grandma wants to make something special, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is often her go-to. It’s a dish that feels a bit fancy without being complicated. The combination of orzo and shrimp makes it a satisfying option for seafood lovers. And it really shines at dinner parties, where it often steals the show.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Wild Rice Salad

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

Grandma’s Wild Rice Salad is like a treasure trove of textures and tastes. It’s proof that salads don’t have to be boring or just about leafy greens. Perfect for those who love a hearty meal that still feels light, it’s often the dark horse at the dinner table. And it’s just as nutritional as it is flavorful, making it a win-win.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

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