These 19 Salad Recipes Will Change How You Think About Greens

Salads don’t have to be the same old, boring bowl of greens. These 19 recipes will have you rethinking everything you know about salads. Imagine a dish that’s vibrant, flavorful, and so satisfying that it becomes the star of the meal, not just a sidekick. Whether you’re a long-time salad lover or someone who usually skips the greens, these recipes are here to surprise you.

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

Shirazi Salad

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

If you’re looking for a fresh dining experience, Shirazi Salad offers a unique combination of flavors that complement any meal. This dish is ideal for those who enjoy light, yet flavorful options. It fits perfectly into any meal plan that aims for health-conscious choices without compromising on flavor. It can serve as a great palate cleanser or a standalone meal.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Egg Salad

The Best Egg Salad on the Planet.
Egg Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Egg Salad is a versatile dish that works well whether you’re planning a casual lunch or a more formal gathering. It’s known for its creamy texture and can be a great addition to your menu, providing a rich source of protein. This salad’s appeal lies in its simplicity and the comforting familiarity it brings to the table. It’s often chosen for its ability to pair well with a variety of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad

Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

A plate with Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes.
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For a twist on traditional flavors, Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes blends sweet and savory in one plate. This combination makes it a standout at any gathering, especially during the summer months. It’s a great choice for those who appreciate a meal that delivers a burst of freshness. It’s often praised for its visually appealing presentation.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with 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.

Chinese Chicken Salad strikes an excellent balance between crunchy textures and a hint of sweetness. This dish is a popular choice among those who crave a lighter meal that still delivers a lovely experience. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or as part of a larger dinner spread. Often selected for its vibrant appearance and refreshing taste, it remains a favorite in many households.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combining robust flavors and lovely textures, Steak & Pasta Salad is a hearty option that can serve as a meal in itself. This dish is particularly popular among those who want a fulfilling meal without feeling weighed down. It’s an excellent choice for dinner parties or family dinners. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be tailored to various dietary preferences.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Classic Caprese Salad

A top-down shot of a classic caprese salad in a black dish.
Classic Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Classic Caprese Salad is all about celebrating minimalism and freshness. This dish is a staple in culinary circles known for its simple yet bold flavors. It’s perfect for an appetizer or side dish, often accompanying heavier meals to provide balance. Frequently chosen for its elegant simplicity, it continues to be a favorite in both casual and formal settings.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with rotisserie chicken pasta salad.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dish combines convenience with flavor, making it a popular choice for meal preppers and busy weeknight dinners. Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is ideal for those seeking a fulfilling yet light meal option. Its versatility makes it a hit at potlucks and picnics. It’s known for its blend of textures and flavors that appeal to a wide audience.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken 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.

If you’re looking to shake up your salad game, this is where you start. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad is a bold choice for those who seek something beyond the ordinary garden salad. It combines the charred, smoky flavors of the grill with the hearty comfort of potatoes in one dish. It’s a perfect way to get your greens while satisfying your need for something substantial.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Southern Ham Salad

A bowl of Southern ham salad and croissants on a wooden table.
Southern Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dig into a world of rich flavors with Southern Ham Salad. This dish offers a comforting taste journey reminiscent of family gatherings and sunny picnics. It’s more than just a salad; it’s a mesh of tradition and taste that invites nostalgia with every bite. Preparing this salad is like taking a trip down memory lane, making it perfect for any meal where you want to feel right at home.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham 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 fans of a good fiesta in their mouth, Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl brings the party. It’s a playful twist on classic flavors, capturing the essence of your favorite fast-food bowl with a homemade touch. This salad is about bringing boldness to the table, making it a hit for those craving something lively. It’s the kind of meal that keeps the dinner conversation exciting.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

Pizza Pasta Salad

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

Pizza Pasta Salad combines two of the most beloved foods into one irresistible dish. It’s an audacious move that pays off by delivering a one-of-a-kind meal that’s both fun and filling. Ideal for parties or a family dinner where you want to surprise and delight, it’s proof that sometimes, mixing worlds creates a universe worth exploring.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Coronation Chicken Salad

A pan of coronation chicken salad next to a plate of lettuce and tomatoes.
Coronation Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Let each bite take you on a journey through texture and taste that’s fit for royalty. Coronation Chicken Salad brings an air of regal flair to your dining table. This salad is steeped in history and bursting with a harmony of flavors that are both comforting and intriguing. It’s a celebration in a bowl, perfect for when you’re looking to serve something with a story.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Adventure into the wholesome world of grains with Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. This salad is a testament to the power of combining hearty grains with classic flavors for a meal that fills you up and fuels your day. It’s a robust choice for the health-conscious eater looking for depth in their meals. It’s as nutritious as it is fulfilling, making it a wise choice for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Horiatiki Salad

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

Step into the Mediterranean with the refreshing crunch of Horiatiki Salad. This dish is a timeless classic that celebrates simplicity and freshness without compromising on flavor. It’s like taking a sunny holiday with every bite, offering an escape to coastal flavors in the comfort of your home. Perfect for those warm days when you crave something light yet fulfilling, it’s a salad that transports you.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

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.

This dish combines a unique variety of flavors into one cohesive meal. Easy Salmon Pasta Salad offers a different approach to traditional pasta salads while being easy to mix into your weekly meal rotation. It’s perfect for those who love a hearty dish but still want the freshness of salad in their diet. Preparing this can be a smooth and enjoyable part of your cooking routine.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta 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.

Reimagine your green routine with Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes, which introduces a robust flavor profile in a refreshing format. This salad blends texture and taste seamlessly, making it ideal for anyone looking to introduce new flavors to their meals. It’s also effortless to integrate into various dietary preferences, making it a versatile choice for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Greek Salad

Greek Salad with a round block of feta in the middle.
Greek Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

A classic that has stood the test of time, Greek Salad is as nutritious as it is popular. You can always count on this dish to bring a harmonious blend of elements to your table. It works beautifully as a standalone meal or a complementary side. No matter how often you serve it, this salad maintains its charm and appeal across various dining occasions.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad

Cucumber Salad with Feta

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

For a crisp and refreshing option, Cucumber Salad with Feta is your go-to choice. It provides a light yet flavorful experience, ideal for those seeking a quick and healthy addition to their meal. This salad’s simplicity is its strongest suit, making it a favorite for busy days. It meshes well within any dining context, from casual lunches to more formal settings.
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.

Wild Rice Salad brings a hearty texture to the table, setting it apart from traditional leafy salads. This option is perfect for those seeking to add a wholesome grain to their diet without sacrificing flavor. It’s particularly suited for family gatherings or potlucks where you want to offer something a bit different. Also, its heartiness makes it an excellent choice for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

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