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Say goodbye to boring salads and hello to fun and tasty Salad Recipes! Whether you prefer a protein-packed salad with chicken or vegetarian/vegan options, this collection of over 50 salad recipes has you covered for on-the-go lunches and salad recipes for dinner! Check out my favorite salad ideas for inspiration!
It’s so easy to personalize salad recipes with fruit, your favorite veggies, homemade dressings, and toppings for a one-of-a-kind and refreshing meal you’ll actually crave! Below you’ll find an array of juicy chicken salads, hearty vegan salads loaded with different flavors and textures, some classic salad recipes, and everything in between!
Tips for Making the Best Salads
Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Vegetables past their best are great for stews and stir-fries. But when it comes to a salad… vegetables take center stage and need to be at their best!
Dry your veggies. Water on the salad leaves will dilute the dressing and the flavor, plus wet ingredients do not allow the dressing to cling properly. You can use a salad spinner to help remove any extra moisture.
Dress heartier salads ahead of time. Salads that use grains like couscous or barley are best mixed with the dressing ahead of time. This way, the grains can absorb the dressing over an hour or so.
Dress more delicate salads just before you serve them. It’s great to give your guests some dressing on the side, but that can often end up pooling in one spot. If you toss your salad just before plating up portions, it will be evenly coated and much more satisfying!
Deseed watery vegetables. Tomatoes and cucumbers are great base ingredients, but they can make a salad soggy! To remove the seeds, use a paring knife, cut the vegetable in quarters, and scoop out the seeds.
Have fun and Spiralize! Spiralizers make ‘noodles’ from vegetables like zucchini, beets, and carrots. Spiralized veggies make for a more interesting salad that even your kids will love.
Sprinkle salt and massage tough greens. This tip helps turn collards, kale, and cabbage into tender yet still flavorful veggies. Seasoning your greens is always a great way to add more flavor.
Make sure to have these salad recipes ready for any occasion! Whether it’s a barbecue, family dinner, or a quick meal, this ultimate salad recipe list is perfect to have on hand.
This authentic Lebanese Fattoush Salad is made with well-seasoned fried pita bread, seasonal vegetables and tossed in a zesty sumac Mediterranean dressing
This recipe for Healthy Tuna Salad is lightened up by using greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise; it has less calories and less fat, but is still so flavorful
Make this Mediterranean Chopped Salad for a large crowd. It's full of veggies, chickpeas, feta cheese, and olives and tossed in a lemony herb dressing!
15 minutesminutes
5 from 631 votes
Classic Salad Recipes
Don’t be fooled by their name, classic salads are anything but boring! Made with fresh ingredients and delicious dressings, they are bursting with delicious, timeless flavors.
This Waldorf Salad recipe combines tender chicken, crisp apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect on a bed of greens!
15 minutesminutes
5 from 14 votes
Salads with Chicken or Seafood
Packed with protein and fresh veggies, these delicious salads are filled with flavor. From crisp lettuce-based salads to bound salads like tuna and chicken, these are heavy hitters that’ll satisfy anyone’s hunger!
This delicious low carb Buffalo Chicken Salad is great to serve as an appetizer or a main dish. It is quick and easy to make with leftover shredded chicken!
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a fun twist on the classic caesar salad made with lettuce, pasta, croutons, chicken in a homemade dressing
25 minutesminutes
5 from 81 votes
Vegetarian Salad Recipes
Healthy, meat-free, delicious, and super satisfying! Vegetarian salad recipes have so many fun ingredients and unique combinations, from a mock “tuna” salad made from chickpeas to a hearty and warm salad made with sweet potatoes and kale.
This Fall Harvest Salad is inspired by the seasonal veggies that are popular in autumn – including kale, sweet potatoes, and apples tossed in a tahini dressing!
Delicious chickpea 'tuna' salad recipe with healthy ingredients like Greek yogurt, fresh vegetables and herbs, and chickpeas. It's a quick lunch and a delicious change from a traditional fish or chicken salad.
This Avocado Caprese Salad is colorful, refreshing and bursting with fresh flavor of seasonal tomatoes. It's a perfect appetizer or side dish for the summer
10 minutesminutes
5 from 43 votes
Vegan Salad Recipes
Vegan salad recipes make a delicious addition to any plant-based menu. These easy recipes use a rainbow of veggies and flavorful dressings. You can always add some extra protein by adding some crispy tofu bites, lentils, or roasted chickpeas.
This Mexican Chopped Salad is a light and healthy salad that's loaded with Tex Mex ingredients. It's very simple to throw together and bursting with flavor!
Avocado Blueberry Salad is a summertime fresh and flavorful recipe made on top of a bed or arugula and quinoa. It's an easy bright recipe to throw together!
This Tomato Avocado Cucumber Salad requires 4 simple ingredients and is paired with a fresh dill & lemon vinaigrette! It's the perfect avocado salad recipe!
This Iranian Shirazi salad is a quick to make side dish full of fresh and vibrant flavors. Dressed with olive oil & lime, it pairs well with many dishes!
This Mediterranean Rice Salad is a great way to bulk up a salad or use leftover rice – easily customizable and ready in minutes!
15 minutesminutes
5 from 47 votes
Hearty Grain Salads
Grain-based salads with fresh greens and veggies are hearty, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. Combining wholesome grains, crisp vegetables, and leafy greens, these salads offer a satisfying and balanced meal option that is both nourishing and delicious.
This Apple Walnut Salad is a flavor and ingredient loaded fall-inspired salad that's vegan, nutrient dense and vibrant – perfect as a meal or side salad!
Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad is based on the traditional Mediterranean salad recipe, but made with cauliflower rice instead of bulgur as a low carb alternative
Mediterranean Kale & Farro Salad – Tangy goat cheese, juicy tomatoes, fresh kale and lemon dressing come together for the perfect warm or cold farro salad!
30 minutesminutes
5 from 37 votes
Salad Recipes with Fruit
These salad recipes offer a delightful blend of fresh vegetables and colorful fruits that are visually appealing and rich in nutrients. They are an excellent choice for a healthy meal. For a refreshing and fun addition to your menu, I’ve included salad recipes made with fruit and tossed in bright dressings.
Strawberry Caprese Salad is a refreshing summer salad bursting with fresh flavors. Easy to make, this sweeter version of caprese is vibrant and fun to try!
This Beet Orange Salad is a simple and classic spring salad that balances the sweetness of beets with the tanginess of oranges – light, flavorful & vibrant
Super simple strawberry and arugula salad with crunch pecans, salty feta, and sweet strawberries. It's finished off with a fresh strawberry vinaigrette!
This kale and pear salad is topped with dried cranberries, candied walnuts, and tangy blue cheese. It's a great fall salad for kale and pear lovers alike!
Simple Watermelon Cucumber Salad tossed with feta cheese and a light balsamic vinaigrette. Topped with fresh basil for a refreshing summer fruit salad.
Watermelon Feta Salad is a refreshing summer salad that has a sweet-and-salty taste and so festive for summer cookouts, potlucks and picnics.
15 minutesminutes
5 from 123 votes
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular salad recipes?
Some popular salad recipes include Caesar salad, Greek salad, Cobb salad, Nicoise salad, Waldorf salad, and Caprese salad.
How can I make my salad more flavorful?
There are several ways to enhance the flavor of your salad. You can experiment with different dressings, herbs, spices, or add a variety of toppings such as nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. Additionally, marinating vegetables or adding a splash of citrus juice can add a burst of flavor.
Can I make salads in advance?
Yes, you can prepare salads in advance. However, for the most part, it’s best to add dressings and toppings just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Heartier greens for salads can be dressed earlier on and actually become more tender this way.
Are there any low-calorie salad options?
Yes, there are plenty of low-calorie salad options available. Opt for salads with a base of leafy greens, lean proteins like grilled chicken or tofu, and plenty of colorful vegetables. You can also use lighter dressings or vinaigrettes instead of heavier creamy dressings to reduce calorie content.
This list of 50 salad recipes is full of vibrant flavors, wholesome ingredients, and endless creativity. Whether you prefer refreshing green salads or hearty grain bowls, there is a salad recipe for every occasion and preference, including options for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. I hope these salad recipes inspire you to make even more delicious meals for you and your family!
If you try any of these Non Boring Salad recipes or have more suggestions, I’d love to hear from you! And if you snapped some shots, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories!
Please add me to your email list of recipes. Do you have a cookbook for sale?
Hi Lillian! I’d love for you to join the newsletter! You can sign up here: https://feelgoodfoodie.net/instant-updates/ My cookbook is coming out next Spring! Stay tuned!
Se mira muy deicidio necesito recetas
Thank you!
Your site looks great! I can’t wait to try your recipes!
Thank you! Excited for you to try some of the recipes and hear what you think!