Salad Recipes I Actually Rely On: 30 Ideas for Any Day of the Week
Published Apr 16, 2026
30 salad recipes organized by type: high-protein, chicken, fruit, Mediterranean, quick-and-easy, and make-ahead. Includes tips and storage notes.
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I make salad almost every week, but for years I was cycling through the same handful of recipes. Same greens, same dressing, done. It got old fast. I put this salad recipe collection together because I needed a real reference for when I’m stuck on what salad to make, whether that’s a quick lunch or for dinner when I want something that actually holds people over.
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30 of my Fav Salad Recipes
There are 30 recipes here. They cover high-protein salads, quick and easy salads, salad recipes with chicken, Mediterranean-inspired salads, salad recipes with fruit, and make-ahead salads that hold up if you’re prepping ahead. I also included a tips section, storage notes, and FAQs at the end. If you’re trying to get out of a salad rut or just figure out what to make tonight, this is a good place to start.
High-Protein Salads
Salad, Side, Side Dish
Balela Salad Recipe
This Balela salad recipe is made with chickpeas tossed with a lemon-cumin dressing, fresh parsley, mint, and diced vegetables.
15 minutes
Lunch, Salad
Shrimp Salad Recipe
Classic-style shrimp salad using cooked shrimp, mayo, lemon, Dijon mustard, celery, and dill, served on lettuce or on its own.
17 minutes
Salad, Salads
Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
A simple Italian chopped salad with romaine, chickpeas, artichokes, mozzarella, and pepperoncini, tossed in a classic red wine vinaigrette. Once you prep a few ingredients, it all comes together in minutes.
15 minutes
Pastas, Salad
Pesto Salad Recipe
This pesto salad is a cold pasta recipe with pesto, lemon juice, mozzarella pearls, tomatoes, and spinach, ready in just 20 minutes!
20 minutes
Dinner, Entree, Salad
Grilled Shrimp Salad Recipe
This grilled shrimp salad uses large, seasoned shrimp that have been grilled for a nice smoky flavor. It's then added to a bed of lettuce mixed with fresh veggies and a creamy homemade dressing.
28 minutes
Salad
Waldorf Salad Recipe
Greek Yogurt Waldorf Salad with diced chicken, red grapes, celery, apples, and walnuts in a lemon yogurt dressing.
15 minutes
Quick & Easy Salads
Salad
Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Simple cauliflower salad with chickpeas, tahini lemon dressing, and fresh mint. Raw cauliflower holds up well and tastes even better after it sits. Great for meal prep.
20 minutes
Salad, Side Dish
Massaged Kale Salad Recipe
This massaged kale salad uses curly kale that has been hand massaged with a homemade vinaigrette to make the kale soft and easy to eat.
10 minutes
Salads
Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is made with fresh dill, sour cream, and onions and is ready in 5 minutes!
5 minutes
Salad
White Bean Tuna Salad Recipe
This white bean tuna salad is a high-protein, no mayo recipe with 38g protein per serving, made with white beans, tuna, avocado, and lemon.
10 minutes
Salads
Chopped Green Goddess Salad Recipe
This chopped green goddess salad recipe is made with homemade green goddess dressing with chopped cabbage, cucumbers, and green onions.
10 minutes
Dinner, Salad
Mexican Chopped Salad Recipe
Easy Mexican Chopped Salad with Romaine lettuce, avocado, fresh tomatoes, black beans and red onions with a homemade, creamy cilantro dressing.
15 minutes
Chicken Salads
Appetizer, Main Course, Salad
Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
This Buffalo Chicken Salad uses shredded chicken, mayo, Greek yogurt, dill, and garlic with buffalo sauce and can be served so many ways!
15 minutes
Lunch, Salads
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe
This creamy Greek yogurt chicken is mayo-free and made with diced chicken, apples, and celery in a fresh dill Greek Yogurt dressing.
10 minutes
Entree, Pastas
Chicken Pasta Salad
This Chicken Pasta Salad is a cold pasta salad that's made with chicken, veggies, and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing that's just so good!
1 hour
Lunch, Salads
Chicken Chickpea Salad
This simple chickpea chicken salad has no mayo and uses Greek yogurt instead. It's a great high protein make-ahead lunch or meal prep recipe
20 minutes
Sandwiches
Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
This Avocado Chicken Salad is made with mashed and chunked avocado with shredded chicken, celery, green onions, and a lemon, cilantro seasoning.
10 minutes
Salads
Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
This Chinese Chicken Salad has two types of cabbage, tons of fresh vegetables, and shredded chicken tossed in a flavorful peanut dressing.
25 minutes
Mediterranean-Inspired Salads
Salads
Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Greek pasta salad is made with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta tossed with al dente pasta and a homemade Greek vinaigrette.
30 minutes
Side Dish
Smashed Cucumber Salad
This smashed cucumber salad is tossed in a Mediterranean dressing with feta and sesame seeds. It's so crunchy and so good!
50 minutes
Appetizer, Salad
Tabbouleh Salad Recipe
This authentic tabbouleh salad is a fresh Middle Eastern classic made with parsley, tomatoes, bulgur, and a bright lemon dressing; serve as a side or light meal!
40 minutes
Salads, Side Dish
Mediterranean Rice Salad Recipe
Mediterranean Rice Salad made with basmati rice tossed with cucumbers, tomatoes, kalamata olives, and red onions in a lemon vinaigrette dressing.
15 minutes
Entree, Salad
Tuna Nicoise Salad
This fresh and vibrant salad is packed full of nutritious veggies and healthy proteins, making it the perfect lighter meal or hearty side.
50 minutes
Salads
Mediterranean Chopped Salad Recipe
Easy Mediterranean chopped salad with romaine, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, olives, and a simple lemon dressing.
15 minutes
Make-Ahead Salads
Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Bean Salad
This cold bean salad is a hearty, easy-to-prep all-season dish (or meal!) with lentils, beans, chickpeas, and vegetables, tossed in a light and tangy vinaigrette.
30 minutes
Salad, Side Dish
Mediterranean Potato Salad
This Mediterranean Potato Salad is a refreshing salad filled with tender potatoes, fresh herbs, onions and a simple citrusy dressing- perfect for the summer
25 minutes
Salad, Side Dish
Green Bean Salad Recipe
This simple, fresh green bean salad recipe can be made ahead of time with little prep. It's tossed in a homemade honey mustard dressing.
15 minutes
Lunch, Sandwiches
Avocado Egg Salad Recipe
Avocado egg salad made with Greek yogurt instead of mayo, fresh dill, lemon, and Dijon. No mayo, creamy texture, ready in about 15 minutes.
17 minutes
Salad
Vegan Macaroni Salad Recipe
Easy vegan macaroni salad with elbow macaroni, fresh vegetables, and a tangy pickle and vegan mayo dressing. Great for cookouts and works well made a day ahead.
20 minutes
Salad
Black Bean Quinoa Salad
Black Bean Quinoa Salad is a vegan and gluten free salad with a delicious Southwestern flavor and 18 grams of protein per serving!
35 minutes
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.
How To Store Leftovers
- Label everything with the name and date. Keep track of all your leftovers so you know how long you have to enjoy them or toss them if needed.
- Use plastic containers or freezer bags. Keep your food fresh by storing food in airtight containers.
- Save or trash? If you have any perishable items (like meat or dairy), make sure to store them in the fridge. If they have sat out longer than 4 hours, it’s probably best to throw it out.
FAQs
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.
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!