50 Salad Recipes – Fresh, Flavorful Salads that will Satisfy
Build the perfect salad with these 50 Salad Recipes. From crispy greens, hearty grains, delicious proteins, zesty dressings, and creative toppings. Whether you’re looking for a light healthy lunch, quick and easy meal prep bowls, or vibrant side dishes this article has you covered. Bring excitement back into your salad bowls with these tried and tested combinations.
When looking for fun fresh yet satisfying meals, nothing beats light and refreshingly versatile easy green salad recipes. From the hearty protein packed chicken salad recipe, to the light and crunchy green salads, there’s always a salad for everyone and for every occasion. You can even experiment with the salad dressing to create bold flavors and interesting textures to elevate your bow of leafy greens. This 50 Salad Recipes list brings together crowd-favorites, a variety of different culinary flavors from Mediterranean, Chinese, Filipino, Italian, and more vibrant blends to suit the season. The perfect choice for a healthy side dish or main dish to choose for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast.
1. Caesar Salad
The most popular choice of salad. This timeless favorite is made of crisp romaine lettuce, toasty-crunchy croutons, a little bit of anchovy, a generous amount of parmesan cheese, completed with a rich and creamy caesar dressing.
2. Greek Salad
Not to be confused with the Caesar salad. This rustic vibrant earthy bowl that some may also know as “Horiatiki Salad” is a deliciously easy no fuss recipe that is just a mix of tomatoes, Kalamata olives, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onions, lightly drenched in olive oil and vinegar.
3. Grilled Wedge Salad
A smokey side salad looks simple but has a lot of flavor in it. A grilled wedge of iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, turkey bacon and some seasonings. And it’s done! Perfect for warmer days or to make at a backyard barbecue, you can even make this dairy-free.
4. Kale Salad
A garlicky, and very lemon-y nutrient packed salad that features loads of kale, a dusting of panko and parmesan to add a salty crunch, and a sprinkling of lemon and seasonings. A simple bowl that’s chock full of flavor.
5. Garden Salad
An old school salad that you can jazz up or keep classy and simple. This colorful mix of seasonal fresh leafy greens and other vegetables that you can easily find in your own garden or at the store, served with your favorite homemade or store bought dressing.
6. Caprese Salad
The quick fix appetizer that just needs a few ingredients to make, mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, drizzled with olive oil and a nice amount of balsamic glaze and you’re done! A wholesome yet flavorful and a great appetizer to serve at parties.
7. Nicoise Salad
A classic French salad with a twist. A union of bright colored ingredients including potatoes, onions, thyme, garlic, string beans, eggs, tomatoes, anchovy, tuna, olives, capers, basil, greens, and an interestingly simple lemon vinaigrette.
8. Spicy Rainbow Chopped Salad with Peanuts
This eye-catching colorful rainbow salad is loaded with chopped vegetables, crispy shallots, juicy blood oranges, peanuts, and a spicy tangy red curry dressing. Satisfyingly bold crunchy flavor in every bite.
9. Chili Lime Chicken Salad
Once of the boldest recipes in this list of 50 Salad Recipes. A flavor-packed salad made of marinated chicken grilled then sliced to strips, tossed in with lettuce, bacon, avocado, cheese, and cilantro. Made even more flavorful with a delectable chili lime vinaigrette. Plus a side of lime and tortilla strips.
10. Vegetarian Italian Chopped Salad
A wholesome flavor-packed colorful salad that mixes up freshly chopped romaine lettuce, sun dried tomatoes, chickpeas, tomatoes, celery, red onions and more. Lightly drenched in a delicious zesty Italian vinaigrette, an easily meat-free vegetarian meal.
11. Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad
This healthy vegan Mediterranean salad is often served as an appetizer or as a side to grilled means like kabobs or kafta. A fresh zesty salad that’s often made of bulger, mint, parsley, tomatoes, a sprinkling of lemon and olive oil.
12. Peruvian Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad
A very filling wholesome bowl that focuses on fresh simple ingredients. This lively looking salad combines the subtle nuttiness of white quinoa, simple greens, beans, a nice amount of toasted cashews, naturally sweet earthiness of roasted sweet potatoes, and a touch of Peruvian spiced honey garlic vinaigrette to create a hearty bowl full of flavor.
13. Grilled Jalapeño Peach Quinoa Salad
The best way to start your healthy summer journey. A vibrant summer salad made of summer peaches, tomatoes, grilled corn, quinoa, avocados, jalapenos, and a delicious herb vinaigrette with lots and lots of crumbled feta. A salad that’s far from boring.
14. Couscous Salad
A quick to make but very filling salad made of fluffy couscous, fresh vegetables and herbs, walnuts, raisins, and a light splash of lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for meal prep and on busier days.
15. Spinach and Orzo Salad
A Greek inspired pasta-salad that’s great for a light lunch or to bring at a cookout. All you need is al dente cooked orzo, toasted pine nuts, pureed spinach, feta, olives, and a balsamic vinegar herbed dressing.
16. Summer Farro Salad
A hearty nutty Farro salad tossed in with colorful ingredients-onions, garlic, parsley, diced mozzarella cheese, kalamata olives, tomatoes, basil, and a tasty lightly sweetened balsamic and red wine vinegar dressing. A perfect warm weather meal.
17. Spicy Sesame Coleslaw
A lively looking vegetable mix made of shredded green and red cabbages, apples, other colorful vegetables, tossed into a bright but spicy creamy sesame salad dressing. Perfect as a side or to fill in sandwiches, or top over tacos.
18. Chickpea Salad with Carrots and Dill
A light and healthy salad that is similar to its name is a mix of chickpeas, grated carrots, and fresh dill, adding a bit of extra ingredients tossed in a deliciously lemony dressing that’ll give you a bright tasty bite each spoonful. It even packs great or even be used as a topping for nachos.
19. Broccoli Salad
A quick crunchy salad that features crisp broccoli florets, red onions, cranberries, crunchy bacon bits, and sunflowers seeds, and a creamy homemade dressing accented by mayo, apple cider and a bit of sugar.
20. Corn Salad
Another Summer favorite, freshly cooked corn kernels mixed together with sweet tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, seasoned with herbs, and an ample amount of feta cheese. Flavored with a vibrant dressing. The perfect meal for a snack, picnic, barbecue, or as a quick and easy summer meal.
21. Roasted Cauliflower Salad
A warm nutritious bowl is perfect for winter salad cravings. Using heartier vegetables and smoky flavors that includes roasted cauliflowers, spiced chickpeas, and onions with a refreshing lemon tahini dressing. A wholesome and very satisfying meal.
22. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
A cozy winter or rainy season meal. Nothing beats a caramelized roasted butternut squash, mixed together with crunchy pecans, leafy greens, onions, crispy bacon bits, dried cranberries, parmesan cheese, drizzled with a simple balsamic vinaigrette during the colder months. The perfect fall to winter salad option.
23. Easy Ampalaya Salad ( Bitter Melon Salad )
A unique bitter but refreshing Filipino salad made of thinly sliced ampalaya, red peppers, red onions, and sliced tomatoes dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. Dress it up with shrimps or other meats. An easy 5 minute or less very nutritious salad to serve as a side dish to brighten up your plate.
24. Ensaladang talong ( Filipino Eggplant Salad )
A Classic Filipino salad made of grilled eggplants, onions, tomatoes, sometimes with a salted egg to add more flavor and texture, dressed with a touch of fish sauce and vinegar. A tangy-smoky yet refreshing recipe. Use this as a side dish, dip for crackers or nachos, or as a relish to pair with fried food or rice.
25. Ensaladang Mangga ( Filipino mango Salad )
Another version of the Filipino Ensalada, this time its main components are green mangoes, tomatoes, lime juice, and a bit of bagoong ( fermented shrimp or fish paste ). A salad that perfectly balances sour, savory, sweet and salty flavors. These are the perfect side dish to pair with fried or grilled meats and seafood.
26. Pipino Salad Recipe ( Cucumber Salad )
This cool and refreshing cucumber salad is simple, savory, and the perfect quick salad to make when you need something to pair with grilled dishes. An easy side dish to pair with almost everything. Seasoned sliced cucumber and onions tossed in a light vinegar based dressing.
27. Grilled Zucchini Salad
Fire up the grill with a healthy yet indulgent salad that’s perfect for a picnic of BBQ. This summer salad is smoky, savory, flavorful, yet still light and easy. Zucchini grilled until tender with a slight char, fresh herbs, beans, arugula, olives, and mint leaves topped with a zesty garlic-lemon dressing.
28. Potato Salad
Creamy, hearty, and very filling. Fork-tender potatoes tossed in with a creamy, savory, tangy mayo based dressing and other vegetables. The perfect side dish to bring at a barbecue, picnic, or to pair with your steak.
29. Chicken Potato Salad
A rich and satisfyingly interesting combination of tender cooked well seasoned chicken, baby potatoes, colorful vegetables, pineapple, cheese, pickles, aromatics, and seasoned dressing. Perfect as a loaded side dish or light main dish to whip up for any occasion.
30. Summer Salad with Fruit
This wholesome bowl is loaded with sweet juicy fruits, crunchy nuts, tangy cheese, mixed greens, with a squeeze of lemon. Great for those looking for a healthy yet slightly sweet salad to pair as a side dish for barbecue.
31. Thai Mango Salad with Peanuts
A vibrant nourishing bowl of sweet ripened mangoes, cool cucumbers, colorful bell peppers, and crisp green onions, combined with a simply tangy vinaigrette. Finished with a topping of crushed peanuts. Great to bring at parties or to side with fried or grilled food.
32. Spicy Mango Kani Salad
A bold flamboyant looking salad highlightly sweet ripe cubed mangoes, shredded crab sticks ( kani ), lettuce, cucumbers and carrots for that nice crunch, mixed with spicy, nutty savory mayo dressing.
33. Watermelon Salad with Feta Cucumber, and Mint
A refreshing summer salad that one might see as the ‘essence of summer’. A cool combination of watermelon, crisp cucumbers, a handful of fresh mint leaves, and salty feta for a fun texture. Finished with a Honey Lime dressing. The perfect salad to stay cool this summer.
34. Thai Green Papaya Salad
A tropical take on the humble green papaya. This Southeast Asian flavored salad is made of shredded green papaya, tomatoes, garlic, chillies, beans, toasted peanuts, lime, tamarind paste, fish sauce, and a bit of sugar. This sweet, spicy, and boldly flavored Thai salad is indulgently delicious.
35. Summer Chopped Tomato Peach Salad
A uniquely juicy and fun salad combination that’s like summer on a plate. This salad is deliciously doused in an aromatic basil vinaigrette, covering an array of ingredients like dried figs, basil, thyme, lettuce, dried meats, tomatoes, olives, zucchini, cheeses, and peaches.
36. Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Dressing
A beautiful bowl full of beneficial ingredients. This vibrant bowl is a mix of sweet chopped strawberries, toasted pecans, onions, spinach, and a generous amount of feta cheese. Finished with a tangy balsamic poppy dressing. The perfect spring to summer salad bowl.
37. Seriously Good Apple Salad
Apple salad might be the most basic looking salad, but this brilliantly healthy salad is just as delectable and quick to make. Highlighting crisp sweet apples, celery, fennel bulb, scallion, fresh dill, and a mix of crunchy nuts, and a light balanced cream dressing. A holiday salad that anyone would appreciate.
38. Summer Prosciutto and Melon Salad
A salad bursting with summer flavors. Presenting a bounty of summer produce such as fresh strawberries, cantaloupes, and honeydew, add in some delicate prosciutto, crumbled goat cheese, fresh mint and basil lea
39. Italian Sausage Salad
A grown up salad that makes use of anything in the fridge plus greens. Sauteed sliced sausages tossed in carrots and cucumber that’s been seasoned with herbed oil, pepperoncini, and lettuce. A perfectly robust meal that anyone can make in a few minutes.
40. Smoked Salmon, Avocado, and Arugula Salad
An elegant and flavorful salad made of a combination of rich smoked salmon, creamy avocado, peppery arugula, microgreens, sweet and juicy pear, and red onions. Light yet filling, this impressive salad tastes fresh, balanced, and nutrient rich.
41. Salmon Salad
A very simple, fresh, and flavorful wholesome salad that doesn’t hold back in flavor! Packed with fresh crisp greens, flaky salmon, cucumber, bell peppers, onions, avocado, lettuce, parsley and an a squeeze of lemon.
42. Tuna Salad
A healthy and affordable salad that’s protein rich and perfect as a sandwich, as dip with nachos on the side, or placed on top of crackers to be served as an appetizer. Flaky tuna mixed with pickles, celery, greek yogurt, mayonnaise, parsley and mustard. A versatile salad you can place almost anywhere.
43. Shrimp Salad
An all time seafood favorite. This light and refreshing salad is made up of perfectly cooked tender shrimp, fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and homemade dressing. The perfect go-to for a quick lunch or sophisticated appetizer.
44. Avocado Salad
An abundant looking salad made of creamy avocados, bright cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, red onions, and a refreshingly zesty herb dressing. A summer staple chock full of flavor.
45. Fajita Steak Salad with Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette
A satisfyingly bold and filling meaty salad composed of tender grilled fajita-style steak, charred bell peppers, onions, pepper jack cheese, salad greens, avocado, and tortilla strips. A salad bowl that pulls no punches and can feed a crowd.
46. Pizza Salad
Full of flavor and fun, this pizza inspired salad salad is made of a base of crisp lettuce, layers of belle peppers, onions, olives, pepperoni slices, and mozzarella balls, topped with grated parmesan cheese. All your favorite pizza toppings in one big bowl, who could resist?
47. Tasty Taco Chopped Salad
Want to eat healthy but miss Mexican flavors? This tasty taco-inspired salad might be the recipe you’re looking for. A crunchy salad loaded with seasoned ground beef, tortillas, black beans, crisp romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, with a big dollop or sour cream. A fun, flavorful and perfect for taco lovers.
48. Healthy Salad Sandwich
A great way to enjoy leafy greens for lunch. Have your fill of a light and energizing sandwich by packing a deliciously quick lettuce based salad with carrots, onions, cucumber, tomatoes, sliced cheese, and a 3 ingredient herbed mayo. Perfect as an on-the-go meal.
49. Chicken Macaroni Salad
A common pasta salad that’s often served during holidays especially during the Christman season or at gatherings as a substitute to pasta, at picnics, or just a cold salad to bring anywhere. A generous looking cream salad made of tender chicken, al dente elbow macaroni, some vegetables, and a mayo-based dressing.
50. Macaroni Fruit Salad
To end this 50 Salad Recipes is a very filling type of salad. A classic creamy twist on the usual Filipino macaroni salad. This is a slightly sweeter version that is often eaten during the Christmas holiday in the Philippines. Mixing tender cooked macaroni, canned or fresh fruits, and a light subtle sweet creamy dressing.
How to meal prep salads and keep them fresh?
- Keep in the coldest part ( but not the freezer ) of the fridge to keep them as crisp as possible.
- Make sure to separate the dry ingredients from the wet ingredients, like the leafy greens from the cucumber, tomatoes, and fruit, also separate the vinaigrette or dressing, and meats or any choice of protein if you have them. Place these in airtight containers separately until you need them.
- Also, if you have just washed your greens, pat them dry or place over a kitchen towel, or for best results use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
Check out our other Recipe Lists:
Add some color and nutrition into your routine with this list of exciting 50 Salad recipes . Choose satisfying healthy salads for lunch to lose weight by mixing fiber-rich vegetables, a good helping of proteins, with a flavorful dressing to top it off. You can also find quick on the go meal prep vegetarian salads for lunch, or creative salads ideas for dinner in the list. Any which way, salads, whether a simple combination of leafy greens, quinoa, roasted chickpeas, refreshing cucumber slices, sweet juicy tomatoes, and a zesty balsamic dressing makes for a wholesome bowl packed with taste and nutrition. Stay on track with your health goals without sacrificing the flavor.
