27 creative salads & dressings for the new year

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Welcome to a fresh and vibrant culinary journey with our collection of 27 bold and creative salads designed to kickstart your new year with a burst of flavors. These salads are not just meals; they’re invitations to savor the simplicity of fresh ingredients, enticing textures, and thoughtfully crafted dressings. Whether you’re embracing healthier choices or simply seeking to elevate your everyday dining experience, our salads offer a delightful variety to suit every taste bud.

From the zesty Mediterranean notes of the Greek Green Salad to the comforting warmth of the Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon, each dish promises a unique and satisfying experience. We’ve curated a selection that spans the spectrum, including protein-packed options like the California Steak Salad and the Salmon Quinoa Salad, as well as refreshing choices such as the Watermelon Mojito Salad and the Japanese Cucumber Salad. These salads are more than just a side dish; they’re a celebration of freshness and creativity, providing you with delicious and uncomplicated options to make the new year a flavorful and wholesome journey.

beet cucumber salad is shown on a pink plate with a wood cutting board and dill.
Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Enjoy the new year with our Beet Cucumber Salad – a mix of crunchy cucumbers, sweet beets, creamy feta, and fresh dill. It’s a colorful and refreshing way to start the year on a tasty note. Toss together effortlessly and relish the delightful combination of textures and flavors that promise a vibrant and healthy beginning to your new year journey.
Get the Recipe: Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Add a touch of richness to your new year with our Burrata Salad. Creamy burrata cheese meets balsamic glaze for a simple yet indulgent salad that’s sure to impress. Elevate your gatherings with this easy-to-assemble dish, offering a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory notes.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Salmon Quinoa Salad in a white bowl surrounded by parsley, cherry tomatoes, and a cut lemon.
Salmon Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Salmon Quinoa Salad

Start the new year right with our Salmon Quinoa Salad. Packed with protein, it features tender salmon and nutty quinoa for a healthy and satisfying dish. With a zesty dressing tying it all together, this salad is a delicious and nutritious way to kick off your resolutions.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Quinoa Salad

A closeup is shown of Thanksgiving Fruit Salad with apples, grapes, pears, oranges, and pecans.
Fruit Salad with Pecans and Honey Dressing. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Fruit Salad with Pecans and Honey Dressing

Celebrate the sweetness of the new year with our Fruit Salad. It’s a mix of seasonal fruits, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of honey dressing for a delicious and refreshing start. This versatile salad works as a vibrant breakfast or a delightful side, bringing a burst of natural sweetness to your table.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Salad with Pecans and Honey Dressing

Closeup side view shot of Prasini salad in a white dish.
Greek Green Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Greek Green Salad

Take your taste buds on a Mediterranean journey with our Greek Green Salad. With fresh greens, herbs, and feta, it’s a flavorful way to kick off the new year. This simple and satisfying salad is perfect for busy days, offering a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Salad

Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon

Warm up to the new year with our hearty Warm German Potato Salad. Infused with smoky bacon and a tangy dressing, this comforting dish is perfect for winter gatherings. Share the warmth and savory goodness of this classic German-inspired salad as you gather with loved ones to welcome the year ahead.
Get the Recipe: Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon

Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Elevate your salad game in the new year with our Orzo Pesto Salad. Combining the richness of pesto, the sweetness of sundried tomatoes, and the satisfying bite of orzo pasta, this dish is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. It’s a quick and flavorful option for a light lunch or a tasty side dish at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Arugula caprese salad on a white plate next to two forks, a white linen, and a small glass pitcher of balsamic glaze.
Arugula Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Arugula Caprese Salad

Savor the simplicity of our Arugula Caprese Salad, a refreshing combination of peppery arugula, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. With a drizzle of balsamic glaze tying it all together, this salad is a delightful way to embrace the freshness of the new year. Enjoy a taste of summer any time with this easy-to-make and satisfying salad.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Caprese Salad

Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs

Dive into the new year with our Tuna Salad featuring flaky tuna and an abundance of fresh herbs. This protein-packed salad is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavors that will keep you energized throughout the day. Enjoy a wholesome and satisfying meal that sets the tone for a healthy and delicious year ahead.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs

Watermelon salad garnished with mint and feta on a blue plate surrounded by cut limes, fresh mint, and a white linen.
Watermelon Mojito Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Watermelon Mojito Salad

Bring a taste of the tropics to your new year celebrations with our Watermelon Mojito Salad. Juicy watermelon meets fresh mint and lime for a refreshing and flavorful experience. This salad is a cool and delightful addition to your menu, providing a burst of summer vibes as you step into the new year.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Mojito Salad

Whole wheat pasta salad in a white bowl.
Whole Wheat Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Whole Wheat Pasta Salad

Opt for wholesome goodness with our Whole Wheat Pasta Salad, a nutritious blend of whole wheat pasta, colorful veggies, and a light dressing. This dish is a tasty and filling way to incorporate healthier choices into your new year’s meals. Embrace the goodness of whole grains and vibrant vegetables for a satisfying and guilt-free dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Whole Wheat Pasta Salad

Side salad on a white plate with a copper fork.
Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Brighten up your new year with our Green Salad featuring crisp greens and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This simple yet flavorful salad is a perfect side dish for any meal, adding a burst of freshness and tang. Enjoy the vibrant combination of colors and tastes as you embark on a journey of delicious and nutritious choices in the coming year.
Get the Recipe: Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

California steak salad with strawberries and avocados.
California Steak Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

California Steak Salad

Indulge in the robust flavors of our California Steak Salad, featuring tender strips of steak atop a bed of fresh greens. With avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a light dressing, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Elevate your salad game with this satisfying and protein-packed dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal in the new year.
Get the Recipe: California Steak Salad

Greek Salad

Transport yourself to the sunny Mediterranean with our Greek Salad, a timeless blend of crisp veggies, olives, and feta cheese. Dressed in a light vinaigrette, this salad is a refreshing and satisfying way to embrace the new year. Enjoy the simplicity and wholesomeness of this classic Greek dish as you welcome a year filled with delicious and uncomplicated pleasures.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad

An overhead image of a crunchy detox salad.
Crunchy Detox Salad. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Crunchy Detox Salad

Hit the reset button in the new year with our Crunchy Detox Salad. Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like kale, broccoli, and almonds, this salad is a flavorful way to kickstart a healthier lifestyle. Nourish your body with this crunchy and vibrant dish, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the year ahead.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Detox Salad

Overhead shot of creamy salsa dressing in a glass jar surrounded by cilantro, fresh tomatoes, and a halved lime.
Creamy Salsa Dressing. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Creamy Salsa Dressing

Elevate your salads with our Creamy Salsa Dressing, a delightful fusion of creamy and spicy flavors. This versatile dressing adds a zesty kick to your greens, making every bite a fiesta of tastes. Say goodbye to boring salads and hello to a new year filled with exciting and mouthwatering combinations.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Salsa Dressing

Cashew Aioli Mason Jar Salad

Upgrade your lunch routine with our Cashew Aioli Mason Jar Salad, a convenient and tasty way to enjoy a well-balanced meal. Layers of fresh veggies, protein, and a creamy cashew aioli dressing create a satisfying and portable lunch option. Embrace the simplicity of assembly and the deliciousness of varied textures as you embark on a year of flavorful and hassle-free eating.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Aioli Mason Jar Salad

A jar of harissa vinaigrette on a wooden cutting board.
Harissa Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Harissa Vinaigrette

Spice up your salads with our Harissa Vinaigrette, a bold and flavorful dressing that adds a kick to your greens. With a perfect balance of heat and tang, this vinaigrette transforms any salad into a culinary adventure. Welcome the new year with a burst of flavor and discover the joy of experimenting with different tastes in your salads.
Get the Recipe: Harissa Vinaigrette

Salmon Mango Salad

Celebrate the tropical vibes of the new year with our Salmon Mango Salad. Juicy mango, flaky salmon, and crisp greens come together in a delightful fusion of flavors. This salad is a refreshing and satisfying way to embrace the sweetness of the season as you embark on a year of delicious and wholesome eating.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Mango Salad

A jar of honey jalapeno lime vinaigrette sits on a cutting board surrounded by limes, cilantro, and jalapenos.
Honey Lime Jalapeno Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Honey Lime Jalapeno Vinaigrette

Add a sweet and spicy kick to your salads with our Honey Lime Jalapeno Vinaigrette. This zesty dressing elevates your greens with a tantalizing combination of honey, lime, and a hint of jalapeno. Dive into the new year with a burst of flavor, transforming your everyday salads into a culinary delight.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lime Jalapeno Vinaigrette

A black bowl of Japanese cucumber salad garnished with sesame seeds.
Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono

Explore the simplicity and elegance of Japanese cuisine with our Sunomono, a traditional Japanese Cucumber Salad. Light, refreshing, and delicately seasoned, this salad is a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Start the new year with a taste of Japan, savoring the crisp freshness of cucumbers and the subtle umami flavors.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono

Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad

Satisfy your cravings for crunch and creaminess with our Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad. This delightful mix of crisp broccoli, sweet apples, and a creamy dressing is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Kickstart the new year with a quick and tasty salad that’s both satisfying and full of wholesome goodness.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad

Low angle shot of mini tostadas with salpicon de res or shredded beef salad on top.
Salpicon de Res. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Salpicon de Res

Dive into the vibrant flavors of our Salpicon de Res, a Latin American-inspired shredded beef salad. Bursting with a medley of fresh ingredients, this salad is a celebration of textures and tastes. Embrace the new year with a dish that combines the heartiness of beef with the brightness of colorful veggies for a truly satisfying experience.
Get the Recipe: Salpicon de Res

Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

Brighten up your salads with our Lemon Herb Vinaigrette, a refreshing dressing that adds a burst of citrusy and herby goodness. Simple yet flavorful, this vinaigrette enhances the natural tastes of your greens. Welcome the new year with a zesty kick and elevate your salads to a whole new level of freshness.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

A jar of dressing next to a salad and fork.
Kumquat Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Kumquat Vinaigrette

Introduce a unique citrusy twist to your salads with our Kumquat Vinaigrette. Bursting with the bright flavors of kumquats, this vinaigrette is a delightful accompaniment to your favorite greens. Embrace the new year with a touch of exotic citrus, bringing a burst of freshness to every salad bowl.
Get the Recipe: Kumquat Vinaigrette

Large plate of fried halloumi salad with wine glass.
Fried Halloumi Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Fried Halloumi Salad

Indulge in the savory goodness of our Fried Halloumi Salad, where crispy halloumi cheese meets fresh greens and vibrant veggies. With a delightful balance of textures, this salad is a satisfying and flavorful way to start the new year. Enjoy the indulgence of fried halloumi paired with the freshness of a well-crafted salad.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad

Overhead image of a Fattoush Salad in a white bowl.
Fattoush Salad. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Fattoush Salad

Transport your taste buds to the Middle East with our Fattoush Salad, a flavorful blend of crispy bread, fresh vegetables, and herbs. With a zesty dressing tying it all together, this salad is a delightful start to the new year. Embrace the bold and vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine in a refreshing and easy-to-enjoy salad.
Get the Recipe: Fattoush Salad

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