5-Star Side Salads brings you an array of delightful salad recipes that are sure to elevate any meal. These selected salads not only complement a variety of main courses but also stand out with their unique flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a family meal, or just looking for something new to add to your lunch routine, these salads are designed to impress. From leafy greens to hearty grains, each 5-star salad recipe is easy to follow and packed with fresh, vibrant ingredients.
Watermelon and Feta Salad
![Low angle shot of a bowl of watermelon salad with kalamata olives and feta cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/watermelon-salad-la-hero-2-scaled-1-1024x683.jpg)
This vibrant salad pairs sweet, juicy watermelon with creamy feta cheese. Enhanced with fresh mint and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, it’s a perfect balance of flavors and ideal for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Feta Salad
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
![Cauliflower and broccoli mixed into a salad in a salad bowl and in a small bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Broc-Cauli-Salad-14.jpg)
A crunchy and nutritious salad featuring fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets, tossed with a creamy dressing. It’s a great way to enjoy these vegetables, and the addition of bacon and cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
BLT Pasta Salad
![BLT pasta salad in a bowl topped with toast crumbs.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BLT-Pasta-Salad_-3.jpg)
This salad combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with pasta. It’s loaded with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes, all tossed in a tangy mayo dressing, making it a hearty side dish.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad
Pecan Arugula Salad
![A salad on a plate with apples, pecans, and a fork.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Arugula-salad-Edited-3.jpg)
A sophisticated blend of peppery arugula and sweet, crunchy pecans and chopped apples. This salad is dressed in a light vinaigrette featuring sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Arugula Salad
Green Papaya Salad
![Overhead shot of green papaya salad in a black bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/green-papaya-salad-oh-hoirz-3.jpg)
A Thai-inspired salad with shredded green papaya, carrots, and a host of vibrant herbs and spices. It’s a refreshing and zesty dish with a delightful crunch, often served with a tangy lime dressing.
Get the Recipe: Green Papaya Salad
Arugula Caprese Salad
![Arugula caprese salad on a white plate next to two forks, a white linen, and a small glass pitcher of balsamic glaze.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Arugula-Caprese-Salad-Social-Media-1-1024x538.jpg)
A twist on the classic Caprese, this version adds peppery arugula to the mix of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Drizzled with olive oil and balsamic, it’s a fresh and flavorful salad.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Caprese Salad
Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze
![Burrata Salad on a white plate with salad under cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/burrata-salad-with-balsamic-glaze-SM-1024x538.jpg)
Creamy burrata cheese sits atop a bed of mixed greens, accented with a rich balsamic glaze. This salad is simple yet luxurious, perfect for a special occasion or as an elegant starter.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill
![beet cucumber salad is shown on a pink plate with a wood cutting board and dill.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/beet-cucumber-salad-social-media-1024x538.jpg)
A combination of earthy beets, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta, and fresh dill. This salad is vibrant in both color and flavor, with a refreshing and slightly tangy dressing.
Get the Recipe: Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill
Loaded Potato Salad
![A salad bowl full of loaded potato salad on wooden table with a dishtowel behind it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Loaded-Potato-Salad-2.jpg)
A classic potato salad with all the fixings – chunks of potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, and chives, all enveloped in a creamy dressing. It’s a hearty and comforting side dish for any barbecue or picnic.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Salad
TikTok Green Goddess Salad Recipe
![TikTok Green Goddess Salad iside wooden bowl with crackers on the side.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Green-Goddess-Salad-32-1024x576.jpg)
Popularized on TikTok, this salad is a blend of fresh, green ingredients like cucumber, cabbage, and herbs, tossed in a creamy, herby Green Goddess dressing. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and has a delightful crunch.
Get the Recipe: TikTok Green Goddess Salad Recipe
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
![Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Creamy-Dill-Cucumber-Onion-Salad-1024x682.jpg)
A light and creamy salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and onions in a dill-infused dressing. It’s a refreshing side dish, perfect for balancing out heavier meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad
![Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/mexican-street-corn-salad-resized-1024x683.jpg)
Inspired by the flavors of Mexican street corn, this salad combines grilled corn, cotija cheese, lime, and chili spices. It’s a zesty and creamy side dish that’s both refreshing and a little spicy.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
![A serving of shaved brussels sprouts salad next to the serving bowl of shaved brussels sprouts salad with salad servers in the middle.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Shaved-Brussels-Sprouts-Salad-Image-2-e1681507630848-1024x683.jpg)
Thinly shaved Brussels sprouts form the base of this crunchy and nutty salad. Often paired with a tangy dressing and sometimes nuts or cheese, it’s a modern and flavorful take on a traditional vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
![Two plates of orzo pesto salad sit on a concrete background with a green linen and copper forks.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Orzo-pesto-salad-Social-Media-1024x538.jpg)
This Mediterranean-inspired salad mixes orzo pasta with rich pesto sauce, sundried tomatoes, and pine nuts. It’s a flavorful and versatile dish that works well as a side or light main course.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Keto Broccoli Salad with Bacon
![Keto Broccoli Salad with Bacon inside wooden bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Broccoli-Salad-29-1024x576.jpg)
A low-carb, keto-friendly salad that doesn’t skimp on flavor, combining broccoli, bacon, and a creamy dressing. It’s a delicious way to enjoy your greens while sticking to your dietary goals.
Get the Recipe: Keto Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon
![Warm German potato salad in a white dish on a marble counter beside a bunch of fresh dill.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bavarian-potato-salad-SM-1-1024x538.jpg)
A warm potato salad featuring bacon, onions, and a tangy vinegar-based dressing. It’s a savory, hearty dish often served as a side at gatherings and is especially popular in German cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Warm German Potato Salad with Bacon
Caprese Salad
![caprese salad with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese topped with basil.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/caprese-salad-1250760-1024x640.jpg)
A simple Italian salad made with slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Seasoned with salt, pepper, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, it’s a timeless and refreshing dish.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad