13 vibrant salads to brighten up your meals

Photo of author

| Published:

You know the drill: you try to eat a salad, and it’s like your mouth is on autopilot – chew, swallow, repeat. Not anymore. These 13 vibrant salads are here to brighten things up. They’re the life of the party, minus the morning-after regret. With a bunch like this, who needs a centerpiece? Your plate’s going to be the belle of the ball!

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a little zing to your meal with a creation that hails from the Middle East. Diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions dressed lightly make for a refreshing addition to any dinner or can stand proud on its own. This salad brings a burst of freshness that’s hard to beat on a warm day. Let Shirazi Salad brighten up your dining experience with its simple yet vibrant flavors.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Ham Salad with dill pickle on a plate.
Old Fashioned Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turn that leftover ham into a meal with a twist. Tossed with fresh ingredients and a creamy dressing, it’s a hearty addition to your salad lineup. Ideal for a picnic or a hearty lunch, Old Fashioned Ham Salad brings nostalgia and taste together on your plate. It’s surprisingly refreshing and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enhance your lunch spread with a delicious mix that balances sweetness and crunch. Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts offers a great crunch with walnuts and a sweet burst of cranberries, making every bite a little celebration. It’s perfect for sandwich fillings or on a bed of fresh greens. A versatile choice, it’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine a salad that satisfies like a main course. Steak & Pasta Salad combines tender slices of steak with pasta, making it robust enough to serve as a complete meal. Perfect for those who want something filling yet refreshing, this salad brings a hearty touch to your menu. It’s the right mix of protein and greens to keep you fueled.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who like their salad with a bit of an exotic twist, here’s a perfect pick. Curried Chicken Salad with Raisin blends the warmth of curry and the sweetness of raisins for an entrancing mix. It’s a great way to jazz up your routine with flavors that pack a punch. Ideal for making ahead, it keeps well for a couple of days.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Here’s a light and refreshing option that’s sure to be a hit during the warmer months. Pesto Orzo Salad features the rich flavors of pesto combined with orzo for a filling yet simple dish. It’s great for picnics or as a side dish at your next barbecue. Light, flavorful, and a breeze to mix up, this salad has it all.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with rotisserie chicken pasta salad.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Busy days call for easy solutions that don’t skimp on flavor. Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad uses pre-cooked chicken to save time without sacrificing taste. Tossed with pasta and your choice of veggies, it’s a practical option that keeps lunchtime interesting. A dependable go-to that’s both filling and irresistible, it’s a sure winner.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for something a bit different, give this hearty salad a try. The combination of chewy wheat berries, fresh tuna, and tomatoes in Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes offers an amazing texture and taste. This salad packs a nutritional punch, making it ideal for a wholesome meal. It’s robust enough to serve as a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black dish.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring a bit of sophistication to your table with this elegantly simple seafood dish. Salmon Pasta Salad combines flaky salmon with pasta and a light dressing. It’s a great way to incorporate more fish into your diet while enjoying a dish that’s easy on the eyes and palate. Perfect for a special lunch or as a light dinner, it’s versatile and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Herbed potato salad on a white platter.
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Give your potato salad a fresh twist with some green garlic and herbs. Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic offers a new take on a traditional favorite, adding depth and flavor that’s hard to resist. Ideal for outdoor gatherings or as a comforting side dish, it gives a classic recipe a new lease on life. Bright, fresh, and creamy!
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A salad that packs a bold punch, Tex-Mex Caesar Salad is anything but ordinary. With a spicy twist on the classic Caesar, it’s tangy and loaded with flavor. Throw in some crunchy croutons and what you get is not just a salad, but an experience. Amazing for those who enjoy a little heat, it’s a lively addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

A bowl of yellow bean and potato salad.
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Make the most of summer vegetables with this colorful mix. Yellow Bean & Potato Salad combines tender beans and potatoes in a light, flavorful dressing. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a hearty yet fresh side dish. Simple to prepare, it’s a lovely addition to your summer barbecue or family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Last on the list but certainly not the least, Mexican Street Corn Salad brings street food flair right to your plate. Inspired by the classic elote, this salad features charred corn tossed with cheese and spices. It’s deliciously indulgent and perfectly sharable. Whether as a side or a stand-alone snack, it’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.