Forget boring greens! These 17 salads are game-changers, turning your typical leafy experience into a meal that genuinely fills you up. Each one is packed with a mix of ingredients designed to keep you happy and coming back for more. They’re not just sides, but full-on meals that sneakily include greens. Bet you never thought a salad could do that!
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Fresh cucumbers meet tangy feta creating a light yet fulfilling Cucumber Salad with Feta. It’s a refreshing choice for those who enjoy clean, crisp bites balanced with the sharpness of cheese. Ideal for a quick lunch or as a side, this combination promises to refresh without weighing you down. The mix of cucumbers and feta brings a touch of Mediterranean flair to your dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Pizza Pasta Salad
For those who love the flavors of a good slice but want something more substantial,
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Wild Rice Salad
Wild Rice Salad marries the nutty notes of wild rice with a selection of crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing. It’s a hearty option that stands miles apart from your average green salad. You’ll find it versatile enough to serve as a side dish or as a main for a plant-forward meal. This salad brings an unexpected but welcome mix of textures and earthy tastes to the table.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad
Chinese Chicken Salad
If you’re craving something with Asian-inspired elements, Chinese Chicken Salad won’t disappoint. Tender chicken strips are tossed with crisp veggies and Asian spices to offer you a meal that’s both fulfilling and lively. It’s a go-to for a quick dinner that leaves you filled without feeling overstuffed. Plus, the added crunch from the wonton strips is something to look forward to in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Rich in omega-3s, this Easy Salmon Pasta Salad combines flaky salmon with hearty pasta and fresh greens. This dish could be your next favorite way to get in those heart-healthy fats without skimping on taste. It’s equally great served warm or cold, which makes it a fantastic option for all sorts of occasions. Every forkful promises a balance of textures and nutrients, making meals both enjoyable and smart.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
When spring rolls around, a Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes is the way to go. It showcases the season’s best produce, with vibrant green asparagus, sweet peas, and earthy potatoes. You’ll be surprised at how filling a veggie-centric dish can be, especially when the ingredients are just this fresh. It’s a breeze to toss together and a colorful addition to any spring feast.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Horiatiki Salad
Olive oil, crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and soft feta – all these come together in a classic Horiatiki Salad. It’s a staple Greek dish that offers a good mix of textures and a simple, straightforward taste. Perfect for hot summer days or when you want a side that doesn’t overshadow your main course. This salad is as traditional as it gets while remaining a fresh, easy choice any day.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
A twist on the traditional, Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes adds a deep, smoky accent to a light and herby favorite. The bulgur wheat base makes it substantial enough to enjoy as part of your main meal. Paired with fresh parsley and a zippy lemon dressing, it’s a dish that can brighten up any table spread. Regardless of whether you’ve tried tabouli before, this version’s worth a spot on your menu.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Chock-full of chopped freshness, Mediterranean Chopped Salad is a vibrant dish bursting with color and nutrition. It’s an easy, no-cook option for days when you want a meal that comes together quickly but still has substance. The crunch of fresh veggies pairs well with the tangy dressing and a sprinkle of cheese adds just the right touch of indulgence. Bring this to your next outdoor event and watch it disappear in moments.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Swap out your ordinary potato salad with this Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad. The grilling adds a unique charred flavor to the asparagus, while the potatoes offer a comforting bite. This salad is substantial enough to be a meal in itself or a standout side that complements any main dish. It’s perfect for those looking for a hearty salad that breaks away from the norm.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Egg Salad
Let’s talk about a timeless classic: Egg Salad. Boiled eggs come together with a creamy dressing and a hint of mustard to provide a simple yet filling dish. It’s versatile, perfect for sandwiches, or enjoyed on its own for protein-rich snacking. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up those eggs in the fridge, and who doesn’t love that?
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
Sweet and tangy mix effortlessly in this Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes. The chargrilled peaches add a sweet caramelization that plays well with the juicy tomatoes. It’s a side salad that could steal the spotlight at any dining table with its unique combination. Not just another salad, this one is a surefire conversation starter among your dinner guests.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Give your meal a festive twist with Mexican Street Corn Salad. This dish transforms the iconic street food into a convenient salad bursting with bold tastes and creamy textures. The combination of charred corn, tangy lime, and a hint of chili powder makes for a side that packs a punch. It’s the perfect companion for any barbecue or family picnic – expect zero leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Shirazi Salad
Ready for a simple, yet refreshing side dish? Look no further than Shirazi Salad, a Persian staple that blends cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions with a light vinaigrette. This salad is as straightforward as they come, with a clean taste that makes it a great palate cleanser or a complement to richer main courses. Every spoonful is a testament to the beauty of fresh, simple ingredients coming together.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad
Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Still have some leftover ham? Whip up an Old Fashioned Ham Salad. It’s a comforting mix of finely chopped ham, creamy dressing, and a crunch of celery that’s perfect for spreading on crackers or making into a sandwich. This is classic comfort food, ideal for a casual lunch or as part of a laid-back weekend spread. You can even serve it as an appetizer at your next gathering, and it will surely be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Classic Caprese Salad
For a touch of Italian on your dining table, try the timeless Classic Caprese Salad. Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil come together under a drizzle of balsamic for a refreshing dish. It’s ridiculously simple to assemble yet manages to look effortlessly elegant. Enjoy it on its own or as a side to pretty much any meal – it’s that versatile.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad
Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
Brighten up your meal with an Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan. It takes the natural deliciousness of asparagus and upgrades it with a zingy lemon dressing and shavings of Parmesan cheese. This salad is a great way to add a touch of sophistication to any meal without needing to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a regular weeknight dinner, it’s a hit every time.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan