13 salad recipes you’ll actually look forward to

Photo of author

| Published:

Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. These 13 salads prove that the right ingredients can make anyone rethink their salad game, so go ahead and take a leap into the delicious world of greens. Get ready to have your friends asking for the recipe, and you just might earn the title of Salad Whisperer at your next gathering!

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.
Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Gather around for a salad that adds a kick to your meal routine. It brings a bit of heat for those who love a spicy twist, without overpowering the experience. In the mix of your dinner spread, Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad stands out as a dish that’s refreshingly cool yet daringly bold. Perfect for anyone looking to bring some excitement to their salad game, this one might just get people talking.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Macaroni Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes you crave that classic comfort food, and that’s where an old-school favorite meets creativity. Ideal for picnics or potlucks, this Macaroni Salad is a creamy delight designed to complement any meal. It’s a bridge between the familiar and the novel, ensuring no one misses out on the joys of a well-made pasta salad. And yes, it’s just as good the next day, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers!
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

A bowl of vibrant pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of dressing.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For those sunny days when you fire up the grill, there’s a perfect partner to your outdoor cooking. Full of smoky flavors and a fulfilling bite, Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies is a robust choice for diners seeking something more substantial in a salad. It’s packed with the goodness of the garden, charred to perfection. Who knew that a plate of greens could stand up so well next to your grilled masterpieces?
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Seven Layer Salad

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise.
Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Behold a colorful tower that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. With every layer, Seven Layer Salad provides a new texture and taste, making each forkful an adventure. It’s the salad that keeps on giving, revealing more with each bite. This dish is sure to capture attention on your dining table, inviting everyone to dig in and discover its layers.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Close-up of a delicious broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Mixed ingredients are visible in detail, showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of this fresh broccoli salad.
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who said salads had to be leafy to be good? This Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing turns a beloved side into the star of the show. It’s rich in flavors that mingle perfectly with its smooth, tempting dressing. For those looking to add more greens to their plates without sacrificing indulgence, here’s your must-try.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Take a bite into history with a salad that has stood the test of time. Waldorf Salad is a testament to simplicity and elegance, pairing seamlessly with any dinner theme. It’s a dish with a knack for awakening the appetite, making one realize that salads can indeed be timeless. Perfect for those in search of a classy addition to their meal.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Here’s a playful spin on two beloved classics bringing together the best of both worlds. Unexpected and utterly enjoyable, Pizza Salad is for those who dare to mix fun with their greens. It’s hard not to smile when you have the essence of a pizza delivered in a refreshing, crisp form. Whether it’s a casual night in or a unique side dish, it’s sure to be a conversation piece.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Avocado Salad

Avocado salad with dressing in a serving bowl.
Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fans of creamy textures, this one’s for you. Loaded with the goodness of nature’s butter, Avocado Salad takes smooth to new heights in salad form. It’s all about the richness without feeling heavy, perfect for a light lunch or as a side at dinner. It’s a crowd-pleaser that proves ‘simple’ can be incredibly effective.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ready to add a sweet twist to your meal? Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad merges the nutty with the tart to create a memorable forkful every time. This dish is a bridge between the hearty and the light, ensuring your salad doesn’t go unnoticed. Bring this to the table for a guaranteed burst of flavor that’ll keep folks coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad

Sliced halloumi cheese, beets and greens in a white ceramic bowl.
Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Step aside main courses, here comes a salad that can hold its own. This Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad pairs the earthy with the savory in a way that’s bound to impress. It’s a hearty pick for anyone wanting a fulfilling salad experience. Dive into this dish for a combination that promises to be as fulfilling as it is flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

A bowl of fresh red cabbage coleslaw garnished with herbs.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Add a pop of color and crunch to your dinner selection. Red Cabbage Coleslaw is a vibrant addition that brings a refreshing crispness to any meal. It’s a testament to the power of simplicity, proving that a few components can make a dish stand out. Serve this up for a bit of texture play and watch it disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When your dinner demands something with a bit more zest, here’s your go-to. Italian Pasta with Salami infuses the bold with the familiar, ensuring every mouthful is lively. This salad could easily take center stage, packed with flavors that complement any table setting. It’s a hearty option for those who love a salad with a robust personality.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.
Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet meets salad in this refreshing dish that’s perfect for those warmer days. Honeycrisp Salad dazzles with its sweet notes, making it a pleasant surprise on the salad roster. It’s an invitation to try something different and enjoy a fresh twist. Ideal for dessert lovers looking to incorporate more greens, this could be your new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Leave a Comment

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