Ever find yourself revisiting the same few salad recipes until even the lettuce starts to look boring? Break the cycle with our lineup of 17 salads that are anything but monotonous. They’re the equivalent of finding an unexpected $20 in your pocket—exciting, refreshing, and surprisingly delightful. Let’s be honest, it’s time to give those leafy greens the glow-up they deserve. Ready to find your new go-to?
![Seafood pasta salad in white serving bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/seafood-pasta-salad-l.jpg)
California Steak Salad
![California steak salad with strawberries and avocados.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/CA-Steak-Salad-Image-1.jpg)
Enjoy the vibrant flavors and robust textures that make this salad a true standout in any meal. California Steak Salad is the way to go when you’re craving something hearty yet refreshing. This salad combines succulent steak with fresh greens, offering a fulfilling balance of protein and veggies. It’s perfect for a summer dinner or a hearty lunch that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.
Get the Recipe: California Steak Salad
Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef
![Taco salad in edible salad bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Taco-Salad-21-1.jpg)
Spice up your salad days with Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef. It packs the punch of a taco without any of the guilt, making it a favorite for both taco Tuesday and your diet plans. This bowl is a fiesta of flavors that’s both filling and refreshing, perfect for a no-fuss dinner or a festive gathering. Say goodbye to boring salads and hello to a dish that’s as vibrant as it is fulfilling. Keep coming back to this one; it’s a winner!
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef
Feta Beet Salad
![Beet salad with crumbled feta, pistachios and fresh herbs on a plate with serving spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/beet-feta-salad-1.jpg)
Ideal for an appetizer or a side, this salad promises to be as memorable as it is delicious. Feta Beet Salad is a colorful creation that marries the earthy tones of beets with the sharp kick of feta. This salad is a visual and gastronomic bliss that stands out in any meal setting. It’s great for those who love a bit of drama on their plate, with flavors as deep and rich as its colors. It’s not just a salad; it’s a statement piece.
Get the Recipe: Feta Beet Salad
Fruit Salad with Pecans and Honey Dressing
![A closeup is shown of Thanksgiving Fruit Salad with apples, grapes, pears, oranges, and pecans.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/51.jpg)
A vibrant, nourishing option that makes you feel good about indulging a little. Fruit Salad with Pecans and Honey Dressing is not just a dish but a celebration of texture and taste. It’s the perfect way to start your day or finish off a meal with something sweet that’s still wholesome. The crunch of pecans contrasts beautifully with the softness of ripe fruits, all brought together by a drizzle of honey dressing.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Salad with Pecans and Honey Dressing
Coronation Chicken Salad
![A plate of coronation chicken salad.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/coronation-chicken-salad-recipe-horizontal.jpg)
For a touch of regal flair at your table, try Coronation Chicken Salad. This salad is rich in flavors and history, making it a perfect dish for those who love a story with their meal. It’s creamy, with just the right amount of spice, and works well both as a sandwich filling and on its own. Bring a bit of majesty to your lunch or dinner with this beloved classic. It’s a royal treat without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad
Brussels Sprouts Salad
![](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/brussels-sprouts-salad-fdl-2.jpg)
Dig into a bowl of this vibrant mix and watch the magic happen. Brussels Sprouts Salad is a crunchy revelation, turning the often underrated veggie into a star. This salad brings a fulfilling texture and nutty flavors that can complement any main dish or stand proudly on its own. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a hearty touch to their greens.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad
Cashew Aioli Mason Jar Salad
![Three jars of salad, pouring dressing on top.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Cashew-Aoli-Garden-Jar-Salad-Process-7.jpg-scaled.jpg)
Each layer is a discovery of taste that’s sure to keep your dining experience exciting. It’s not just a salad; it’s a portable feast in a jar. Cashew Aioli Mason Jar Salad is as fun to prepare as it is to eat. This salad layers vibrant greens, nuts, and a creamy aioli that hits all the right notes of flavor and texture. It’s perfect for on-the-go meals or a picturesque addition to your picnic spread.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Aioli Mason Jar Salad
Cabbage Apple Salad
![Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Cabbage-Apple-Salad-2.jpg)
Indulge in the crisp textures and fresh flavors that make this salad a perennial favorite. Cabbage Apple Salad combines the tangy crunch of cabbage with the sweet crispness of apples for a refreshing twist on traditional salads. This dish is a lively addition to your autumn table or a refreshing side during the warmer months. It’s simple yet surprisingly sophisticated.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad
Avocado Tomato Salad
![Image shows a wooden bowl containing avocado tomato salad shown from overhead and sitting on a picnnic table.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Avocado-tomato-salad-in-a-wooden-bowl.jpg)
Simple ingredients, big flavors—that’s what Avocado Tomato Salad is all about. This salad brings together rich avocados and vibrant tomatoes in a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or as an accompaniment to any meal. With each bite, you get a creamy texture balanced with just the right touch of juiciness. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense salad that’s bound to be a staple in your recipe menu.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Winter Fruit Salad
![Cranberry fruit salad in white bowls.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Cranberry-salad-FDL.jpg)
Perfect for holiday gatherings or a quiet, cozy breakfast, this salad offers a refreshing twist on seasonal eating. Winter Fruit Salad is a bright reminder of summer’s bounty during the chillier months. This dish combines fruits that thrive in winter, offering a sweet counterpoint to typically heavy seasonal meals. It’s a delicious way to bring a splash of color and a burst of flavor to your winter dining.
Get the Recipe: Winter Fruit Salad
GF DF Macaroni Salad
![Close up of a glass bowl with macaroni salad in it with celery and red peppers and apple slices and an orange linen behind it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GF-DF-Macaroni-Salad.jpg)
It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and it’s completely accommodating to your dietary needs. GF DF Macaroni Salad reinvents the classic with a gluten-free, dairy-free twist that doesn’t skimp on taste. It’s the perfect choice for those who cherish the comforts of a good macaroni salad but need to navigate dietary restrictions. This dish brings joy to picnics and potlucks, ensuring everyone at the table can dig in without worry.
Get the Recipe: GF DF Macaroni Salad
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
![A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mediterranean-orzo-salad-horizontal.jpg)
Dig into the flavors of Mediterranean with Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. This dish offers a delicious mix of seafood and pasta, seasoned with herbs that transport you straight to the seaside. It’s light yet fulfilling, making it an ideal choice for a meal that needs to impress without too much effort. Whether it’s part of a festive spread or a simple family meal, this salad is sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Egg Salad
![The Best Egg Salad on the Planet.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/egg-salad-resized-1.jpg)
Whether you’re dressing it up or keeping it classic, this salad is a reliable favorite that never goes out of style. Egg Salad is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for sandwiches, picnics, or a quick snack. This salad is all about simplicity and flavor, bringing back childhood memories with every creamy bite. It’s versatile, easy to whip up, and always a hit at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad
Apple Pear Slaw
![Bowl of fresh apple and pear slaw salad.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/yummy-Apple-Pear-Slaw.jpg)
Enjoy the blend of textures and flavors that make this slaw a standout salad choice. Apple Pear Slaw is a crisp, refreshing twist on traditional slaw. This dish pairs the sweet flavors of apple and pear with a tangy dressing that’s sure to awaken your palate. It’s an excellent side dish for BBQs or as a lively addition to your winter meals.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pear Slaw
Cherry Salad
![Cherry fluff salad in blue bowls with whipped cream.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cherry-salad-9.jpg)
Bright, sweet, and bursting with flavor, Cherry Salad is here to liven up your plate. It’s the perfect blend of sweetness and freshness that can brighten any meal, from a backyard BBQ to an elegant brunch. This salad is a lovely companion to both sweet and savory dishes, bringing a cheerful splash of red to your dining table. Dig into this delicious mix and let each bite remind you of the joy of simple, fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad
Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad
![Broccoli and shredded carrots on a mixing spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Quick-and-Creamy-Broccoli-Apple-Salad.jpg)
When you need something quick and fulfilling, Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad is your answer. This salad blends the distinct flavors of broccoli and apple under a creamy dressing, creating a delicious contrast in your mouth. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a salad that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a nutritious side dish in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad
Seafood Pasta Salad
![Seafood pasta salad in white serving bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/seafood-pasta-salad-l.jpg)
Think of sitting by the seaside, that’s the vibe Seafood Pasta Salad brings to your table. It’s a refreshing mix that’s perfect for those who love a hint of the ocean in their meal. Ideal for sunny day picnics or a quick, fulfilling lunch, this salad pairs well with light wines and laughter. Gather your friends or enjoy a quiet moment to yourself with this delicious dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to evoke some coastal daydreams.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad