5 star salads that take dinner over the top

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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.
Watermelon and Feta Salad. Photo Credit AllWays Delicious.

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.
Broccoli Salad. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

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.
BLT Salad. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

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.
Pecan Arugula Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

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.
Green Papaya Salad. Photo Credit: AllWays Delicious.

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.
Arugula Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

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.
Burrata Salad. Photo Credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

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.
Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

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.
Loaded Potato Salad. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

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.
TikTok Green Goddess Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

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.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

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

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.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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.
Orzo Pesto Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

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.
Keto Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

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.
Warm German Potato Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

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.
Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

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

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