Who said salads had to be boring? With these 21 fun salads, you’ll forget you’re even eating something that’s good for you. These dishes are designed to deliver big on taste, transforming traditional salads into something extraordinary. Whether it’s a hearty mix that doubles as a main course or a light, playful side that steals the spotlight, each salad is an opportunity to explore new flavors and combinations.
Shirazi Salad
This bright, refreshing salad hails from Persian cuisine, boasting a mix of diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions with a zesty lime dressing. Shirazi Salad is a crisp, clean side dish that pairs wonderfully with any meal, offering a burst of freshness that’s hard to resist. It’s the perfect addition for those looking to lighten up their meal without skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad
Old Fashioned Ham Salad
A delicious throwback to simpler times, this salad uses chopped ham as its base, blending it with creamy mayonnaise and crunchy celery for a bit of texture. Old Fashioned Ham Salad is a versatile spread that’s equally at home on crackers as it is sandwiched between slices of fresh bread, making it a nostalgic choice for picnics and lunches.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Egg Salad
With just the right mix of creamy and chunky textures, this salad turns hard-boiled eggs into a delectable spread or filling. Egg Salad is a classic recipe that’s simple to make but big on satisfaction, perfect for those days when comfort food is on the agenda. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest dishes can be the most rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad
Chicken Salad With Cranberries & Walnuts
This salad is a wonderful medley of textures and flavors, combining tender chicken with sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts. Chicken Salad With Cranberries & Walnuts is a dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch or a hearty snack. It’s a modern twist on the classic chicken salad that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad With Cranberries & Walnuts
Coleslaw
Far from your average side dish, this Coleslaw recipe brings together shredded cabbage and carrots in a light, tangy dressing. It’s a crunchy, refreshing salad that’s the perfect complement to any BBQ or picnic, proving that coleslaw can be a standout on its own. With just a few ingredients, it transforms simple vegetables into a flavorful addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw
Steak & Pasta Salad
This innovative salad combines the heartiness of grilled steak with the lightness of pasta and fresh greens. Steak & Pasta Salad is a meal in itself, offering a satisfying mix of flavors and textures that bridge the gap between salad and entree. It’s an ideal pick for those who want the best of both worlds, making it a favorite for dinner parties and casual dining alike.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Utilizing the convenience of rotisserie chicken, this pasta salad brings together creamy dressing, crisp vegetables, and tender chicken in a dish that’s both filling and refreshing. Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is a time-saver that doesn’t compromise on taste, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend lunches. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Salmon Pasta Salad
Offer a delicious way to enjoy salmon, mixed with pasta and dressed in a creamy sauce. Salmon Pasta Salad is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s perfect for those looking for a protein-packed salad option. It’s a testament to the versatility of salmon, making it a great choice for a nutritious and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Pesto Orzo Salad
Light, flavorful, and bursting with the fresh taste of pesto, this salad pairs orzo pasta with a vibrant array of vegetables. Pesto Orzo Salad is a colorful side dish or light meal that’s sure to brighten up any table. It’s an easy way to add a touch of gourmet to your everyday dining, showcasing how simple ingredients can come together in a deliciously sophisticated way.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Capturing the essence of elote, this salad combines charred corn with creamy sauce and spices for a side dish that’s bursting with flavor. Mexican Street Corn Salad is a bold, flavorful twist on traditional corn salad, making it a festive addition to any meal. It’s a side that’s as fun to eat as it is to make, offering a taste of street food from the comfort of your home.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Infusing classic chicken salad with the warm flavors of curry and the sweet touch of raisins, this dish is a delightful blend of tastes and textures. Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins is a creative twist on a lunchtime staple, offering a unique flavor profile that’s both intriguing and satisfying. It’s a great way to spice up your salad routine with something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
This salad is a delightful mix of textures, from the chewy wheat berries to the flaky tuna, all complemented by the freshness of ripe tomatoes. Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes is a hearty, nutritious option that brings a wholesome twist to mealtime. It’s perfect for those seeking a satisfying yet healthy dish.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Giving the classic Caesar a bold makeover, this salad incorporates Tex-Mex flavors with crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, and a sprinkle of spice. Tex-Mex Caesar Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that adds a little kick to the traditional. It’s an exciting way to enjoy a familiar favorite with a new twist.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
This isn’t your ordinary potato salad. Adding fresh herbs and green garlic elevates it into a bright, flavorful side that’s far from the heavy, mayo-laden versions. Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic is a refreshing take on a classic, perfect for picnics and BBQs alike.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
Sweet grilled peaches meet juicy tomatoes in this salad, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes is a testament to the magic of combining fruit with vegetables in a dish that’s both unexpected and delicious. It’s a summery salad that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
This vibrant salad blends tender yellow beans with potatoes in a light, flavorful dressing. Yellow Bean & Potato Salad is a colorful side dish that offers a refreshing change from traditional salad recipes. It’s a great way to bring a bit of brightness to your plate, perfect for any season.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Classic Keto Caprese Salad
Simplifying elegance, this salad layers fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with olive oil for a keto-friendly version of the classic Caprese. Classic Keto Caprese Salad is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, offering a light yet satisfying dish that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye.
Get the Recipe: Classic Keto Caprese Salad
Southern Ham Salad
Combining sweet and savory elements, this salad uses chopped ham as a base, creating a unique spread that’s both versatile and delicious. Southern Ham Salad is a delightful way to enjoy a classic flavor combination, perfect for sandwiches or as a dip. It’s a comforting dish with a Southern twist.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Greek Salad
Bursting with the flavors of the Mediterranean, this salad combines crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese in a simple yet vibrant dish. Greek Salad is a timeless classic that’s refreshing and hearty, making it a perfect standalone meal or a splendid side.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad
Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
This salad shines with the bright flavors of fresh asparagus, lemon, and shaved Parmesan. Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan is a celebration of spring, offering a crisp and zesty dish that’s surprisingly filling. It’s an elegant addition to any meal, showcasing how simple ingredients can create something special.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
A tasty combination of orzo pasta, juicy shrimp, and a blend of Mediterranean flavors. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a dish that is both satisfying and refreshing, with its vibrant colors and delectable taste. It is an excellent choice for those who want a hearty meal that is not too heavy on the stomach.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp