Kickstart your new year with fresh salads

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When it comes to salads, variety is the key to keeping things exciting and flavorful. From hearty combinations that work as a full meal to lighter options perfect as a side, there’s a salad here for every occasion. These recipes bring together fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a mix of textures that keep each bite interesting.

You’ll find classics like Cobb and Caesar alongside creative takes like pizza salad or a Big Mac-inspired bowl. Many of these salads are easy to customize, so you can adjust them to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed option with grilled chicken or steak, or a refreshing plant-based dish with tofu or quinoa, this collection has you covered.

They’re great for meal prep, family dinners, or even impressing guests with something a little different. Salads don’t have to be boring—these recipes prove they can be a standout on any table. With fresh greens, hearty toppings, and flavorful dressings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

A large platter of cobb salad.
Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Cobb Salad

This hearty classic is packed with crisp greens, tender chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and a mix of bacon, tomatoes, and avocado. It’s a versatile option that works well for lunch or a lighter dinner, with a creamy dressing tying everything together.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Chinese Chicken Salad

Crunchy cabbage, shredded chicken, and a tangy sesame dressing make this salad a refreshing choice. Topped with crispy noodles or almonds, it’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Santa Fe Salad with creamy dressing.
Santa Fe Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Santa Fe Salad

Bold flavors shine in this salad with seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, and tortilla strips. A drizzle of zesty dressing and a sprinkle of shredded cheese complete the meal.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

A platter of salad with croutons.
Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Antipasto Salad

This Italian-inspired salad is loaded with cured meats, cheeses, olives, and crisp veggies. It’s a colorful dish that pairs beautifully with your favorite dressing.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

A salad with crispy chicken and dressing on top.
Crispy Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Crispy Chicken Salad

Crispy chicken strips add a hearty crunch to this salad, served over a mix of greens and veggies. Pair it with a creamy dressing for a satisfying meal in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken Salad

A jalapeno popper salad on a big platter full of lettuce, greens, crispy chicken, bacon, jalapenos, and more!
Wendy’s Jalapeno Popper salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Wendy’s Jalapeño Popper Salad

This salad combines spicy jalapeños, crispy bacon, and grilled chicken for a bold flavor profile. It’s finished with a mix of cheeses and a tangy dressing.
Get the Recipe: Wendy’s Jalapeño Popper Salad

A person holding serving spoons in a bowl of Big Mac salad.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Big Mac Salad

All the flavors of the classic burger come together in this salad version with ground beef, shredded lettuce, pickles, and a special sauce-inspired dressing. A fun and lighter twist on a fast-food favorite.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

A bowl of tortellini salad.
Tortellini Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Tortellini Salad

Cheese-filled tortellini bring a hearty element to this salad, paired with fresh veggies and a light vinaigrette. It’s a great make-ahead option for gatherings or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Salad

A club sandwich salad on a plate.
Club Sandwich Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Club Sandwich Salad

Layers of crisp bacon, turkey, and avocado on a bed of greens make this salad a deconstructed take on the classic sandwich. Perfect with a creamy dressing or a simple vinaigrette.
Get the Recipe: Club Sandwich Salad

A bowl of kale quinoa salad with fresh sliced lemons and dill wids in the background.
Kale Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Kale Quinoa Salad

This nutrient-packed salad combines hearty kale, fluffy quinoa, and crunchy seeds. Tossed in a tangy dressing, it’s a filling and wholesome option for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Kale Quinoa Salad

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

Pizza Salad

All the flavors you love in pizza, but in salad form! Pepperoni, mozzarella, tomatoes, and olives are tossed with crisp greens and a bold Italian dressing.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Salmon salad on white plates and lettuce greens in a bowl.
Salmon Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Salmon Salad

Flaky, tender salmon sits atop a bed of fresh greens, paired with bright vegetables and a drizzle of lemony dressing. It’s light yet full of satisfying flavor.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

A shallow bowl with greens, grilled steak, strawberries, and crumbled goat cheese.
Grilled Steak and Strawberry Salad. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Grilled Steak and Strawberry Salad

Juicy grilled steak meets sweet strawberries in this unique salad, rounded out with mixed greens and crumbled cheese. It’s perfect for a refreshing and hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak and Strawberry Salad

Taco salad in edible salad bowl.
Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

This salad features seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, and all your favorite taco toppings without the tortilla. Customize it with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

A rainbow salad with lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, olives, corn, and mozzarella balls is drizzled with dressing.
Rainbow Salad. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Rainbow Salad

Bright, colorful veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and purple cabbage come together in this vibrant salad. A light dressing ties it all together for a fresh and crunchy dish.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Salad

Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

This plant-based salad features fluffy couscous, seasoned tofu, and fresh veggies. Tossed in a lemony dressing, it’s packed with flavor and perfect for a wholesome meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

A shallow white bowl with orzo, shrimp, sliced cucumbers, and feta cheese.
Greek Shrimp Orzo Salad. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Greek Shrimp Orzo Salad

This Mediterranean-inspired salad pairs tender shrimp with orzo pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta. A light lemon and olive oil dressing brings all the flavors together beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Orzo Salad

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