My family’s 17 salad picks they’ll actually eat

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Salads have a reputation for being the least exciting part of a meal, but these 17 salad picks are here to change that. Forget the boring lettuce; these salads are bursting with flavor, color, and ingredients that will have everyone reaching for seconds. They’re so good, even the kids won’t turn up their noses! So, grab those salad tongs, and get set to create some seriously yummy dishes that will have everyone asking for more.

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

Marinated Tomatoes

Closeup of marinated heirloom tomatoes in a yellow and white pie dish.
Marinated Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This simple dish is often selected for its vibrant taste and ease of preparation. Marinated Tomatoes bring a burst of flavor to our family’s table. It’s a go-to for busy weekdays and perfect for enhancing any meal. Guests and family members alike praise its juicy and robust profile.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes

Feta Beet Salad

Beet salad with crumbled feta, pistachios and fresh herbs on a plate with serving spoon.
Feta Beet Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The inclusion of feta cheese makes it a standout that often receives compliments. Feta Beet Salad is a colorful addition to our family dinners. Its bold colors and contrasting flavors make it a hit, especially among those who are wary of salads. This dish is frequently requested for its interesting combination of textures.
Get the Recipe: Feta Beet Salad

Broccoli Slaw Salad

A plate of broccoli slaw with a dressing on it.
Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli Slaw Salad has turned our family’s opinion around about broccoli. It’s appreciated for its crunch and the ability to hold up well at picnics and barbecues. This salad is a favorite for its versatility and hearty nature. It manages to be both refreshing and substantial, which is a rare find in a salad.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Sesame Shrimp and Watermelon Salad

A white plate with shrimp, watermelon, cucumber, shredded cabbage, and grated carrots.
Sesame Shrimp and Watermelon Salad. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

This salad mixes sweetness with a touch of savory, creating a great mealtime experience. Sesame Shrimp and Watermelon Salad is a unique blend that intrigues everyone at first mention. It’s a favorite during the summer months and a must-have at our poolside meals. The combination is refreshing and always sparks interest.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Shrimp and Watermelon Salad

Winter Fruit Salad

Cranberry fruit salad in white bowls.
Winter Fruit Salad. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

During the colder months, Winter Fruit Salad brightens our table with its variety of seasonal fruits. This salad is favored for its sweet and tangy flavors that make it a joy to eat. It’s a wonderful addition to holiday meals and a nice change from typical winter dishes. The vibrant colors and fresh taste help to lighten the typically heavy winter meals.
Get the Recipe: Winter Fruit Salad

Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Tabbouleh Salad inside colorful bowls.
Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad is a popular choice among family members watching their carbohydrate intake. This salad is celebrated for its fresh and herby flavors, making it a frequent side dish at our dinners. It’s perfect for those who want a light yet flavorful option. The dish is often included in our family’s meal planning for its health benefits and tasty profile.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

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: All Ways Delicious.

This salad is often the first dish to disappear at our family gatherings. Watermelon and Feta Salad have become a surprising hit in our household, especially during the warmer months. It’s refreshing and light, which makes it a popular choice for outdoor meals. The unique combination of flavors in this salad catches everyone off guard in the best way possible.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Feta Salad

Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad on a white plate.
Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Every serving brings a smile and is a reminder of sunny Italian cafes. Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad is a robust option that serves as more than just a side dish. This salad has earned its place as a staple at our dinner table, often requested for its hearty attributes. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a complete meal in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad

Pea Salad

Pea salad in a blue bowl.
Pea Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Our family loves the simplicity and surprising flavor of Pea Salad. It’s often chosen for its crisp texture and light dressing. This salad pairs well with any main dish, making it a versatile choice for any meal. This dish consistently wins over even those in the family who claim not to like peas.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

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

Mexican Street Corn Salad brings vibrant colors and flavors to our meals. This salad is favored for its bold taste and festive appearance. It’s a celebratory dish that makes an ordinary dinner feel like a special occasion. Whether it’s a barbecue or a casual lunch, this salad stands out.
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.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad has transformed skeptics into believers in our family. This salad is appreciated for its crunchy texture and nutty flavor. It’s a hearty addition to our meals and pairs excellently with both light and robust main dishes. It’s one of those recipes that encourages everyone to rethink their thoughts about Brussels sprouts.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Fattoush Salad

Overhead image of a Fattoush Salad in a white bowl.
Fattoush Salad. Photo credit: The Honour System.

It’s often chosen for family gatherings and potlucks because it’s a crowd-pleaser. Fattoush Salad is a refreshing choice that has quickly become a family favorite. It’s appreciated for its use of fresh herbs and crispy pieces, which make every bite interesting. This Middle Eastern-inspired salad is perfect for hot days when you need something refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Fattoush Salad

Cashew Aioli Mason Jar Salad

Three jars of salad, pouring dressing on top.
Cashew Aioli Mason Jar Salad. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Cashew Aioli Mason Jar Salad is beloved for its convenience and unique presentation. This salad is a fun and tasty way to shake up the lunch routine. It’s packed with layers of flavor that blend beautifully when mixed. The individual jars make it a novel experience at picnics or on-the-go meals.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Aioli Mason Jar Salad

Fennel and Mango Slaw

Overhead of fennel mango slaw in bowl.
Fennel and Mango Slaw. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This slaw is perfect for those looking for something different from the traditional salad fare. Fennel and Mango Slaw has quickly become a refreshing staple at our family gatherings. It’s known for its crisp texture and a hint of sweetness that appeals to all ages. Its vibrant appearance and refreshing taste make it a popular choice during our summer barbecues.
Get the Recipe: Fennel and Mango Slaw

Pizza Salad

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

Pizza Salad has transformed our family’s approach to salads by combining the flavors of a beloved dish in a fresher format. This salad is a favorite among the kids, who love the playful take on pizza. It’s perfect for family movie nights or as a fun weekend lunch. It’s a great way to encourage more greens in our family meals with a twist that everyone enjoys.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

A plate with Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes.
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

The combination of flavors in Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes makes it a standout during the warmer months. This salad brings a sweet and savory mix that captures the essence of summer. It’s perfect for outdoor dining and pairs well with grilled dishes. Each serving is a reminder of why we love the season’s produce so much.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

Mexican Macaroni Salad

Mexican Macaroni Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This dish is a flavorful twist that has redefined what a macaroni salad can be for us. Mexican Macaroni Salad is a colorful and robust addition to our family’s meal rotation. This salad combines elements that kick up the flavor a notch, making it more exciting than your average macaroni salad. The bold flavors keep everyone coming back for more, and it’s a regular at our festive occasions.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad

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