15 old-school salad recipes with a modern twist

Photo of author

| Published:

Salads have come a long way from the plain lettuce and tomato combos of the past. We’re taking those old-school favorites and giving them a fresh, modern twist that’s perfect for today’s tastes. These recipes are light, easy, and packed with flavor. Each one keeps the classic elements you love but adds a new spin to keep things interesting.

Cucumber melon salad on a plate with a serving spoon.
Cucumber Melon Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy Cucumber Salad

Creamy cucumber salad with pickled red onions in a white textured bowl.
Creamy Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A healthier twist on the classic creamy cucumber salad with quick pickled red onions. Perfect for any summer cookout, bringing a fresh feel to a beloved classic.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cucumber Salad

Pickled Blueberry Panzanella Salad

Pickled blueberry panzanella salad.
Pickled Blueberry Panzanella Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pickled blueberry panzanella salad is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy and a fun take on the classic Italian bread salad. A great mix of old and new.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Blueberry Panzanella Salad

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.

This beet salad with feta cheese uses simple ingredients like cooked beets, crumbled feta, and pistachios. Fresh herbs and a lemon olive oil dressing make it a perfect side salad or light meal with a fresh feel.
Get the Recipe: Feta Beet Salad

Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

Tofu balsamic pasta salad in a glass bowl with white rubber spatula.
Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tofu pasta salad is an easy, light meal or side dish with fresh summer vegetables and a balsamic dressing. A protein-packed way to enjoy pasta salad while keeping it plant-based. A modern take on an old favorite.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

Radicchio Endive Fennel Salad

Radicchio endive fennel salad on a gray plate with a silver fork.
Radicchio Endive Fennel Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This radicchio endive salad with fennel and a tangy dijon herb dressing is bright and refreshing. Enjoy with a lean protein for a healthy, balanced meal. A fresh take on traditional salad ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Radicchio Endive Fennel Salad

Smoked Salmon Salad

Smoked Salmon Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This smoked salmon salad is a nutritious lunch option, with smoked salmon, fresh mixed greens, crumbled feta, juicy tomatoes and cucumber, sweet red onion, boiled eggs, and a savory Dijon mustard dressing. A great way to enjoy a classic ingredient in a modern way.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Salad

Baby Kale Salad

Baby kale salad in a metal plate with apples and roasted chickpeas.
Baby Kale Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The best recipe for a quick and easy baby kale salad. Tossed in a simple tahini dressing and topped with roasted BBQ chickpeas and apple slices, it’s a complete plant-based meal with little effort. A great update to classic greens.
Get the Recipe: Baby Kale Salad

Pad Thai Salad

Pad Thai salad on a plate with creamy peanut dressing.
Pad Thai Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Pad Thai salad is a vegetarian take on the famous pad Thai dish. Great for meal prepping and can easily be made vegan by leaving off the scrambled egg. A fresh spin on a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pad Thai Salad

Cucumber Melon Salad

Cucumber melon salad on a plate with a serving spoon.
Cucumber Melon Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This cucumber melon salad is great for summer. With pickled onions and sweet, ripe cantaloupe, it goes perfectly alongside any grilled meat. A modern twist on a cool, refreshing salad.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Melon Salad

Watermelon Bacon Salad

Watermelon bacon salad garnished with basil leaves on a white plate.
Watermelon Bacon Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This watermelon bacon salad is a refreshing, summery dish with a fun salty, crunchy kick. It’s great for your next summer party, adding a modern twist to classic flavors.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Bacon Salad

Bok Choy Salad

Bok choy salad with sesame dressing in a bowl with wooden serving utensils.
Bok Choy Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This crispy, crunchy bok choy salad is served with an Asian-inspired sesame dressing and topped with sliced almonds and toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy as is or pair with grilled steak or chicken for a fresh, modern dish.
Get the Recipe: Bok Choy Salad

Honey Roasted Strawberry Feta Salad

Roasted strawberry feta salad.
Honey Roasted Strawberry Feta Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This honey roasted strawberry feta salad balances the sweetness from roasted strawberries with the fresh, peppery watercress and asparagus greens and the salty feta. A perfect mix of old-school flavors with a modern touch.
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Strawberry Feta Salad

Peach and Radish Salad with Crispy Prosciutto

Peach radish salad with crispy prosciutto on a white plate with a fork.
Peach and Radish Salad with Crispy Prosciutto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This peach and radish salad is topped with crispy prosciutto and toasted hazelnuts. A great combination of flavors that brings a modern twist to a classic salad.
Get the Recipe: Peach and Radish Salad with Crispy Prosciutto

Burger Bowls

Burger bowl with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and special sauce.
Burger Bowls. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This burger in a bowl recipe includes a homemade special burger sauce. It has all the toppings and flavors of your favorite fast food burger with a healthier spin. A great modern twist on the classic burger.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls

Blueberry White Bean Salad

Blueberry white bean salad with tahini dressing in a white bowl with pickled onions in a jar to the side.
Blueberry White Bean Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A creamy tahini turmeric dressing coats this simple white bean salad with blueberries, basil, mint, and pickled red onions. Broccoli sprouts, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds add a nutritious boost and crunchy texture. A refreshing update to traditional salads.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry White Bean Salad

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.