Maybe You’ve Underestimated the Power of a Good Salad—These 13 Recipes Prove It

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You know, salads get a bad rap for being a bit boring, just something on the side of your plate. But let’s talk about their real potential – they can be crunchy, zesty, and just full of surprises. Maybe you’ve underestimated the power of a good salad—these 13 recipes prove it!

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Ham Salad with dill pickle on a plate.
Old Fashioned Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever thought salads were just a side act? Think again. Our Old Fashioned Ham Salad will show you the power of a good salad; recipes prove it. It’s hearty, chock-full of flavor, and could easily steal the show at dinner. Plus, it’s a fresh take on using up that leftover ham, making it a meal you’ll look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Don’t let simple ingredients fool you; Pesto Orzo Salad is a reminder of how creative you can get with salads. This is what the power of a good salad looks like; recipes prove it. The herby pesto and orzo make for a light yet fulfilling dish that’s perfect for a side or a snack. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest ingredients can make the most flavorful dishes.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bored with the same old chicken salad? Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts will make you believe in the magic of mixing sweet and savory. Once again, the power of a good salad; recipes prove it. The tartness of cranberries and the crunch of walnuts elevate this dish to something you’d be proud to serve at any lunch. It’s anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tired of the same old Caesar? Tex-Mex Caesar Salad will bring the zest back to your salad game. Here’s the power of a good salad; recipes prove it. With bold Tex-Mex flavors, it transforms the classic Caesar into something you’ll crave on repeat. This salad doesn’t fade into the background; it’s a flavor explosion in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

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

If you’re bored of the usual lettuce and dressing combo, Mexican Street Corn Salad is here to spice things up. This is where you see the power of a good salad; recipes prove it. It’s as vibrant and flavorful as street food, but you can enjoy it from the comfort of your home. With its mix of sweet corn, cheese, and lime, it’s a salad that doesn’t play by the rules.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black bowl with forks nearby.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want to feel like you’re dining out while staying in? Salmon Pasta Salad has got you covered. This dish will remind you of the power of a good salad; recipes prove it. It’s a refreshing blend of flavors and textures, with salmon adding a hearty dose to the mix. It’s a salad that stands out, proving you don’t need a fancy restaurant for a top-notch meal.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Salads don’t have to be heavy to be satisfying, and Shirazi Salad is the perfect example. You might not have realized it yet, but the power of a good salad recipe proves it. This Iranian dish is a light, refreshing mix of cucumber, tomato, and onion, making for a perfect side or a palate cleanser. It’s simple, but its flavors are anything but.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Rotisserie chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a hearty, no-fuss meal? Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad will change your mind about what salads can be. You’ve probably underestimated the power of a good salad; recipes prove it. It combines pasta and chicken in a way that’s filling and flavorsome, perfect for those days when you want something easy but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Herbed potato salad on a white platter.
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Forget what you thought you knew about potato salad; Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic is here to school you. This recipe showcases the power of a good salad. It’s a fresh take on a classic, with green garlic and herbs bringing new life to your potato salad game. It’s the perfect side to shake up any barbecue or picnic.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Steak & Pasta Salad

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes, you need a meal that’s both indulgent and simple. Enter Steak & Pasta Salad. Have you caught on to the power of a good salad yet? Recipes prove it. It’s a hearty, meaty option that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight. This salad breaks the mold, proving greens can be just as satisfying as your favorite main dish.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes is not your typical salad. If you’ve ever doubted the power of a good salad, this recipe proves it. It’s filled with textures from the chewy wheat berries, fresh tomatoes, and flaky tuna, making every bite exciting. It’s a salad that doesn’t just accompany the main course—it is the main course.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Salads can surprise you, especially when they pack a flavor punch like Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Halfway through, you might realize you’ve underestimated the power of a good salad; recipes prove it. The curry spices mix wonderfully with the sweetness of raisins, turning your notion of a boring chicken salad on its head. It’s a dish that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

A bowl of yellow bean and potato salad.
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes, you need a salad that’s a little more robust, like Yellow Bean and Potato Salad. This recipe will convince you of the power of a good salad. It combines potatoes and beans in a comforting, satisfying way, proving that salads can be just as hearty as any main dish. It’s a great way to bring something different to the table.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

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