11 salads that will rule your meal plans in 2024

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Think salads are boring? Think again. These recipes will change your mind and your meal plans. Bursting with creativity and flavor, each salad is a new adventure waiting to be tried. Get ready to rule your meals with these fantastic options in 2024!

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise.
Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Macaroni Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re looking for something that feels both classic and fresh, you’ll find it here. With a mix that’s both creamy and crunchy, it keeps things interesting. Macaroni Salad is that side dish you always hoped to see at picnics, but now you can make it a star of your meal plan. It’s simple, sure, but sometimes that’s exactly what hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Close-up of a delightful broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Mixed ingredients are visible in detail, showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of this fresh broccoli salad.
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes you need a bit of green in your life, and this is the perfect way to get it. It’s not just any salad, though, because this one comes with a twist thanks to a rich dressing that brings everything together. Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing might make you look at broccoli in a whole new light. It’s the perfect blend of crunchy and smooth, making it a solid choice for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you’re in the mood for something that feels a bit more like a meal, this is where you turn. It’s hearty without being heavy, making it perfect for those days you want something satisfying but not overwhelming. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad throws in a sweet and nutty surprise that makes each bite interesting. Consider this a go-to when you want your salads to feel like they’re the main event.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who says salads need to be all about the veggies? Here’s something for those who love a bit of carb in their greens. Italian Pasta with Salami mixes things up by throwing in some bold flavors. It’s a great way to make your salads feel more like a complete meal, and it’s sure to keep things far from boring.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Cobb Salad

A close-up of a Cobb salad featuring sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, boiled eggs, red onion, bacon bits, and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of lettuce.
Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re all about variety, then this choice will speak to you. It’s like a little bit of everything you could want in a salad, making every forkful a surprise. Cobb Salad is that option when you can’t decide what you’re in the mood for, because it has a bit of it all. It’s a classic for a reason, combining flavors and textures in a way that never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Pizza Salad

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

Love pizza but feel like you should probably be eating a salad? Here’s the solution. Pizza Salad captures some of your favorite pizza flavors but keeps it light. It’s a fun way to mix up your salad game, offering an unexpected twist on a classic favorite that’s sure to be a conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad

Sliced halloumi cheese, beets and greens in a white ceramic bowl.
Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For those who love a pop of color and a dose of creativity on their plate, here’s something that won’t disappoint. It’s vibrant, it’s got personality, and the flavors are bold without being overwhelming. Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad is the kind of dish that reminds you salads can be exciting, too. If you’re looking to brighten up your meal plan, this is a great way to do it.
Get the Recipe: Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

A bowl of fresh red cabbage coleslaw garnished with herbs.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes, simplicity is key, but that doesn’t mean your taste has to suffer. This salad is crunchy, tangy, and fresh, making it a great side or a light meal on its own. Red Cabbage Coleslaw is all about texture and taste, combining them in a way that’s straightforward but far from plain. It’s a staple that complements just about any dish, proving that simple can still be special.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Seven Layer Salad

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise.
Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you want a salad that doubles as a centerpiece, look no further. It’s as delicious to eat as it is beautiful to look at, layering flavors in an eye-catching way. Seven Layer Salad is perfect for when you have guests or when you feel like treating yourself. It’s a bit of effort, sure, but the result is a salad that’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Here’s a classic that pairs crunch with a bit of sweetness, proving that salads don’t have to be all about the lettuce. It’s a mix that’s stood the test of time for good reason. Waldorf Salad is elegant in its simplicity, offering a combination of textures and tastes that feel refreshing every time. It’s perfect for those moments you’re looking for something a little different but still comforting.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese pasta salad in a bowl with fresh tomatoes by the side.
Caprese Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you can’t decide between pasta and salad, here’s the answer. It brings together the best parts of both, making for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to put together. Caprese Pasta Salad is about that harmonious blend of fresh flavors that just work so well together. It’s a reliable go-to for casual lunches or for when you need a dish that everyone at the table will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

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