11 simple salads for days when cooking feels impossible

Photo of author

| Published:

When you’re too tired to cook but still want something nutritious, these 11 simple salads are perfect. They’re quick to prepare and require minimal ingredients, making them ideal for busy days. Each salad is nutritious and flavorful, offering a variety of textures and tastes. Say goodbye to complicated recipes and hello to easy, satisfying meals.

Zucchini noodle salad on a white square plate with a serving bowl in the background.
Zucchini noodle salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen

California Steak Salad

California steak salad with strawberries and avocados.
California Steak Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This salad features tender steak slices with avocado, tomatoes, and mixed greens. It takes only 20 minutes to prepare. The combination of juicy steak and creamy avocado creates a satisfying meal. Perfect for when you want something hearty but easy to make.
Get the Recipe: California Steak Salad

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus asparagus couscous in a white bowl next to an orange and lemons.
Citrus Asparagus Couscous. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Bright and refreshing, this salad includes couscous, asparagus, and citrus segments. It takes 15 minutes to prepare. The tangy citrus pairs well with the tender asparagus and fluffy couscous. Ideal for a light and flavorful meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Overhead shot of shrimp skewers and veggie skewers next to a bowl of dressed grains.
Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This dish combines grilled shrimp with quinoa, avocado, and mixed greens. Ready in 25 minutes, it offers a mix of textures and flavors. The grilled shrimp add a smoky taste, while the quinoa and avocado keep it light and nutritious. Great for a quick, wholesome meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

A white bowl filled with kale salad topped with shaved cheese next to a glass of water and utensils on a table.
Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Featuring massaged kale, parmesan cheese, and a simple vinaigrette, this salad is both tasty and nutritious. It takes about 15 minutes to make. The kale is tenderized by rubbing, making it less bitter and more enjoyable. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal.
Get the Recipe: Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

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.

This salad includes finely sliced Brussels sprouts, nuts, and a tangy dressing. It takes around 20 minutes to prepare. The Brussels sprouts are crunchy and fresh, balanced by the nuts’ richness. An excellent choice for a light, refreshing meal.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Summer Orzo Salad

Summer orzo pasta salad in a while serving bowl on a whitewashed background next to a bowl of green beans.
Summer Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Combining orzo pasta, cucumbers, and tomatoes, this salad is ideal for hot days. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The fresh veggies add crunch and flavor to the pasta. Perfect for a quick, cooling meal that’s easy to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Veggie Couscous Salad

Veggie couscous salad in a white serving bowl on a wooden board.
Veggie Couscous Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Packed with colorful veggies and fluffy couscous, this salad is both nutritious and easy to prepare. It takes 15 minutes to make. The veggies add crunch, while the couscous absorbs the flavors well. Great for a quick, filling meal that’s light and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad

Zucchini Noodle Salad

Zucchini noodle salad on a white square plate with a serving bowl in the background.
Zucchini Noodle Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This salad features spiralized zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and a light dressing. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s incredibly quick to prepare. The zucchini noodles provide a fresh and crunchy base. Ideal for a light, refreshing meal when you don’t feel like cooking.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

An overhead shot of a wooden serving bowl filled with salad next to cornbread on a cutting board.
Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Combining shredded BBQ chicken, mixed greens, and a tangy dressing, this salad is hearty and flavorful. It takes 20 minutes to make. The BBQ chicken adds a smoky and sweet flavor, perfect for a filling meal. Great for when you want something substantial yet easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Goat Cheese Salad

Goat Cheese Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Featuring creamy goat cheese, mixed greens, and a simple vinaigrette, this salad is both rich and fresh. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The goat cheese adds a tangy, creamy element that pairs well with the greens. Perfect for a quick, gourmet meal.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Salad

Israeli Salad

A bowl of salad with a slice of lemon next to it.
Israeli chopped salad for one. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This salad includes diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions with a simple lemon dressing. Ready in 10 minutes, it’s incredibly quick to prepare. The fresh vegetables and tangy dressing make it a refreshing option. Great for a light, flavorful meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Israeli Salad

Leave a Comment

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