13 salads that made my family stop skipping greens

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Turning a family of green-skippers into salad lovers? Yep, it’s possible. Thanks to these 13 clever salads, the old, boring garden variety types are out, and thrilling, flavor-packed dishes are in. Nobody at the dinner table can ignore these salads; even the usual suspects who push their greens around are asking for seconds.

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.

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

A bowl of vibrant pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of dressing.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you think pasta salad is just for picnics, think again. The twist comes from the grilled veggies tossed in, which bring out a smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies turns a common dish into something special. It’s been a game-changer for our salad game, making even the skeptics come back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Imagine a salad that packs a punch with every bite. That’s what Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad does, blending crisp cucumbers with a spicy kick that keeps you reaching for more. It’s light, refreshing, and has converted many in my family who thought they didn’t like salads. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

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.

Sometimes, a classic just needs a little update. With Macaroni Salad, you’ll find a creamy, comforting dish that fixes the craving for something hearty yet refreshing. It’s a staple at gatherings and has quietly won over the hearts of those who usually skip the salad bowl. And let’s be honest, who can resist a good macaroni dish?
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

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.

Turn chicken salad on its head with its sweet and crunchy additions. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a simple way to make a meal feel both fancy and filling without much effort. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite, even among the pickiest eaters. It’s a nice break from the usual chicken dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

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.

Seven Layer Salad is like a surprise party in a bowl, with each layer uncovering new flavors and textures. It’s a visual feast too, making it a hit for family gatherings. The best part? It gets everyone excited about digging in to find what’s next. This salad has made its way to becoming a celebration staple.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer 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.

Proving that broccoli can be the star of the show is Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Its creamy dressing transforms the often-dismissed veggie into something crave-worthy. This salad has become a sneaky way to get more greens on the plate, with its sweet and savory mix appealing to all ages.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

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.

Bringing a bit of Italy to our table is Italian Pasta with Salami. It blends pasta, salami, and other savory elements into a delicious mix. It’s the kind of dish that helps the craving for something hearty, yet fresh. This salad has a way of disappearing fast at our family meals, proving that salads can indeed be a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

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

Red Cabbage Coleslaw is far from your average slaw, with its vibrant colors and tangy dressing enriching the humble red cabbage. It’s been a refreshing side that pairs well with just about anything. This slaw has quietly nudged its way into being a must-have at our dinner table, especially during BBQ season.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Pizza Salad

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

It might sound unconventional, but it’s all the flavors you love in pizza, tossed into a refreshing bowl of greens. Pizza Salad is a fun twist that’s gotten even the most reluctant to rethink salad. This creative combo has made its mark by blending the familiar with the fresh. It’s a testament to how versatile salads can be.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Waldorf Salad

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

The iconic Waldorf Salad brings together fruits and nuts in a creamy dressing for a timeless classic. It’s a blend of crunch and sweetness that’s made it a beloved favorite for generations. This salad is often requested at our family gatherings, proving that the classics never really go out of style.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Avocado Salad

Avocado salad with dressing in a serving bowl.
Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Avocado Salad is as simple as it is delicious, highlighting the creamy richness of avocados with a light, citrusy dressing. It’s become a hero for making greens exciting again. This salad is a constant reminder that sometimes less is more, and it’s quickly become a go-to for a quick and nutritious addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Avocado 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.

Pair the earthy sweetness of beetroot with the salty, grilled cheese for a match made in heaven. Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad is the kind of dish that introduces new flavors in an exciting way. This salad has been a colorful and flavourful way to break the salad monotony, appealing even to those skeptical about beets.
Get the Recipe: Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad

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.

Serving the classic Cobb Salad to the table means serving up a dish that’s as filling as it is nutritious. With its layers of delicious ingredients, it’s a hearty meal all on its own. This salad has shown that greens can be irresistible. It’s a reminder that salads can be anything but boring, pleasing even picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

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