This year’s top 13 salads to brighten your meals

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Looking to brighten up your meals this year? Check out this year’s top 13 salads, each one bursting with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. These salads are perfect for adding a healthy and colorful touch to any meal, whether as a main course or a side dish. Simple to prepare and packed with nutrients, these salads will make eating well a delicious and easy part of your routine.

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.

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, all you crave is a bit of comfort food, and Macaroni Salad is here to hit the spot. Its creamy texture and comforting taste make it the perfect side dish for just about any meal. Whether you’re heading to a barbecue or just looking for a simple dish to enjoy at home, it’s a guaranteed hit. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a wide range of main courses, giving you plenty of options for meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

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

For those times when you’re looking to add a bit of excitement to your meal, Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is a game changer. It combines the crunch of cucumbers with a kick of spice that’s totally tantalizing. It’s an ideal side dish that brings a zing to any dinner table. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for a quick and delicious addition to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber 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.

If you’re in the mood for something that hits all the right notes between sweet and savory, look no further. With its mix of juicy chicken, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a crowd-pleaser. It’s a fantastic choice for a hearty lunch that’s both tasty and fulfilling. Plus, it’s quite the lifesaver on busy days when you need a quick yet delicious meal option.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Avocado Salad

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

Let’s not forget about Avocado Salad, a dish where simplicity and richness go hand in hand. Packed with creamy avocados and fresh veggies, it’s a nutrient-rich option that keeps you feeling full and satisfied. It’s the go-to salad for anyone looking for a healthy yet hearty meal. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a side dish or the main event, making it a valuable addition to any meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Avocado 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.

Who knew something as simple as broccoli could be the star of such a fantastic dish? Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing combines the freshness of green veggies with a rich and creamy dressing for a match made in heaven. It’s perfect for those days when you’re craving something crunchy yet fulfilling. And it’s always a hit at gatherings, making it a must-try for your next potluck.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

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.

Talk about a showstopper! Seven Layer Salad is as eye-catching as it is delicious, layering vibrant veggies, cheese, and more for a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s your best bet for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures all in one go.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer 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.

When you’re craving the bold flavors of Italy but want something a bit lighter, Italian Pasta with Salami is the way to go. It’s a fantastic blend of flavors that come together to create a salad that’s as filling as a meal. Perfect for a lunch that’s a cut above your usual fare, it’s also easy to make. Plus, it’s sure to satisfy anyone looking for a flavorful, hearty option.
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.

Bright, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, Red Cabbage Coleslaw is a refreshing take on a classic dish. It’s the perfect addition to any meal, adding a splash of color and a dose of freshness. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats or serving it as a light lunch, it’s a versatile option that’s bound to please. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Waldorf Salad

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

When it’s time to mix things up and try something that’s both tasty and a bit nostalgic, Waldorf Salad is a fantastic choice. Its combination of crunchy apples, celery, and walnuts creates a texture and flavor experience that’s both unique and memorable. It’s a classic dish that’s made its way to the top of the salad charts for good reason. Plus, it’s a refreshing way to enjoy some of your favorite fruits and nuts in one go.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Easy Caprese Salad

Caprese salad in a serving bowl, with tomatoes, oil and balsamic glaze nearby.
Easy Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simplicity never tasted so good with Easy Caprese Salad. This dish celebrates the beauty of fresh ingredients, in a way that’s simply irresistible. It’s a testament to how delicious simple, fresh food can be, making it a perfect choice for a light meal or side dish. Whether you’re enjoying a summer dinner on the patio or looking for a quick and tasty lunch, it’s sure to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese 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.

If you’re looking for something that’s both hearty and gourmet, Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad won’t disappoint. The sweetness of beetroot paired with the saltiness of grilled halloumi makes for a heavenly combination. It’s a visually striking dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or just treat yourself to a fancy lunch, it’s a standout choice.
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.

You can’t go wrong with a classic that packs a punch in terms of both taste and texture. Cobb Salad brings together a medley of ingredients for a truly fulfilling meal. It’s the kind of salad that proves you don’t need to compromise on flavor for the sake of eating well. Whether you’re looking for a fulfilling dinner or a hearty lunch, it’s a go-to option.
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.

Ever wondered if you could enjoy your favorite pizza flavors in a lighter, more refreshing way? Pizza Salad is your answer, blending all the best toppings of a classic pizza with a fresh, leafy green base. It’s a creative and fun dish that’s perfect for those days when you want something a bit lighter without missing out on flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to shake up your salad routine with something a bit more adventurous.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

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