Salads don’t have to be the sad, soggy bowl you drown in ranch just to get through. There’s a whole world of options that actually make you want to eat your greens—without masking them in a heavy dressing. These salads are packed with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and some unexpected twists that make them way more fun than your average leafy situation.
Burger Bowls
Think of this as your burger fix in salad form. It’s got all the classic burger toppings, complete with a homemade special sauce. A great way to enjoy the flavor without the bun.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls
Feta Beet Salad
Beets, feta, and pistachios make this salad easy and impressive. Toss it in a lemon olive oil dressing, and you’ve got a great side or light meal. No ranch needed here!
Get the Recipe: Feta Beet Salad
Asian Turkey Burger Salad
All the flavor of a Thai dish but with turkey burgers. The creamy peanut dressing is the star, and the whole thing comes together quickly for a light, healthy meal.
Get the Recipe: Asian Turkey Burger Salad
Blueberry White Bean Salad
White beans, fresh blueberries, and pickled red onions meet a creamy tahini turmeric dressing. It’s crunchy, tangy, and perfect for a fresh, healthy salad that’s anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry White Bean Salad
Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad
Chickpeas, feta, and raisins come together with a yogurt tahini dressing for a fresh salad that’s easy to make for any summer gathering. Great side dish for when you want something fresh but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad
Mango Black Bean Salad
This mango and black bean salad is super quick to throw together. It’s refreshing, packed with protein, and the kind of lunch that doesn’t need any heavy dressings to keep it interesting.
Get the Recipe: Mango Black Bean Salad
Mango Wild Rice Salad
Spicy, sweet, and crunchy, this wild rice salad brings together cilantro, mango, cabbage, and pickled jalapeños for a bold dish. It’s great for a filling lunch or side.
Get the Recipe: Mango Wild Rice Salad
Shrimp Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad with a kick! This version uses shrimp and adds a little sriracha to the dressing for some heat. Simple, light, and perfect when you’re in the mood for something quick.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Caesar Salad
Pad Thai Salad
A vegetarian take on Pad Thai that’s just as great as the original. You can meal prep it for the week, and if you’re not feeling the egg, just leave it out.
Get the Recipe: Pad Thai Salad
Spicy Thai Carrot & Kale Salad
Kale and carrots get tossed in a creamy sriracha peanut dressing for a salad that’s perfect for anyone craving those takeout flavors without the takeout price.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Thai Carrot & Kale Salad
Strawberry Avocado Honey Lime Salad
Strawberries, avocado, and a honey lime dressing make salad more fun than you’d expect. Perfect when you want a sweet and tangy salad that actually feels fresh.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Avocado Honey Lime Salad
Thai Kohlrabi Noodle Salad
Kohlrabi noodles paired with crunchy veggies and a Thai-inspired vinaigrette make this salad colorful, fresh, and full of flavor. A great choice for anyone bored with the same old greens.
Get the Recipe: Thai Kohlrabi Noodle Salad
Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad
Rotisserie chicken, fresh herbs, and citrus come together in this salad that’s anything but basic. The orange dijon dressing adds a punch, making this a great light meal or side.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad
Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad
Apples, pomegranates, chicken, and Brussels sprouts come together in a honey mustard dressing. Easy, quick, and perfect for any fall lunch.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad
Broccoli Raisin Salad
Broccoli, bacon, raisins, and pumpkin seeds all come together in a light Dijon dressing. It’s a perfect cookout side that tastes way better than any store-bought broccoli salad.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Raisin Salad