50+ Non Boring Salad Recipes

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Say goodbye to boring salads and hello to fun and tasty Salad Recipes! Whether you prefer a protein-packed salad with chicken or vegetarian/vegan options, this collection of over 50 salad recipes has you covered for on-the-go lunches and salad recipes for dinner! Check out my favorite salad ideas for inspiration!

Table of Contents

1. Tips for making the best salads
2. Favorite gadgets for making salads
3. The best salad recipes
4. Vegetarian salad recipes
5. Vegan salad recipes
6. Frequently asked questions
7. full list of recipes

It’s so easy to personalize salad recipes with fruit, your favorite veggies, homemade dressings, and toppings for a one-of-a-kind and refreshing meal you’ll actually crave! Below you’ll find an array of juicy chicken salads, hearty vegan salads loaded with different flavors and textures, some classic salad recipes, and everything in between!

Tips for making the best salads

1. Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Vegetables past their best are great for stews and stir-fries. But when it comes to a salad… vegetables take center stage and need to be at their best!
2. Dry your veggies. Water on the salad leaves will dilute the dressing and the flavor, plus wet ingredients do not allow the dressing to cling properly. You can use a salad spinner to help remove any extra moisture.
3. Dress heartier salads ahead of time. Salads that use grains like couscous or barley are best mixed with the dressing ahead of time. This way, the grains can absorb the dressing over an hour or so.
4. Dress more delicate salads just before you serve them. It’s great to give your guests some dressing on the side, but that can often end up pooling in one spot. If you toss your salad just before plating up portions, it will be evenly coated and much more satisfying!
5. Deseed watery vegetables. Tomatoes and cucumbers are great base ingredients, but they can make a salad soggy! To remove the seeds, use a paring knife, cut the vegetable in quarters, and scoop out the seeds.
6. Have fun and Spiralize! Spiralizers make ‘noodles’ from vegetables like zucchini, beets, and carrots. Spiralized veggies make for a more interesting salad that even your kids will love.
7. Sprinkle salt and massage tough greens. This tip helps turn collards, kale, and cabbage into tender yet still flavorful veggies. Seasoning your greens is always a great way to add more flavor.

Favorite gadgets for making salads

I’ve compiled a list of my favorite gadgets and tools that I find so useful for making salads easier. Find even more ideas with my Idea lists on Amazon!

• Vegetable Spiralizer and Slicer
• Salad Spinner
• Vegetable Peeler
• Mandoline
• Vegetable Chopper
• Citrus Peeler
• Wooden Salad Bowl

The best salad recipes

Make sure to have these salad recipes ready for any occasion! Whether it’s a barbecue, family dinner, or a quick meal, this ultimate salad recipe list is perfect to have on hand.

Most popular Feel Good Foodie salads

1. Creamy Cucumber Salad – Light, refreshing, and oh-so-creamy! Tangy sour cream, a splash of red wine vinegar, fresh dill, garlic, and red onions make this cucumber salad irresistible.
2. Tabbouleh Salad – A traditional Lebanese salad where parsley is the star of the show, made with bulgur and tomatoes, and served on crisp romaine lettuce leaves.
3. Fattoush Salad –  It’s a fresh and bright salad made with seasonal vegetables and topped with the iconic fried pita bread – perfect for serving with chicken tawook or beef kafta.
4. Healthy Tuna Salad – Light, satisfying, and delicious, this healthy tuna salad swaps mayo for Greek yogurt, adding crunchy celery. Enjoy it alone, with greens, or in a sandwich for a nourishing meal.
5. Chopped Green Goddess Salad -What sets this version apart from the traditional Green Goddess Salad is its creamy dressing that perfectly coats the ingredients. Check out my Live with Kelly and Ryan video making this VIRAL recipe!
6. Mediterranean Chopped Salad – Packed with fresh veggies, chickpeas, feta cheese, and olives, this salad is a perfect choice for serving a large group. Tossed in a tangy lemony herb dressing, it delivers a burst of Mediterranean flavors

Classic salad recipes

Don’t be fooled by their name, classic salads are anything but boring! Made with fresh ingredients and delicious dressings, they are bursting with delicious, timeless flavors.

• Fresh Garden Salad –  This romaine salad recipes is a delicious combination of crunchy fresh vegetables and lettuce tossed in a light, zesty citrus vinaigrette dressing – and completely customizable.
• Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese – Delicious, fresh, and so simple to make, you really can’t go wrong with a classic iceberg lettuce wedge salad. Topped with crumbled blue cheese and creamy dressing, it’s perfect as a starter or side dish!
• Greek Salad – Crafted with a handful of vibrant, fresh ingredients, this easy Greek salad takes less than 10 minutes to make. Topped with feta, it can be prepared ahead of time for added convenience.
• Nicoise Salad – The perfect fusion of fresh veggies, eggs, olives, and a zesty onion vinaigrette, it’s perfect for a light meal and on-the-go lunch!
• Cobb Salad Jars – This vegetarian cobb salad is protein-rich and perfect for lunchtime meal prep. This salad recipe makes 4 jars for a conveniently packed school or lunch in a reusable container.
• Classic Caesar Salad –  Quick and easy to make and finished with a creamy homemade dressing and crunchy croutons, this easy salad recipe is great to have in your repertoire!
• Waldorf Salad with Grapes -This version of a classic swaps out mayo for yogurt! Tender chicken, tart apples, crunchy celery, and toasty walnuts come together in a tangy yogurt-based dressing – flavor and texture in every bite!

Salads with chicken or seafood

Packed with protein and fresh veggies, these delicious salads are filled with flavor. From crisp lettuce-based salads to bound salads like tuna and chicken, these are heavy hitters that’ll satisfy anyone’s hunger!

• Shrimp Avocado Salad – This light and fresh shrimp salad is perfect for summer (or anytime) and is high in protein, healthy fats, and loaded with nutrients.
• Shrimp Caesar Salad –  Adding cooked shrimp on top of a bed of lettuce creates a fast and simple lunch or dinner that is loaded with protein and flavor.
• Mediterranean Chicken Salad – Fresh, delicious, and perfect for a warm-weather meal, this grilled Mediterranean chicken salad is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. 
• Asian Chicken Salad – This flavorful, protein-packed Chinese-inspired salad combines crisp veggies and tender chicken and tosses it with a savory peanut dressing and crunchy chow mein noodles. It’s light, healthy, and bursting with flavor!
• Fried Chicken Parmesan Salad – Air fry a breadcrumb-coated chicken breast and serve it over fresh greens with a tasty vinaigrette for an easy salad recipe for dinner.
• Yogurt Chicken Salad – Made with apples and celery, this chicken salad is perfectly served in a lettuce cup for a low-carb option, or you can try it over a bed of romaine or as a sandwich.
• Avocado Chicken salad – Adding avocado adds a creaminess to this salad recipe with chicken and is such a tasty light lunch full of goodness.
• Buffalo Chicken Salad – Spice up your chicken salad with buffalo sauce and serve over small wedges of iceberg lettuce. It’s a fun, bite-sized appetizer that’s a great addition to any party, especially game day!
• Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad – This is a fun twist on the classic romaine salad recipe that combines crisp lettuce with pasta, croutons, chicken, and a deliciously light Caesar dressing.

Vegetarian salad recipes

Healthy, meat-free, delicious, and super satisfying! Vegetarian salad recipes have so many fun ingredients and unique combinations, from a mock “tuna” salad made from chickpeas to a hearty and warm salad made with sweet potatoes and kale.

• Harvest Salad – Full of color, textures, and tastes, you’ll never find eating a salad boring again! It’s tossed in the most delicious and nutty tahini dressing for a warm and satisfying dish.
• Chickpea ‘Tuna’ Salad – This vegetarian salad recipe is made with healthy ingredients like Greek yogurt, fresh vegetables and herbs, and chickpeas. It’s a quick lunch and a delicious change from a traditional fish or chicken salad.
• Roasted Beet Salad – Big flavors unite in this light and delightful roasted beet salad. The earthy flavor of beets mingles well with the amazing nutty flavor of arugula. 
• Brussel Sprout Caesar Salad – Swap out the romaine lettuce for shredded Brussel sprouts for a crunchy, fun variation on a classic.
• Crispy Feta Crouton Salad – Cubes of feta are coated with seasoned breadcrumbs and air fried to perfection before being paired with a light and refreshing green salad with cherry tomatoes.
• Pesto Zoodles – Grab your spiralizer and make this unique salad recipe that turns a simple zucchini into long spaghetti-like strands. Then toss in a delicious walnut basil pesto with extra parmesan and blistered tomatoes to serve as a cold salad.
• Zucchini Salad – Ribbons of zucchini are tossed with walnuts, parmesan, and a sweet and tangy red wine vinaigrette. Quick and easy to prep, it’s bursting with fresh flavors.
• Brussel Sprout Sweet Potato Salad – A veggie-loaded nutritious salad that can be served cold or hot, this is the perfect side for so many dishes, especially during the fall!
• Avocado Caprese Salad – A quick and tasty twist on the classic. It’s light, refreshing, and creamy, with a hint of Italian flavors. In just 10 minutes, you can enjoy this delicious salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze.

Vegan salad recipes

Vegan salad recipes make a delicious addition to any plant-based menu. These easy recipes use a rainbow of veggies and flavorful dressings. You can always add some extra protein by adding some crispy tofu bites, lentils, or roasted chickpeas.

• Mexican Chopped Salad – Packed with authentic Mexican flavors and topped with a creamy cilantro yogurt dressing, this is the salad you’re looking for when craving Mexican food but want something with low calories!
• Avocado Blueberry Salad – This vegan salad recipe is perfect for summertime with fresh and flavorful ingredients. The salad is made on a bed of arugula and quinoa and is easy to assemble. It’s a bright and delicious addition to any meal.
• Corn Tomato Avocado Salad – Looking for a delicious and refreshing summer salad? This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for warm weather and will help you use up any leftover grilled corn and tomatoes you have. Give it a try!
• Tahini Salad – Tahini salad is a Middle Eastern-inspired dish made with fresh veggies, herbs, and a creamy tahini dressing. Easy, nutritious, and so good!
• Tomato Avocado Cucumber Salad – This vegan salad recipe only needs 4 ingredients and comes with a delicious dill and lemon dressing. It’s an excellent choice for an avocado salad.
• Shirazi Salad – This quick and easy Mediterranean salad is fresh, delicious, and made with simple ingredients. It takes just minutes to prepare, making it a popular choice as a versatile side dish for various meals.
• Lebanese Cabbage Salad – This simple Lebanese cabbage salad is super quick and easy to make and is so vibrant and fresh. Dressed in a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing, it’s a perfect side to accompany all of your favorite summer mains.
• Turmeric Rice Salad – This Mediterranean-inspired salad that’s a great way to bulk up a salad or use leftover rice – easily customizable and ready in minutes!

Hearty grain Salads

Grain-based salads with fresh greens and veggies are hearty, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. Combining wholesome grains, crisp vegetables, and leafy greens, these salads offer a satisfying and balanced meal option that is both nourishing and delicious.

• Bulgur Chickpea Salad – Quick and easy to make, with no cooking involved, this vegan bulgur and chickpea salad is healthy and hearty. Serve as a side dish or in larger portions for a filling lunch.
• Southwest Quinoa Salad – Loaded with fresh and healthy ingredients, this gluten-free quinoa salad is perfect for dinner and so delicious. Made with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and avocado, it’s fresh, zingy, and flavorful.
• Apple Walnut Salad – Serve up this hearty quinoa salad with spinach and apples for a dinner that’s packed with flavor, texture, color, and nutrition.
• Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad – This is a low-carb alternative to a traditional tabbouleh salad recipe that uses cauliflower rice instead of bulgur.
• Kale Tabbouleh Salad – Another modern twist on an authentic recipe that uses more lettuce for a heartier salad.
• Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad – This hearty kale salad combines amazing flavors, such as roasted squash, pomegranate, feta cheese, and quinoa. So satisfying and is a delicious salad recipe for dinner!
• Kale and Farro Salad – Tangy goat cheese, juicy tomatoes, fresh kale, and lemon dressing combine for the perfect warm or cold Farro salad!

Salad recipes with fruit

These salad recipes offer a delightful blend of fresh vegetables and colorful fruits that are visually appealing and rich in nutrients. They are an excellent choice for a healthy meal. For a refreshing and fun addition to your menu, I’ve included salad recipes made with fruit and tossed in bright dressings.

• Spinach Strawberry Salad – The natural sweetness of juicy strawberries paired with crisp baby spinach, crunchy almonds, salty feta is so good – and the basil vinaigrette takes it over the top!
• Peach Salad – I love a good spinach salad and this one is paired with juicy sliced peaches, creamy avocado, feta, and pecans for the ultimate salad recipe with fruit.
• Strawberry Caprese Salad – This refreshing summer salad is bursting with fresh flavors. Easy to make, this sweeter version of caprese is vibrant and fun to try!
• Beet Orange Salad – Enjoy a light and flavorful salad recipe by combining earthy beets with fresh and juicy oranges for a perfectly balanced taste.
• Strawberry Arugula Salad – This vibrant and fun recipe is a delicious salad with fruit that also incorporates the strawberries into the dressing giving it a beautiful pink color.
• Kale Pear Salad with Candied Walnuts – This kale and pear salad is topped with dried cranberries, candied walnuts, and tangy blue cheese.
• Watermelon Cucumber Salad – The texture and natural sweetness of the watermelon pairs perfectly with the crisp cucumbers and creamy feta. Plus the balsamic vinegar and honey is a delightful pairing.
• Avocado Mango Salad – This savory mango salad combines the flavors of cumin, chili powder, and honey. You can serve it for lunch or pair with a main like fish tacos or air fried salmon.
• Watermelon Feta Salad – The ultimate combination of sweet and salty! The honey lime dressing is coated over the juicy watermelon with crumbled feta and fresh mint.

Frequently asked questions

This list of 50 salad recipes is full of vibrant flavors, wholesome ingredients, and endless creativity. Whether you prefer refreshing green salads or hearty grain bowls, there is a salad recipe for every occasion and preference, including options for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. I hope these salad recipes inspire you to make even more delicious meals for you and your family!

full list of recipes

Check out the picture cards for all the recipes listed above. You can click on any of the recipes cards to take you directly to those recipes.

For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Recipes with a Can of Chickpeas, Easy Pantry Meals, Recipes with Vegetable Broth, Healthy Recipes with Canned Beans.

If you try any of these Non Boring Salad recipes or have more suggestions, I’d love to hear from you! And if you snapped some shots, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories!