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Kale-ifornia Dreamin’: 17 Salads That’ll Transport You to Leafy Green Paradise

Who says eating greens has to be a chore? With our selection of 17 standout salads, you’re bound to find your next favorite meal. We’re all about keeping things interesting and making sure you never run out of ideas. So, whether you’re cooking for one or planning a meal for friends, let these salads take you to a place where green is the theme and boring doesn’t make the cut.

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for a way to add some excitement to your lunch routine, why not try Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts? It perfectly balances the meaty texture with the crunchiness of nuts and the sweet tartness of fruit, making for a refreshing meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. Every bite offers a new taste sensation, proving that salads can indeed be the main event. Trust this recipe to bring a burst of flavor to your table that’s both unexpected and entirely welcome.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

A plate with Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes.
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Imagine sitting outside on a warm day, enjoying Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes that perfectly captures the essence of summer. The charred sweetness of peaches pairs wonderfully with the fresh burst of tomatoes, creating a dish that feels like sunshine on a plate. It’s a unique combination that challenges the conventional salad blueprint and wins every time. Give this one a go for a meal that’ll remind you of the best parts of summer dining, no matter the season.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

Classic Caprese Salad

A top-down shot of a classic caprese salad in a black dish.
Classic Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Classic Caprese Salad offers a timeless joy with its simple yet sophisticated flavor profile. This dish relies on the fresh, quality ingredients to truly shine, making it a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. It’s perfect for those days when you want something light yet utterly satisfying. Ideal for a quick snack or as a side, it brings a piece of Italy right to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad

Coleslaw

A bowl of coleslaw with vegetables and a fork.
Coleslaw. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Coleslaw has a way of turning any meal into a more festive occasion. It pairs perfectly with everything from barbecue to sandwiches, offering a crunchy, creamy texture that’s hard to resist. This slaw brings a fresh twist to the classic recipe, proving that traditional dishes can always be reinvented. It’s the ultimate side dish that promises to refresh your palate.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

For those hot days when cooking feels like a chore, Cucumber Salad with Feta is here to save the day. It’s crisp, refreshing, and loaded with flavor, offering a perfect balance between the coolness of cucumber and the creamy tang of feta. This salad comes together in minutes, making it an excellent choice for a quick, nutritious side or a light meal on its own. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so good.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Pizza Pasta Salad

A platter of pizza pasta salad served on a white rectangular dish.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Pizza Pasta Salad is the answer for anyone who can’t decide between their two favorite foods. This dish ingeniously combines the flavors of a cheesy slice with the hearty feel of pasta, creating a meal that’s both fun and filling. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any day you’re craving comfort food but still want to keep things on the lighter side. Who knew that salad could be this exciting?
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad is your ticket to a healthy, hearty meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With its rich taste and satisfying texture, it’s proof that salads can be more than just a side dish. This recipe is a breeze to whip up, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend lunches. It’s a surefire way to please everyone at the table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Rotisserie chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad brings a delightful twist to your usual pasta creations. It’s a fantastic way to turn leftover chicken into a meal that feels entirely new and exciting. This salad serves up a generous helping of comfort, proving that you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a meal that’s both wholesome and delicious. If you’re after something that’s as easy as it is flavorful, this is the pick for you.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Steak & Pasta Salad

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Steak & Pasta Salad is the perfect choice for when you’re craving something hearty but still want to keep things light. This dish marries the succulence of steak with the cozy comfort of pasta, all while keeping the freshness of a salad. It’s a bold take on traditional salad fare, offering a satisfying meal that caters to all tastes. Plus, it’s a great way to make a special dinner feel a bit more laid-back.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black dish.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Salmon Pasta Salad is all about bringing the best of the sea to your salad bowl. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it stands as a testament to the power of combining simple ingredients for an extraordinary result. This dish is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy something both nutritious and indulgent. It’s a meal that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pesto Orzo Salad tastes like a fresh breath of Italian countryside, packed into one vibrant dish. It’s light, full of flavor, and incredibly versatile, making it the perfect addition to any meal or capable of standing on its own. The pesto brings a luscious, herbaceous quality that pairs beautifully with orzo’s delicate texture. It’s a sure hit for anyone looking to bring some new flavors into their salad repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes is a powerhouse when it comes to nutrition and flavor. It’s a hearty choice for those days when a simple salad just won’t cut it, offering something that fills you up and satisfies your cravings for something savory and substantive. This dish is a fantastic way to introduce new grains into your diet without sacrificing taste. It makes for a perfect lunch that’ll keep you energized throughout the day.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

A bowl of yellow bean and potato salad.
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Yellow Bean & Potato Salad is the perfect sidekick for any summer meal, offering a delightful mix of textures and tastes that complement each other perfectly. It’s a refreshing take on traditional potato salad, bringing more color and crunch to the table. This recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to spruce up their meal with something a little different. It’s proof that the classics can always be made new again.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad is a bold reinterpretation of a classic, incorporating the vibrant flavors typical of Tex-Mex cuisine. This salad is far from ordinary, offering a spicy twist that’ll keep you coming back for more. It’s ideal for anyone looking to shake up their salad game and add some extra excitement to their meals. If you’re in the mood for something with a bit of a kick, this is the salad for you.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Herbed potato salad on a white platter.
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic brings a burst of fresh flavors to a beloved classic. This version places a heavier emphasis on herbs and green garlic, enhancing the natural taste of the potatoes. It’s a refreshing approach to potato salad that’s as at home at a summer picnic as it is at a cozy winter gathering. Choosing this dish means enjoying a timeless favorite that’s been given a fresh, flavorful twist.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Chinese Chicken Salad is here to revolutionize your lunchtime routine with its wonderful blend of textures and flavors. This dish strikes an excellent balance between sweet, savory, and crunchy elements, creating a meal that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is wholesome. It’s a lively choice that brings something a little different to the table, perfect for anyone looking to break free from the salad status quo. This salad is your ticket to a meal that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp combines the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean with the delicate texture of orzo and the succulence of shrimp. It’s a refreshing, light dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple side or a stand-alone meal, this salad has got you covered. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

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