Forget the stereotype of leafy plates that barely make a dent in your appetite. These 19 salads break the mold, leaving behind the days of eating something “light” only to snack your way through the pantry after. Built with more heft than you’d expect, every bite delivers the kind of energy that keeps the day moving.

A white bowl filled Hawaiian with macaroni salad with a spoon inside. — The Best Hawaiian Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Egg Salad

In Egg Salad, the simple pairing of hard-boiled eggs with a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing creates a flavorful dish that’s both protein-packed and versatile. Chopped celery adds a pleasant texture, while a hint of mustard provides a subtle tang. This dish is easy to prepare and works well on its own, in sandwiches, or as part of a more elaborate meal. Perfect for those who enjoy a quick, enjoyable option without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad

Classic Caprese Salad

Combining ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, Classic Caprese Salad is a timeless dish that pairs fresh ingredients in a way that feels effortless. A drizzle of balsamic glaze complements the sweetness of the tomatoes while adding depth. Olive oil adds richness, tying all the components together beautifully. It’s a minimalistic yet bold option for those looking for a fresh, balanced combination.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan

Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan on a white platter. — Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Balanced between earthy and bright flavors, Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan highlights tender asparagus tossed with a vibrant lemon vinaigrette. Shaved Parmesan adds hints of nuttiness without overpowering the freshness of the dish. A sprinkle of black pepper rounds off each bite, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients. This salad is an ideal side dish or light standalone option for those craving simplicity with a touch of elegance.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan

Southern Ham Salad

Bringing together diced ham and a creamy, tangy dressing, Southern Ham Salad is both hearty and comforting. The addition of finely chopped pickles adds a pop of acidity that cuts through the richness, creating a balanced mix. Spread it on crackers, sandwiches, or serve alongside sliced vegetables to make it adaptable for any occasion. It’s the perfect way to use leftover ham while creating a dish that feels well-rounded and full of character.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

By combining flaky tuna, chopped olives, capers, and fresh vegetables, Mediterranean Tuna Salad brings a distinctively bold, briny flavor. The addition of olive oil and lemon juice complements the tuna while keeping the dish light. Filling enough to enjoy as a main, it also pairs well with pita bread or on a simple bed of greens. With its well-balanced flavors, it’s a nutritious and fulfilling option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon. — Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tender cuts of beef and al dente pasta are the heart of Steak & Pasta Salad, blending hearty with fresh elements like cherry tomatoes and crisp greens. The dressing, often vinaigrette-based, ties everything together with a hint of tang. Its combination of protein and carbs makes it filling enough for a main course, while the fresh vegetables provide balance. This dish offers the perfect intersection of bold flavors and refreshing textures.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

In Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes, the natural sweetness of caramelized peaches pairs perfectly with the acidity of ripe tomatoes. Tossed together with mixed greens, a light vinaigrette enhances the fruitiness while balancing the vibrant flavors. Creamy goat cheese or feta may optionally add a rich element to the salad. It provides a unique, layered combination that feels fresh and exciting while still being easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

Farmhouse Veggie Salad with Feta

Combining seasonal vegetables with the creamy texture of feta, Farmhouse Veggie Salad with Feta is vibrant yet grounded. Crunchy cucumbers, sweet peppers, and earthy radishes are tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. The feta offers a subtle creaminess that balances the crisp vegetables perfectly. It’s a dish that works equally well as a main or an enjoyable side option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Farmhouse Veggie Salad with Feta

Chinese Chicken Salad

Shredded chicken meets crunchy elements like cabbage, shredded carrots, and crispy wonton strips in Chinese Chicken Salad, transforming simple ingredients into a bold, flavorful salad. Tossed in a sesame or soy-ginger dressing, the dish has a well-rounded appeal. A sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds adds freshness and texture to every bite. It’s a complete, texture-rich meal that brings a lot to the table.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A black bowl filled with tabbouleh salad with smoked tomatoes. — Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Mixing parsley, bulgur, tangy dressing, and smoked tomatoes, Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes reinvents a traditional favorite with a smoky twist. The bulgur adds an earthy base, while the herbs and vegetables provide brightness. Smoked tomatoes boost the depth of flavor without overpowering the fresh ingredients. This dish pairs well with a variety of mains but stands on its own as a refreshing choice.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Cucumber and Onion Salad

A bowl of cucumber salad with red onions and fresh dill, placed on a wooden plate with a fork, surrounded by ingredients on a marble surface. — Cucumber and Onion Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Thinly sliced cucumbers and onions are combined in Cucumber and Onion Salad, a cooling dish with a simplistic yet flavorful balance. Often dressed in a vinegar and sugar-based dressing, it’s tangy yet refreshing. Black pepper or fresh herbs add subtle layers of flavor without overcomplicating the dish. It’s an excellent side for larger entrees or a quick option when time is limited.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber and Onion Salad

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

With couscous as the foundation, Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes brings together fresh vegetables, fresh herbs, and smoky-sweet tomatoes. The olive oil and lemon juice dressing keeps the salad light while enhancing its overall texture and taste. Each bite offers a mix of fluffiness, tang, and smokiness, creating a dish that’s both a feast for the eyes and the palate. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or as part of a larger spread.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Avocado Egg Salad

In Avocado Egg Salad, mashed avocados replace mayonnaise, creating a creamy dish that feels wholesome. Hard-boiled eggs add richness and depth without overwhelming the simplicity of the salad. A touch of seasoning, like lemon juice and black pepper, brightens everything and keeps the flavors balanced. It’s a nutrient-packed standout perfect for mornings, sandwiches, or as a quick side.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl. — Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Featuring crisp cucumbers tossed with olive oil and crumbled cheese, Cucumber Salad with Feta takes minimal ingredients and makes them sing. A sprinkle of dill or oregano adds freshness that highlights the textures of the main components. Light but fulfilling, it pairs well as an accompaniment to larger dishes. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, it offers a balanced mix of creaminess and crunch.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger Dressing

A bowl of Asian-inspired noodle salad with vegetables, garnished with cilantro, chopsticks on top, and ingredients like lime, peanuts, and fresh herbs nearby. — Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger Dressing. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Tossed noodles with shredded vegetables, dressed with a bold ginger-based sauce, define Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger Dressing. The thin noodles are light yet filling, soaking in the rich dressing that balances sweet, sour, and spicy elements. Crunchy garnishes like peanuts or sesame seeds round out the textures in every serving. A perfect meal for those who appreciate vibrant, multi-layered flavors in one bowl.
Get the Recipe: Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger Dressing

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Grilled to perfection, tender asparagus meets roasted potatoes in Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad, a dish that balances warm, hearty ingredients with refreshing contrasts. Tossed with a simple vinaigrette or citrus-forward dressing, the dish is easy to adapt. Cherry tomatoes, herbs, or even a touch of cheese can round out the flavors. It feels versatile enough for casual meals but unique enough to stand on its own.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Authentic Panzanella Salad

A white bowl filled with panzanella salad, featuring bread cubes, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and sliced red onions on a white surface. — Authentic Panzanella Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Toasted bread cubes soaked in a light vinaigrette serve as the base for Authentic Panzanella Salad, where ripe tomatoes and fresh basil shine. The olive oil and vinegar dressing ties all the components together in a refreshing, ingredient-forward way. A touch of red onion adds bite while keeping the overall taste balanced. It’s a simple and rustic choice that highlights the best of straightforward, high-quality components.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Panzanella Salad

Pizza Pasta Salad

Inspired by classic pizza flavors, Pizza Pasta Salad combines pasta with olives, tomatoes, pepperoni, and mozzarella, tossed in an herby Italian dressing. The bold ingredients pack flavor into every bite, while the pasta keeps the salad hearty. It’s an ideal way to bring together familiar, easy-to-love tastes with a convenient approach. Whether served warm or cooled, it’s perfect for those who love functional yet flavorful dishes.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Crunchy Green Bean Salad

A spoon pours dressing over a salad with green beans, feta cheese, red onion, almonds, and walnuts in a white bowl on a checkered cloth. Salt, pepper, and parmesan are in the background. — Crunchy Green Bean Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Blanched green beans tossed with almonds or seeds create a great balance in Crunchy Green Bean Salad, where texture is the highlight. Many variations include a light, tangy dressing that enhances the natural flavors. The crunch from the beans and nuts creates a wholesome and filling sensation without complexity. It’s an easy-to-enjoy option with plenty of creative ways to make it your own.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Green Bean Salad