Not all salads are the sad, wilted side dish everyone avoids—these 17 prove they can actually be worth getting excited about. Some are crisp, some are hearty, and a few might even make you forget you ever doubted a salad in the first place. These are the kind that don’t just sit on the table looking pretty while everyone reaches for something else.
Sunshine Salad
If you’re on the hunt for something that feels like fun in a bowl, then look no further. Everyone’s talking about it because it just screams freshness. After trying Sunshine Salad, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it a staple in your meal rotation sooner. It brings a bright kick to your lunch or dinner table and just has a way of turning even the gloomiest day around.
Get the Recipe: Sunshine Salad
Ambrosia Salad
Remember those family gatherings where there was always that one dish everyone couldn’t stop dipping into? Well, Ambrosia Salad is a bit of nostalgia mixed with a whole lot of yum. It’s creamy, it’s fruity, and it somehow balances being both indulgent and light. Every spoonful takes you back to simpler times, yet it’s got this kick that feels entirely new.
Get the Recipe: Ambrosia Salad
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
This Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp defies all those notions with its bold tastes and satisfying mix. It’s the kind of dish that promises a little adventure right from the first bite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday lunch, it’s unexpectedly filling yet leaves you feeling light. It’s a celebration of flavors that makes regular appearances at dining tables once discovered.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Pizza Pasta Salad
Turns out, Pizza Pasta Salad is all the proof you need that dreams do come true. It’s a funky twist on traditional pasta salad that brings all your favorite pizza toppings into a bowl. Ideal for picnics or potlucks, where it steals the show with its bold, familiar tastes. It’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and it’s always a conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Southern Ham Salad
Sometimes, comfort food comes in the form of a salad. Take Southern Ham Salad, for example; it’s got all the homeliness of a southern kitchen packed into one dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that goes great on crackers or sandwiches, makin it versatile too. With a blend of flavors that are both hearty and refreshing, it’s a classic that never fails to impress.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Chinese Chicken Salad
Looking for something that packs a punch with every forkful? Chinese Chicken Salad is where it’s at. It has this incredible mix of crunchy, sweet, and tasty that keeps you coming back for more. It’s the perfect mid-week pick-me-up that doesn’t weigh you down. Plus, it’s just as colorful as it is delicious, brightening up any meal time.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
When you want something that feels as breezy and light as a quick trip to the seaside, Mediterranean Tuna Salad has got you covered. It’s refreshing, filled with simple yet bold flavors that sing together beautifully. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for a healthy lunch that doesn’t skimp on taste. Perfect for meal prep or spontaneous get-togethers, it’s always a welcome addition.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Wild Rice Salad
There’s something undeniably hearty about a Wild Rice Salad. It’s a beautiful blend of textures and tastes that fill you up in the most gratifying way. It’s robust enough to stand as a meal on its own or as a fantastic side. Ideal for those days when you craving something different yet familiar. It’s a staple for outdoor gatherings or just a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad
Coronation Chicken Salad
If you’ve got a thing for royal flavors, then Coronation Chicken Salad will crown your dinner table with its majestic taste. It’s a dish with a rich history, combining unique elements for a regal dining experience. Perfect for making any meal feel a bit more special. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up but tastes like you’ve slaved away for hours. A definite must-try for when you want to impress.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
This is the kind of dish that balances being light and indulgent beautifully. For those days when you’re craving something hearty yet healthy, Easy Salmon Pasta Salad crosses the finish line first. It’s quick to make, filling, and packs a nutritional punch. Great for a nutritious dinner that doesn’t leave you feeling over-stuffed. And the best part? It’s so tasty you forget it’s actually good for you.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Greek Salad
Have you ever wanted a burst of Mediterranean flavor without hopping on a plane? Greek Salad answers that call with its crisp, fresh, and tangy profile. It’s a no-fuss dish that brings a piece of Greece to your table. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side that complements just about anything. It’s vibrant, it’s refreshing, and it has a way of making every bite feel like a mini vacation.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Welcome the freshness of the season right onto your plate with Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. It’s as green and vibrant as the name suggests, offering a delicious mix of flavors and textures. Ideal for those who love their meals bursting with freshness. Great as a side or a main, especially when you want something light yet fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl
Craving fast food but want to keep it healthy? Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl has got your back. It replicates your favorite flavors in a fresher, more wholesome way. It’s surprisingly easy to put together, making it perfect for a quick, gratifying meal. Whether it’s dinner or lunch, this bowl brings the fun and taste without the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl
Egg Salad
There’s reason classics stick around, and a good Egg Salad is one of them. It’s straightforward, delicious, and versatile, perfect for sandwiches or to enjoy on its own. It’s the go-to dish when you’re looking for something comforting and quick. Whether you’re packing a picnic or whipping up a lunch, it’s a reliable favorite that never disappoints. It proves that sometimes simple is just the best.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad
Mediterranean Chopped Salad
When you’re in the mood for something that feels both light and hearty, Mediterranean Chopped Salad strikes the perfect balance. It’s packed with a variety of textures and flavors that meld together wonderfully. It’s the sort of salad that looks as good as it tastes, making it a feast for the eyes as well. Perfect for those who love a bit of everything. It’s a vibrant addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Horiatiki Salad
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the simplicity and bold flavors of Horiatiki Salad. This dish is a testament to how minimal ingredients can produce a powerful impact on the palate. It’s beloved for its authenticity and its ability to transport you straight to a Greek village. Ideal for a refreshing side or a light meal on its own. It’s a slice of the Mediterranean life, no travel required.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Who says salads have to be cold? Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad brings warmth and heartiness to the table. It’s the kind of salad that stands out with its smokey flavors and fulfilling ingredients. Great for those who enjoy a bit more texture and depth in their meals. Whether it’s part of a BBQ spread or a standalone dish, it’s sure to grab attention.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad