Who says salads need to come pre-packed from a bag? Imagine making your own fresh salads with a mix of whatever greens and veggies catch your eye at the market. When you put together your own salads, you get to experiment with flavors and textures that pre-packaged ones just can’t offer. Plus, you’re doing your bit for the planet by skipping all that plastic packaging. These 15 salads that didn’t come from a bag not only taste better, but they also let you get creative with your meals.
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
This dish is all about celebrating those peak summer flavors. You might not have thought to grill peaches, but let me tell you, it’s a game changer. In the mix, we have the Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes, which is a unique fusion of sweetness and richness. It’s the kind of salad that makes you want to eat outside, soaking up the sun. And it’s refreshingly light, ideal for those days when it’s just too hot for anything heavy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Craving a little bit of spice with your greens? This takes the creamy, familiar base we all love and kicks it up a notch with some bold Southwestern flavors. The Tex-Mex Caesar Salad is as vibrant and lively as it sounds. It’s the perfect way to shake up your salad routine, offering a creamy yet spicy kick in every bite. And it proves that salads can be both healthy and full of flavor, making it a winner in anyone’s book.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Classic Caprese Salad
If you’re looking for something light and fresh, you’ve hit the jackpot. It’s like bringing a piece of Italian summer to your dining table, no matter the season. Now, talking about the Classic Caprese Salad, it’s simplicity at its finest. It’s all about quality here, making sure every bite is as satisfying as it is beautiful. And when you drizzle that olive oil and balsamic over the top, it ties everything together in a way that just works.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad
Coleslaw
Ever need that perfect side dish that just complements everything? Well, here it is, making every meal from BBQs to sandwiches more exciting. Coleslaw is one of those classic dishes that’s incredibly easy to customize to your taste, bringing that crunchy, tangy goodness to your plate. It’s remarkable how it transforms with a simple dressing, making the shredded cabbage and carrots a star combo. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up, adding a refreshing crunch with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw
Pizza Pasta Salad
Who says you can’t have your pizza and salad at the same time? It’s like the ultimate party dish, satisfying those pizza cravings in a totally new way. The Pizza Pasta Salad brings together all those beloved toppings in one easy-to-share dish. It’s got everything you love about pizza but with a fun, picnic-friendly twist. And let’s be honest, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, making it a hit at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Cucumber Salad with Feta
When the heat’s up and you’re looking for something cool and quick, this is your go-to. It’s got that refreshing crunch that just screams ‘summer’. With the Cucumber Salad with Feta, you’re getting a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. It perfectly balances freshness with that tangy kick, making for a no-fuss option that’s ready in minutes. Consider it a mini escape in the middle of your day, a refreshing break that’s both satisfying and simple.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Looking for a hearty yet healthy option? This dish combines heartiness with a touch of sophistication, without all the fuss. In comes the Easy Salmon invisible hands and vibrant veggies, making it a dream for meal preppers and party throwers alike. It’s got that rich flavor that only salmon can bring but stays light enough to enjoy anytime. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to mix things up and bring something a little different to the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Fancy a little coastal getaway without leaving your kitchen? Here’s a dish that’s as refreshing as a sea breeze and just as enticing. With the Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp, you’re getting a taste of the coast in every bite. It’s light, refreshing, and brimming with flavors that whisk you away to sunny shores. Perfect for those days when you’re after something a little lighter but still packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
Sometimes, you just need a side dish that brings comfort and freshness to the table. It’s a twist on a classic that’s bound to become a new favorite at your next BBQ. This particular Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic is not your average potato salad. It’s loaded with vibrant herbs and a subtle bite from green garlic, setting it apart from its mayo-laden cousins. It’s a refreshing take that promises to upgrade your side dish game.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
Chinese Chicken Salad
In the mood for something that packs a little bit of everything? Here’s a salad that’s a feast for the senses, offering a mix of textures and flavors that’s hard to beat. The Chinese Chicken Salad stands out with its crunchy noodles and tender chicken, all tossed in a flavorful dressing. It’s light, yet filling enough to keep you going through the day. And it always seems to hit the spot, offering a tasty twist on your lunch routine.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Here’s to those meals that feel like a big bowl of comfort while still keeping things light. It packs a punch with protein and flavor, striking that perfect balance between nourishing and satisfying. The Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes is a power-packed option that’s both wholesome and delicious. It’s one of those dishes that fills you up without weighing you down. And it’s great for anyone looking to add more wholesome grains and protein to their diet.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Looking for a hearty side that brings a little something extra to the table? It combines the earthiness of beans with the satisfying bite of potatoes, all wrapped up in a light dressing. The Yellow Bean & Potato Salad is the kind of dish that makes you want to go back for seconds. It’s simple, yet packed with taste, proving that side dishes can truly shine. Plus, it’s a healthy way to get more veggies into your meal, making it a win-win.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Southern Ham Salad
Ever wonder what to do with that leftover ham? Here’s a deliciously smart way to turn it into a new meal that’s both versatile and comforting. The Southern Ham Salad is a homely dish that can be served in countless ways, making it a fantastic option for any occasion. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that really makes the most out of your ingredients. And it’s proof that comfort food can come in all sorts of forms, even as a salad.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Craving something that hits all the right notes of flavor without the guilt? Here’s a dish that’s bursting with freshness, ready to transport you on a Mediterranean adventure. Mediterranean Tuna Salad is all about bringing those vibrant flavors to your meal in a light and satisfying way. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s bursting with tastes and textures that make every bite exciting. And it’s the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly special.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Coronation Chicken Salad
Ever in the mood for something that’s a little bit exotic but totally comforting? This recipe brings a touch of royal extravagance to your everyday meal with its unique flavor combination. The Coronation Chicken Salad is a classy affair that combines unexpected flavors in the best possible way. It’s creamy, slightly spiced, and just a bit sweet, offering a mouthful of flavors that’s both surprising and familiar. And it’s versatile enough to serve as a sandwich filler or a standalone dish.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad