Salads are far more versatile than just a side dish. They can be hearty main courses, satisfying lunches, or vibrant additions to any meal. We’ve rounded up 14 of our favorite easy salad recipes that bring together fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and satisfying textures, all without requiring hours in the kitchen. Get ready to discover your new go-to salad!
1. Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad
You will love the creamy mayonnaise dressing spiked with Old Bay seasoning and bright lemon juice in this chilled dish. It brings a savory, coastal flavor profile to your table without requiring much effort.
Get the Recipe2. Loaded Beef Taco Salad with Tortilla Strips
Enjoy all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors in a lighter bowl featuring seasoned ground beef and hearty black beans. It offers a satisfying crunch from fresh romaine lettuce without the heavy tortilla shell.
Get the Recipe3. Seared Ahi Tuna Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing
Elevate your lunch with seared rare tuna and colorful vegetable “noodles” for a vibrant, crunchy texture. The sesame ginger dressing ties everything together for a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe4. Sweet and Creamy Amish Macaroni Salad
Experience the classic sweet and tangy combination of whipped dressing, yellow mustard, and vinegar in this creamy side dish. It provides a nostalgic flavor profile that pairs beautifully with any barbecue main.
Get the Recipe5. Crispy Potato and White Bean Salad with Fresh Herbs
Crispy roasted red potatoes meet creamy white beans in this hearty, texture-rich dish. You get a savory garlic punch in every bite, making it substantial enough to serve as a main course.
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Combine the heat of cayenne pepper sauce with cool, creamy ranch seasoning in this bold pasta dish. Crisp slices of celery add a refreshing crunch to balance the spicy kick of the buffalo sauce.
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Sweet roasted beets and tangy goat cheese create a delightful contrast of earthy and creamy flavors. Chopped walnuts add a necessary crunch to this elegant, colorful bed of mixed greens.
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Savory marinated steak pairs with protein-rich quinoa for a filling meal that keeps you satisfied. Drizzle it with the zesty avocado-lime ranch to cut through the richness of the beef and garlic.
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Give the traditional Caesar a spicy makeover with a dressing infused with Sriracha, cumin, and fresh lime juice. You will enjoy the bold fusion of smoky Southwest spices and creamy, garlicky goodness.
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Shredded green and red cabbage provide a satisfying crunch that stands up to the savory, tender chicken thighs. Toss this colorful slaw with the dressing for a fresh meal that doesn’t get soggy quickly.
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Loaded with corn, black beans, and tomatoes, this pasta dish offers a fiesta of textures in every forkful. It is a hearty option that combines tender rotini with zesty Southwest-inspired ingredients.
Get the Recipe12. DIY Salad Bar Board
Create your ultimate bowl by mixing roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and fresh veggies for endless variety. This flexible approach lets you customize textures and flavors to suit exactly what you crave.
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Enjoy all the savory toppings of a supreme slice, including pepperoni and mozzarella, mixed into a cold pasta dish. It features crunchy bell peppers and olives for a fun, kid-friendly lunch option.
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Top fresh greens and succulent shrimp with buttery, garlic-infused homemade croutons for a serious texture upgrade. This recipe adds a lighter seafood twist to the rich, cheesy classic you know.
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