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Home » Salads

The 45 Garden Salad Upgrades That Finally End Boring Greens

Published: Apr 23, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Garden salads don’t have to be boring or bland. With the right mix of ingredients, they can be packed with flavor and texture, turning your greens into something you actually look forward to eating. These recipes bring fresh ideas to the table that are perfect for anyone who’s tired of the same old salad routine. Whether you're a fan of something light and crunchy or want to add more depth to your dish, these upgrades will make you rethink what a salad can be.

A close-up view of Chickpea Chopped Salad on a plate.
Chickpea Chopped Salad. Photo Credit: MOON and spoon and yum

Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon

An overhead image of two bowls of lemon garlic kale salad.
Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Garlic kale salad with toasted pepitas and pecorino delivers strong, nutty flavors. It’s a bold choice for salads that stands up to cooler weather meals.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon

Raw Carrot Salad

An overhead image of raw carrot salad on a plate.
Raw Carrot Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Carrots sliced thin and dressed lightly make for a crisp, fresh salad in just 10 minutes. It’s a bright option that adds color and crunch to any salad selection, especially useful during colder months.
Get the Recipe: Raw Carrot Salad

Classic American Potato Salad

An overhead image of the classic American potato salad in a white serving dish.
Classic American Potato Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy potato salad with eggs comes together easily and works well for gatherings. It’s a hearty salad that pairs comfortably with winter meals and holds up well on a buffet.
Get the Recipe: Classic American Potato Salad

Mexican Fruit Cup

An image of Mexican fruit cup with sliced limes on the side.
Mexican Fruit Cup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A Mexican fruit cup with watermelon, mango, and Tajín comes together quickly and brings a fresh contrast of sweet, tangy, and spicy. It’s a light and easy choice for salads when you want something refreshing with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Fruit Cup

Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Close-up of Grilled Beetroot Goat Cheese Salad in a bowl.
Beet & Goat Cheese Salad. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Roasted beets, goat cheese, and walnuts bring earthy sweetness and rich texture. This salad works well for winter meals, balancing flavor and visual appeal.
Get the Recipe: Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Cauliflower Potato Salad

Cauliflower potato salad garnished with green onions in a bowl with a fork.
Cauliflower Potato Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cauliflower potato salad brings hearty flavors together in a simple preparation. It’s a great side salad when you're after something that feels substantial.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Potato Salad

Lemon Parmesan Chopped Salad

Lemon Parmesan Chopped Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Lemon parmesan chopped salad is crisp and citrusy with a nice crunch. This salad fits easily into a meal where you want something light and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Parmesan Chopped Salad

Chickpea Chopped Salad

Chickpea Chopped Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Chickpea chopped salad mixes crisp vegetables with protein-rich chickpeas for a quick meal. It’s a great salad option when you need something fast, fresh, and filling.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Chopped Salad

Melon Prosciutto Salad

Melon Prosciutto Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Melon and prosciutto combine sweet and salty flavors with bright color. It’s a great way to bring bold contrast and fresh textures into your salad rotation.
Get the Recipe: Melon Prosciutto Salad

Beet Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette

Close up of beet salad on a white platter with two forks on the right side.
Beet Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted beets, arugula, pistachios, and grapefruit come together in a textured, colorful salad. The citrus adds brightness, making this a strong winter salad choice.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette

Roasted Beet Salad

Roasted Beet Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Roasted beets and tangerines create contrast and depth in this bright salad. It’s a fresh way to use winter citrus and root vegetables together.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad

Citrus Salad

Citrus Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Citrus salad combines grapefruit, oranges, mandarins, lettuce, feta, and onions. It’s a bright salad that brings contrast and freshness during colder months.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Salad

Indian Onion Salad

Indian Onion Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Red onion rings tossed in Indian spices and herbs make a tangy and colorful salad. It pairs well with traditional Indian meals and brings a fresh component to the table.
Get the Recipe: Indian Onion Salad

Baby Kale Salad

Baby Kale Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Baby kale salad with tahini dressing, roasted chickpeas, and apples is a fast, plant-based option. It’s a light, all-in-one salad that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Baby Kale Salad

Kale Harvest Salad

An overhead image of kale salad in a large serving bowl.
Kale Harvest Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Kale, carrots, and dates make a colorful salad that comes together in 15 minutes. It’s a great way to use seasonal produce for fall or winter tables.
Get the Recipe: Kale Harvest Salad

Lemony Shaved Asparagus Tomato Salad

Lemony Shaved Asparagus Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Asparagus tomato salad features lemon, parmesan, and basil for a vibrant spring dish. It’s a fresh salad choice that brings brightness to seasonal meals.
Get the Recipe: Lemony Shaved Asparagus Tomato Salad

Easy Caprese Salad

Easy Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Caprese Salad features fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil finished with balsamic glaze. It’s a simple salad that works well as a fresh starter or light side.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Roasted garlic and lemon herb dressing coats smashed potatoes for a rich salad. It’s a flavorful side that takes little effort and works well with heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Broccoli Raisin Salad

Broccoli Raisin Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Broccoli salad brings together crunchy broccoli, raisins, bacon, and seeds for a well-textured side. It’s a versatile salad that works all year but shines during summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Raisin Salad

Russian Korean-Style Kohlrabi Salad

Russian Korean-Style Kohlrabi Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Russian Korean kohlrabi salad features crunchy vegetables in a spiced marinade. This salad brings texture and boldness to your meal lineup, especially if you're looking for something with a bit more kick.
Get the Recipe: Russian Korean-Style Kohlrabi Salad

Honeycrisp Salad

Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Honeycrisp apples and spiced cider vinaigrette create a fresh salad with seasonal depth. It’s a great salad option for pairing with rich holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Cilantro Salad

Cilantro Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Cilantro salad is light and packed with flavor, mixing herbs and citrus in a simple preparation. It’s a great salad for those who want something fresh and easy to pair with many dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Salad

Thai Chicken Salad

Thai chicken salad with arugula, sliced onions, and red chili peppers.
Thai Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Thai Chicken Salad uses marinated chicken and fresh vegetables like arugula and cucumber. It’s a refreshing salad choice that works well as a light main dish.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad

Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

An overhead image of Vegan Caesar Salad with Shaved Brussels Sprouts in wooden bowl.
Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Shaved Brussels sprouts, toasted chickpeas, and a creamy dressing make this Vegan Caesar a go-to for weeknights. It’s a balanced, flavorful salad that works well as a plant-based meal.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Chickpea Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing

Chickpea Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Chickpea kale salad with tahini dressing makes for a refreshing and nutrient-rich dish. This salad works well as a main or side and adds variety to weekly meals.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing

Bay Scallop Baby Kale Corn Salad

Bay Scallop Baby Kale Corn Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bay scallops with corn and granola over kale add texture and a bit of sweetness. This salad stands out for winter meals with a mix of color and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bay Scallop Baby Kale Corn Salad

Heirloom Italian Burrata Caprese Salad

Heirloom Italian Burrata Caprese Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Heirloom burrata caprese salad highlights fresh tomatoes and creamy burrata. It’s a fresh, seasonal salad that works well on summer tables.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Italian Burrata Caprese Salad

Mango Avocado Salad

An overhead image of avocado salad in a serving bowl.
Mango Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mango avocado salad with a lemony vinaigrette is ready in about 15 minutes. This quick and refreshing salad works especially well during the summer months.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad

Avocado Grapefruit Salad

Avocado Grapefruit Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Avocado grapefruit salad features creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements in every bite. A citrus vinaigrette brings it together as a crisp salad for any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Grapefruit Salad

TikTok Green Goddess Salad

TikTok Green Goddess Salad iside wooden bowl with crackers on the side.
TikTok Green Goddess Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Green Goddess Salad features crisp greens and a creamy dressing that comes together fast. This salad is a good pick for group meals, potlucks, or a refreshing lunch.
Get the Recipe: TikTok Green Goddess Salad

Strawberry Fields Salad

Strawberry Fields Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Strawberry fields salad centers around peak-season strawberries. This fresh and fruity salad is a strong choice for warmer days.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Fields Salad

Peach Tomato Caprese Salad

Sliced peaches, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella slices on a tray.
Peach Tomato Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Peach tomato caprese uses ripe summer produce and fresh mozzarella. It’s a simple and fresh salad that shines during warm weather.
Get the Recipe: Peach Tomato Caprese Salad

Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Apples and pomegranates mix with chicken and Brussels sprouts in this salad. The honey mustard dressing ties together a fresh and vibrant dish, especially useful in fall.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad

Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Asian chicken salad with a honey ginger dressing is quick to make and packed with flavor. It’s a solid choice for a salad that stands on its own as a meal.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad

Spinach Avocado Salad

An overhead image of spinach avocado salad in a wooden bowl with lemon in the background.
Spinach Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spinach and avocado salad with tomatoes, radishes, and cotija is crisp and flavorful. The lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh finish, making it a solid option for summer salads.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad

Shaved Asparagus Salad with Fennel

Shaved Asparagus Salad with Fennel. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Shaved asparagus and fennel salad with lemon vinaigrette uses light ingredients that come together fast. It’s a clean and refreshing option for salads, especially in spring.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Asparagus Salad with Fennel

Endive Salad

Endive Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Endive salad with radicchio, fennel, and Dijon dressing brings sharp, fresh flavors. It’s a crisp salad option that complements lighter proteins or serves as a fresh starter.
Get the Recipe: Endive Salad

Smoked Potato Salad with Bacon

Smoked Potato Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Smoked potatoes with bacon, eggs, and dressing offer a warm and rich salad option. It’s a filling salad that works especially well in colder months.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Potato Salad with Bacon

Kale Salad With Cranberries

A horizontal image of kale salad with cranberries.
Kale Salad With Cranberries. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Kale with cranberries, lemon, and nuts is ready in about 5 minutes. It’s a refreshing salad that pairs nicely with winter meals and adds texture and color.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad With Cranberries

BBQ Roasted Cauliflower Salad

BBQ Roasted Cauliflower Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Roasted cauliflower with iceberg lettuce and pumpkin seed ranch dressing adds layers of flavor and crunch. It’s a filling salad that works across many meals.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Roasted Cauliflower Salad

Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad

Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Garden veggie macaroni salad combines pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy avocado dressing. It’s a go-to for casual gatherings where you need a crowd-pleasing salad.
Get the Recipe: Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad

Beet Salad with Feta

Beet Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted beets with feta, pistachios, and herbs create a rich and textured salad. It’s a good pick for colder seasons when you want to showcase root vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Feta

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Tomato burrata salad combines sweet tomatoes with burrata and herbs for a refreshing option. It’s a fresh salad choice that pairs well with crusty bread or lighter mains.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Best Roasted Potato Salad

Best Roasted Potato Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Roasted potatoes with herbs and pistachios make a hearty and flavorful salad. It’s a smart option for winter meals where something more filling is welcome.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Potato Salad

Avocado Salad

Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Avocado salad with creamy dressing comes together quickly with a mix of fresh flavors. It’s a versatile salad that fits well with many meals.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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