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Home » Salads

These 30 Salad Recipes Will Outshine Every Main Dish

Published: Jun 7, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Salad recipes don’t have to play second fiddle—they can absolutely steal the show. These are the kind of salads that people go back for, the ones that make you pause mid-bite because they’re just that good. They’ve got bold flavor, great texture, and that something extra that keeps things interesting. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just throwing something together for lunch, these are the salads that actually hold their own—and then some.

An overview of a plate of Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad.
Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad. Photo Credit: xoxoBella

Mexican Corn Salad

An overhead image of Mexican corn salad with the ingredients fully mixed together.
Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This salad uses corn, bright seasoning, and simple prep to bring bold flavor and color to the table. It's a quick way to add a strong salad option to any spread.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Roasted Vegetable Salad

An overhead image of roasted vegetable salad on a serving dish. with the dressing on the side.
Roasted Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted vegetables with vinaigrette make this salad work well whether served warm or chilled. It’s especially useful during cooler months and holds up well for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad

Mexican Fruit Cup

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

Watermelon and mango with chili-lime seasoning come together quickly, making this a light salad that's ready in minutes. It's a good choice when something fresh and fast is needed to finish a meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Fruit Cup

Raw Carrot Salad

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

Carrot slices dressed in a minimal mix are ready in little time. It’s a direct way to include a crunchy, no-cook salad on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Raw Carrot Salad

Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

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

Beets, goat cheese, and walnuts create texture and contrast in a salad that works especially well with heartier meals. It fits neatly into fall or winter menus.
Get the Recipe: Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Avocado Grapefruit Salad

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

Grapefruit, avocado, and pistachios bring layered texture and citrus flavor. It’s a practical salad when you're after contrast and freshness on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Grapefruit Salad

Mango Avocado Salad

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

Mango and avocado paired with citrus vinaigrette make this salad quick to prep and fresh in taste. It’s a smart pick for warmer days or lighter meals.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad

Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad

Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Watermelon, cucumber, and feta come together in a crisp, chilled salad that works especially well in warmer weather. The mix of colors keeps it visually clean and easy to pair with light meals.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad

Chickpea Chopped Salad

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

Chickpeas and chopped vegetables come together quickly in this balanced salad. It works well when you're short on time but still want something structured.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Chopped Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Tomatoes, burrata, and herbs keep this salad fresh and simple. It’s a straightforward match for bread, grilled items, or light mains.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Beet Salad with Feta

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

Roasted beets with feta, herbs, and pistachios create a salad with contrast and crunch. It’s a solid cold-weather option when something structured is needed.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Feta

Avocado Salad

Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Avocado and tangy dressing come together in minutes, keeping the prep minimal. This salad is a good match for a wide range of meals when something smooth and fresh is needed.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad

Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad

Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Fresh vegetables and creamy avocado dressing make this macaroni salad easy to prepare. It fits smoothly into casual meals, especially when a cooler salad is preferred.
Get the Recipe: Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad

Vegan Niçoise Salad

An image of vegan nicoise salad served on a big bowl.
Vegan Niçoise Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Chickpeas, olives, and vegetables with vinaigrette make this plant-based Niçoise a structured choice. It fits easily into any part of the day.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Niçoise Salad

Russian Korean-Style Kohlrabi Salad

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

Kohlrabi and vegetables tossed in a spicy marinade create a salad with crunch and heat. It's a strong option when you want bold texture and clear flavor.
Get the Recipe: Russian Korean-Style Kohlrabi Salad

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad in a white bowl being drizzled with cilantro lime dressing.
Mediterranean Black Bean Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Black beans and vegetables with lime dressing come together in under 10 minutes. This salad is a reliable choice for lunch or a fast side.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad

Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Marinated chicken with vegetables and honey-ginger dressing creates a complete salad. It’s straightforward to make and fits into most meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad

Italian Chopped Salad

Italian chopped salad in a bowl next to dressing.
Italian Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crisp vegetables and champagne vinaigrette form the base of this chopped Italian salad. It’s fast to make and allows for easy adjustments based on what’s on hand.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad

Melon Prosciutto Salad

Melon Prosciutto Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Melon and prosciutto pair in a salad that brings a clean mix of sweet and salty. It’s a no-frills option that works well as a starter or side.
Get the Recipe: Melon Prosciutto Salad

Panzanella Salad

An overhead image of panzanella salad served on a white plate with dressing on top of it.
Panzanella Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crusty bread and vegetables with red wine vinaigrette shape this panzanella. It’s quick to prep and works both as a side or standalone dish.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Salad

Easy Caprese Salad

Easy Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze bring clean and familiar flavors. This salad fits easily into a meal as a side or light plate.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Veggie Taco Salad

An overhead image of veggie taco salad in a bowl with a fork.
Veggie Taco Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Familiar taco toppings are layered into this meatless salad for something fast and direct. It’s a solid go-to on busy days when you need a quick salad.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Taco Salad

Roasted Beet Salad

Roasted Beet Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Roasted beets and tangerines pair sharp and rich flavors in a balanced salad. It’s a practical option during winter meals when freshness is still wanted.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad

Roasted Pear Salad

An overhead image of roasted pear salad on a serving plate.
Roasted Pear Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted pears with greens and a light vinaigrette bring contrast and balance. This salad fits well into fall menus or cooler weather meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pear Salad

Citrus Salad

Citrus Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Citrus fruits, lettuce, feta, and onion make this salad light and refreshing. It’s a good pick when meals need brightness and crunch, especially in winter.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Salad

Simple Chopped Salad

An overhead image of vegan chopped salad in a bowl with a serving spoon in the middle.
Simple Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fresh vegetables chopped and tossed make this salad quick to prepare. It's a straightforward choice for lunch or dinner when time is limited.
Get the Recipe: Simple Chopped Salad

Strawberry Fields Salad

Strawberry Fields Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Strawberries lead this fruit-forward salad with brightness and a fresh finish. It’s especially useful in warm months when something cool is preferred.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Fields Salad

Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

An image of cranberry salad with pecans served in a white salad bowl with a fork on the side.
Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Goat cheese, cranberries, and pecans come together fast to add texture and contrast. This salad brings variety to the table with very little prep.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

BBQ Roasted Cauliflower Salad

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

Roasted cauliflower with BBQ seasoning and creamy dressing creates depth and variety in one dish. This salad works well as a main or hearty side.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Roasted Cauliflower Salad

Lemony Shaved Asparagus Tomato Salad

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

Asparagus and tomatoes with parmesan and basil give this salad a lemon-forward note. It works well during spring when you want something crisp and seasonal.
Get the Recipe: Lemony Shaved Asparagus Tomato 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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