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Home » Salads

41 Salads So Colorful They Make April Feel Like Summer

Published: Apr 24, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Salads don’t have to be boring, and these recipes are proof of that! With fresh ingredients and bold flavors, they’ll make you look forward to every bite. Packed with color and variety, these salads are perfect for bringing a little sunshine to your plate and making April feel like summer. Whether you’re looking for something light or just need a refreshing change, these dishes are sure to hit the spot.

Mediterranean cucumber salad in a blac bowl.
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Kale Harvest Salad

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

Fall kale salad combines carrots and dates for a 15-minute dish that highlights seasonal produce. With its bright colors and easy prep, it's a practical pick for colorful salads during busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Kale Harvest Salad

Roasted Pear Salad

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

Roasted pear salad comes together in 25 minutes, combining crunch and tartness with a lemon vinaigrette. Its vibrant colors and textures make it a smart addition to any colorful salad rotation.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pear 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 a light vinaigrette create a dish that works well served warm or chilled. This colorful option is practical for leftovers and fits easily into fall-inspired meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad

Italian Chopped Salad

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

Fresh vegetables and a champagne vinaigrette create a refreshing Italian chopped salad that suits various mealtimes. Its visual appeal and variety make it a dependable option for colorful salads.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chopped 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.

Panzanella salad features crusty bread, vegetables, and herbs in a red wine vinaigrette, ready in just 10 minutes. It's a go-to for colorful salads when you need a fast, flavor-packed side or light main.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Salad

Veggie Taco Salad

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

This vegetarian taco salad is quick to prepare and filled with ingredients that bring color and texture to the plate. It's a convenient way to include a vibrant, meat-free dish in your weekly meals.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Taco 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 add bold flavors and crunch to this 10-minute salad. It's a quick, colorful choice for meals that use fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

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, creamy goat cheese, and walnuts make this a quick and versatile salad that stands out with bold colors and texture. It's a strong choice for colorful salads, especially when you want something simple but vibrant to pair with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Cucumber, olives, onion, bell pepper, and chickpeas come together in a Mediterranean salad with fresh herbs. Its bright colors and simple ingredients make it a solid option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad

Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Asian chicken salad with honey ginger dressing combines cabbage, carrots, avocado, and edamame for a fresh, balanced dish. Its colorful mix and easy prep make it work for both casual meals and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad

Beet Salad with Feta

Beet Salad with Feta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Beet salad with feta cheese can be served as a main, side, or starter. Its colorful presentation makes it a versatile way to brighten any plate.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Feta

Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Sweet Potato Kale Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Kale, pomegranate, feta, and prunes come together in a bold salad finished with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s a colorful option that works well for lunch or as a flavorful side.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Roasted Koginut Squash Salad

Roasted Koginut Squash Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted koginut squash seasoned with savory-sweet spices brings bold flavor and color to the table. It's a solid choice for colorful salads that highlight autumn produce.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Koginut Squash Salad

Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad

Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Grilled BBQ chicken salad with black beans, jalapeños, and avocado adds a bold spin to familiar favorites. Its colorful ingredients make it a strong choice for lunch or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad

Broccoli Raisin Salad

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

Broccoli salad with raisins, bacon, and pumpkin seeds features creamy dressing and a hint of sweetness. Its colorful appearance and balanced textures make it well-suited for any season.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Raisin Salad

Fall Fruit Salad

Fall Fruit Salad. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Fall fruit salad combines seasonal fruit and spices for a dish that’s both light and flavorful. Its vibrant look makes it easy to work into breakfast or festive meals.
Get the Recipe: Fall Fruit Salad

Savoury Steak and Squash Salad

Savoury Steak and Squash Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Steak and squash salad with cranberries and maple dressing balances hearty and fresh elements. Its colorful ingredients make it a fitting choice for autumn meals.
Get the Recipe: Savoury Steak and Squash Salad

Bay Scallop Baby Kale Corn Salad

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

Bay scallops paired with granola and cherry dressing bring texture and brightness to baby kale. This colorful salad is a fresh way to highlight seasonal summer ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Bay Scallop Baby Kale Corn Salad

Pesto Tortellini Salad

A close up view of cooked tortellini pasta salad in a white bowl.
Pesto Tortellini Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tortellini pasta salad comes together in 20 minutes using fewer than 10 ingredients. Its colorful elements make it an easy addition to any warm-weather meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad

Koginut Squash Bowl

Koginut Squash Bowl. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A seasonal squash bowl inspired by chef Dan Barber brings thoughtful flavor to the table. The vibrant appearance and simple prep make it a strong contender for colorful fall salads.
Get the Recipe: Koginut Squash Bowl

Fried Halloumi Salad

Large plate of fried halloumi salad with wine glass.
Fried Halloumi Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Fried halloumi with greens and tangy dressing adds bold texture to any meal. This colorful salad is a straightforward way to bring variety to your menu.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad

Roasted Cranberry Broccoli Salad

Roasted Cranberry Broccoli Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cranberries, butternut squash, and broccoli with pepitas and croutons create a hearty fall salad. The colorful mix and seasonal focus make it stand out on cool-weather tables.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cranberry Broccoli 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 bean salad with cilantro lime dressing takes just 10 minutes to prepare. The colorful mix of ingredients makes it a great side or lunch option when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Shrimp Caesar Salad

Shrimp Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shrimp Caesar salad adds a spicy kick to a classic combination. Its bold flavors and colorful ingredients make it a fast, flavorful option for any day.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Caesar Salad

Russian Vinaigrette Salad

Overhead view of hand lifting a spoon of salad.
Russian Vinaigrette Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Russian vinaigrette salad brings together root vegetables, pickles, and dill for a traditional dish. Its vibrant color and heartiness make it easy to fit into a variety of meals.
Get the Recipe: Russian Vinaigrette Salad

Raw Carrot Salad

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

Raw carrot salad with tangy dressing is quick to make and brings crunch to your meal. Its bright color and 10-minute prep make it a reliable pick for light, colorful salads.
Get the Recipe: Raw Carrot Salad

Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crunchy cornflake chicken with a sweet-spicy glaze adds heat and texture to a fresh salad base. This colorful option is an easy way to bring something different to weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Rotisserie chicken, citrus, and pomegranate bring brightness and flavor to this winter salad. Its colorful mix of ingredients adds freshness to colder seasons.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad

Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Radicchio and endive paired with honey mustard dressing make a refreshing chicken salad. Its crisp textures and color make it suitable for spring and early summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad

Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spiralized beets and parsnips with pecans, cranberries, and blue cheese bring color and crunch. This salad is an easy way to work roasted root vegetables into a colorful fall meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Vegan Niçoise Salad

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

Vegan Niçoise salad features chickpeas, olives, and vegetables with a light vinaigrette. Its colorful and plant-based approach makes it a great way to enjoy a fresh take on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Niçoise Salad

Pizza Salad

Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pizza salad transforms Italian flavors into a fresh dish with vegetables and herbs. The bright colors and bold flavor make it a good fit for those looking to mix up their salad routine.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Autumn Salad with Chicken

Autumn Salad with Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Autumn crunch salad with fruit, nuts, feta, and chicken is quick to assemble and full of seasonal ingredients. The colorful variety makes it work for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Autumn Salad with Chicken

Best Cobb Salad

Best Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cobb salad features fresh vegetables, bacon, chicken, and blue cheese with tangy dressing. The variety of colorful ingredients makes it great for quick meals or prepping ahead.
Get the Recipe: Best Cobb Salad

Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad

Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Butternut squash or pumpkin with feta and arugula creates a dish that balances rich and tangy notes. This colorful salad works well in fall settings, whether as a side or light main.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad

Roasted Sweet Potato, Squash and Chickpea Fall Salad

Roasted Sweet Potato, Squash and Chickpea Fall Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted sweet potatoes, squash, chickpeas, and feta with maple tahini dressing come together in a single bowl. This colorful and hearty salad fits well into any fall menu.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato, Squash and Chickpea Fall Salad

Honeycrisp Salad

Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Honeycrisp apples and spiced cider vinaigrette highlight the flavors of fall. With bold color and fresh texture, this salad fits well into casual dinners or holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp 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.

Vegan chopped salad with fresh vegetables is quick to make and full of texture. The bright colors and ease of prep make it a reliable weekday option.
Get the Recipe: Simple Chopped Salad

Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad

Overhead of Moroccan pearl couscous salad.
Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Pearl couscous, feta, pumpkin, and herbs tossed in tahini lemon dressing create a filling salad. The colorful combination is great for fall meals that need something hearty and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Broccoli, bacon, and cranberries come together in a creamy dressing for a salad with crunch and bold flavor. Its colorful presentation makes it a practical pick for gatherings or dinners.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Asian Zoodle Salad

Asian Zoodle Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Spiralized zucchini and a tangy dressing make this Asian noodle salad light and easy to prepare. Its bright colors and crisp texture are a strong match for colorful salad menus.
Get the Recipe: Asian Zoodle 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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