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Home » Salads

29 Salads So Good You’ll Forget It’s Salad

Published: Jun 4, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Salads don’t have to be boring, and these recipes prove it. We're talking big flavor, great texture, and that kind of bite that actually makes you want to keep eating. These aren’t the side dishes you push around on your plate—they’re the main event. Whether you're eating solo or feeding a crowd, these are the perfect go-to’s when you want something fresh that still hits like real food.

An overview of a bowl of Tomato Burrata Salad.
Tomato Burrata Salad. Photo Credit: xoxoBella

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 make this fruit salad a fast, refreshing pick. It’s especially useful when you need something light and quick to round out a meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Fruit Cup

Mexican Corn Salad

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

This Mexican corn salad comes together quickly and adds color and bold flavor to any spread. It’s a straightforward way to bring something bright and flavorful to the salad lineup.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Raw Carrot Salad

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

Thin slices of carrot dressed with a simple mix are ready in minutes. This crisp salad is a direct way to include more root vegetables on the table.
Get the Recipe: Raw Carrot 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 make a salad that works well either warm or chilled. It’s especially useful in the fall and keeps well for lunches.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad

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 paired with goat cheese and walnuts result in a textured, grounded dish. It fits well into cool-weather meals or more robust menus.
Get the Recipe: Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Avocado Salad

Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy avocado and tangy dressing come together for a salad that’s easy to pull together. It works well with a variety of meals and adds a refreshing option.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad

Avocado Grapefruit Salad

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

Avocado, grapefruit, and pistachios with a citrus dressing give this salad texture and contrast. It’s a smart pick when you want something fresh and layered.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Grapefruit Salad

Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad

Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Fresh vegetables and a creamy avocado dressing bring a smooth texture to this macaroni salad. It’s simple to prep and fits well into casual meals or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad

Chickpea Chopped Salad

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

Chickpeas and chopped vegetables make this salad quick to prepare and well-balanced. It’s a good option when you want something light that still holds up as a dish.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Chopped Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Juicy tomatoes, burrata, and herbs keep this tomato salad light and fresh. It’s a practical salad to pair with bread, grilled items, or simple 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, pistachios, and herbs make a salad with depth and crunch. It’s especially useful during cooler months when you want something with structure.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Feta

Easy Caprese Salad

Easy Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze come together in a clean salad. It works easily as a side or small plate.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Mango Avocado Salad

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

Mango and avocado are paired with a citrus vinaigrette for a salad that’s fast to prep. It’s a fitting choice for warm weather or when something light is needed.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad

Lemony Shaved Asparagus Tomato Salad

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

Asparagus and tomatoes finished with parmesan and basil give this salad a fresh, lemon-forward profile. It’s especially fitting for lighter spring meals.
Get the Recipe: Lemony Shaved Asparagus Tomato 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, vegetables, and lime dressing are ready in under 10 minutes in this fast salad. It’s a good match for lunch or as a last-minute side.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Russian Korean-Style Kohlrabi Salad

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

Kohlrabi and other vegetables are tossed in a spicy marinade that gives this salad a crisp edge. It works well when you're after bold texture and a bit of heat.
Get the Recipe: Russian Korean-Style Kohlrabi Salad

Roasted Pear Salad

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

Roasted pears paired with greens and lemon vinaigrette create a salad with balance and depth. It’s a practical option during the fall.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pear Salad

Citrus Salad

Citrus Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grapefruit, oranges, and mandarins with lettuce, feta, and onion bring brightness and crisp texture. It’s a useful salad when you want to lighten up winter meals.
Get the Recipe: Citrus 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 quick texture and flavor to this salad. It’s ready in minutes and brings variety to any table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

Melon Prosciutto Salad

Melon Prosciutto Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Melon and prosciutto come together in this salad with a clean contrast of sweet and salty. It’s a solid option for a starter or side when you want something no-nonsense.
Get the Recipe: Melon Prosciutto 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.

This chopped salad comes together quickly using fresh vegetables. It’s a straightforward pick when you want a quick lunch or dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Simple Chopped Salad

Strawberry Fields Salad

Strawberry Fields Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Strawberries lead in this fresh salad, bringing brightness and a fruit-forward option to the table. It works especially well in warmer weather.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Fields Salad

Italian Chopped Salad

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

This chopped Italian salad uses crisp vegetables and a champagne vinaigrette for direct, clean flavor. It’s a quick pick for lunch or dinner with flexible add-ins.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad

BBQ Roasted Cauliflower Salad

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

Roasted cauliflower with BBQ seasoning and creamy dressing creates a layered salad. The mix of greens and roasted vegetables brings balance and makes it hearty enough for a main.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Roasted Cauliflower 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 in a vinaigrette shape this plant-based Niçoise salad. It’s a strong option for any time of day, whether as a full meal or part of one.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Niçoise Salad

Roasted Beet Salad

Roasted Beet Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Roasted beets and tangerines pair rich and sharp flavors in this salad. It works well for winter meals when something fresh but grounded is needed.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet 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.

This panzanella uses crusty bread and fresh vegetables tossed in red wine vinaigrette. It’s quick to prepare and can be served as a side or main.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Salad

Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad

Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Marinated chicken with vegetables and a honey-ginger dressing rounds out this complete salad. It’s easy to make and fits well into any meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken 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 meatless taco salad uses common toppings for a fast and familiar meal. It’s a reliable salad choice for busy days when you need something quick.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Taco 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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