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Home » Recipe Collections

31 Salads That Don’t Feel Like a Chore to Eat

Published: Dec 30, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Salads don’t have to feel like a chore to eat. They’re at their best when they’re fresh, easy to make, and great for any meal of the day. Whether you’re throwing one together for a quick lunch or need something effortless on the side, it’s all about finding options that feel just as enjoyable as they are simple. No complicated steps or fancy techniques here—just straightforward recipes that actually make you want to reach for a fork.

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

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 with vegan Caesar dressing and chickpeas make for a light and easy side dish. This fresh option makes salads enjoyable and fits seamlessly into any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Caesar 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.

Cranberries, goat cheese, and pecans in a tangy dressing bring a bright and flavorful side to the table. This simple dish adds a cheerful touch to your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

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 delivers crisp textures and fresh flavors. Quick and versatile, it's a perfect addition to festive meals.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad With Cranberries

Heirloom Caprese Salad

An overhead photo of caprese salad served in a white bowl.
Heirloom Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil strikes a bold yet simple note. A refreshing way to add balance to your holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Caprese Salad

Niçoise Salad

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

Vegan Niçoise salad with fresh vegetables, chickpeas, and olives is paired with champagne vinaigrette. This balanced dish complements richer holiday favorites effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Niçoise 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 with lemon vinaigrette combines festive textures with bright flavors. Ready in 25 minutes, it brings seasonal charm to the table.
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.

A roasted vegetable salad dressed in a light vinaigrette highlights seasonal flavors. It works equally well as a fresh side or a next-day lunch option.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad

Raw Carrot Salad

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

Crisp and refreshing, this raw carrot salad takes only minutes to prepare. Its vibrant flavors make eating salads feel effortless during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Raw Carrot Salad

Kale Harvest Salad

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

Kale with carrots, dates, and vinaigrette is a wholesome and quick addition to festive meals. Its simplicity and balance enhance the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Kale Harvest 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.

Quick panzanella salad with crusty bread, veggies, and red wine vinaigrette is ready in 10 minutes. It transitions effortlessly between a hearty side and a light main dish.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella 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 boiled eggs combines familiar flavors with convenience. This make-ahead dish fits perfectly alongside holiday entrees.
Get the Recipe: Classic American Potato 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 with goat cheese and walnuts create a salad that's easy to prepare and adjust. Its balance of freshness and richness complements any festive meal.
Get the Recipe: Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Close-up image of sweet potato kale salad in a bowl.
Sweet Potato Kale Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Kale with prunes, pomegranate, and feta combines hearty textures with tangy dressing. This bold side dish brings a refreshing edge to holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Bay Scallop Baby Kale Corn Salad

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

Bay scallops, corn, and tart cherries over baby kale with cherry Dijon dressing bring vibrant flavors. It's a colorful choice to brighten your Thanksgiving menu.
Get the Recipe: Bay Scallop Baby Kale Corn Salad

Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

A bowl of kale salad on a wooden table.
Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Kale with apple slices and creamy poppy seed dressing pairs crisp textures with a fresh taste. This salad is a refreshing way to complement any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad

Broccoli and shredded carrots on a mixing spoon.
Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Broccoli apple salad with yogurt dressing highlights crunchy and creamy notes. Its versatility makes it a welcome addition to any festive spread.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad

Walnut Cranberry Chicken Salad

A slice of toast with cranberry chicken salad on top.
Walnut Cranberry Chicken Salad. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Cranberry chicken salad with yogurt and walnuts delivers fresh seasonal flavors. It's an easy dish that transitions well between lunch and dinner.
Get the Recipe: Walnut Cranberry Chicken Salad

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Overhead image of best broccoli salad with creamy dressin on a bowl.
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Broccoli, bacon, cranberries, and creamy dressing offer a balance of crunch and richness. This salad refreshes your table while enhancing traditional holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Couscous Salad With Tofu

A fresh, colorful, and wholesome bowl of vegan couscous salad with tofu and a drizzle of dressing to finish it off.
Couscous Salad With Tofu. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan couscous salad with tofu and lemon dressing is light and flavorful. It’s a refreshing contrast to heavier Thanksgiving staples.
Get the Recipe: Couscous Salad With Tofu

Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Overhead image of roasted winter root vegetable salad on a plate.
Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spiralized beets and parsnips with cranberries, pecans, and blue cheese showcase seasonal roots. With balsamic dressing, it's a hearty yet refreshing side.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Cranberry Quinoa Salad

A glass bowl filled with quinoa, dried cranberries, and pecans.
Cranberry Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Quinoa salad with cranberries, pecans, and herbs brings vibrant flavors and textures. It's a wholesome choice for a Thanksgiving gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Cabbage Apple Salad

Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon.
Cabbage Apple Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Red cabbage and apples in tangy dressing add crisp, colorful textures to the table. This salad is a fresh complement to traditional holiday fare.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Autumn Salad with Chicken

Autumn Salad with Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A fall-inspired salad with fruit, nuts, feta, and chicken highlights seasonal ingredients. It's a flavorful and quick way to enrich your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Autumn Salad with Chicken

Honeycrisp Salad

Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Honeycrisp apples with spiced cider vinaigrette deliver crisp, seasonal flair. This quick dish adds a bright note to any holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Roasted Sunchoke Salad

Roasted Sunchoke Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted sunchokes and fennel on greens with lemon mustard dressing create a light, vibrant side. This dish balances the richness of holiday courses effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sunchoke Salad

Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

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

Chopped winter salad with rotisserie chicken, citrus, and kale combines fresh and hearty elements. Its bright flavors make it an engaging addition to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken salad with cranberries and pecans is simple and easy to prepare. It’s versatile enough for casual lunches or festive dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Savoury Steak and Squash Salad

Savoury Steak and Squash Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Steak and squash with apple maple vinaigrette bring seasonal ingredients into focus. This lighter dish provides contrast to heavier holiday staples.
Get the Recipe: Savoury Steak and Squash Salad

Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad

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

Butternut squash, arugula, and feta with a light vinaigrette highlight seasonal produce. It’s a quick side dish that enhances your Thanksgiving menu.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad

Roasted Potato Salad

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

Roasted potatoes with fresh herbs, pistachios, and dressing deliver earthy, vibrant flavors. This salad adds balance and variety to holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potato Salad

Sweet and Creamy Goat Cheese Salad with Fruit and Cranberry

Sweet and Creamy Goat Cheese Salad with Fruit and Cranberry. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Arugula, cucumbers, cranberries, and goat cheese with lemon vinaigrette make a bright and fresh salad. It's an excellent way to refresh your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Creamy Goat Cheese Salad with Fruit and Cranberry

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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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