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Home » Salads

These 30 Salads Don’t Feel Like a Sad Desk Lunch

Published: Jun 9, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Salads don’t have to be the boring afterthought you push around during lunch. These are the kind you actually want to eat—fresh, bold, and full of flavor. They’re great when you want something that feels light but still hits the spot. Whether you're packing lunch or pulling something together at home, these are perfect when you're not in the mood for anything heavy but still want real food that tastes amazing.

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

Mexican Corn Salad

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

Corn and bold seasoning come together quickly in this colorful salad. It’s an easy way to bring flavor and brightness to the table when you need a strong salad choice.
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 paired with vinaigrette work well served either warm or chilled. This makes the salad a flexible pick that holds up well in meal prep, especially in cooler months.
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 create a fresh salad in just minutes. It’s a helpful option when time is short but a light, balanced salad is still needed.
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.

Thin carrot slices dressed simply come together with almost no prep. This makes it a quick way to add a crunchy salad without cooking.
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 bring texture and contrast in a salad that complements heavier meals. It’s a solid addition to fall or winter tables.
Get the Recipe: Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Mango Avocado Salad

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

Mango and avocado dressed in citrus vinaigrette form a salad that’s fast to prep and clean in taste. It fits well with lighter meals and warmer weather.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad

Beet Salad with Feta

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

Roasted beets with feta, herbs, and pistachios give this salad texture and balance. It works especially well as a structured cold-weather side.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Feta

Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad

Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Fresh vegetables and a creamy avocado dressing make this macaroni salad easy to prepare. It works well in casual settings, especially when a cold dish fits the menu.
Get the Recipe: Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad

Chickpea Chopped Salad

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

Chickpeas and chopped vegetables come together in little time. This salad works well for quick meals when you want something structured but easy.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Chopped Salad

Avocado Salad

Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Avocado and tangy dressing require only a few minutes to assemble. This salad fits into many meals when a fresh and smooth addition is needed.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Tomatoes, burrata, and herbs bring fresh, familiar ingredients into a simple salad. It’s a straightforward pairing for bread, grilled items, or light mains.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Avocado Grapefruit Salad

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

Grapefruit, avocado, and pistachios combine in a salad that’s both fresh and layered. It’s useful when a mix of citrus and crunch is needed to round out the plate.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Grapefruit Salad

Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad

Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Watermelon, cucumber, and feta make this salad crisp and cooling. It works especially well when a refreshing, quick salad is needed on hot days.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad

Roasted Pear Salad

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

Roasted pears, greens, and vinaigrette offer contrast in both taste and texture. This salad works neatly with fall and cold-season menus.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pear Salad

Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad

Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Marinated chicken, vegetables, and honey-ginger dressing create a complete salad in one bowl. It’s easy to prepare and fits smoothly into most meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad

Russian Korean-Style Kohlrabi Salad

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

Kohlrabi and vegetables with a spicy marinade result in a crunchy, flavor-packed salad. It's a good pick when you’re after bold texture and heat.
Get the Recipe: Russian Korean-Style Kohlrabi Salad

Melon Prosciutto Salad

Melon Prosciutto Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Melon and prosciutto combine sweet and salty notes in this no-fuss salad. It’s a clear choice for a light starter or side.
Get the Recipe: Melon Prosciutto 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 tossed in vinaigrette make this plant-based Niçoise easy to pull together. It works at any time of day when a balanced salad is needed.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Niçoise Salad

Easy Caprese Salad

Easy Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze make up this clean, simple salad. It’s a solid option when a familiar side is needed.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Italian Chopped Salad

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

Crisp vegetables with champagne vinaigrette form a chopped Italian salad that’s fast and flexible. It’s useful when you want to work with what’s already in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad

Citrus Salad

Citrus Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Citrus fruits, lettuce, feta, and onion come together in a salad that’s light and clean. It’s a good option when meals call for crunch and brightness, especially in winter.
Get the Recipe: Citrus 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 tossed in red wine vinaigrette give this panzanella structure and ease. It works well either as a side or on its own.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Salad

Strawberry Fields Salad

Strawberry Fields Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Strawberries take the lead in this fruit-forward salad, bringing brightness and a cool finish. It works especially well in warmer weather when something fresh is needed.
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 add contrast and texture in just minutes. This salad adds variety to meals without requiring much effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

Lemony Shaved Asparagus Tomato Salad

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

Asparagus, tomatoes, parmesan, and basil bring out fresh lemon notes in this crisp salad. It fits well with spring meals when something clean and seasonal is needed.
Get the Recipe: Lemony Shaved Asparagus Tomato 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 an efficient choice for lunch or dinner when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Simple Chopped Salad

Roasted Beet Salad

Roasted Beet Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Roasted beets and tangerines bring sharp and rich notes together in this salad. It’s a useful way to bring freshness to winter meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet 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 are ready in under ten minutes. This salad works well for quick lunches or as a last-minute side.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

BBQ Roasted Cauliflower Salad

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

Roasted cauliflower with BBQ seasoning and creamy dressing results in a balanced salad with depth. It works well as a main or as a more filling side.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Roasted Cauliflower Salad

Veggie Taco Salad

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

A mix of common taco toppings turns into a fast, meatless salad. It’s a practical choice for busy days when something quick and clear is needed.
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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