15 Fresh Salad Recipes You’ll Want To Make

When you’re looking for something quick, light, and easy to throw together, a fresh salad can be just what you need. These recipes are built around simple ingredients, minimal prep, and flavors that actually make you want to eat more greens. Whether you’re putting together a weeknight meal, packing lunch, or just trying to use what’s in the fridge, there’s something here that fits. These are the kinds of salads that don’t take much effort but are still worth making again and again.

Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad

This salad uses simple ingredients like fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, and walnuts to put together something quick and bright. It comes together fast and works well for lunch or as a light dinner. The mix of sweet and crunchy textures makes it a good choice when you’re looking for a change from your usual salad routine. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy to keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad

Keto Collard Green Salad with Chicken

This salad mixes cooked chicken with collard greens to create a meal that feels balanced but doesn’t take much effort. It’s great when you want something fresh and filling without a lot of prep time. The ingredients are easy to find and work well for packed lunches or weeknight dinners. If you’re trying to get more greens into your meals without overthinking it, this one works.
Get the Recipe: Keto Collard Green Salad with Chicken

Brussels Sprouts Salad

Shredded Brussels sprouts make this salad feel different without being hard to put together. It holds up well in the fridge, making it useful for meal prep or make-ahead lunches. The texture is firm enough to carry toppings like cheese or nuts without going soggy. It’s a good go-to when you want something that feels a bit fresh and crisp without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad

California Steak Salad

With sliced steak, greens, and avocado, this salad gives you a full meal that doesn’t feel like a chore. It’s quick to assemble and pairs well with a simple dressing. You can use leftovers to speed things up, which makes it helpful when you’re short on time. This kind of recipe works well when you’re trying to keep meals easy but still a bit more complete.
Get the Recipe: California Steak Salad

Chopped Greek Salad

This salad uses classic ingredients like cucumber, tomato, and olives to create something that’s fresh and low-effort. It’s quick to chop everything and doesn’t need a long list of extras. It’s good to have on hand for lunch or to pair with something off the grill. When you’re aiming for something easy that still feels like a full dish, this one fits.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Mixed berries and a simple blueberry dressing make this salad a good option when you’re in the mood for something a little different. It’s fast to pull together and works well as a side or light lunch. The fruit keeps it fresh and helps break the routine of heavier meals. It’s useful when you’re short on time but still want something that feels new.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad

This recipe uses common items like chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella for a meal that comes together fast and tastes fresh. The balsamic adds a little extra without needing much work. It’s a good option when you want something light that still feels like a meal. This salad is helpful when you’re aiming for easy and not overthinking dinner.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad

Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon

This broccoli salad is quick to make and uses ingredients you probably already have, like bacon, red onion, and a simple dressing. It keeps well in the fridge, making it a smart choice for meal prep or picnics. The crunch and saltiness pair well with grilled meats or sandwiches. It’s one of those salads that works when you need something fast and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

This salad brings in BBQ flavor without needing to light a grill, which keeps things easy and fast. Pre-cooked chicken or store-bought sauce helps cut down on time. It works well as a main meal and doesn’t need much else to round it out. If you’re trying to mix up your salad options without a lot of extra work, this is a solid pick.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

This salad uses chopped kale and apple for a mix of textures that hold up well during the day. The creamy dressing balances out the greens without needing much extra. It works well for lunches or as a side with dinner, especially if you make it ahead. It’s a reliable recipe when you want something crisp that doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Santa Fe Salad

This salad has a mix of corn, beans, and greens that come together quickly for a meal or side. You can use pre-cooked ingredients to make it even faster. It’s helpful when you want something with a bit more substance but don’t want to spend much time. This one works especially well for a lunch that feels complete without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

Apple Salad with Kale and Almonds

Kale and apples give this salad crunch and a bit of sweetness, while almonds add texture without needing much prep. It holds up well, so it’s easy to make ahead for lunch or dinner. The ingredients are easy to find and come together without extra steps. It’s a solid option when you want to keep things simple and still have something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad with Kale and Almonds

Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

This salad mixes earthy beets with crisp cucumber and a bit of feta for a balanced mix that doesn’t require much effort. It’s quick to prep and pairs well with both light and hearty mains. The dill adds freshness without needing an elaborate dressing. It’s a good one to keep in rotation when you’re trying to mix up your side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Salmon Salad

Using cooked or canned salmon makes this salad a fast and practical lunch option. It pairs well with simple greens and doesn’t need much dressing to come together. You can prep it ahead or toss it together at the last minute. It’s especially useful for keeping things easy while still getting a solid meal.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

This salad uses crispy chicken and citrus flavors to create something fresh and a little more filling. It’s easy to put together with pre-cooked chicken or leftovers. The chopped style makes it simple to eat and even easier to prep ahead. It works well when you want something light without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

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