16 Salad Recipes You Haven’t Tried (But Should)
If your idea of a salad starts and ends with lettuce, it might be time for a fresh take. There’s a whole world of salad recipes that go beyond the usual greens, bringing in unexpected ingredients, bold flavors, and satisfying textures that deserve a spot in your meal rotation. Whether you’re prepping a quick lunch, planning a weeknight dinner, or just looking for something different, these salads offer variety without overcomplicating things.
Keto Collard Green Salad with Chicken
This salad is a smart way to use collard greens outside of their usual cooked dishes. With chicken added, it works well for a quick lunch or dinner that’s easy to prepare and filling. The mix brings something different to the table, showing there’s more to salad than lettuce or spinach. It’s one of those options people often overlook, even though it offers solid flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Keto Collard Green Salad with Chicken
Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad
The blend of spinach, fresh strawberries, and walnuts adds a nice mix of sweet and crunchy. It’s a light, quick option that doesn’t take long to throw together, making it great for a midday meal. The combination isn’t one you come across every day, but it works better than expected. This one proves that simple swaps can refresh your usual salad routine.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad
Santa Fe Salad
With black beans, corn, and seasoned chicken, this is a hearty salad that eats like a full meal. It’s quick to assemble and ideal when you want something bold without extra work. The mix of ingredients brings a different flavor profile than most go-to salads. It’s worth adding to your rotation when you want something that’s not the usual green mix.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad
Fried Halloumi Salad
Halloumi adds a warm, chewy bite that makes this salad stand out. It’s an easy way to switch things up when you’re used to cold, raw ingredients. This one fits right in when you’re looking to break away from the basics but still want something simple to put together. If you’ve never tried cheese in this way on a salad, this is a good place to start.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad
Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon
This recipe is quick to prepare and holds up well for meal prep. Bacon adds crunch and a little smokiness, which gives it more presence than your typical side salad. It’s not the first thing most people think of when they hear “salad,” which is exactly why it deserves a second look. Great for picnics or a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad
This salad balances crispy textures with a bright citrus kick, making it a nice change from the usual chicken salad. It’s easy to prep ahead and works well for lunchboxes or casual dinners. The flavors bring in a new angle that keeps it from blending into the background. It stands out without needing anything too fancy.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad
Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad
This salad brings barbecue flavor into a fresh format that doesn’t feel heavy. Chicken gives it substance while the sauce and toppings add familiar notes in a new setting. It’s a good way to keep things interesting without much extra effort. This kind of recipe shows how far salad ideas can stretch beyond the basics.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad
Chopped Greek Salad
Packed with olives, cucumbers, and feta, this is a quick way to put together something fresh and bold. It holds up well without getting soggy, making it good for meal prep or work lunches. While familiar to some, many still haven’t tried this combination outside of restaurants. It’s one of those salads worth bringing into your weekly lineup.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad
Apple Salad with Kale and Almonds
Kale holds up well even after dressing, which makes this great for prepping ahead. Apples add sweetness and crunch that pair well with the hearty greens. It’s not your standard green salad, but it’s still easy to throw together. A nice way to bring in different textures without extra time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad with Kale and Almonds
Brussels Sprouts Salad
Raw Brussels sprouts add crunch and depth when shredded into a salad. It’s a good option when you’re tired of lettuce-based meals but still want something fresh. The mix holds up longer than most leafy salads, so it’s great for prepping ahead. It’s often skipped, but it’s a strong choice when you’re looking for something new.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad
Salmon Salad
Salmon adds protein and a richer taste that makes this salad a full meal. It works well when you want something that feels put together but doesn’t take a lot of effort. This one shows how easy it is to get out of a salad rut. It’s a smart way to use leftovers or pre-cooked fish.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad
California Steak Salad
This salad brings together steak, avocado, and fresh greens for a balanced mix of texture and flavor. It’s hearty enough for dinner but quick enough for a weeknight. It’s not what most think of when they hear “salad,” which makes it a refreshing choice. Great for when you’re craving something filling without extra work.
Get the Recipe: California Steak Salad
Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing
This salad mixes fresh berries with a fruity dressing that gives it a different kind of flavor. It’s light and quick, good for warm days or a fresh change in routine. Not a typical combination, but it works better than expected. A solid way to change things up when the usual greens start to get boring.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing
Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill
Beets and cucumbers give this salad a fresh crunch with a touch of earthiness. Feta and dill add a new layer that’s different from most traditional dressings. It’s simple to make and brings a cool option to the table that’s not commonly used. This one’s perfect when you’re looking for a change that doesn’t require much prep.
Get the Recipe: Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill
Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad
This recipe takes caprese flavors and adds chicken for a more complete meal. It comes together quickly and uses ingredients you might already have on hand. The mix of tomato, mozzarella, and balsamic feels familiar but gets a boost with the added protein. It’s a smart way to switch things up without straying too far from what you know.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad
Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Kale and apple come together here for a mix of crunch and slight sweetness. The creamy poppy seed dressing adds a nice balance without overpowering the rest. It keeps well and works for lunches throughout the week. This one stands out because it brings different flavors to a leafy salad without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing