16 Simple and Tasty Salad Recipes Everyone Will Love

Salads don’t have to be boring, and this roundup proves it. From fresh, crisp greens to hearty, protein-packed options, these recipes bring flavor and texture to every bite. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week, serving a light dinner, or adding a side to your meal, these salads are easy, satisfying, and packed with nutrients. With a mix of classic favorites and creative twists, there’s a salad here for every taste and occasion.

Green Papaya Salad

A bowl of Thai papaya salad topped with chopped peanuts and sliced red chili, surrounded by lettuce, lime wedges, fresh herbs, and silver utensils. — Green Papaya Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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Shredded green papaya is tossed with lime, chili, and peanuts. The flavors are tangy, spicy, and crunchy. Each bite has crisp vegetables and zesty dressing. A refreshing salad with Southeast Asian flair.
Get the Recipe: Green Papaya Salad

Easy Chopped Chicken Salad with Bacon & Honey Mustard

Grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables are chopped together. A honey mustard dressing adds sweet and tangy flavor. Each bite is hearty and crunchy. Perfect for a filling weeknight meal or lunch.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chopped Chicken Salad with Bacon & Honey Mustard

Pad Thai Salad

A bowl of colorful chopped salad with green onions, shredded carrots, cabbage, greens, and a creamy dressing, placed on a striped cloth with a fork beside it. — Pad Thai Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Rice noodles, vegetables, and peanuts combine with a tangy sauce. Shrimp or chicken can be added for protein. Each bite is flavorful with a balance of sweet, savory, and sour. Inspired by the classic Thai noodle dish in salad form.
Get the Recipe: Pad Thai Salad

Cabbage Apple Salad

Crisp cabbage and sweet apples mix with a light vinaigrette. Nuts or seeds add crunch. Each bite is fresh, sweet, and tangy. Ideal as a side or light lunch.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Creamy Broccoli Salad

Broccoli florets, bacon, and red onion are coated in creamy dressing. The salad is rich, crunchy, and savory. Each bite contrasts creamy dressing with crisp vegetables. A classic crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Salad

Vegan Niçoise Salad

Plant-based ingredients replace tuna while maintaining Niçoise flavors. Green beans, potatoes, olives, and vinaigrette create a balanced meal. Each bite is colorful and savory. Perfect for a light yet filling vegan lunch.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Niçoise Salad

Meal Prep Greek Salad

Cucumber, tomato, olives, and feta are packed in containers for easy prep. Dressing is added just before eating. Each bite is tangy, fresh, and satisfying. Ideal for lunches on busy days.
Get the Recipe: Meal Prep Greek Salad

Classic Pea Salad

A bowl of pea salad with chopped eggs, red onion, bacon, nuts, and dried fruit on a white surface with flowers nearby. — Classic Pea Salad. Photo credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

Sweet peas, onions, and bacon are tossed in a creamy dressing. Each bite is simple, crunchy, and flavorful. A retro salad that remains comforting and easy to make. Perfect for gatherings or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pea Salad

Faux Potato Salad

A bowl of creamy potato salad with diced potatoes, carrots, peas, red onions, pickles, and parsley garnished on top. — Faux Potato Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Substitute ingredients like cauliflower or chickpeas for traditional potatoes. The creamy dressing keeps the salad rich and satisfying. Each bite is familiar yet lighter than the classic. Great for low-carb or unique twists.
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad

Kale Harvest Salad

A plate of kale salad with shredded carrots, walnuts, dates, and crumbled cheese, with a fork, on a light surface next to a checkered cloth. — Kale Harvest Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Kale is combined with roasted vegetables, seeds, and dried fruit. A light vinaigrette balances earthy flavors. Each bite is hearty, chewy, and sweet. A nutrient-dense salad with texture and color.
Get the Recipe: Kale Harvest Salad

Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Roasted Brussels sprouts and chicken are tossed with honey mustard dressing. Each bite combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Crunchy vegetables contrast tender chicken. A warm salad perfect for dinner or lunch.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Tender chicken mixes with sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts. A creamy dressing ties it together. Each bite balances savory and sweet flavors. Perfect for sandwiches or a stand-alone salad.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Antipasto Farro Salad

Farro grains, cured meats, cheese, and vegetables mix for a hearty salad. Italian-inspired dressing brings all flavors together. Each bite is savory, tangy, and chewy. A satisfying salad that works for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Farro Salad

Simple Summer Tomato Corn Salad

Fresh tomatoes and corn are tossed with herbs and vinaigrette. Each bite bursts with sweetness and freshness. Quick and easy to prepare. Ideal for a light summer side dish.
Get the Recipe: Simple Summer Tomato Corn Salad

Simple Chopped Salad

A bowl of chopped salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and herbs next to a small bowl of chopped herbs and a glass container of salad dressing on a white surface. — Simple Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Various vegetables are finely chopped for even flavor distribution. Dressing lightly coats the salad for freshness. Each bite is crisp and colorful. A versatile base for adding proteins or grains.
Get the Recipe: Simple Chopped Salad

Amish Broccoli Salad

Broccoli, bacon, cheese, and raisins are mixed with a creamy dressing. The salad is crunchy, sweet, and savory. Each bite is rich and satisfying. A traditional salad that’s easy to prepare for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Amish Broccoli Salad