20 Colorful Salad Recipes Full of Yum!

Salads don’t have to be basic, and this roundup proves it. From juicy fruits to crisp veggies, hearty grains, and protein-packed options, these recipes are full of flavor and easy to make. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining, they bring freshness and color to your plate while keeping things simple. With this collection, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy salads that are vibrant, satisfying, and completely crave-worthy.

Watergate Salad

A bowl of green pistachio salad topped with two maraschino cherries and chopped nuts, with a wooden spoon and marshmallows in the background. — Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

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Pineapple, pistachios, and whipped cream come together in a sweet, fluffy mix. Mini marshmallows add a playful texture throughout. The flavors are light but surprisingly rich. It is a nostalgic dessert-like salad that is bright and fun.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Melon Salad with Mozzarella and Mint

A bowl of melon salad with mozzarella balls and fresh mint leaves sits on a blue cloth with a white butterfly print. — Melon Salad with Mozzarella and Mint. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Juicy melon cubes are paired with creamy mozzarella for a smooth contrast. Fresh mint leaves add a refreshing herbal note. A drizzle of simple syrup or citrus juice enhances the fruitiness. Each bite is cool, sweet, and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Melon Salad with Mozzarella and Mint

Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

Tender pieces of chicken and fluffy rice form the foundation of this salad. Fresh basil and lemon juice add aromatic brightness. Chopped vegetables give crunch and color. It is filling but still fresh and lively.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

Orzo Salad

A bowl of orzo pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, red onion, artichoke hearts, parsley, and mint on a wooden board, with lemons and fresh vegetables nearby. — Orzo Salad. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Tiny pasta pearls are mixed with colorful vegetables and herbs. A light dressing gives a tangy, savory coating to each bite. Feta or cheese crumbles can be added for richness. It is versatile and works for side dishes or main courses.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Salad

Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Soft, creamy burrata cheese sits atop fresh greens or sliced tomatoes. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds tangy sweetness. Olive oil and herbs enhance the flavor profile. The combination is elegant and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Sardine Salad

A tuna salad sandwich with lettuce on whole wheat bread sits on a wooden cutting board next to a lemon wedge and a knife. — Sardine Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sardines are flaked over leafy greens with onions and tomatoes. Lemon juice or vinegar brightens the natural richness of the fish. Capers or herbs add layers of flavor. It is bold and flavorful with a touch of brininess.
Get the Recipe: Sardine Salad

Butter Bean Salad

Butter beans offer a creamy base for this hearty salad. Mixed with herbs, onions, and a light dressing, it becomes flavorful and textured. Cherry tomatoes add pops of color and sweetness. It can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Butter Bean Salad

Peach Tomato Caprese Salad

Ripe peaches and juicy tomatoes alternate with fresh mozzarella slices. Basil leaves add aromatic freshness. A drizzle of olive oil and light seasoning completes the dish. The mix of sweet and tangy flavors is delightful.
Get the Recipe: Peach Tomato Caprese Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad

Juicy tomato slices pair with soft burrata for a rich contrast. A sprinkle of fresh herbs brings subtle fragrance. Olive oil or a touch of balsamic adds depth. Each bite is creamy, fresh, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Cherry Salad

Fresh cherries are combined with greens or grains for a sweet-tart balance. Nuts or cheese add texture and a savory counterpoint. A simple citrus dressing enhances the natural flavors. It is colorful, lively, and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad

Roasted Beet Salad

Earthy roasted beets are paired with creamy cheese and nuts. Greens or grains can provide a fresh base. A light vinaigrette ties the ingredients together. The flavors are rich, bold, and visually striking.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad

Strawberry Avocado Honey Lime Salad

Sweet strawberries and creamy avocado are mixed with greens. A honey-lime dressing adds a bright, tangy flavor. Nuts or seeds add a satisfying crunch. The combination of textures makes it lively and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Avocado Honey Lime Salad

Mixed Berry Salad

A salad bowl containing fresh spinach leaves, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, pecans, crumbled cheese, and a light drizzle of dressing. — Mixed Berry Salad. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

A variety of berries provide color and sweetness. Fresh herbs or a light dressing elevate the flavors. Nuts or seeds can be added for texture. Each bite bursts with fruity brightness.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Berry Salad

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Tender chicken is coated in creamy Greek yogurt with seasonings. Celery and grapes add crunch and subtle sweetness. Herbs like dill or parsley bring freshness. It is simple, flavorful, and filling.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad

Bitter radicchio and crisp endive are paired with juicy chicken. Citrus or light vinaigrette softens the bitterness. Nuts or cheese can enhance texture and flavor. It is bold, crisp, and layered.
Get the Recipe: Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad

Roasted Vegetable Salad

A white platter with roasted vegetables including carrots, red onions, Brussels sprouts, beets, and zucchini, topped with chopped fresh herbs. — Roasted Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A mix of roasted vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and carrots forms the base. Herbs and a light dressing bring everything together. The roasting adds caramelized sweetness and depth. It is warm, earthy, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad

Mango Black Bean Salad

Sweet mango and hearty black beans combine with peppers and onions. A lime dressing adds tang and brightness. Fresh herbs add flavor and aroma. The mix is sweet, savory, and colorful.
Get the Recipe: Mango Black Bean Salad

Shrimp Salad

Cooked shrimp rest atop greens or grains with vegetables. A light citrus or vinaigrette dressing enhances the seafood flavor. Fresh herbs or spices provide extra aroma. It is flavorful, fresh, and simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad

Cooked macaroni is mixed with mayonnaise, celery, and onions. Chopped pickles or hard-boiled eggs add texture. The salad is creamy and satisfying. It is classic, simple, and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Summer Orzo Salad

A bowl of orzo pasta salad with halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a metal fork. — Summer Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Orzo pasta is mixed with seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs. A citrus or vinaigrette dressing keeps the salad lively. Cheese or nuts can add richness and crunch. It is light, colorful, and versatile for many meals.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad