20 Fresh and Easy Salad Recipes Everyone Will Love

Salads can be simple, satisfying, and still feel a little special, and this roundup proves it. From creamy comfort favorites to fresh, colorful options that brighten any table, these recipes are easy to make and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re planning a potluck, a holiday spread, or just need reliable go-to salads for everyday meals, this collection brings together approachable flavors and feel-good combinations that never get boring.

Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

A bowl of mixed green salad with crumbled cheese, pecans, and dried cranberries, served with two forks on a white tablecloth. — Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

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This salad combines tart cranberries with crunchy pecans in a creamy base. The contrast between sweet and nutty flavors keeps it balanced. Each bite has a mix of soft and crisp textures. It is commonly served chilled.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

Chopped Ham Salad

A white bowl filled with a chopped salad containing ham, red and orange bell peppers, green onions, and fresh herbs. — Chopped Ham Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Finely chopped ham forms the foundation of this savory salad. The ingredients are cut small for even flavor in every bite. A creamy dressing pulls everything together. It works well on sandwiches or crackers.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Ham Salad

Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs lift this tuna salad with clean, bright flavor. The texture stays light while still feeling satisfying. Simple seasoning keeps the herbs front and center. It is easy to serve in wraps or on toast.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs

Masters Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe Copycat

This chicken salad is finely chopped for a smooth, cohesive texture. The flavor is mild, creamy, and familiar. It spreads easily onto soft bread. The result feels classic and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Masters Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe Copycat

Chickpea Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing

Chickpeas add substance to sturdy kale leaves. The tahini dressing brings a rich, nutty flavor throughout the salad. Everything holds up well after being mixed. This dish works nicely as a main or side.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing

Fried Halloumi Salad

A plate of salad topped with grilled tofu, sliced red bell peppers, mushrooms, shredded vegetables, and sprinkled with sesame seeds. — Fried Halloumi Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Golden fried halloumi adds a salty bite to fresh greens. The contrast between warm cheese and cool vegetables stands out. Crisp edges give way to a chewy center. This salad feels bold and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad

Shaved Asparagus Salad with Fennel

Thinly shaved asparagus keeps the texture light and crisp. Fennel adds a subtle licorice note. A simple dressing highlights the vegetables without masking them. The salad feels fresh and clean.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Asparagus Salad with Fennel

Spicy Watermelon Jalapeño Salad

Juicy watermelon brings sweetness and crunch. Jalapeño adds a sharp kick that wakes up each bite. The balance between heat and freshness keeps it interesting. It is best served well chilled.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Watermelon Jalapeño Salad

Carrot Citrus Salad

Shredded carrots form a bright, crunchy base. Citrus adds juiciness and acidity. The flavors stay clean and refreshing. This salad works well alongside heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Citrus Salad

Fiesta Salad with Coconut-Lime Crunch

This salad mixes bold flavors with plenty of texture. A coconut-lime topping adds sweetness and crunch. Crisp vegetables keep everything balanced. It feels lively and colorful on the table.
Get the Recipe: Fiesta Salad with Coconut-Lime Crunch

Grape Salad

Juicy grapes are folded into a creamy mixture. The texture is smooth with bursts of sweetness. It is often served as a chilled side dish. This salad is common at gatherings and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Banana Split Cheesecake Salad

This dessert-style salad pulls inspiration from classic banana splits. Creamy filling coats fruit pieces evenly. The flavors are rich and playful. It is served chilled as a sweet finish.
Get the Recipe: Banana Split Cheesecake Salad

Tomato Salad

Fresh tomatoes are the clear focus of this dish. Simple seasoning lets their natural flavor stand out. Juices mingle with the dressing at the bottom of the bowl. It is best served shortly after assembling.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Salad

Red White and Blue Salad

A bowl of creamy fruit salad topped with fresh blueberries and strawberry slices, placed on a white table beside a gold spoon, a small bowl of blueberries, and a red checkered napkin. — Red White and Blue Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This salad uses colorful fruit for a striking presentation. Sweet and juicy elements dominate each bite. The textures stay light and refreshing. It is often served at festive gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Red White and Blue Salad

Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad

A white plate with orzo pasta mixed with grilled vegetables, including red onions, bell peppers, and green onions, garnished with herbs. A gold fork rests beside the plate. — Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled vegetables add depth and smokiness to tender orzo. The pasta absorbs flavor from the dressing. Each ingredient stays distinct while working together. This salad can be served warm or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Pickled beets bring tang and deep color. Cucumbers add crunch and freshness. The contrast keeps the salad balanced. It is typically served chilled.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Greek Quinoa Salad

A bowl of quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, white beans, crumbled feta, fresh greens, and a piece of grilled flatbread, with a spoon on the side. — Greek Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Quinoa provides a fluffy base for bold Mediterranean flavors. Vegetables and herbs add color and texture. The dressing keeps everything bright and cohesive. This salad holds up well after mixing.
Get the Recipe: Greek Quinoa Salad

Italian Rice Salad – Insalata di Riso

Rice forms the foundation of this chilled Italian-style salad. A mix of vegetables and add-ins brings variety. Each bite feels balanced and filling. It is often served during warmer months.
Get the Recipe: Italian Rice Salad – Insalata di Riso

Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

Tuna and white beans create a hearty combination. The flavors stay savory and straightforward. A light dressing ties everything together. This salad works well as a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

7 Layer Salad

A glass bowl containing a layered salad with lettuce, red onion, tomato, peas, celery, mayonnaise, cheese, and a topping of crispy fried onions. — 7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This salad is built in visible layers for presentation. Each layer adds a different texture or flavor. The dressing sits on top until serving. It is a staple at large gatherings.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad