12 Light and Healthy Salad Recipes

Are you ready to add some freshness, flavor, and a whole lot of color to your meals? I’ve got you covered with 12 light and healthy salad recipes that are as delicious as they are nutritious! Whether you’re looking to lighten up your weeknight dinners, pack a wholesome lunch, or impress at your next gathering, these salads are versatile, vibrant, and sure to hit the spot.

Healthy California Chicken Salad

Sweet meets savory, creamy pairs with fresh—this California chicken salad truly has it all! You can have this wholesome, flavor-packed dish ready in under 10 minutes. Perfect for a quick and healthy lunch, it’s under 400 calories and packed with protein and vitamins. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for nearly everyone to enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Healthy California Chicken Salad

Easy Arugula Spinach Salad

This arugula spinach salad is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s bursting with flavor! Peppery arugula and tender spinach create the perfect base, while quick pickled onions, fennel, and olives add a deliciously dynamic touch. The salad is topped off with a tangy homemade dressing featuring Dijon mustard and red wine vinegar. It’s fresh, flavorful, and an absolute must-try for any green salad lover!
Get the Recipe: Easy Arugula Spinach Salad

Spicy Southwest Salad

This Copycat Chick-Fil-A Southwest Salad is a dinner dream come true! Picture this: juicy, marinated, and grilled spicy chicken breast piled high on a bed of fresh greens. Add black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and crunchy tortilla strips, all brought together with a bold and zesty southwest salad dressing. It’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy—even my firefighter husband can’t resist it!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Southwest Salad

Grilled Steak Salad

Get ready to welcome the warmth of sunny days with my ultimate Grilled Steak Salad recipe! Imagine juicy grilled sirloin paired with peppery arugula, crisp romaine, crunchy cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, creamy avocado, zingy red onion, and tangy blue cheese crumbles. Toss it all together with a homemade basil vinaigrette, and you’ve got a vibrant, hearty entrée salad that’s like a colorful celebration in every bite!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Salad

Plum Salad

This summer plum salad with lamb’s lettuce is a breeze to whip up and makes the perfect lunch! A simple, zesty dressing of lemon juice and honey ties it all together for a fresh and flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Plum Salad

Fig Salad

This fig salad with arugula and prosciutto is a match made for summer and autumn! It brings together tender, juicy figs, crisp arugula, and savory prosciutto, all complemented by crunchy nuts and a slightly sweet balsamic dressing. Each bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures!
Get the Recipe: Fig Salad

Summer Farro Salad

One of my underrated go-to dishes is this Summer Farro Salad. It’s quick to whip up, hearty yet light, and absolutely delicious—perfect for those warm, sunny days.
Get the Recipe: Summer Farro Salad

Eggplant and Lettuce Salad

Air-fried eggplant tossed with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and onions, all coated in a zesty, creamy yogurt-based dressing—this salad is an absolute winner.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant and Lettuce Salad

Apple Kale Slaw

Creamy, sweet, and tangy, this apple kale slaw is bursting with flavor and packed with vitamins. A vibrant dressing of maple syrup, tahini, and lime pairs perfectly with the crisp crunch of apples and kale. Ready in just 15 minutes, this vegan and gluten-free salad is a quick, flavor-packed powerhouse!
Get the Recipe: Apple Kale Slaw

Zucchini Salad

Zucchini feta salad, also called courgette salad, is the ultimate taste of summer and my go-to recipe for hot days! A bright, zesty lemon dressing transforms simple zucchini into a standout dish, paired perfectly with creamy feta and crunchy hazelnuts. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s light, fresh, vegetarian, and gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Salad

Arugula Salad

I’m a big fan of peppery arugula, and this quick, easy salad with a zesty lemon dressing is the ultimate summer dish. With just six simple ingredients and 10 minutes, you can whip up a fresh, flavorful salad complete with a homemade dressing in no time!
Get the Recipe: Arugula Salad

Greek Spinach Salad

Fresh and vibrant, this Greek spinach salad with feta and olives brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for make-ahead meals and is both vegetarian and gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Greek Spinach Salad