15 Classic Salads That Grandma Made on a Budget

Looking for simple, affordable salad recipes that bring comfort and nostalgia? These 15 classic salads are easy to make and won’t break the bank. Full of fresh ingredients and straightforward flavors, they’re perfect for anyone looking to create a tasty meal without spending too much. These recipes are just like the ones grandma used to make—delicious and budget-friendly.

A bowl of coleslaw with shredded carrots and raisins on a wooden surface, next to a red and white checkered cloth. — Carrot Raisin Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Veggie Couscous Salad

A white bowl filled with couscous salad, containing diced tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and garnished with herbs. A spoon is placed in the bowl. — Veggie Couscous Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Veggie couscous salad is a light and nutritious dish that takes about 20 minutes to make. The salad includes couscous, fresh vegetables, and a simple dressing. The couscous adds a soft texture, while the veggies give it a crunchy bite. It’s an easy and satisfying way to pack in some healthy ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus asparagus couscous is a refreshing salad that takes around 25 minutes to prepare. The dish combines couscous with asparagus, citrus fruits, and a zesty dressing. The citrus adds brightness to the slightly earthy flavor of the asparagus. This salad is light but full of flavor, perfect for a spring or summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Cherry Salad

Cherry fluff salad in blue bowls with whipped cream. — Cherry Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cherry salad is a sweet and tangy dish that takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The main ingredients are fresh cherries, lettuce, and a light vinaigrette. The sweetness of the cherries pairs perfectly with the crisp greens. This simple salad is a great option for a quick and refreshing side dish.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad

Summer Orzo Salad

Oval dish of orzo salad with cherry tomatoes, zucchini slices, and herbs, surrounded by cucumber slices, on a wooden table. Green beans are nearby. — Summer Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Summer orzo salad is a quick and colorful dish that takes around 20 minutes to make. The salad features orzo pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemony dressing. It’s light and refreshing, with the pasta adding substance to the dish. This salad is ideal for warm weather and pairs well with any main course.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

A white dish filled with kale leaves topped with slices of cheese. A glass of water, a fork, and a napkin are in the background on a dark wooden table. — Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Rubbed kale salad with parmesan is a simple, healthy dish that takes just 10 minutes. The kale is massaged with olive oil and lemon, then topped with freshly grated parmesan. The process softens the kale and enhances its flavor. It’s a nutrient-packed side dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

Zucchini Noodle Salad

A plate of zucchini noodles with cherry tomatoes and diced yellow bell peppers, served in front of a glass bowl with more salad. A folded napkin and forks are in the background. — Zucchini Noodle Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Zucchini noodle salad is a low-carb dish that takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The salad is made with spiralized zucchini, fresh vegetables, and a light dressing. The zucchini noodles are mild in flavor and serve as a refreshing base. It’s a healthy, satisfying salad that’s easy to make and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad

Purple cabbage and pickled mushroom salad is a tangy, crunchy dish that takes around 20 minutes to prepare. The main ingredients include purple cabbage, pickled mushrooms, and a simple vinaigrette. The pickled mushrooms add a unique flavor that complements the crisp cabbage. This salad is a great way to add variety to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad

Greek Quinoa Salad

A bowl of quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and leafy greens, topped with a piece of flatbread. — Greek Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Greek quinoa salad is a hearty dish that takes about 20 minutes to prepare. The salad combines quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. It’s a protein-packed salad with a good balance of flavors and textures. This dish is easy to make and perfect for meal prepping.
Get the Recipe: Greek Quinoa Salad

Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad

Hot and sour shredded napa cabbage salad is a zesty dish that takes around 15 minutes to make. It features napa cabbage, chilies, and a tangy dressing. The balance of heat and sourness creates a bold flavor profile. This salad is light but full of flavor, ideal as a side or a light lunch.
Get the Recipe: Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad

Cabbage Apple Salad

Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon. — Cabbage Apple Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Cabbage apple salad is a crunchy and sweet dish that takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The main ingredients include shredded cabbage, apples, and a creamy dressing. The sweetness of the apples pairs well with the crunch of the cabbage. It’s a simple and refreshing salad, great for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Bulgur Salad With Roasted Butternut Squash And Leeks

Bulgur salad with roasted butternut squash and leeks is a hearty dish that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. The bulgur pairs with roasted squash and leeks, adding a slightly nutty flavor. The dish is filling and has a balance of earthy and savory flavors. It’s a warm and satisfying salad perfect for fall.
Get the Recipe: Bulgur Salad With Roasted Butternut Squash And Leeks

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato burrata salad is a light, creamy dish that takes around 15 minutes to make. The salad features fresh tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. The tomatoes provide a burst of flavor, while the burrata adds a rich, smooth texture. This salad is simple but elegant, perfect for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl. — Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Cucumber salad with feta is a refreshing dish that takes about 10 minutes to prepare. The salad includes crisp cucumbers, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette. The saltiness of the feta complements the coolness of the cucumbers. It’s a quick, light salad that’s perfect as a side or on its own.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Plate with sliced avocado, halved boiled eggs, and a salad of shredded greens, cranberries, and diced nuts. — Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Shaved brussels sprouts salad is a crunchy and satisfying dish that takes around 20 minutes to prepare. The brussels sprouts are thinly sliced, then combined with a tangy dressing. The salad has a good balance of bitterness from the sprouts and a touch of sweetness from the dressing. It’s a great way to enjoy brussels sprouts in a fresh, new way.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Carrot Raisin Salad

Carrot raisin salad is a sweet and tangy dish that takes about 15 minutes to make. The main ingredients are grated carrots, raisins, and a creamy dressing. The sweetness of the carrots and raisins combines with the tangy dressing for a refreshing flavor. This salad is an easy, healthy option for a quick side.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad