15 Easy and Delicious Salads That Aren’t Just Lettuce and Dressing

Salads don’t have to be just lettuce and dressing to be satisfying. These 15 recipes show how easy it can be to create delicious salads with a variety of ingredients. From grains and vegetables to fruits and cheeses, these salads are full of flavor and perfect for any meal. They’re simple to make and offer something for everyone.

burrata salad with balsamic glaze including spring mix, basil leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil. — Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

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 light, crunchy dish that takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The Brussels sprouts are thinly sliced and mixed with a tangy dressing. The salad has a refreshing, slightly bitter flavor. This dish is perfect for those looking for a healthy and satisfying salad alternative.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Carolina BBQ chicken salad is a hearty, flavorful dish that takes around 25 minutes to prepare. It features shredded chicken, mixed greens, and a tangy BBQ sauce. The combination of savory chicken and smoky BBQ flavor is complemented by fresh vegetables. This salad is a great meal on its own or as a side.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

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 light, low-carb dish that takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The zucchini is spiralized into noodles and mixed with fresh veggies and a simple dressing. It’s a fresh, crunchy salad with a satisfying texture. This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, veggie-packed meal.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle 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 light, flavorful dish that takes about 25 minutes to prepare. The orzo pasta is mixed with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs for a refreshing taste. The dressing brings everything together with a tangy finish. This salad is perfect for summer gatherings or a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato burrata salad is a simple, flavorful dish that takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The salad features ripe tomatoes and creamy burrata cheese, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The combination of sweetness and creaminess creates a balanced flavor. This salad is perfect for a light meal or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata 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 nutrient-packed, tangy dish that takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The kale is massaged with olive oil and lemon juice, making it tender and flavorful, then topped with Parmesan. The result is a simple, satisfying salad. This is perfect for a healthy, easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

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 colorful, nutrient-rich dish that takes around 20 minutes to prepare. The quinoa is mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, offering a combination of textures and flavors. The dressing adds a refreshing, tangy touch. This salad is perfect for a light yet filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Greek Quinoa Salad

Brussels Sprouts Salad

Brussels sprouts salad is a hearty, nutrient-packed dish that takes around 20 minutes to prepare. The sprouts are roasted to bring out their natural sweetness, then tossed with other fresh ingredients. The flavors are balanced with a tangy dressing. This salad is perfect for a lighter, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad

Pea Salad

Pea salad is a simple, refreshing dish that takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s made with peas, cheese, and a creamy dressing, offering a balance of flavors. The peas add sweetness, while the cheese provides a creamy contrast. This salad is great for a quick, easy side.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad

TikTok Green Goddess Salad

TikTok green goddess salad is a creamy, vibrant dish that takes about 20 minutes to prepare. The salad features fresh greens, avocado, and a green goddess dressing made from herbs and spices. The dressing is rich and tangy, complementing the fresh ingredients. This salad is a great option for a healthy meal.
Get the Recipe: TikTok Green Goddess Salad

Green Bean Tomato Salad

Green beans and tomatoes on a white plate. — Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green bean tomato salad is a fresh, savory dish that takes about 20 minutes to prepare. The salad features green beans and tomatoes tossed with a tangy dressing. The green beans provide a nice crunch, while the tomatoes offer juiciness. This salad is perfect for a healthy, simple side dish.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Red Skin Potato Salad

Red potato salad in bowl with bacon and parsley garnish. — Red Skin Potato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Red skin potato salad is a creamy, hearty side dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The salad features red potatoes mixed with a creamy dressing and fresh herbs. The potatoes offer a creamy texture, while the dressing provides tanginess. This dish is a great side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono

A black bowl of Japanese cucumber salad garnished with sesame seeds. — Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Japanese cucumber salad, or sunomono, is a light, refreshing dish that takes about 10 minutes to prepare. The salad features thinly sliced cucumbers, seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and sesame seeds. The cucumbers provide a crisp, clean taste, while the dressing adds a tangy flavor. This is a great side for any Asian-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono

Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad)

Overhead view of hand lifting a spoon of salad. — Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Russian vinaigrette salad is a hearty, tangy dish that takes around 30 minutes to prepare. The salad features root vegetables like beets, potatoes, and carrots, mixed with a tangy vinaigrette. The earthy vegetables are balanced by the sharpness of the vinaigrette. This salad is perfect for a filling, veggie-packed meal.
Get the Recipe: Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad)

Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Burrata salad with balsamic glaze is a creamy, tangy dish that takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The salad features creamy burrata cheese, mixed greens, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The creamy cheese pairs well with the sharp sweetness of the balsamic. This salad is perfect for a light, flavorful meal or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze