17 Salads That’ll Earn the Only Compliment Tonight

These 17 salads aren’t here to play backup, they’re showing up as the best dish on the table. Built with bold flavor, crisp texture, and plenty of bite, each one brings something different to the spread. Whether creamy, crunchy, tangy, or fresh, they’ve all got one thing in common: they get remembered. Here’s why they earn the only compliment tonight.

Lemon greek pasta salad in a white bowl with a wooden spoon. — Lemony Greek Pasta Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad takes just 15 minutes to make with shredded sprouts, apples, bacon, and pecans. The mix of smoky, crisp, and sweet gives it balance in every bite. It’s crunchy but never dry, and the texture holds up even after sitting. You’ll want to serve it with anything roasted or grilled.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Summer Orzo Salad

Summer orzo pasta salad in a while serving bowl on a whitewashed background next to a bowl of green beans. — Summer Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Summer Orzo Salad comes together in 20 minutes using orzo pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemony dressing. It tastes bright, light, and a little tangy with plenty of crunch from the veggies. The orzo adds a soft bite that makes it feel more filling. It disappears fast at picnics and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Greek Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad in a brown bowl, garnished with pita bread. — Greek Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Greek Quinoa Salad is ready in 25 minutes and includes quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta, olives, and herbs. It’s salty, fresh, and hearty enough to serve on its own. The quinoa soaks up flavor without getting soggy. It works well as both a meal starter and a leftover lunch.
Get the Recipe: Greek Quinoa Salad

Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad

Hot and Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad takes about 15 minutes and features cabbage, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame seeds. It’s tangy, spicy, and crisp with layers of flavor in every bite. The texture stays light but doesn’t fall flat. It’s a quick side that cuts through heavy mains.
Get the Recipe: Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad

Zucchini Noodle Salad

Zucchini Noodle Salad is ready in 20 minutes with spiralized zucchini, tomatoes, chickpeas, and a citrus dressing. The noodles stay crisp while the tomatoes add juiciness and the chickpeas make it filling. It’s cool, fresh, and tastes like a break from heavier sides. The lemon dressing ties it all together.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

Faux Potato Salad

A white bowl of potato salad with mayonnaise. — Faux Potato Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Faux Potato Salad takes 30 minutes and uses cauliflower, eggs, pickles, and mayonnaise to mimic classic potato salad. The texture is surprisingly close, and the tangy dressing keeps it familiar. It’s creamy, rich, and low-carb without feeling like a compromise. You’d never guess it wasn’t made with potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad comes together in 10 minutes with ripe tomatoes, burrata cheese, basil, and olive oil. The tomatoes stay juicy, and the burrata adds a creamy texture that breaks apart easily. It tastes cool and fresh with just enough salt and acidity. It’s often the first thing gone on a summer table.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata 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 takes 35 minutes to make with red potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, celery, and a mayo-mustard mix. It’s creamy and firm with just the right amount of tang. The skin-on potatoes hold their shape and give each bite a little texture. It’s the classic version that always goes fast.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

TikTok Green Goddess Salad

TikTok Green Goddess Salad is ready in 20 minutes with cabbage, cucumbers, green onions, and a blended avocado-herb dressing. It’s crunchy, cold, and packed with fresh flavor from all the greens. The dressing adds creaminess without using dairy. You’ll want more before you even finish the first bowl.
Get the Recipe: TikTok Green Goddess Salad

Broccoli Slaw Salad

A plate of broccoli slaw with a dressing on it. — Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli Slaw Salad takes 15 minutes and mixes shredded broccoli stems, carrots, raisins, and a creamy vinaigrette. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and has a crunchy texture that doesn’t wilt easily. The flavors come together fast and stay sharp even after chilling. It’s an easy dish that holds up on any spread.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus Asparagus Couscous is ready in 25 minutes and combines pearl couscous, asparagus, lemon zest, and fresh herbs. The couscous adds chew, while the asparagus brings a crisp bite and citrus lifts the flavor. It’s a warm-weather side that holds well at room temperature. Each bite feels clean but still filling.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Veggie Couscous Salad

Veggie Couscous Salad takes 25 minutes and blends couscous with cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and parsley. It’s tossed in a light vinaigrette that keeps it bright and savory. The texture is soft with pops of crunch from the vegetables. It’s one of those sides that ends up replacing the main.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad

Fennel And Mango Slaw

Overhead of fennel mango slaw in bowl. — Fennel And Mango Slaw. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Fennel and Mango Slaw comes together in 15 minutes using shaved fennel, mango, red onion, and lime juice. The flavor is sweet, tart, and slightly sharp from the onion and fennel. It’s light and crisp without getting watery. It pairs well with grilled proteins or tacos.
Get the Recipe: Fennel And Mango Slaw

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 takes just 15 minutes and includes kale, lemon juice, olive oil, and shaved parmesan. The kale softens while the cheese adds richness and salt. It’s chewy but never tough, and the lemon keeps it fresh. It works year-round and stays good for hours.
Get the Recipe: Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

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 takes 20 minutes and combines blanched green beans, cherry tomatoes, onions, and a vinegar-based dressing. It’s sharp, juicy, and has a nice bite from the beans. The tomatoes mellow out the acidity and add color. It’s a quick salad that holds up on warm days.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Pesto Orzo Salad

A bowl of orzo salad with spinach, cherry tomatoes, and grated cheese on top. — Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Pesto Orzo Salad is ready in 20 minutes with orzo pasta, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella. The flavor is savory and slightly sweet with chewy pasta and soft cheese in every bite. The pesto coats everything evenly and adds big flavor without heaviness. It’s a good choice for serving cold or warm.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Lemony Greek Pasta Salad

Lemony Greek Pasta Salad takes 25 minutes and features pasta, cucumbers, olives, red onions, and feta with a lemony vinaigrette. It’s tangy, salty, and full of crunch with soft pasta to round it out. The flavors get better as it sits. It’s the kind of salad that clears the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Lemony Greek Pasta Salad