23 Quick and Easy Salads Perfect for Busy Weeknights

When time is tight, a quick and easy salad can make dinner stress-free. These recipes are simple to put together, using fresh ingredients that bring plenty of flavor. Whether you need a light main dish or a side, there’s something here to fit your schedule. With minimal prep and straightforward ingredients, these salads are perfect for any busy weeknight.

A plate of coronation chicken salad. — Coronation Chicken Salad. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Zucchini Noodle Salad

Zucchini Noodle Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. It features fresh spiralized zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The noodles are crisp and refreshing, while the tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. This salad is light but satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad takes about 15 minutes to make. It combines ripe tomatoes, creamy burrata, and fresh basil drizzled with olive oil. The dish is bright and creamy with a touch of peppery basil. It’s simple yet satisfying, bringing fresh flavors to the table.
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 takes about 20 minutes to prepare. It includes tender kale leaves, freshly grated parmesan, and a light lemon dressing. The kale is softened by rubbing, making it easier to eat and more flavorful. This salad is hearty and full of fresh, simple flavors.
Get the Recipe: Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

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 takes about 25 minutes to prepare. It combines orzo pasta, fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs in a light vinaigrette. The flavors are crisp and refreshing, making it ideal for warm evenings. This salad is easy to serve and pairs well with almost any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Veggie Couscous Salad

Veggie Couscous Salad takes about 20 minutes to make. It features fluffy couscous, fresh vegetables, and a light lemon dressing. The mix is light but satisfying, with a bright, zesty flavor. This salad is perfect for quick lunches or as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It features finely shaved Brussels sprouts, almonds, and a light dressing. The sprouts are crisp and slightly nutty, balanced by the crunch of almonds. This salad is simple but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts 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 takes about 20 minutes to prepare. It features fresh green beans, juicy tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The beans are crisp, and the tomatoes add a burst of freshness. This salad is light, easy, and perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad

Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad takes about 30 minutes to make. It combines pearl couscous, fresh vegetables, and a blend of Moroccan spices. The flavors are rich and slightly spiced, with a satisfying texture. This salad is hearty enough to be a main dish or a side.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad

Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

A bowl of kale salad on a wooden table. — Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing takes about 20 minutes to prepare. It features crisp apples, tender kale, and a creamy poppy seed dressing. The flavors are fresh and slightly sweet, with a bit of crunch. This salad is simple, tasty, and perfect for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

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 about 15 minutes to make. It features shredded broccoli, carrots, and cabbage tossed in a light dressing. The salad is crunchy and refreshing with a touch of sweetness. This dish is quick, easy, and great for a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw 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 about 25 minutes to prepare. It uses cauliflower instead of potatoes, combined with mayo, mustard, and celery for classic flavor. The dish is creamy and tangy with a satisfying crunch. This low-carb option is perfect for anyone looking for a lighter version of the original.
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad

TikTok Green Goddess Salad

TikTok Green Goddess Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. It features finely chopped cabbage, cucumbers, and green onions with a creamy herb dressing. The salad is crisp and fresh with a punch of flavor from the dressing. This dish is quick, vibrant, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: TikTok Green Goddess Salad

Fried Halloumi Salad

Fried Halloumi Salad takes about 25 minutes to make. It combines crispy fried halloumi cheese with fresh greens and tomatoes. The cheese is salty and rich, while the veggies add a fresh, crisp balance. This salad is satisfying and brings a bit of comfort to the table.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad

Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad

Hot and Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. It features thinly shredded Napa cabbage with a tangy and slightly spicy dressing. The salad is crisp and refreshing with bold flavors. This dish is quick, simple, and perfect for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Close up on beet cucumber salad with dill. — Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It combines crisp cucumbers, pickled beets, and fresh herbs. The flavors are tangy and refreshing, with a bit of crunch in every bite. This salad is light and perfect as a side dish or snack.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber 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 takes about 25 minutes to prepare. It includes quinoa, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives tossed in a lemon dressing. The flavors are bright and fresh with a hint of saltiness from the olives. This salad is hearty enough for a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Greek Quinoa 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 about 30 minutes to make. It combines tender red potatoes with celery, onion, and a creamy dressing. The salad is creamy with a bit of crunch from the veggies. It’s a simple and classic side dish for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato 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 takes about 20 minutes to prepare. It combines crisp fennel, sweet mango, and a light dressing. The flavors are bright and slightly sweet with a hint of crunch. This slaw is perfect for pairing with grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Fennel And Mango Slaw

Mediterranean White Bean Salad With Feta

Side view of white bean salad in bowl with tongs. — Mediterranean White Bean Salad With Feta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta takes about 15 minutes to make. It features white beans, fresh vegetables, and crumbled feta cheese. The salad is hearty and flavorful, with a bit of saltiness from the cheese. This dish is quick, filling, and perfect for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean White Bean Salad With Feta

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus Asparagus Couscous takes about 25 minutes to prepare. It includes tender asparagus, fluffy couscous, and a light citrus dressing. The flavors are fresh and bright, with a bit of crunch from the asparagus. This dish is light and satisfying for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

A salad with strawberries, blueberries and feta cheese. — Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It features fresh berries with a homemade blueberry dressing. The salad is sweet and tart, with a bit of crunch from mixed greens. This dish is refreshing and perfect for a quick side.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Brussels Sprouts Salad

Brussels Sprouts Salad takes about 20 minutes to make. It combines shredded Brussels sprouts, almonds, and a light vinaigrette. The flavors are nutty and crisp with a fresh finish. This salad is quick, simple, and perfect for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad

Coronation Chicken Salad

Coronation Chicken Salad takes about 25 minutes to prepare. It features tender chicken, curry-spiced dressing, and fresh vegetables. The flavors are bold and slightly creamy with a touch of sweetness. This salad is perfect for a quick dinner or easy lunch.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad