25 Salads That Beat the Usual Side Dish Boredom

Salads don’t have to be basic or boring. These 25 recipes offer fresh takes on classic and unique salads that come together quickly. From crisp veggies to hearty grains and proteins, each salad delivers satisfying flavors and textures. You’ll find options perfect for a quick side or a light meal any day of the week.

Healthy Tuna salad without mayo sits on a bed of iceberg lettuce surrounded by two forks, dill, and a green linen. — Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Zucchini Noodle Salad

This zucchini noodle salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and features fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and herbs. It has a light, crisp texture and a fresh, mildly tangy flavor. The salad is perfect for warm days when you want something simple but satisfying. It pairs well with grilled dishes or can stand alone as a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato burrata salad combines creamy burrata cheese with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, ready in 10 minutes. The flavors are fresh and balanced, with the cheese adding richness to the acidity of the tomatoes. It’s a simple yet elegant salad that works well as a starter or side. This dish brings a taste of summer to your table any time.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

Rubbed kale salad with parmesan takes about 20 minutes and includes kale, parmesan cheese, and a lemon-based dressing. The kale softens with gentle rubbing, making the salad tender but still hearty. It offers a savory, slightly tangy taste that appeals to kale lovers and newcomers alike. This salad is a great way to add greens without feeling like you’re eating a typical salad.
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 is ready in 25 minutes and combines orzo pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs for a fresh taste. It has a light, refreshing flavor with a satisfying pasta texture. The salad works well as a side dish or a quick lunch on its own. Its bright ingredients make it a perfect pick for warm-weather meals.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Veggie Couscous Salad

Veggie couscous salad takes around 20 minutes and features couscous mixed with bell peppers, cucumbers, and fresh herbs. The flavors are fresh and slightly nutty, with a balance of crunch and softness. It’s a filling salad that pairs well with grilled meats or as a vegetarian main. This dish offers a satisfying texture without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Shaved Brussels sprouts salad is ready in about 15 minutes, combining thinly sliced sprouts with nuts and a light dressing. It offers a crisp texture and a slightly bitter but fresh flavor profile. The salad is simple but flavorful enough to impress at any meal. It works well as a side or a light lunch option.
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 and includes fresh green beans, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing. The salad has a crunchy texture with juicy bursts from the tomatoes and a tangy finish. It’s an easy way to add veggies to your plate with familiar flavors. This dish complements both casual and more formal meals.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi salad is a refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions ready in 15 minutes. The salad tastes fresh with a citrusy, slightly tangy dressing that brightens every bite. It’s a simple dish that pairs well with Middle Eastern or Mediterranean meals. This salad adds a crisp, cooling element to any menu.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad

A close-up of a dish featuring rice, sliced cucumbers, herbs, and pieces of a pink ingredient, possibly grapefruit. A spoon is lifting a portion from the plate. The background shows a small bowl with a yellow interior. — Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Cucumber crispy rice salad combines cooked rice with fresh cucumbers and herbs in about 20 minutes. It has a crunchy and soft texture contrast with a clean, fresh taste. The salad is versatile and can be served cold or at room temperature. This dish offers a light, satisfying option for summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing. — Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spicy Korean cucumber salad takes just 15 minutes to prepare with cucumbers, chili flakes, and sesame oil. The salad has a bold, spicy kick balanced by the crisp cucumber texture. It’s a refreshing dish with a unique flavor profile for those who enjoy a bit of heat. This salad pairs well with grilled or fried dishes.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Overhead view of olivier salad with two egg halves. — Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Russian potato salad, or Olivier salad, takes about 30 minutes and features potatoes, peas, pickles, and mayo. It has a creamy, slightly tangy taste with soft and crunchy textures combined. This salad is a hearty side that’s popular at gatherings and comfort food meals. It offers a familiar flavor for those seeking a classic potato salad.
Get the Recipe: Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican street corn salad is ready in 20 minutes and features corn, mayo, cheese, and chili powder. The salad tastes creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy with a fresh crunch from the corn. It’s a flavorful side that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or tacos. This dish brings bold, familiar Mexican flavors to your table.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Air Fryer Hash Browns

A plate with hash browns, eggs and avocado on a table. — Air Fryer Hash Browns. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air fryer hash browns take about 15 minutes to cook and use shredded potatoes with simple seasoning. The result is crispy on the outside and tender inside with a salty, comforting flavor. This dish makes a great side or breakfast addition. It’s easy to prepare and satisfies any craving for classic hash browns.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hash Browns

Quinoa Cucumber Salad

A white plate with a serving of quinoa salad mixed with diced cucumbers, chopped herbs, red onions, nuts, and feta cheese. A gold fork is resting on the plate. The background is a light, textured surface. — Quinoa Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Quinoa cucumber salad takes about 20 minutes and combines cooked quinoa, cucumbers, herbs, and lemon juice. The salad tastes fresh and light with a nutty quinoa flavor and crunchy cucumber. It’s a healthy option that works well as a side or light meal. This dish balances texture and bright flavors simply.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Cucumber Salad

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Overhead view of cucumber salad. — Ukrainian Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ukrainian cucumber salad takes just 10 minutes and features sliced cucumbers, dill, and sour cream. It has a cool, creamy texture with a fresh herb flavor. The salad is a simple, traditional dish that complements hearty meals. This quick recipe brings a refreshing bite to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Baked Feta and Egg Salad

Two slices of bread topped with egg salad and garnished with fresh herbs are placed on a gray plate. A small dish with lemon slices is partially visible in the background on the left. The surface below is light-colored. — Baked Feta and Egg Salad. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Baked feta and egg salad combines roasted feta cheese and hard-boiled eggs, ready in 25 minutes. The salad tastes savory and creamy with a touch of tang from the feta. It’s a filling dish that works well as a main or side. This recipe offers a rich and satisfying salad option.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta and Egg Salad

Pizza Salad

Pizza salad takes about 15 minutes and includes salad greens, pepperoni, cheese, and Italian dressing. It tastes familiar with pizza-inspired flavors in a fresh salad form. This dish is a quick way to enjoy pizza flavors with a lighter twist. It pairs well with casual dinners or game-day meals.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Asian Cucumber Salad

A bowl featuring pickled cucumbers and chopsticks. — Asian Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Asian cucumber salad takes 15 minutes and features cucumbers, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes. The salad has a tangy, slightly spicy flavor with crisp cucumber slices. It’s a refreshing side that adds an Asian flair to any meal. This dish balances bold and light elements simply.
Get the Recipe: Asian Cucumber Salad

Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime, and Sesame

A bowl of salad containing leafy greens, fresh herbs, sliced onions, and black sesame seeds on a light surface. Another dish with similar contents is partially visible to the side. There are scattered herbs around the bowl. — Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime, and Sesame. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Little Gem salad with herbs, maple, lime, and sesame is ready in 15 minutes and offers crisp greens with a sweet and tangy dressing. The salad tastes bright and fresh with a subtle nuttiness from sesame. It’s a vibrant side dish for a variety of meals. This salad brings a unique flavor combination to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime, and Sesame

Easy Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados

A black plate with a halved avocado filled with a shrimp salad, garnished with lime. A fork rests beside it. A wooden board holds more avocado halves in the background. A wooden bowl with mixed salad ingredients is partially visible. — Easy Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Easy shrimp salad stuffed avocados combines shrimp, avocado, and a light dressing, ready in 20 minutes. The salad has a creamy texture with fresh seafood flavors balanced by tangy notes. It works well as a light lunch or appetizer. This recipe offers a simple, satisfying seafood salad option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados

Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad

Moroccan pearl couscous salad takes about 25 minutes and features couscous, vegetables, and a citrus dressing. The salad tastes bright and slightly sweet with a chewy texture from the couscous. It pairs well with grilled meats or as a vegetarian option. This dish brings warm spices and fresh flavors together.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill. — Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Easy salmon pasta salad combines cooked salmon, pasta, and fresh vegetables, ready in 30 minutes. It has a mild, savory taste with a creamy dressing that ties everything together. The salad is hearty enough for a light meal or satisfying side. This recipe offers a balanced mix of protein and fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

beet cucumber salad is shown on a pink plate with a wood cutting board and dill. — Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Beet cucumber salad with feta and dill takes about 20 minutes and combines earthy beets, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta. The salad tastes fresh and vibrant with a balance of sweet and savory flavors. It’s a colorful side that pairs well with a variety of dishes. This recipe is simple but packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Spring Onion Potato Salad

Spring onion potato salad takes around 25 minutes and features potatoes, spring onions, and a light dressing. The salad has a soft texture with a fresh, mild onion flavor. It’s a comforting side dish that works well at family meals or gatherings. This recipe brings classic ingredients together with ease.
Get the Recipe: Spring Onion Potato Salad

Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs

Tuna salad with fresh herbs is ready in 15 minutes and combines tuna, fresh herbs, and a light dressing. The salad tastes fresh and savory with bright herbal notes. It’s a simple, protein-packed option for lunch or a side dish. This recipe is easy to prepare and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs