30+ Quick and Healthy Salad Recipes

The search for the perfect salad is right here in this list of 30+ salad recipes! Each salad uses in-season produce with layers of texture, and all of them are topped with a creative dressing. Side salads, main courses, holiday salads, or just something unique for your next dinner party, you can’t go wrong with these easy recipes.

One true statement about me as a content creator: Salads are my favorite to create and photograph! As a nutritionist, I eat salads daily. I love the way salads pack in nutrients: healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. But it’s also easy to top with protein for a complete meal! Vibrant and colorful salads with a tasty homemade salad dressing are always impressive and delicious.

How to make the perfect salad

To make the perfect salad, we need to follow these step:

• Base: If doing a green salad, I always like my base to have at least 2 different types of greens! I love to mix up my nutrients this way, and I also like a variety in texture. For example, romaine is more crispy than a softer spinach or bib or red lettuce. You can also use a vegetable, grain, or legume as a base! Hello Cauliflower Rice, chickpeas, or Broccoli.
• Texture: adding in texture is an absolute must. This includes really crispy vegetables like bell pepper, radish, celery, carrots, etc. ALSO, be sure to add in another element of crunch! My favorite is some type of nut like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chopped almonds. You don’t need croutons if you vary up your textures. Finally, depending on the salad, a juicy fruit can also add in just the right texture and flavor.
• Dressing: my favorite part! Homemade dressings are what make or break a good salad. I love to create a deliciously tangy dressing. Sometimes the tang will include some fresh herbs (hello cilantro or basil). You can also create a creamier dressing with a few different types of ingredients (other than mayo). My personal favorites are tahini or avocado!

A Salad for Every Occassion!

Salads can be used as an everyday side dish, meal prep, main dish, or for an impressive seasonal dinner party. I’ve grouped this list of 30+ Salad Recipes into a few different categories:

1. Everyday Side Dish Salads
2. Meal Prep Salads (make ahead and enjoy all week)
3. Spring and Summer Salads
4. Fall and Winter Salads
5. Salads without Lettuce

Everyday Side Dish Salads

These are the salads I make the most. They are always in my rotation as a quick and easy side dish. Even on a busy weeknight!

Meal Prep Salads

These are the salads you can make at the beginning of the week, and enjoy for lunches. Many of them are complete meals with chicken as the protein! You can also use these as a main course. I especially love to eat them in the summer as a packable dinner.

Spring and Summer Salads

These recipes are fantastically made for warmer weather! You’ll notice plenty of in-season produce like berries, asparagus, cucumbers, and tomatoes make their way into these recipes. You should even try the grilled sweet potato salad!

Fall and Winter Salads

Who says salads are just for the summertime? I love a good fall or winter salad. It definitely is the star of my holiday table during Thanksgiving and Christmas. I also love the idea of roasting some vegetables and eating a warm salad during colder months!

Salad Recipes without Lettuce!

This group of salad recipes has a different base: beans, vegetables, potatoes, pasta, and even zucchini noodles! Perfect for a side dish and also great to serve at a party or gathering. These are typically good for the summer, but can also be enjoyed year round.