60+ of the Best Salad Recipes That Are More Than Just Lettuce!

More than just lettuce, there are so many salad recipes to enjoy all year long! From light mixed leafy greens and hearty main dish salads to salad side dishes made with vegetables, fruit, pasta, and more. You’ll find all types of salads in this collection with ideas for busy weeknights, holiday barbecues, or weekend picnics.

A two-by-three collage of different salads like grilled steak salad, mexican pasta salad, caesar salad, coleslaw and more with a translucent white box overlay with text that says "The Best Salad Recipes".

Many Different Types of Salads to Enjoy

I’m an equal opportunity salad eater. Even in winter, I’m breaking out the greens to get in my servings of veggies. But there’s so much more to a salad than just lettuce. Here are some different kinds of salad to add to your menu…

Green Salads – these are your standard salads that start with a base of lettuce or other leafy greens. But you don’t have to stop there. Add more veggies, nuts or cheese, maybe some fruit, and an added protein to make it a satisfying meal. Green salads include tossed, with all the components mixed together, or composed, where the other ingredients are arranged on top of the greens.
Vegetable Salads – you can also use so many other veggies as a basis for salads, whether it’s broccoli, cucumbers, tomatoes, and even zucchini when you make spiralized salads. Some vegetable salad recipes get tossed in a vinaigrette while others have creamy dressings. This includes coleslaw and other slaws too.
Bound Salads – maybe this term isn’t familiar to you, but you know what the category includes. It’s salads that start with a base of protein, like chicken or eggs, or a carb, such as pasta, potatoes, or even grains. While often held together with a mayo- or yogurt-based dressing, some use a vinegar-based option.
Fruit Salads – here is the sweet entry into the different types of salads. It can be as simple as a medley of fresh fruit, or you can make a sweet dressing from citrus, yogurt, and more. Sometimes they have mix-ins too, such as nuts for some crunch.
Mixed Salads – combine any of the above and you have a mixed salad. Try chicken salad served over greens, spinach mixed into your pasta salad, or a combo bound salad like chicken and grains combined.

If you need some inspiration, you’ll find a selection of all of these different types of salad recipes right here…

The Best Salad Recipes

Green Salads

A green salad recipe can mean so much more than just lettuce with tomatoes and cucumbers. While a simple tossed salad makes a great light side, from berries to bacon, cheese to nuts, avocado to homemade salad dressing recipes, the possibilities are endless to make your salad hearty and delicious.

The best BBQ chicken and pineapple salad in a wooden salad bowl.

BBQ Chicken Salad

This sweet and savory salad is loaded with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, juicy pineapple, crunchy tortilla chips, and so much more. It's the ultimate summertime dinner, or enjoy it all year long with chicken cooked in the oven or air fryer.

BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe

Poached Pear Salad

With tender poached pears, tangy blue cheese, sweet glazed walnuts, and a creamy sherry dressing atop baby greens, this simple salad is so elegant. It can be a simple side dish or add your favorite protein to make it a satisfying dinner salad.

Poached Pear Salad Recipe

Chicken Caesar Salad

You can make this restaurant favorite at home and make it lighter with a creamy Greek yogurt Caesar dressing. Make sure to use gluten free croutons or try my polenta croutons if needed.

Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

A table shot with a bowl of strawberry spinach salad and fork to its left and a napkin to the right.

Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad

It's like a cross between spinach salad and a classic Cobb, but with a summery twist. You'll love the light and fresh citrus and berries with rich avocado and goat cheese plus satisfying chicken, bacon, and egg.

Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad Recipe

big white bowl of romaine topped with sliced grilled steak, grilled corn and asparagus, and halved tomatoes next to a stack of small white plates

Grilled Steak Salad with Corn and Asparagus

This restaurant-worthy salad is both fresh and satisfying with tender slices of steak atop a bed of crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes. Grilled corn and asparagus completes this flavor-packed dinner salad.

Grilled Steak Salad Recipe

Grilled Chicken Berry Salad with Blueberry Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette with a fork resting in front of the bowl.

Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries

This salad definitely makes a meal, and is a true taste of summer favorites. Besides the grilled chicken, fresh berries, and goat cheese, it has a sweet and savory blueberry balsamic dressing that does double-duty as the marinade for the chicken.

Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries Recipe

Banh Mi Salad

This salad is inspired by the traditional Vietnamese street food sandwich. Savory pork meatballs are balanced by fresh greens and the bite of jalapeño and pickled radish with sriracha lime dressing.

Banh Mi Salad Recipe

Lobster Cobb Salad

The addition of lobster is a simple way to add a little elegant flair to the classic Cobb salad. It makes a perfect summer meal that satisfies with bacon, eggs, and blue cheese.

Lobster Cobb Salad Recipe

Italian-Style Wedge Salad

An upgrade on that basic iceberg lettuce recipe, but this one is made with Italian-inspired ingredients. Crispy prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, a sprinkle of parmesan, and a light and easy creamy balsamic dressing add a little something extra to Romaine and tomatoes to serve alongside a pasta dinner.

Italian-Style Wedge Salad Recipe

An overhead view of a ground beef taco bowl with a fork on the meat partially under the cilantro.

Taco Salad Bowl

Turn your Taco Tuesday leftovers into this filling (and even low carb!) meal. Pile ground beef taco meat on top of a bed of lettuce with all of your favorite taco toppings for a fast family dinner that everyone can customize.

Taco Salad Bowl Recipe

A strawberry mango salad with chicken, avocado, and other ingredients.

Strawberry Mango Avocado Salad

A light and refreshing mix of sweet and tangy, creamy and crunchy, makes this a perfect spring or summer salad. This salad serves four as a side dish, and feel free to double it and even add grilled chicken to make it a complete meal for the family.

Strawberry Mango Avocado Salad Reicpe

Shrimp Cobb Salad with hard boiled eggs, bacon, limes, tomatoes, avocado, cotija cheese, grilled corn, and cilantro lime dressing in a white serving bowl

Grilled Shrimp Salad

Give a standard Cobb salad a summery southwestern twist with this loaded salad. Besides grilled shrimp, it has avocado, eggs, bacon, charred corn, Cotija cheese, and a spicy Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing.

Grilled Shrimp Salad Recipe

A mango blackberry goat cheese salad on a plate with a fork with a jar of strawberry poppyseed dressing behind it.

Mango Blackberry Salad

For an easy summer side salad, top your favorite lettuce or mixed greens with slivers of mango, juicy blackberries, and crumbled goat cheese. Tangy Strawberry Lime Poppy Seed Salad Dressing pulls those fresh flavors together.

Mango Blackberry Salad Recipe

An iceberg wedge on a plate topped with strawberries, cucumbers, bacon, and blue cheese dressing.

Strawberry Wedge Salad

Add a burst of sweet, juicy berries to the classic wedge salad for a new take on an old favorite. Bacon and blue cheese add the perfect salty, smoky balance to those strawberries.

Strawberry Wedge Salad Recipe

A bowl of chicken sausage salad topped with hot sauce.

Grilled Chicken Sausage Salad

This summery salad is perfect for warm weather days with a balance of fresh ingredients and smoky grilled toppings. Plate it up or set up a salad bar filled with to let everyone make their own, and dig in!

Grilled Chicken Sausage Salad Recipe

Avocado Ranch Steak Salad with Mango on white rectangular plates

Grilled Steak Salad with Mango

A hearty salad that makes a satisfying meal for even the biggest appetites, and is so flavorful with mango and a rich Avocado Buttermilk Ranch dressing. This recipe uses leftover cooked steak, but you can use any type of protein you want, or grill up a steak just for this recipe.

Grilled Steak Mango Salad Recipe

bowl of mixed greens topped with grilled shrimp, watermelon, mango, pineapple, crumbled goat cheese, pine nuts, and strawberry vinaigrette

Fruity Summer Shrimp Salad

You'll love the unexpected flavor combination in this refreshing summer salad. The juicy watermelon and mango complement the succulent shrimp and tangy goat cheese.

Fruity Summer Shrimp Salad Recipe

Dressing added to a winter salad with orange slices, pomegranate seeds, nuts, and feta in a wooden bowl.

Festive Winter Fruit Salad

Mixed greens are topped with seasonal fruit which is the true star of this festive salad. But don't forget the crunchy candied nuts, salty feta cheese, and a sweet and tangy cranberry dressing that make it delicious and satisfying.

Winter Fruit Salad Recipe

Italian Chopped Salad

You won't believe the explosion of flavors and various textures that come together for this fresh and hearty salad. A simple Italian vinaigrette brings out all of the other flavors.

Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

Butternut squash salad served on a plate.

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Pomegranates and Goat Cheese

This colorful salad is as gorgeous as it is delicious. With roasted butternut squash, crunchy and tart pomegranate seeds, tangy goat cheese, and a creamy maple Dijon dressing, this recipe proves salads aren't just for summertime.

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad Recipe

More Green Salad Recipes

Simple Wedge Salad with Homemade Blue Cheese from Domestic Superhero
Jacked Up Monterey Chicken Salad from Love Bakes Good Cakes
Antipasto Salad from Dinner at the Zoo

Vegetable Salads

You can use pretty much any of your favorite veggies in a light and lovely salad. Whether tossed in a vinaigrette or a creamy dressing, these salads are fresh, crisp, and flavorful. This category also includes slaws.

Apple Broccoli Salad

This classic side salad is lightened up with Greek yogurt instead of mayo. Plus, apples add a bit of sweetness and crunch, which is balanced by sharp cheddar cheese and crunchy walnuts.

Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe

A Close-Up Shot of Homemade Coleslaw in a Bowl with Two Spoons

Classic Coleslaw

It's simply the timeless favorite that pairs with barbecue, hot dogs, and so much more. You can assemble this simple salad in just minutes.

Classic Coleslaw Recipe

Three Bean Salad

A traditional picnic dish that's flavorful and satisfying. This vegetable side dish has a colorful bean medley tossed in a zesty homemade vinaigrette.

Three Bean Salad Recipe

zoodles caprese salad in a serving bowl on a wooden tabletop next to a red plaid napkin

Caprese Zoodles Salad

Give the summer tomato and mozzarella classic a literal “twist” by combining it with spiralized zucchini. A little balsamic and basil make those flavors pop.

Caprese Zoodles Salad Recipe

Greek Salad

With Mediterranean flavors and bright ingredients, this zesty salad pairs with your favorite Greek dishes. It's bursting with fresh cherry tomatoes, juicy cucumber slices, tangy feta cheese, and garlic lemon dressing.

Greek Salad Recipe

bowl of healthy coleslaw with a spoon next to it

Maple Dijon Apple Coleslaw

Give your simple slaw a tasty update with a creamy maple Dijon dressing. Plus, the sweetness of apples and dried cranberries adds a great flavor and texture that makes it a side everyone will enjoy.

Apple Coleslaw Recipe

Roasted Asparagus Salad

Enjoy a light and easy salad bursting with fresh spring vegetables, plus dried cherries and tangy goat cheese. Caramelized leeks add natural sweetness to this dish you can serve warm or cold.

Roasted Asparagus Salad Recipe

A plate of Greek zoodle salad on a table.

Zoodles Greek Salad

All the flavors of the Mediterranean shine in this light and fresh salad. It's a fresh side or you can toss it with chicken or shrimp to make it a meal.

Zoodles Greek Salad Recipe

A serving of broccoli pineapple salad in a green bowl on a plaid napkin.

Tropical Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad gets a bright and fresh update with the addition of pineapple, macadamia nuts, and sharp cheddar cheese. You've never had this old favorite barbecue side like this before!

Tropical Broccoli Salad Recipe

Mustard Coleslaw

Add a little extra zip with a creamy mustardy dressing made lighter with Greek yogurt. Toss it together in minutes to serve with your favorite smoky barbecue dishes.

Mustard Coleslaw Recipe

Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad

An easy summer favorite, but the addition of bright Mediterranean-inspired flavors makes it even better. This side dish is light, fresh, and wonderful to serve with all of your favorite Greek dinners or grilled summertime meals.

Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe

Sesame Peanut Zucchini Noodles on a green plate with wooden chopsticks on a blue napkin on the side.

Sesame Zucchini Noodles

A veggie-packed version of a favorite Asian-style noodle salad, when you toss your spiralized zucchini noodles in an easy, flavor-packed peanut sauce, you have a delicious everyone will dig in to. Add chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal.

Sesame Zucchini Noodles Recipe

Hawaiian Coleslaw with pineapple in a yellow bowl on a polka dot and orange cloth napkins.

Pineapple Coleslaw

It's not the same old slaw recipe! With a tropical twist from pineapple and macadamia nuts, you'll love it with summery grilled steaks, chicken, and seafood.

Pineapple Coleslaw Recipe

More Vegetable Salad Recipes

Fresh Vegetable Salad from Bread Booze Bacon
Tomato Salad from Two Peas and Their Pod
Creamy Carrot Salad from Spend with Pennies

Bound Salads

Even if you aren’t familiar with the name of this category of salads, you are definitely well-acquainted with this type of salad. It includes potato salad, pasta salad, chicken salad, and any other grain or protein. Generally, mayonnaise or another creamy dressing holds these salads together, though sometimes you’ll find them coated in a vinaigrette. There are options for everyone!

A plate full of blue cheese and bacon potato salad on a wooden tray next to a fork.

Bacon Blue Cheese Potato Salad

Lighten up your next barbecue while you level up the flavors. Swap the mayo for Greek yogurt, add just enough sharp blue cheese and salty bacon to make it so delicious that it'll disappear in minutes.

Bacon Blue Cheese Potato Salad Recipe

A stack of colored bowls, the top bowl holds pineapple chicken salad.

Tropical Chicken Salad

Pineapple and macadamia nuts add fresh and fruity flair to your usual chicken salad recipe while Greek yogurt makes it light and creamy. Serve it on a sandwich or over salad greens.

Tropical Chicken Salad Recipe

striped napkin on a white picnic table with a blue bowl of mexican macaroni salad

Mexican Pasta Salad

This hearty salad is loaded with black beans, corn, red peppers, and a creamy Southwestern Dressing made with Greek yogurt. It has a kicked-up zesty flavor, and you can make it with gluten free noodles!

Mexican Pasta Salad Recipe

Chicken salad with grapes in a blue bowl that has a polka dot rim.

Waldorf Chicken Salad

A classic updated with Greek yogurt, it has the perfect mix of sweet and savory with juicy grapes and the crunch of walnuts. You won't go back to your plain old chicken salad after you try this recipe.

Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe

The Bird's-Eye View of a Plate of Potato Salad with Two Forks Digging in

Instant Pot Potato Salad

Make your picnic favorite super fast, cooking the potatoes and eggs together! This creamy and hearty summer side dish comes together in a snap, and it so flavorful with onions, pickles, celery, and a savory Dijon dressing.

Instant Pot Potato Salad Recipe

A bowl of quinoa with roasted butternut squash cubes and pomegranate seeds on top of a red plaid cloth napkin.

Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad

You can serve this colorful side salad hot or cold, and it's great for meal prep. Tossing the quinoa and squash with a simple balsamic dressing and pomegranate seeds gives it lots of great seasonal flavors.

Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad Recipe

Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Made with Greek yogurt and ingredients from classic Tzatziki sauce plus the salty bite of feta cheese, this easy chicken salad is a fresh twist on the traditional recipe. Serve it in pitas, lettuce wraps, on a salad, and more.

Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Spicy Sesame Noodles

Whether you serve it as a hot side dish or a cold salad, these flavor-packed noodles have the rich flavor of sesame and the nutty taste of peanut butter The perfect blend of sweetness and spice will leave everyone reaching for seconds.

Spicy Sesame Noodles Recipe

Ranch potato salad topped with bacon is served in a grey bowl.

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

This staple summer side dish will be the hit of your summer BBQs when you add all of your favorite flavors. Smoky bacon and all the seasonings that give Ranch the savory flavor you love will make this the best potato salad ever.

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad Recipe

A stack of yellow, red, and green bowls full of chicken quinoa salad topped with chopped cilantro.

Mango Avocado Quinoa Chicken Salad

Combine the protein and grains from both types of bound salad into one amazing dish. Sweet and tangy with just a hint of spice, super colorful, this hearty salad is perfect for a cool dinner or lunches all week.

Mango Avocado Quinoa Chicken Salad Recipe

barbecue chicken salad sandwich on a roll with carrots and tomatoes on the side on a green plate

Honey BBQ Chicken Salad

With the savory flavor of your favorite BBQ sauce, this isn't your usual chicken salad recipe. Try something new for lunch this week and pile it on sandwiches, lettuce wraps, and so much more.

Honey BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe

More Bound Salad Recipes

Chicken Salad Sandwich from Belly Full
Roasted Potato Herb Salad from Culinary Ginger
Chicken Souvlaki Pasta Salad from Lemons for Lulu
Jalapeno Popper Macaroni Salad from The Chunky Chef
Italian Orzo Pasta Salad from The Taylor House
Parmesan Ranch Pasta Salad from Taste of the Frontier

Fruit Salads

Fruit salads are always a summertime favorite. But with different fruits in season at various times of the year, there is truly a fruit salad recipe for any occasion. Whether you prefer crisp or juicy, plain or dressed, simple or fancy, there are so many ways to enjoy a sweet salad option.