Salads should be more than just wilted lettuce and watery dressing. Ditch the boring bowls and try these exciting salad recipes. Ditch the diet mentality and embrace the delicious possibilities that salads have to offer. Salads don’t need to be boring side dishes – they’re the stars of the show here.

When you start adding in other ingredients, they suddenly become interesting and dishes you want to eat. They don’t have to be hard to make to enjoy all this flavor. Iceberg is definitely out, but look beyond lettuce entirely for your salads, too. Romaine makes a great base, but so does quinoa and couscous.

Avocado Tomato Salad

Simplicity shines in this salad. Creamy avocado meets juicy tomatoes and a touch of red onion and a base of crispy romaine for a light and flavorful side dish or quick lunch. It’s a beautiful salad that lets the fresh ingredients speak for themselves.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad

Cucumber Salad

Cool cucumbers and fresh parsley blend perfectly in a light yogurt dressing. This crisp and refreshing salad is a perfect side dish or a light lunch.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad

Spinach Caprese Salad

This salad takes Caprese to the next level! Creamy mozzarella cheese and juicy tomatoes meet baby spinach and prosciutto for a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic. It’s lighter than the traditional version, but still captures that iconic Caprese taste.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Caprese Salad

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Forget the bitterness! Thinly sliced sprouts join parmesan and a bright homemade dressing in this surprisingly delicious salad. It’s a whole new way to love Brussels sprouts.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Lemon Kale Salad

This tangy salad isn’t afraid of bold flavors! Leafy kale stands up to a punchy lemon juice dressing, balanced by parmesan for a satisfying bite. It’s the perfect choice for those who crave something different.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Kale Salad

Vegan Couscous Salad

Fluffy couscous gets a protein boost with corn, tomatoes, and avocado. A light dressing ties it all together for a plant-powered meal you’ll love. It’s a delicious and nutritious choice you’re sure to love.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad

Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad

Juicy tomato and cucumber pair beautifully in this refreshing taste of the Mediterranean. Using pita bread for a Mediterranean version of a panzanella salad, this makes a satisfying lunch or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad

Veggie Pasta Salad

Who says pasta salads have to be heavy? This recipe uses fun cavitappi or another fun shaped pasta and loads of colorful veggies for a filling and healthy choice. Customize it with your favorites! It’s a vibrant and satisfying celebration of fresh flavors with a delicious balsamic vinaigrette and creamy feta.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad

Hearts of Palm Salad

Tender hearts of palm team up with an abundance of fresh veggies for a satisfying treat that’s as far from a boring iceberg lettuce salad as you can get. Every bite is filled with nutritious and tasty veggies that will have you going back for another bowl.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad

Tomato Quinoa Salad

Light and flavorful, this salad is packed with protein. Quinoa, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber come together in a homemade vinaigrette for a healthy and satisfying option. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a delicious and nutritious lunch.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad

Kung Pao Chicken Salad

Spice up your salad routine! Tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a spicy Asian-inspired sauce make this a flavorful and filling dinner option. It’s a zesty twist on your ordinary salad that’ll wake up your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad

Goat Cheese and Dried Cherry Salad

Sweet and savory collide in this delightful salad. Creamy goat cheese crumbles and juicy dried cherries add textural and flavor contrasts to leafy greens. It’s a gourmet touch that transforms your ordinary salad into something extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese and Dried Cherry Salad

Harvest Quinoa Salad

Fall flavors come alive any time of year in this hearty salad. Roasted butternut squash, peppers, and cranberries join protein-packed quinoa for a complete meal. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for damp and grey winter days.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad