The Best Salad Recipes: 27+ Easy & Flavorful Salads To Try Today! (2024)

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These salad recipes include a wide variety of flavors, from sweet fruit salad to cucumber vinegar salad and more! They are easy to make and packed full of flavorful ingredients. Plus, most of these salad recipes can be made in advance (and they make tasty leftovers, too)!

Best Salad Recipes

You never know when a good salad recipe will come in handy. Any time you need a last-minute side dish, a quick lunch, or some grazing food for parties, salads are the way to go.

With endless combinations of ingredients and flavors, you can always find the perfect salad for any occasion. Just take a look and see for yourself!

The Best Salad Recipes: 27+ Easy & Flavorful Salads To Try Today! (1)

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Best Salad Recipes
❓ Why Is It Called A Salad When It Doesn't Have Lettuce
1. Potato Salad
2. Egg Salad
3. German Potato Salad
4. Mandarin Orange Jello Salad
5. Fruit co*cktail Salad
6. Ham Salad
7. Caesar Salad
8. Fresh Fruit Salad
9. Greek Pasta Salad
10. Wedge Salad
11. Caprese Salad
12. Asian Cucumber Salad
13. Greek Salad
14. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
15. Tuna Salad with Pasta
16. Loaded Baked Potato Salad
17. Rotisserie Chicken Salad
18. Cucumber Vinegar Salad
19. Doritos Taco Salad
20. Broccolini Salad
21. Turkey Chef Salad
22. Creamy Grape Salad
23. Greek Yogurt Fruit Salad
24. Ambrosia Salad
25. Lobster Salad
26. Tex-Mex Salad
27. Pasta Salad
28. Chicken Salad with Grapes
🥗 😋 🥬 Salad Dressing Recipes
📖 Recipe Card
Salad Recipes: Tuna Pasta Salad (+More Great Recipes!)
IngredientsUS CustomaryMetric
Instructions
Notes
💬 Reviews

❓ Why Is It Called A Salad When It Doesn't Have Lettuce

Many people think of lettuce when they hear the word salad, but the truth is the term 'salad' refers to a wide variety of dishes. In fact, there doesn't have to be lettuce in it at all!

Salads can be made with fresh raw or cooked vegetables, fruits, and/or proteins. The defining factor that makes any recipe a salad is actually the dressing!

1. Potato Salad

Potato salad is a staple at summer cookouts and backyard BBQs, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider it for other occasions! It's super easy to adjust the seasonings to your own preferences, and honestly, who doesn't love potato salad?

This version includes mayonnaise, mustard, and pickle relish for a great balance of flavors.

Potato Salad

This potato salad is a classic side dish recipe that can easily be customized to suit your preferred tastes! Not only is it amazingly easy to prepare, but it is also incredibly addicting! After just one bite, this will become your new favorite potato salad recipe!

Check out this recipe

2. Egg Salad

I'm a firm believer that everyone should have a go-to egg salad recipe. It makes a tasty side and delicious sandwiches, and it's easily customizable!

I make my egg salad with mayonnaise, mustard, and a secret ingredient, crispy bacon!

Egg Salad

This egg salad is a classic recipe that features hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and even some crisp and crunchy bacon! It will quickly become one of your favorite, quick recipes for a simple lunch or picnic. Eat it by itself or use it for the best egg salad sandwich you've ever had!

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3. German Potato Salad

German potato salad is always a welcome addition on any occasion. The potatoes are accompanied by pearl onions, bacon, and a flavorful vinegar dressing.

Try it with some crispy chicken schnitzel, burgers, or hot dogs. German potato salad pairs well with just about anything!

German Potato Salad

German potato salad is an amazingly delicious side dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, barbecues, or banquets! It is loaded with potatoes, onion, bacon, and a combination of vinegar and spices for a unique and authentic flavor. Whenever you serve this to your friends and family, everyone will be begging to know what the recipe is!

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4. Mandarin Orange Jello Salad

Sweet and refreshing mandarin orange jello salad is one of my favorite summer recipes. It's incredibly quick and easy to throw together and always a hit with the kids!

This fruity dessert or side dish is made by combining mandarin oranges, pineapple, Jello, cool whip, and lots of mini marshmallows. It almost tastes like a Dreamsicle!

Mandarin Orange Jello Salad

Mandarin orange jello salad is a sweet treat made with mandarin oranges, pineapple, jello gelatin, Cool Whip, and plenty of mini marshmallows! It has a creamy, mousse-like consistency and a flavor that is reminiscent of an orange Dreamsicle. If you're looking for an easy after-dinner dessert, this chilled mandarin orange jello salad is just what you need!

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5. Fruit co*cktail Salad

Sweet and creamy fruit co*cktail salad is perfect for any party, cookout, or just because! A combination of bananas, mandarin oranges, pineapple, strawberries, and grapes is tossed in a sauce made with pineapple juice and vanilla pudding mix.

Fruit co*cktail Salad

My easy fruit co*cktail salad features a rainbow of different fruit and a sauce made with pineapple and vanilla pudding that is incredible! This is a fabulous summer side dish or dessert that can be made using fresh or canned fruit, it's delicious either way! Try a refreshing fruit co*cktail salad at your next get-together!

Check out this recipe

6. Ham Salad

Ham salad makes an excellent chip dip or spread for crackers and sandwiches! It is also a great recipe for using up extra ham after the holidays.

Put it between two slices of bread with a side of chips, and you have a quick and easy lunch.

Ham Salad

This ham salad is a simple and traditional recipe that is perfect for making sandwiches or ham salad spread on crackers! It's fantastic for putting your leftover ham to good use! With just a few tasty mix-ins and a little time in the food processor, you’ll have an easy lunch in minutes!

Check out this recipe

7. Caesar Salad

You can never go wrong with a classic Ceasar salad and homemade dressing. You can serve it as a light appetizer or add some protein like garlic butter shrimp or grilled chicken and enjoy it as the main course!

Caesar Salad

This Caesar salad is filled with crisp Romaine lettuce, creamy homemade Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese! It's a classic salad recipe that makes a perfect starter for just about any meal. Plus, it only takes minutes to make, even with the made-from-scratch dressing!

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8. Fresh Fruit Salad

Fresh fruit salad is a light and refreshing dish that works well as an appetizer, side dish, or quick refreshing snack. It is made with nectarines, kiwi, grapes, strawberries, mango, bananas, and oranges, all tossed in an easy honey citrus sauce!

Fresh Fruit Salad

My best fresh fruit salad contains grapes, nectarines, bananas, mangoes, kiwis, strawberries, oranges, and pineapple! This easy, classic fruit salad recipe features a made-from-scratch honey citrus fruit sauce that screams summertime! It's a refreshing salad that doubles as a dessert!

9. Greek Pasta Salad

Greek pasta is a quick and easy side dish you can whip up any time! It's made with farfalle pasta, Kalamata olives, salty feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, artichokes, and Greek salad dressing.

It's a great last-minute addition to any party spread because it only takes 15 minutes to throw together!

Greek Pasta Salad

Greek pasta salad combines farfalle pasta, kalamata olives, red onion, tomatoes, artichokes, feta cheese, and Greek dressing! It's a quick and easy side dish or main course you can make the night before and keep in the fridge until needed! The tangy flavor is refreshing and perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, and BBQs!

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10. Wedge Salad

Loaded with bacon, tomatoes, and blue cheese dressing, this wedge salad is more impressive than any old-fashioned house salad. It's a super simple recipe that always garners a lot of compliments.

Wedge Salad

A wedge salad is a delicious appetizer or side dish with crisp iceberg lettuce, blue cheese, bacon, and tomatoes! No basic side salad can compare to a huge wedge of fresh lettuce with delicious toppings! Plus, it's super easy to customize with your favorite dressing, cheeses, and veggies!

Check out this recipe

11. Caprese Salad

Thick slices of tomato and mozzarella with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic and olive oil. It is simple, delicious, and easy to make at a moment's notice.

Caprese salads are the perfect light appetizer to serve before a carb-heavy meal like pasta!

Caprese Salad With Balsamic And Olive Oil

This classic caprese salad recipe is an especially cool and refreshing appetizer, side dish, or snack for the hot summer months! You don't have to be eating Italian food to enjoy fresh tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, balsamic, and olive oil- it's an easy side salad that goes with anything!

Check out this recipe

12. Asian Cucumber Salad

A chilled salad made with sliced cucumber, garlic, onion, ginger, and a tangy sesame vinaigrette. It's cool and refreshing, which is perfect for summertime gatherings.

Not to mention, it's a great addition to any Asian-inspired meal! The cold cucumbers are particularly nice if you're indulging in something spicy.

Asian Cucumber Salad

My easy Asian cucumber salad is full of fresh flavors from garlic, ginger, onion, and a sesame soy sauce vinaigrette! This cool, chilled salad is a refreshing side dish during the summer months and pairs perfectly with any of your favorite Asian-inspired recipes!

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13. Greek Salad

A tangy and perfectly seasoned mix of Mediterranean vegetables! Cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, onion, and feta cheese tossed in a made-from-scratch Greek dressing.

Best Greek Salad (Tangy, Tasty & Easy To Make!)

This easy-to-make Greek salad is a wonderful medley of Mediterranean vegetables that makes a perfectly refreshing side salad for any meal! Crisp veggies, salty feta cheese, and a homemade Greek dressing put this salad over the top!

Check out this recipe

14. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian macaroni salad is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy. Thinly sliced carrots and celery add the perfect amount of crunch!

Try it with my huli huli chicken for a whole Hawaiian-inspired meal!

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian macaroni salad is a delectable side dish that includes chilled pasta, mayonnaise, vinegar, and pineapple juice! This popular pasta salad is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory. Bring it to your next barbecue, potluck, or picnic and it's sure to be a new favorite!

Check out this recipe

15. Tuna Salad with Pasta

I love having a big bowl of tuna salad with pasta for lunch, but it's also a great side dish for potlucks, BBQs, or any other kind of party! All you need is some canned tuna, bowtie noodles, celery, peas, mayonnaise, red onion, Greek yogurt, and seasoning.

Tuna Pasta Salad

My creamy tuna salad with pasta is a relatively healthy main course or side dish that is perfect for any occasion! Bow tie noodles, tuna, red onion, and Greek yogurt are all featured in this incredibly easy dish!

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16. Loaded Baked Potato Salad

All of the classic loaded baked potato toppings in one creamy salad. This version is filled with shredded cheese, crispy bacon, and sour cream to make a potato salad everyone will enjoy!

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

My loaded baked potato salad includes all of your favorite baked potato toppings mixed together, and it's so easy to make! This potato salad makes for a wonderful summer side dish to bring to potlucks and cookouts. However, you can serve it year-round, and you won't hear any complaints!

Check out this recipe

17. Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Using rotisserie chicken makes the prep for this chicken salad so much easier and more flavorful, too! It's a great lunch or light dinner, you can even spread it on crackers or use it to make sandwiches.

Rotisserie Chicken Salad

This rotisserie chicken salad is the easiest way to make irresistibly delicious chicken salad at home from your leftover deli chicken! This recipe is full of moist, tender chicken, crisp veggies, and the best dressing. It’s the perfect light and healthy lunch or dinner to enjoy with your family!

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18. Cucumber Vinegar Salad

This simple, low-carb salad is perfect for when you're craving something light. It's cool, slightly tangy, and just a little bit sweet, plus fresh dill adds plenty of flavor.

Cucumber Vinegar Salad

This delightfully refreshing cucumber vinegar salad with dill makes a perfect light appetizer or side for any meal! This salad is nice and crisp with the perfect combination of tangy and sweet- it doesn't get any better!

Check out this recipe

19. Doritos Taco Salad

This easy Doritos salad makes a great quick lunch or dinner. You might even get the kids to try a salad when it's loaded with nacho cheese Doritos!

Taco-seasoned ground beef makes this a great main course, or you can serve it as a side dish on taco night!

Doritos Taco Salad

Forget a basic green salad, my super easy Doritos taco salad makes a wonderful lunch or dinner and it is so full of flavor! Perfectly seasoned ground beef, veggies, and Catalina dressing are combined with Nacho Cheese Doritos for a salad like you’ve never had before!

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20. Broccolini Salad

Broccolini, mushrooms, and thinly sliced carrots tossed in a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy. It only takes 10 minutes to make, and it is jam-packed with flavor.

Broccolini Salad

My quick and easy broccolini salad is the perfect weeknight side dish to pair with practically any main dish or meaty entree! It’s tossed with a delicious Asian-inspired dressing that elevates this dish to restaurant quality!

Check out this recipe

21. Turkey Chef Salad

If you're looking for a salad that will fill you up and has a little bit of everything, a chef's salad is the way to go. Turkey is a great option for using up holiday leftovers, but it can easily be swapped for chicken or ham!

This salad is loaded with tomatoes, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, croutons, and bacon! All you need is your favorite salad dressing.

Turkey Chef Salad

This delightful Turkey Chef Salad is a post-holiday take on the classic Chef Salad! Layers of leftover turkey, bacon, cheddar and monterey jack cheeses, hard boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, and croutons are set on a generous bed of fresh lettuce! It's the perfect light lunch or dinner meal after all of the rich foods from the holidays!

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22. Creamy Grape Salad

This cool and creamy grape salad is perfect for warm weather! It's sweet enough to enjoy as a summer treat, or you can serve it as a side dish at your next picnic or backyard BBQ!

Creamy Grape Salad

This creamy grape salad is a sweet summer side dish that is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or any time you need a cool and refreshing snack! All it takes is a few simple and inexpensive ingredients! You can make it the night before and let it chill in the fridge until you need it (it tastes even better the next day)!

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23. Greek Yogurt Fruit Salad

This light and refreshing fruit salad is made with a variety of fresh fruit (pick your favorites) tossed in a creamy Greek Yogurt dressing. The Greek yogurt is mixed with honey syrup and lime juice for a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors!

Greek Yogurt Fruit Salad

This Greek yogurt fruit salad recipe is a delightfully refreshing, creamy fruit dessert that's quick and easy to make! Greek yogurt is combined with honey syrup and lime juice, then tossed with a medley of fresh seasonal fruit to make a salad that'll cool you off on hot summer days. Whether you are hosting a BBQ or need a dish to enjoy by the pool, this healthy dessert will surely be a huge hit!

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24. Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia salad is a Southern classic that can be served as a sweet side dish or even as dessert! It's a creamy combination of Cool Whip, fruit, mini marshmallows, and coconut, and you can add nuts for crunch!

Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Ambrosia salad is an easy, creamy fruit dessert that features Cool Whip, pineapple, mandarins, cherries, mini marshmallows, and more! It's a delightfully refreshing dish to bring to your next potluck, family gathering, or party with your friends. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or need a simple dessert to make in a pinch, this fruit salad recipe is sure to be a hit with adults and kids alike!

Check out this recipe

25. Lobster Salad

Buttery chunks of lobster meat with crunchy celery in a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. It makes for a delicious lobster roll, or you can enjoy it on its own!

Lobster Salad

Lobster salad is a classic recipe combining lobster's sweet and succulent taste with crisp celery and a creamy dressing. Whether served on a bed of lettuce or between two slices of bread, this seafood salad is always a hit! After all, any occasion feels special when lobster is on the menu!

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26. Tex-Mex Salad

This easy green salad is made with a variety of Tex-Mex staples like corn, black beans, cheese, lime juice, and tortilla strips. Top it all off with my flavorful homemade Tex-Mex dressing, and enjoy!

Tex-Mex Salad

This Tex-Mex salad has so much wonderful flavor that it is hard to believe it's ready in only 15 minutes! It is loaded with chopped chicken, corn, beans, cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and more! Top it off with a homemade Tex-Mex salad dressing, and enjoy!

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27. Pasta Salad

A classic pasta salad with tender rotini noodles, olives, cheese, and pepperoni tossed in Italian dressing. You can dress it up by adding more mix-ins like salami and bell peppers, or just enjoy it as it comes!

Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

This pasta salad with Italian dressing is the perfect make-ahead side dish for any meal or gathering you may have! Bring it to BBQs, potlucks, or picnics for a tasty side everyone will rave about! It is easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins so that you know your entire family will love it!

Check out this recipe

28. Chicken Salad with Grapes

This chicken salad is creamy and savory, with bursts of sweetness from juicy purple grapes. It makes excellent sandwiches, or you can enjoy it on its own as an easy side dish!

Chicken Salad with Grapes

This chicken salad with grapes is a quick and tasty meal that is perfect for lunch at home, picnics, or potlucks! Enjoy it by itself, use it to make a sandwich, or eat it as a lettuce wrap! This dish is easy to make, absolutely delicious, and will become your new favorite chicken salad recipe!

Check out this recipe

Did I miss any of your favorite salad recipes on this list? Let me know in the comments below so I can give them a try!

🥗 😋 🥬 Salad Dressing Recipes

Russian Salad Dressing - A creamy salad dressing that pairs well with just about anything!
Catalina Dressing - You only need a few ingredients to make this sweet and tangy dressing!
Homemade Ranch Dressing - Once you try homemade ranch dressing, you'll never go back to storebought again!
Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing - Creamy blue cheese dressing for salads, veggies, or chicken wings!
Benihana Ginger Salad Dressing - A creamy salad dressing just like everyone's favorite Japanese steakhouse.
Caesar Salad Dressing - A Caesar salad dressing made without anchovies, but it has all the flavor you're looking for.

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Salad Recipes: Tuna Pasta Salad (+More Great Recipes!)

These salad recipes include a wide variety of flavors from sweet fruit salad to cucumber vinegar salad and more! They are easy to make and packed full of flavorful ingredients. Plus, most of these salad recipes can be made in advance (and they make tasty leftovers, too)!

Author | Angela

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 351kcal

Prep 5 minutes minutes

Cooking 10 minutes minutes

Refrigerate 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

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Ingredients

▢ 8 oz bowtie pasta (uncooked, or your favorite pasta)
▢ 12 oz tuna (canned, light or albacore tuna packed in water, drained)
▢ 1 cup celery (chopped, 2-3 ribs)
▢ 1 cup peas (frozen, thawed)
▢ ½ cup mayonnaise
▢ ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain)
▢ ¼ cup red onion (chopped, about ½ a large red onion)
▢ ¼ teaspoon each, salt & pepper
▢ dill weed (fresh or dried, to taste)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions

Boil the bowtie (farfalle pasta) noodles according to the instructions on the box until al dente (firm to the bite). When done, drain the cooked noodles and rinse them under cold water until they're cool to the touch.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all ingredients (tuna, celery, onion, peas, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, dill weed, salt, and pepper).
Mix until combined and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to 'marry' before serving.

Notes

If making in advance, keep the sauce and pasta separate! The pasta will easily soak up the sauce and become mushy, so I recommend not combining until the day you’re serving it.
Use canned tuna either packed in water or oil! If your grocery store carries it, I recommend getting Italian tuna packed in oil. It has extra flavor and less of that fishy aroma. Be sure to still drain it before using!
Whole fat Greek yogurt makes for a creamier sauce! I recommend using 5% fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture and best flavor. You can also use 2% or fat-free Greek yogurt if preferred!
Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but your tuna pasta salad is best eaten within the first 1-2 days.

Nutrition

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15 minute dinners, best fruit salad recipes, easy side dishes, main course, pasta side dishes, tuna pasta salad

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

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