Easy Salad Recipes: Top 10. Salads are some of the healthiest dishes that you can have. The good thing about salads is that you can prepare them in numerous ways. Here are 10 of the best salad recipes that you can try as of now. 

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• Grilled Chicken Salad
• 12-Hour Salad
• Berry Tossed Salad
• Tortellini Caesar Salad
• BLT Chicken Salad
• Italian Chopped Salad
• Overnight Layered Lettuce Salad
• Taco Salad
• Strawberry Salad
• Quinoa Salad

These ideas are all easy and great salad recipes that you can quickly prepare and serve. You can prep the elements separately and toss them together right before your party!

However, the easiest way to serve salad is to deconstruct them and include different dressing options.

You can get the greens, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, cheese of your choice, protein of your choice (shred roasted chicken from Walmart or Costco – the easiest and quickest way!), fruits (perhaps strawberry and blueberry), corn, and whichever else you’d like to include.

Let’s call it a salad buffet!

If you want as well, add some toppings like nuts or bacon bits! Really, anything you’d like to add works! As you know, there are NO RULES on how to make a salad! Make them however it works for your situation, and of course, know what your guests will enjoy the most!

PRO TIP: Elevate the whole experience by using gorgeous serving ware!

Easy Salad Recipes: Top 10

Grilled Chicken Salad

If you love grilled chicken, you may think about preparing Grilled Chicken Salad. It is quite a refreshing salad that you can have during the summer months. It can be served with vinaigrette, which is made out of maple syrup and blueberry preserves.

Why not also add avocados to incorporate some richness? You can also add some boiled eggs! Why not make it as hearty as possible?

Ingredients:

For the grilled chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the salad:

• 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, spinach, and arugula)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, or cilantro)

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper to make the marinade for the chicken.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for more flavor.
3. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, sliced black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh herbs.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
7. Slice the grilled chicken and place it on top of the salad.
8. Serve the grilled chicken salad and enjoy!

This grilled chicken salad is packed with fresh flavors and makes for a satisfying and healthy meal. Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or avocado, and adjust the dressing and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

PRO TIP: Don’t want to grill the chicken from scratch? Purchase grilled or roasted chicken from Costco or Walmart.

Here are recipes we love from Dinner At The Zoo | Delish | Crunchy Creamy Sweet

12-Hour Salad

By virtue of its name, you can make this ahead of time. It’s a mostly leafy green salad and great crunchy elements to it. The dressing is a straightforward mayo, sour cream, and a little bit of sugar. This salad is great prepped in a deep dish bowl to get all those layers in.

If you want to make it extra creamy, instead of adding shredded cheese on top of the salad, you may make your own cheese sauce (store-bought also works!) and have your guests add their own extra dressing and topping!

Ingredients:

• 1 head of iceberg lettuce, shredded
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped red onion
• 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, layer the shredded iceberg lettuce as the first layer.
2. Add a layer of chopped celery on top of the lettuce.
3. Layer the chopped green bell pepper on top of the celery.
4. Sprinkle the chopped red onion evenly as the next layer.
5. Layer the thawed green peas on top of the red onion.
6. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
7. Spread the mayonnaise mixture over the top of the layered vegetables, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mayonnaise layer.
9. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese layer.
10. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to penetrate the layers.
11. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss or stir to mix all the layers together.
12. Serve chilled and enjoy!

The 12-Hour Salad is a classic dish that gets better with time as the flavors develop.

Here are recipes we love from Taste Of Home | 12 Tomatoes | Cook’n

Berry Tossed Salad

Berry Tossed Salad is a salad filled with a creamy, tangy, tart, and sweet flavor. Feta and kiwi are usually added to this salad to enhance its flavor profile. 

A raspberry vinegarette works well with this salad! To add some crunchiness to it, consider adding crushed peanuts or almonds! Oh yeah, your guests will BERRY much go NUTS on this! (did you get the pun?)

Ingredients:

For the salad:

• 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, and lettuce)
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
• Optional additions: sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or avocado

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped nuts. If desired, add any optional additions like sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or avocado.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
4. Serve the berry-tossed salad immediately and enjoy!

This salad is packed with fresh berries, which add a burst of sweetness and a pop of color. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a delightful dish. Feel free to customize the salad by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. It’s a perfect choice for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

Here are recipes we love from Taste Of Home | Taste Better From Scratch | Punch Fork

Tortellini Caesar Salad (this is one of the most popular easy salad recipes!)

This is the type of salad that can as well be the main course. You got your tortellini (or any type of pasta you’d like!), your greens, tomatoes, onions, beans, and your proteins (as many as you’d like!) – I mean, is this a great idea or is this a great idea? Pretty easy choice right?

Top it off with croutons, or better yet, serve it with garlic bread! Oh man, this is already sounding so good!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cheese tortellini
• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Caesar dressing: (or you can also buy it in store!)

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings:

• Grilled chicken, sliced
• Croutons

Instructions:

1. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked and cooled tortellini, chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the Caesar dressing.
4. Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
5. If desired, add grilled chicken slices or croutons as optional toppings.
6. Serve the Tortellini Caesar Salad immediately and enjoy!

The combination of cheesy tortellini and classic Caesar flavors makes this salad a satisfying and flavorful meal. Feel free to customize the salad by adding other vegetables such as sliced cucumbers or bell peppers.

You can also experiment with different types of tortellini, such as spinach and cheese or mushroom-filled. It’s a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Here are recipes we love from Spend With Pennies | Two Peas And Their Pod | Love and Lemon

BLT Chicken Salad

BLT Chicken Salad is a salad that you will fall in love with. One reason is that it is quite an easy salad to make. On top of that, you will enjoy its unique flavor of it.

If you can add barbecue sauce to this salad dressing, you will end up with an unexpected flavor. Even if you are a picky eater, you will be able to go ahead with this salad.

Also, you can easily serve this with some croissants and your guests can make their own BLT croissant sandwich!

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 strips of bacon
• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Cook the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Allow it to cool slightly, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
4. While the chicken is cooking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and let it drain on a paper towel. Crumble the bacon into small pieces.
5. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, diced red onion, and crumbled bacon.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
7. Add the diced chicken to the salad bowl and drizzle the dressing over the salad.
8. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
9. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top, if desired.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

This BLT Chicken Salad is packed with flavor and makes for a satisfying meal. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and quantities according to your taste preferences.

Here are recipes we love from Taste Of Home | Mad About Food | Simple Joy

Italian Chopped Salad

Because you who does not love a good chopped salad? And why not include antipasto ingredients as well? Salad and sliced meat? Is this already making you hungry?

You can finish this off with a classic vinaigrette or balsamic dressing! Add some breadsticks to add design and also extra crunch!

To elevate this salad, you can serve it on an individual plate and style the placements of the greens and antipasto. All of a sudden, you’re giving your guest a 5-star service!

Ingredients:

For the salad:

• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup chopped radicchio
• 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup diced provolone cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings:

• Sliced salami or pepperoni
• Croutons

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, chopped radicchio, chopped cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red onion, sliced black olives, diced provolone cheese, chopped fresh basil, and chopped fresh parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
4. If desired, add sliced salami or pepperoni and croutons as optional toppings.
5. Serve the Italian Chopped Salad immediately and enjoy!

The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and tangy dressing gives this salad a burst of flavor.

Feel free to add other Italian-inspired ingredients such as diced bell peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, or grated Parmesan cheese.

It’s a versatile salad that can be served as a side dish or as a main course by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.

Here are recipes we love from Love and Lemons | The Harvest Kitchen | Cookie and Kate

Overnight Layered Lettuce Salad

Overnight Layered Lettuce Salad is one of the oldest, most classic salad recipes available out there to try. Make sure that you add bacon, which will bring a unique crunch. Once you try this salad, you will come across the need to go for it over and over again.

This is quite similar to the 12-hour salad. However, you will notice that the dressing is on top, instead of the bottom. You can add as many elements (veggies and proteins) as you want!

You can create as many layers as you can. We’d say you can prep this in a jar the day (or night!) before without the dressing. Then have your guests add the dressing when they are about to eat it. Just a great idea for a conversation starter altogether!

Ingredients:

• 6 cups torn lettuce (such as iceberg or romaine)
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Instructions:

1. In a 9×13-inch baking dish or a trifle dish, layer the torn lettuce as the first layer.
2. Add a layer of chopped celery on top of the lettuce.
3. Layer the chopped green bell pepper on top of the celery.
4. Spread the thawed peas evenly as the next layer.
5. Sprinkle the chopped red onion evenly over the peas.
6. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and granulated sugar. Stir well to combine.
7. Spread the mayonnaise mixture over the top of the layered vegetables, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mayonnaise layer.
9. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese layer.
10. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to penetrate the layers.
11. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss or stir to mix all the layers together.
12. Serve the Overnight Layered Lettuce Salad and enjoy!

This Overnight Layered Lettuce Salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any occasion where you want to prepare ahead of time.

The layers of vegetables, cheese, and bacon combined with the creamy dressing create a tasty and satisfying salad.

Feel free to customize it by adding additional toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, or chopped hard-boiled eggs.

Here are recipes we love from Spend With Pennies | Sweet And Savory Meals | The Salted Pepper

Taco Salad

Who does not love tacos? Really? Tacos go beyond any age or gender! Basically, what we’re saying is that this is a solid crowd-pleaser!

If you have to make a salad for a large number of guests, you may try this Taco Salad. With an empty bowl and essential ingredients, you can easily prepare it.

Add some corn chips on the side or as a topping to complete that taco experience! Also, please put a lot of cheese. A lot.

Ingredients:

For the salad:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• Tortilla chips for serving

For the dressing:

• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked meat and stir to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a large salad bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, black beans, diced red onion, diced bell peppers, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and taco seasoning to make the dressing.
5. Add the cooked meat to the salad bowl and drizzle the dressing over the salad.
6. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
7. Serve the taco salad with tortilla chips on the side for scooping.
8. Enjoy!

You can also customize this taco salad by adding other ingredients such as sliced avocado, sliced black olives, or diced jalapeños for some heat. Feel free to adjust the seasoning and toppings according to your taste preferences.

Here are recipes we love from Wholesome Yum | Cooking Classy | Spend With Pennies

Strawberry Salad

Anyone who is searching for a salad that offers strawberries and poppy seeds can try this. It is a great example of a veggie and fruit salad.

Not into strawberries? No need to fret, as there are multiple alternative options available such as dried cranberries and mandarin oranges. Basically, any seasonal fruit (even dried!) can work!

Add some crunchy elements like pine nuts and some chopped onions! This is essentially a modified caprese-ish salad! A great mix of texture and colors!

Ingredients:

For the salad:

• 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, and lettuce)
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted, if desired)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• Optional additions: sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or avocado

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, and thinly sliced red onion. If desired, add any optional additions like sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or avocado.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
4. Serve the strawberry salad immediately and enjoy!

This strawberry salad is light, vibrant, and perfect for the spring and summer seasons. Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.

You can also experiment with additional toppings such as crumbled bacon or toasted walnuts for added texture and flavor.

Here are recipes we love from Well Plated | Love and Lemons | A Couple Cooks

Quinoa Salad

For quinoa lovers, this one is for you! Superfood? Anyone? Quinoa, fresh cucumber, pepper, onion, chickpeas, garlic, olive oil, and lemon. This classic is a crowd favorite.

But why not mix it up? Add edamame and use peanut sauce (we love this recipe from Fox And Briar) instead to serve up s creamy and rich version!

Whichever dressing you choose, this is a bright and refreshing choice y our guests will love!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)

For the dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitterness.
2. In a saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa, diced cucumber, diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, chopped parsley, and chopped mint leaves.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
6. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and sliced black olives over the salad.
7. Serve the quinoa salad chilled or at room temperature and enjoy!

This quinoa salad is versatile, and healthy, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and toppings.

Feel free to add other ingredients such as diced avocado, toasted nuts, or dried fruits to enhance the flavor and texture. It’s a great option for a light lunch or as a side dish for a larger meal.

Here are recipes we love from Cookie and Kate | Inspired Taste | Two Peas & Their Pod

There you are lovelies! Easy Salad Recipes!

** This post has Amazon links and as an Amazon Associate, Wedding Planning Resources earn from qualifying purchases.