Easy Salad Recipes: Top 10. Salads are some of the healthiest dishes that you can have. Get creative in the kitchen. From classic to unique. No-fuss dining. Fresh, fun, and fantastic. Quick and delicious. Simplify your meals.
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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 easy salad recipes 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!
Before we dive deeper, discover how these essential pantry staple condiments can take your cooking to the next level! Elevate the taste of your dishes with flavorful ingredients that are versatile and easy to use. Transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences with our curated selection of must-have condiments. Great to keep on hand for enhancing rice, pasta, noodles, salads, and much more:
- SOY SAUCE. Adds depth of flavor to stir-fries, rice dishes, and marinades.
- OLIVE OIL. Essential for cooking, dressing salads, and drizzling over pasta.
- SESAME OIL. Great for Asian dishes like noodles, stir-fries, and dressings.
- BALSAMIC VINEGAR. Perfect for salads, marinades, and roasted vegetables.
- SRIRACHA. Adds heat and flavor to almost any dish, from noodles to sandwiches.
- FISH SAUCE. Commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking to add savory umami flavor.
- HONEY. Balances out flavors in dressings, marinades, and glazes.
- DIJON MUSTARD. Adds a tangy kick to dressings, marinades, and sandwiches.
- MAYONNAISE. Classic for sandwiches and as a base for creamy dressings.
- WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE. Enhances the savory profile of meats, stews, and marinades.
- HOT SAUCE. Perfect for adding heat to various dishes.
- KETCHUP. Classic condiment for burgers, fries, and meatloaf.
- PESTO. Versatile sauce for pasta, sandwiches, and as a marinade.
- CURRY PASTE. Adds depth and spice to curries, soups, and stir-fries.
- RICE VINEGAR. Essential for making sushi rice, dressings, and Asian-inspired dishes.
- SALSA. Great for dipping chips, topping tacos, or mixing into rice dishes.
- TAHINI. Ideal for making hummus, dressings, and sauces for grain bowls.
- BBQ SAUCE. Adds sweet and smoky flavor to grilled meats and sandwiches.
- PONZU SAUCE. Citrusy and tangy, perfect for dipping or as a salad dressing.
- CHILI PASTE/OIL. Hot chili peppers in oil are typically used to add heat, crunch, and depth.
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?
To make a delicious grilled cheese chicken salad, start by grilling seasoned chicken breasts until they are fully cooked and slightly charred. While the chicken cools, assemble the salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and your choice of dressing.
Once the chicken has cooled, slice it into thin strips and add it on top of the salad.
Finally, butter two slices of bread, place shredded cheese between them, and grill the sandwich until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy. Serve the grilled cheese alongside the chicken salad for a tasty and satisfying meal.
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
If you want something extra creamy, Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad from Kristine In Between looks and sounds delish!
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!
To make a delicious 12-hour salad, start by layering shredded lettuce at the bottom of a large glass bowl. Next, add a layer of chopped celery, followed by sliced green onions, frozen peas, and sliced water chestnuts. In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, and grated
Parmesan cheese to create the dressing. Spread the dressing evenly over the top of the salad layers, making sure to seal the edges to prevent air from getting in. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, toss the salad gently to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients. Enjoy this flavorful and refreshing salad!
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 (one of our fave easy salad recipes)
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. One of our fave easy salad recipes.
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?)
For a delightful berry tossed salad, begin by combining fresh mixed greens in a large bowl. Add a generous amount of sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries to the greens.
Crumble some feta cheese over the top for a tangy contrast to the sweet berries. In a separate small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Serve immediately as a refreshing and colorful salad, perfect for any occasion.
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 also 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!
To prepare a delicious tortellini Caesar salad, start by boiling the tortellini according to package instructions until they are tender. Drain and rinse the cooked tortellini under cold water to cool them down.
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with crisp romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced black olives. For the Caesar dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients thoroughly. Top the salad with additional Parmesan cheese and croutons for added texture and serve as a delightful and filling meal.
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. Our readers love this as one of the quick and easy salad recipes!
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!
To create a tasty BLT chicken salad, start by grilling or pan-searing seasoned chicken breasts until they are fully cooked and slightly charred. Let the chicken cool, then slice it into bite-sized pieces.
In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crispy cooked bacon pieces. Add the sliced chicken to the salad and toss gently.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, a dash of vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss again to coat everything evenly, and serve immediately for a delicious and satisfying BLT chicken salad.
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
Chickpea and Kale Salad
Start by rinsing and draining a can of chickpeas. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Add chopped kale leaves (stems removed) to the bowl with the chickpeas.
Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Massage the kale gently to soften it. Toss in cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese for added flavor and texture. This salad is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
We love this Chickpea and Kale Recipe from Simply TaraLynn.
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!
To make an Italian chopped salad, begin by chopping romaine lettuce, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and black olives into small, bite-sized pieces. Add these ingredients to a large salad bowl.
Then, dice some salami and provolone cheese and add them to the bowl as well. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well-coated. To finish, garnish the salad with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese for a flavorful and refreshing Italian chopped salad.
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! Definitely one of the easy salad recipes!
To prepare an overnight lettuce salad, start by tearing or chopping fresh lettuce leaves into bite-sized pieces and placing them in a large salad bowl. Add sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions to the bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly.
Cover the salad bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, give the salad a final toss and enjoy a refreshing and crisp overnight lettuce salad.
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 tasty and satisfying easy salad recipes.
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.
To make a delicious taco salad, start by browning ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once cooked, drain excess fat and mix in taco seasoning according to package instructions.
In a large salad bowl, combine shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions. Add the seasoned ground beef on top of the salad. In a separate bowl, mix together sour cream, salsa, and a dash of lime juice to create the dressing.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad, then top with shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor. Toss the ingredients together and serve the taco salad as a hearty and satisfying meal.
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!
To prepare a delightful strawberry salad, start by washing and slicing fresh strawberries and placing them in a salad bowl. Add a mix of baby spinach and arugula to the bowl for the greens.
Crumble some feta cheese over the top for a creamy and tangy touch. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients
Optional: Add some toasted nuts, such as sliced almonds or candied pecans, for added crunch and flavor. Serve the strawberry salad as a refreshing and colorful side dish or a light and healthy main course.
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 your guests will love! One of the most fulfilling easy salad recipes!
To prepare a delicious quinoa salad, start by rinsing the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions until it’s tender and fluffy. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
For added protein and texture, mix in drained and rinsed canned chickpeas. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Serve the quinoa salad as a nutritious and flavorful side dish or a satisfying main course.
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!
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