Step Aside, Sad Salads—These 15 Bring The Flavor

Step aside, sad salads—bring the flavor with the kind of greens, grains, and extras that actually make you excited to eat one. These are the salads that don’t sit quietly in the background. They’re bold, fresh, and built to hold their own. Whether you’re piling up a lunch bowl or pulling something together for dinner, a great salad can do more than just fill the plate. It’s all about smart combos, good crunch, and dressings that don’t mess around. Nothing boring here.

Chicken Salad With Grapes

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This chicken salad balances sweet and savory with juicy grapes and crisp celery. A touch of dill and a creamy dressing pull everything together. It’s a refreshing option for lunches or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad With Grapes

Rainbow Salad

Packed with colorful veggies, this rainbow salad is bright and full of crunch. It’s easy to prep and adds a fresh touch to any table. Great as a side or a light main dish.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Salad

Caesar Salad With Bacon and Ranch

A white plate with two wedges of lettuce with bacon and dressing. — Caesar Salad With Bacon and Ranch. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This wedge-style Caesar salad is simple to make but feels a bit fancy. With just five ingredients, it’s a go-to for a quick meal. The combo of crisp lettuce, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad With Bacon and Ranch

Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

Bacon ranch pasta salad in a clear bowl with a striped towel. — Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Creamy ranch, crispy bacon, and tender pasta come together in this easy salad. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for summer meals. Serve it at barbecues or weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Bold and colorful, this red cabbage slaw is full of crunch and flavor. Red onion, carrots, and herbs like dill give it extra texture. It’s a vibrant side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Bacon and Egg Salad

Egg salad on a piece of white bread. — Bacon and Egg Salad. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Hard-boiled eggs and crispy bacon make this salad rich and satisfying. It’s great in sandwiches or served on lettuce leaves. Think of it as breakfast turned into a meal-friendly salad.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Egg Salad

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

A serving bowl and single bowl of broc caulli salad. — Broccoli Cauliflower Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This veggie-packed salad includes broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, and dried cranberries. A lighter dressing ties it all together. It’s a potluck favorite with just the right balance of sweet and savory.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Cherry Salad

Cherry fluff salad in blue bowls with whipped cream. — Cherry Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cool down with this quick and creamy cherry salad, also known as Pink Fluff. It only takes five minutes to make with just six ingredients. Perfect for cookouts or summer potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad

Marinated Tomatoes

These juicy heirloom tomatoes are infused with a tangy blend of oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs. They’re flavorful enough to stand alone or serve as a topping for a sandwich. A fresh way to enjoy peak-season tomatoes.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes

Amish Macaroni Salad

Creamy and just a little sweet, this Amish-style pasta salad is a hit at gatherings. It’s made with simple ingredients and big flavor. A solid choice for any barbecue or picnic.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Greek Green Salad

Closeup side view shot of Prasini salad in a white dish. — Greek Green Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Crisp romaine, feta, scallions, and dill come together in this refreshing Greek salad. Finished with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, it’s light but full of flavor. Serve it with anything from grilled chicken to pasta.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Salad

Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Two grain bowls are shown on a white marble counter with forks, a red linen, dill, and a lemon. — Mediterranean Grain Bowl. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This easy grain bowl is filled with healthy veggies, grains, and bold Mediterranean flavors. It’s a weeknight dinner that’s ready in about 10 minutes. You can prep the ingredients ahead for faster meals.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Mixed Fruit Salad

Cranberry fruit salad in white bowls. — Mixed Fruit Salad. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Cranberries, apples, oranges, and pomegranate seeds fill this fruit salad with bright flavors. It’s a refreshing side dish that pairs well with soups or sandwiches. Colorful, simple, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Fruit Salad

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

If you like jalapeño poppers, you’ll enjoy this fun chicken salad spin. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for make-ahead lunches. Just the right mix of heat and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Spinach Bacon Salad

A fork holds a bite of spinach salad with chopped eggs, bacon, and cheese over a wooden bowl filled with the same salad. Two blurred bowls are in the background. — Spinach Bacon Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Spinach, crispy bacon, and tangy dressing keep this salad quick and flavorful. It’s great on its own or paired with a protein. Easy enough for lunch, hearty enough for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Bacon Salad