Recipes that say I want salad right now are exactly what this post is all about. These are the kinds of salads you can throw together fast, without overthinking it or clearing out your whole fridge. They hit that spot between fresh and filling, and they actually make you want to eat a salad. Whether you’re making lunch or something quick for dinner, these are great go-to options when you’re just craving something crisp, cool, and really good. Think pasta salads, leafy green salads, meaty salads and more.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
This red cabbage coleslaw has a bold, tangy flavor with great crunch from carrots, red onion, and fresh herbs. It makes a great lunch side or can easily become the main event with some added protein. Make this salad for lunch when you’re after big flavor in a simple dish.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Chicken Salad With Grapes
This chicken salad with grapes is full of sweet and savory flavors and makes the best lunch salad when you need something fresh and filling. Crunchy celery, juicy grapes, and creamy dressing make each bite a treat. Make this salad for lunch or tuck it into a sandwich for an easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad With Grapes
Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad
Crispy rotisserie chicken, fresh herbs, and bright citrus come together on a bed of Tuscan kale. Tossed in an orange dijon dressing, this salad brings some sunshine to your plate even when it’s sweater weather.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad
Caesar Salad With Bacon and Ranch
This Caesar Wedge Salad with crispy bacon is the best lunch salad when you want something easy but full of flavor. Made with just five ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and looks impressive on the plate. Make this salad for lunch when you’re craving something hearty and simple.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad With Bacon and Ranch
Rainbow Salad
This Rainbow Veggie Salad is bursting with color and crunch, making it one of the best lunch salads around. It’s loaded with fresh produce and brings excitement to any plate. Make this salad for lunch when you’re in the mood for something vibrant and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Salad
Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon
Creamy ranch, crispy bacon, and pasta come together for a filling salad that makes a great lunch. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, and it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Make this salad for lunch when you want something hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon
Mixed Fruit Salad
This Mixed Fruit Salad is packed with apples, cranberries, oranges, and pomegranate seeds. It’s a refreshing, naturally sweet dish that makes a great lunch on its own. Make this salad for lunch when you want something light and fruity.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Fruit Salad
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Dig into the flavors of Mediterranean with Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. This dish offers a delicious mix of seafood and pasta, seasoned with herbs that transport you straight to the seaside. It’s light yet fulfilling, making it an ideal choice for a meal that needs to impress without too much effort. Whether it’s part of a festive spread or a simple family meal, this salad is sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Marinated Tomatoes
These marinated heirloom tomatoes capture the flavor of summer. Garden fresh tomatoes sit in a bright, bold marinade of olive oil, vinegar, fresh garlic, and oregano to create a salad or sandwich topping that looks beautiful and tastes even better.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes
Honey Lime Jalapeño Vinaigrette
This sweet and spicy honey jalapeño lime vinaigrette has cilantro, lime juice, and honey for a spicy, tangy, sweet dressing that’s great on salads, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and more.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lime Jalapeño Vinaigrette
Carrot Citrus Salad
Roasted rainbow carrots paired with oranges and Meyer lemons make this salad both refreshing and vibrant. Tossed in a citrus mustard vinaigrette, it’s a perfect way to brighten up your winter table.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Citrus Salad
Spinach Bacon Salad
This vibrant and tasty salad, made with crisp spinach, savory bacon, and a tangy dressing, is a quick and satisfying option for lunch or dinner. Ready in minutes, it’s the perfect blend of freshness and flavor for any mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Bacon Salad
Peach and Radish Salad with Crispy Prosciutto
This refreshing peach and radish salad combines sweet, peppery, and savory flavors in every bite. It’s topped with crispy prosciutto for a salty crunch and finished with toasted hazelnuts for added depth and texture. Light yet satisfying, it’s perfect as a starter or a summer side dish.
Get the Recipe: Peach and Radish Salad with Crispy Prosciutto
Strawberry Vinaigrette
Are you bored with the same old salad routine? A fresh, homemade strawberry vinaigrette might just become your new go-to dressing. This vibrant and tangy dressing isn’t just easy to whip up, but it also brings a bold blend of fresh berry flavor to your dishes.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Vinaigrette
Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze
This Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze is a fresh summer salad featuring spring mix, fresh basil leaves, cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, rich olive oil, and sweet, tangy balsamic reduction. It’s refreshing and comforting all in one!
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze
7 Layer Salad
Wow your guests with this impressive 7 layer salad that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. With layers of fresh lettuce, crispy bacon, tangy cheese, and other colorful veggies, it’s a showstopper at any summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad
Peach Caprese Salad
This easy peach Caprese salad takes the classic to a new level with juicy summer peaches. It’s a refreshing, no-cook dish perfect for hot nights – and it’s gorgeous too.
Get the Recipe: Peach Caprese Salad
Blueberry White Bean Salad
A creamy, anti-inflammatory tahini turmeric dressing coats this simple white bean salad with blueberries, basil, mint and pickled red onions while broccoli sprouts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds bring a nutritious boost and crunchy texture.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry White Bean Salad
Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Blueberries
Our easy hearty classic Broccoli Salad with cheese, bacon and blueberries is a simple cold salad perfect for your summer days. This salad filled with nutrients is a perfect idea for your next Potluck party or get-together.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Blueberries
Amish Macaroni Salad
Amish macaroni salad is the perfect creamy & sweet side dish for your gatherings! With its simple yet delicious ingredients this salad is a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad
Spring Onion Potato Salad
This Spring Onion Potato Salad is a tasty and nutritious side dish that combines the crispness of fresh spring onions with the creamy goodness of tender potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Spring Onion Potato Salad
Pea Salad
Vintage pea salad is creamy, tangy, and sweet. Full of sweet peas, red onion, crispy bacon, and cheese cubes. It is the perfect make-ahead salad for a cookout, a light lunch, and makes the perfect potluck salad.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad
