Easy Salad Recipes

Sweet or savory, green or pasta, there is a salad for any occasion. I’ve rounded up some of our favorite easy salad recipes I think you’ll enjoy!

More Collections: Pasta Salad Recipes, Salad Dressing Recipes, Grilled Dinner Ideas

A collage of various easy salad recipes.

BEST SALADS

I love salad all year long, but I especially crave it during the spring and summer.

Salads are great for so many reasons. They can hold their own as a main dish, or be a great supporting dish. Choose in-season produce and incorporate lots of colors, flavors, and textures into your salad.

From sweet to savory, we know there are so many kinds of salads, and in my book – they’re all winners. The best kind, however, are the ones that are EASY to make too!

While some salads are more complex, all the salads in this collection are simple to make (and pretty darn delicious, too)!

Fruit salad in a white bowl.

Types of Easy Salads

I have 5 types of salads that I make on a regular basis. Each type has many different varieties and shares similar ingredients. The difference between the salads is what the base, or most prominent, ingredient is.

  1. Green Salad. Green salads use a lettuce base and may include a variety of other chopped fruits and vegetables. The four main types of lettuce used for green salads include iceberg, butterhead, romaine, and leaf. Use just one type or a combination. Some other greens that people often add include kale and spinach leaves.
  2. Vegetable Salads. The base of this type of salad is a vegetable other than lettuce. It may have a creamy dressing or a simple vinaigrette. It may also include other chopped vegetables, nuts, and protein. 
  3. Bound Salads. This type of salad contains a mixture of food that is bound together with a thick dressing, often mayonnaise. This would include anything from Egg Salad to Potato Salad
  4. Pasta Salads. Pasta is the main ingredient for these salads. The pasta is typically smaller like penne, rotini, farfalle, or ditalini. It is often tossed with chopped vegetables and protein along with some type of dressing.
  5. Fruit/Dessert Salads. Fruit is the main ingredient of this salad. It can simply be a combination of 2-3 types of fruit tossed together or it may have a sweet cream coating and resemble more of a dessert.
Chopped cucumber and tomato on a cutting board.

Ingredients for Easy Salads

Make a good salad using the most simple ingredients. Once you know what type of salad you wish to make then you can start adding different elements that work together in taste and texture. 

Favorite Salad Vegetables: When adding vegetables to a salad, you often do not need to cook them. Simply wash, chop, and toss. Can’t get easier than that!  

  • Leafy greens: Iceberg, butterhead, romaine, baby spinach, kale
  • Green veggies: Broccoli florets, celery, brussel sprouts, green onion, cucumber
  • Colorful veggies: Carrots, cauliflower florets, beets, bell pepper, red onion
  • Fresh herbs: basil, cilantro, chives, dill, mint, parsley, thyme

Favorite Salad Fruits:

  • Berries
  • Melons
  • Diced apples, peaches, or pears
  • Grapes
  • Tomatoes
  • Avocado
Chicken pasta salad ingredients in a white bowl.

Salad Proteins: Adding grilled chicken or beef to a salad is an easy way to make it more filling and turn it into a main side rather than a side. Some other additions include:

  • Shrimp
  • Bacon bits
  • Black, kidney, or white beans
  • Boiled eggs
  • Buffalo Chicken
  • Chickpeas

Other salad ingredients:

  • Cheese is often added to salads counting any combination of vegetables. Use a simple cubed cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, goat cheese, or feta.
  • Add some crunch with croutons or nuts.
7 layer salad served in a trifle dish.

Serving Tips

Meal prep: Among many other aspects, salads are wonderful because they can easily be prepared ahead of time. The different elements can be prepared 1-3 days ahead of time and stored separately until its time to assemble the salad.

Even then, most salads can be assembled several hours before and stored, covered, in the fridge. If you are using a creamy salad dressing or a vinaigrette, I suggest waiting to add that until right before serving. Or even serve it on the side.

  • Many vegetables can be chopped and stored in separate containers for a few days before you even need to assemble them. 
  • Fruit is a little trickier to prepare ahead. It can often turn an unappetizing brown when cut too far in advance. To help keep cut fruit fresh longer you can dip it in a mixture of water and lemon juice. You can also sprinkle Ball’s Fresh Fruit on it.
  • Cooked pasta can be tossed in a bit of olive oil so it doesn’t stick together and then stored in its own air-tight container for 1-2 days in the fridge before being used.
Chicken salad served on a croissant roll.

How Much Salad to Serve?

When serving as a side: When serving as a side dish, plan to serve ½-1 cup (4-6 oz) pasta salad per guest. For green/vegetable salads plan to serve 1-2 c (2½ -5 oz) per person. Finally, plan to serve 1 cup  (3.5 oz) of fruit salad per person. 

If the salad is the main dish, plan to serve 1½ -2  cups of pasta salad or 2-2½ cups of green salad per person. 

Greek salad dressing in a dressing container.

Dressings

“Dressing” is the perfect word for salad dressing. They really do dress up the salad.

Here are some of our favorites: 


THE BEST EASY SALADS

These easy salads are perfect for a side or main dish. They are all delicious!

7 Layer Salad

7 Layers of Goodness in this delicious layered Salad. This recipe isn’t only delicious, but is easy to customize and is great to make ahead of time too!

1 7 Layer Salad Recipe

Salad, Side Dish 7 Layer Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 17 votes
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Arugula Salad

Fresh Arugula salad is loaded with healthy greens, juicy tomatoes, and parmesan shavings with pine nuts and creamy avocado on top!

2 Arugula Salad Recipe

Main Course, Salad, Side Dish Arugula Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 5 votes
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Cobb Salad

This simple Cobb salad is so full of tasty ingredients it’s a meal all on it’s own. It is quick to make and utterly delicious.

3 Cobb Salad Recipe

Salad Cobb Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 9 votes
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Wedge Salad

This fresh wedge salad is a classic. It’s crisp and refreshing, smothered in creamy dressing and topped with crumbles of cheese and bacon.

4 Wedge Salad Recipe

Salad Wedge Salad Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
5 from 4 votes
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Southwest Caprese Salad

Southwest Caprese salad substitutes queso fresco and a bright cilantro jalapeño vinaigrette to add some flair. It is fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor!

5 Southwest Caprese Salad Recipe

Salad Southwest Caprese Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 6 votes
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Greek Pasta Salad

Greek pasta salad is packed with traditional Greek flavors and covered in a tasty dressing! It’s perfectly light and refreshing.

6 Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

Salad Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 3 votes
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Ramen Noodle Salad

With toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and ramen noodles, this green salad has the perfect crunch to it. Top it all off with a simple homemade dressing, and this Ramen Noodle Salad will win everyone over!

7 Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

Salad Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 14 votes
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Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing

Easy Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing takes minutes to make. It’s a classic side dish, perfect for BBQs, picnics, or any night of the week!

8 Pasta Salad Recipe

Side Dish Pasta Salad Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
5 from 89 votes
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Chicken Pasta Salad

Creamy chicken pasta salad is quick, easy, and SO tasty. It is packed with hearty ingredients for a filling side or main dish!

9 Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Salad, Side Dish Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 10 votes
Get the recipe

Asian Pasta Salad

Easy & Delicious Asian Pasta Salad topped with a sweet and tangy dressing is packed with veggies and flavor!

10 Asian Pasta Salad recipe

Salad Asian Pasta Salad recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 2 votes
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Spinach and Tortellini Salad

Cold spinach tortellini salad is the ultimate side dish for BBQ and potlucks. It’s packed with all the best flavors!

11 Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe

Salad Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
4.85 from 20 votes
Get the recipe

Fresh Mozzarella Pasta Salad

Easy & Fresh Mozzarella Pasta Salad is light, delicious and flavorful. This simply dressed salad is a new favorite!!

12 Mozzarella Pasta Salad Recipe

Salad Mozzarella Pasta Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 10 votes
Get the recipe

Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad is a light dish with a bold flavor, making it perfect for potlucks, parties, BBQ’s, and get togethers!

13 Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad recipe

Salad Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 1 vote
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Taco Pasta Salad

Delicious Taco Pasta Salad filled with beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado and more!!

14 Taco Pasta Salad Recipe

Salad Taco Pasta Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 7 votes
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Macaroni Salad

This simple, creamy Macaroni Salad is loaded with pasta, peas and ham. It’s perfect for parties, family dinners, and potlucks!

15 Macaroni Salad Recipe

Salad, Side Dish Macaroni Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
4.96 from 67 votes
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Homemade Potato Salad

This perfect Potato Salad is a famous family recipe. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and our most requested side for parties!

16 Potato Salad Recipe

Salad Potato Salad Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes
5 from 26 votes
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Brussel Sprout Salad

Brussel Sprout Salad is as pretty as it is tasty—full of shredded Brussel sprouts, pomegranate seeds, sliced almonds, and a little bit of shaved parmesan.

17 Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe

Salad Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 9 votes
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Kale Salad

Sweet Kale Salad is topped with chunks of apple, candied pecans, dried cranberries, and bacon, served with a homemade sweet dijon vinaigrette!

18 Kale Salad Recipe

Salad Kale Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 7 votes
Get the recipe

Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is the perfect food for baby/wedding showers, light lunches, or picnics at the park! Eat your creamy chicken salad on a croissant, in a salad, or by itself!

19 Chicken Salad Recipe

Main Course, Salad Chicken Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
5 from 18 votes
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Egg Salad

Egg salad is classic, simple, and only requires a handful of ingredients! Serve it as a side, or make it into an egg salad sandwich. Either way, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd!

20 How to Make Egg Salad recipe

Main Course, Side Dish How to Make Egg Salad recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
4.94 from 15 votes
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Easy Coleslaw

This quick and Easy Coleslaw makes the perfect side dish for any picnic or BBQ. It takes just minutes to put this classic coleslaw recipe together, and it can easily be customized with the spices and flavors you love most.

21 Easy Coleslaw Recipe

Side Dish Easy Coleslaw Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 20 votes
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Ham Salad

Creamy ham salad with hints of dill and chunks of hard-boiled eggs is a tasty appetizer perfect for using up that leftover ham!!

22 Ham Salad Recipe

Appetizer, Salad Ham Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 7 votes
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Favorite Broccoli Salad

Simple Broccoli Salad is tasty and hearty topped with a delicious homemade dressing. It’s perfect for BBQs and get-togethers.

23 Broccoli Salad Recipe

Salad Broccoli Salad Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
4.97 from 59 votes
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Summer Corn Salad

Summer Corn Salad is light and flavorful, dressed simply with Italian dressing. It’s easy, quick + perfect for summer! 

24 Summer Corn Salad Recipe

Salad Summer Corn Salad Recipe
Total Time: 7 minutes
4.99 from 59 votes
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Broccoli Strawberry Salad

Broccoli Strawberry Salad is creamy and refreshing with pops of juicy fruit. It can easily be made ahead and enjoyed later!

25 Broccoli Strawberry Salad Recipe

Salad Broccoli Strawberry Salad Recipe
Total Time: 7 minutes
5 from 16 votes
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Frito Corn Salad

Fresh and tasty Frito corn salad is bursting with sweet corn and covered in a perfectly spicy creamy sauce. It is perfectly refreshing.

26 Frito Corn Salad Recipe

Salad, Side Dish Frito Corn Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 13 votes
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Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad

Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is a simple, delicious and quick salad perfect for dinner or for BBQs and get togethers. It’s so light and refreshing!

27 Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe

Salad Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 10 votes
Get the recipe

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Fresh, vibrant Cucumber Tomato Salad is a simple salad perfect for summer and your bounteous harvest. It’s a quick side for any meal!

28 Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

Salad Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 5 votes
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Pea Salad

Pea salad is made with a creamy mayo dressing, bacon, cheese, and bright pops of peas. It only requires a handful of ingredients and is easy to make!

29 Pea Salad Recipe

Salad, Side Dish Pea Salad Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes
5 from 6 votes
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Asparagus Salad

Filled with mozzarella cheese, and cherry tomatoes, seasoned with basil, and covered in a light balsamic vinaigrette, this asparagus salad is bursting with flavor! Best of all, it comes together in less than 10 minutes!

30 Asparagus Salad Recipe

Salad Asparagus Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 9 votes
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Fall Fruit Salad

Fall fruit salad is full of seasonal fruit and dressed in a bright honey, orange, and poppy seed dressing!

31 Fall Fruit Salad Recipe

Salad, Side Dish Fall Fruit Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 17 votes
Get the recipe

Pistachio Salad

Pistachio Salad dessert is always served at our family gatherings. With whipped cream and marshmallows, it’s always a hit!

32 Pistachio Salad Recipe

Salad Pistachio Salad Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 25 votes
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Easy Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad that makes the perfect side dish to any meal! Colorful, healthy, delicious, and filled with all your favorite fruits!

33 Easy Fruit Salad Recipe

Side Dish Easy Fruit Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
5 from 34 votes
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Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia Salad will take you straight back to your childhood. This Southern creamy fruit salad is filled with mini marshmallows!

34 Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Salad, Side Dish Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
5 from 7 votes
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Snicker Apple Salad

Snicker Apple Salad is a sweet treat, filled with texture and flavor! Bright pops of apple perfectly complement chewy chunks of Snickers.

35 Snicker Salad Recipe

Dessert Snicker Salad Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 96 votes
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Cheesecake Fruit Salad

This Cheesecake Fruit Salad is the perfect combination of creamy, light, and fresh! Fresh berries tossed in a cream cheese pudding mixture—it’s the perfect side, or crepe filling!

36 Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe

Dessert Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
4.80 from 20 votes
Get the recipe

All Easy, All Delicious!

Even if you don’t enjoy green salads, I’m sure there’s at least one easy salad recipe here that you will like! My personal favorite might be the Cheesecake Fruit Salad. 😉

These are the easiest salads out there, and they all taste amazing.

Be sure to check out all of our Salad Recipes.

More Collections: Summer Salad Recipes, Green Salad Recipes, Fall Salad Recipes

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About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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Comments:

  1. I love salad in the summer – well pretty much all year long lol! I’m so excited to try these!!

    xoxxo

  2. Nice blog right here! Additionally your site so much
    up very fast! What host are you using? Can I
    get your associate hyperlink in your host? I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  3. This has got to be *the* best salad collection of ‘real food’ salads that I have seen. Lots of great fresh ingredients without all that weird new age ‘food’ that people are putting in salads now(sorry, but quinoa?..blech). Thanks for the recipes, great job!

  4. HI Kristyn, I am going to a wedding shower on August 1st and it is a filipina/asian style. I wanted to take your Hawaiian Macaroni salad, however I cannot find the recipe. I am wondering if you wouldn’t mind reposting or forwarding it to me. I love it’s tanginess and simplicity. I served in the past to my son and he loves it. It seems you would be super busy with 6 children, so I understand if you don’t have the time.

  5. We make some kind of salad with so many of our meals. We love your easy pasta salad & your Asian salads. They are all so good & super easy to make!

  6. I absolutely loved all of these ideas! I’ve been wanting to mix things up so I didn’t get tired of salads and this is so helpful, thank you!

  7. I love all the variety of recipes here. Every kind of salad that you can imagine and better yet there so yummy!

  8. I typically have a green salad for lunch, but that gets kind of old. Right now I am obsessed with your buffalo chicken salad. I think I’ll try the strawberry harvest recipe next.

  9. This list was super helpful to find a salad that worked for all of my family. There are so many allergies that I have to worry about but this list helped me find the perfect salad that worked for everyone.

  10. Thank you for sharing this amazing list of salad recipes! There were so many delicious-looking options to choose from, I ended up making the broccoli strawberry salad and I really enjoyed it!