Sweet or savory, green or pasta, there is a salad for any occasion. Salads are perfect as a side, but many are hearty enough to be the star. In case you are looking for more to try yourself, I’ve rounded up 50+ Homemade Salad Recipes from that I think you’ll enjoy. 🙂
More Collections: Grilled Dinner Ideas, Pasta Salad Recipes, Salad Dressing Recipes
I LOVE salad – like a LOT!! If we got out to eat, I almost always get a salad. And it’s usually not because they’re healthy (because we all know the dressing makes them not so healthy) – I just love the taste. The hubby thinks I’m crazy but I’m not since I know there are plenty of you who love salad too. 😉
BEST SALADS
I love salad all year long, but I especially crave it during the spring and summer. You can bet that I’ll take any excuse to get it now, and since I can’t go out to eat every night I’m trying to find new salad recipes that are easy and delicious. From sweet to savory, we know there are so many kinds of salads, and in my book – they’re all winners. We love trying out new salad recipes and love that they can be so easily modified based on the ingredients and dressing you use.
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 to your salad
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 (2 ½ -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 1 ½ -2 cups of pasta salad or 2-2 ½ c green salad per person.
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
Dressings
Favorite Dressing: “dressing” is the perfect word for salad dressing. They really do dress up the salad. Here are some of our favorites.
- Homemade Ranch
- Greek Dressing
- Pesto Dressing
- Caesar Salad Dressing
- Lemon Poppyseed Dressing
- Cafe Rio Cilantro Ranch Dressing
Green Salads
Salad
Pizza Salad Recipe
Delish Pizza Salad is hearty & refreshing. All of the flavors of pizza on a bed of greens, topped with a homemade herb dressing!
Total Time: 8 minutes
Check out this recipe
Side Dish
Tuna Salad Recipe
Chopped Tuna Salad is the perfect summer side dish. Filled with fresh crisp veggies the color of the rainbow, protein packed tuna, and tossed in a light and refreshing lemon vinaigrette.
Total Time: 25 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Southwest Salad Recipe
Simple and delicious Southwestern Chopped Salad filled with chicken, peppers, beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado and topped with a homemade cilantro ranch dressing.
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Salad is filled with buffalo seasoned chicken, crumbled blue cheese, and ranch. It's your favorite wings in salad form!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Antipasto Salad Recipe
Antipasto Salad Is the perfect summer salad! It's filled with tomatoes, cheeses, cured meats, veggies and more can can be topped with your favorite dressing.
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Quick Caprese Salad Recipe
Simple and Quick Caprese Salad is easy and delicious with pops of mozzarella, tomatoes, avocados and drizzled with a balsamic glaze!
Total Time: 5 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Steak and Tortellini Salad Recipe
Delish Steak and Tortellini Salad is hearty and refreshing. Tortellini, sirloin & romaine in a creamy pesto dressing is a must-have!
Total Time: 25 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Cobb Salad Recipe
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.
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
Ultimate Caesar Salad with grilled chicken, croutons, tomatoes, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, Parmesan cheese and tomatoes.
Total Time: 10 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Strawberry Harvest Salad Recipe
Strawberry Harvest Salad – tastes just like the salad at Zupa’s! It’s topped with apples, strawberries, chicken, candied pecans, cheese and a homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette dressing.
Total Time: 10 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Waldorf Salad Recipe
Everyone loves this Waldorf salad that is filled with grapes, apples, celery, walnuts, cheese and chicken. Toss it in a homemade poppyseed dressing and this salad is perfect for any lunch, dinner or appetizer.
Total Time: 10 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Cheesecake Factory Luau Salad Recipe
Loaded with sweet, tropical flavors, this delicious Luau Salad is BETTER than it's Cheesecake Factory double!
Total Time: 10 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Chicken Taco Salad Recipe
Crunchy and fresh chicken taco salad is a weeknight dinner dream! Easy, flavorful, and a recipe that everyone will enjoy.
Total Time: 25 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe
Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is one of the heartiest, most delicious salad recipes you'll try! With greens, fruits, nuts, and a tangy dressing, it's a real winner.
Total Time: 20 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
A delicious salad with tomatoes, chicken, craisins, sunflower seeds and a delicious homemade lemon poppy seed dressing. The dressing only requires 4 ingredients and takes minutes to make!
Total Time: 10 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Asian Citrus Chicken Salad Recipe
Bright & Flavorful Asian Citrus Chicken Salad topped with crunchy wontons and a fruity vinaigrette is a family favorite!!
Total Time: 5 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Recipe
This delicious Copycat Oriental Chicken Salad from Applebees is made with breaded chicken, cabbage, romaine, sliced almonds, and more tossed in a flavorful asian dressing!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Wedge Salad Recipe
This fresh wedge salad is a classic. It's crisp and refreshing, smothered in creamy dressing and topped with crumbles of cheese and bacon.
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Kale Salad Recipe
Sweet Kale Salad is topped with chunks of apple, candied pecans, dried cranberries, and bacon, served with a homemade sweet dijon vinaigrette!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Arugula Salad Recipe
Fresh Arugula salad is loaded with healthy greens, juicy tomatoes, and parmesan shavings with pine nuts and creamy avocado on top!
Total Time: 10 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer, Salad
Caesar Salad Cups Recipe
Caesar Salad Cups are a quick, simple and tasty side dish or appetizer. They're mini salads in a cup and great for parties and get togethers!
Total Time: 14 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Southwest Caprese Salad Recipe
Southwest caprese salad substitutes queso fresco and a bright cilantro jalapeño vinaigrette to add some flair. It is fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Tortellini Salad Recipe
Super YUMMY and easy Tortellini Salad filled with tortellini, salad, ranch, tomatoes and bacon bits – perfect for summer time!
Total Time: 20 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad, Side Dish
7 Layer Salad Recipe
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!
Check out this recipe
Salad
Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
Napa cabbage, slivered almonds, ramen, & sesame seeds in a delicious dressing!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is fresh, naturally sweet, colorful and absolutely delicious. Serve it as a quick lunch, a dinner side, or a potluck item!
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Pasta Salad
Salad
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is filled with spicy buffalo wings and topped with a tangy blue cheese dressing. It is easy and delish!
Total Time: 40 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Taco Pasta Salad Recipe
Delicious Taco Pasta Salad filled with beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado and more!!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad, Side Dish
Macaroni Salad Recipe
A simple, creamy macaroni salad loaded with pasta, peas and ham. It's perfect for parties, family dinners, and potlucks!
Total Time: 18 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad, Side Dish
Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Creamy chicken pasta salad is quick, easy, and SO tasty. It is packed with hearty ingredients for a filling side or main dish!
Total Time: 20 minutes
Check out this recipe
Main Course, Salad
Greek Orzo Salad Recipe
Orzo Salad is a Greek pasta salad loaded with Orzo, veggies, and feta topped with a Greek dressing.
Total Time: 20 minutes
Check out this recipe
Side Dish
Cashew Chicken Salad Recipe
Cashew Chicken Pasta – a cream pasta recipe with chicken, grapes, cashews and more tossed in a delicious homemade dressing.
Total Time: 5 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Greek Pasta Salad – bow tie pasta with feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, spinach, chickpeas and Greek Dressing!! Simple and delicious!
Total Time: 5 minutes
Salad
Asian Pasta Salad recipe
Easy & Delicious Asian Pasta Salad topped with a sweet and tangy dressing is packed with veggies and flavor!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Asian Noodle Salad Recipe
Asian Noodle Salad – coleslaw, linguine, chicken, and fried wonton strips covered in a delicious homemade Asian dressing!
Total Time: 10 minutes
Check out this recipe
Side Dish
Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
Easy and delicious Italian Pasta Salad recipe that includes Rotini pasta, olives, tomatoes, & cheese in Italian dressing! It takes minutes to make and is perfect for any get together including BBQs and holidays.
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad, Side Dish
Layered Pasta Salad Recipe
A dish that is appealing to both your tastebuds and your eyes! This beautiful Layered Pasta Salad is filled with your favorite ingredients including pasta, chicken, peas, lettuce, celery, and more.
Total Time: 13 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer, Salad
Chinese Pasta Salad Recipe
Chinese Pasta Salad – filled with lettuce, noodles, fried wontons and more tossed in a delicious homemade dressing.
Total Time: 6 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe
This cold tortellini salad is the ultimate side dish for bbq and potlucks! With tortellini, spinach, tomatoes, olives, and parmesan tossed in Italian dressing, this Tortellini Spinach Salad is packed with all the best flavors!
Total Time: 20 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Fresh Mozzarella Pasta Salad Recipe
Easy & Fresh Mozzarella Pasta Salad is light, delicious and flavorful. This simply dressed salad is a new favorite!!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad recipe
This Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad Is Covered In Basil And Filled With Mozzarella Balls, Tomatoes, Basil And Balsamic Vinaigrette Reduction Sauce! It’s A Light Dish With A Bold Flavor, Making It Perfect For Potlucks, Parties, BBQ’s, And Get Togethers!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Fruit and Veggie Salads
Salad, Side Dish
Ambrosia Salad Recipe
This ambrosia salad will take your straight back to your childhood. The best creamy fruit salad with mini marshmallows mixed in!
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Pistachio Salad Recipe
Everyone loves this Pistachio Salad! With mini marshmallows and crushed pineapples, this cool side salad is perfect for summer or any holiday get together.
Total Time: 35 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad, Side Dish
Fall Fruit Salad Recipe
Fall fruit salad is full of seasonal fruit and dressed in a bright honey, orange, and poppy seed dressing!
Total Time: 10 minutes
Check out this recipe
Side Dish
Fruit Salad Recipe
A fresh fruit salad that makes the perfect side dish to any meal! Colorful, healthy, delicious, and filled with all your favorite fruits!
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Dessert
Snicker Apple Salad Recipe
Delicious Apple Snickers Salad that is so good and so easy to make! Layers of apples, snickers, and caramel in a creamy topping made from cool whip, milk, and vanilla pudding mix.
Total Time: 5 minutes
Check out this recipe
Dessert
Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe
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!
Total Time: 7 minutes
Check out this recipe
Dessert
Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe
This classic treat is always a crowd pleaser with a pretzel crust, cream cheese layer and strawberry jello topping! Strawberry Jello Pretzel Salad is the ultimate combination of sweet and salty!
Total Time: 20 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad, Side Dish
Pea Salad Recipe
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!
Total Time: 45 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Asparagus Salad Recipe
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!
Total Time: 10 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Asian Ramen Salad Recipe
Fresh & lightly dressed Asian Ramen Salad filled with crunchy bits of almonds and ramen is perfect for your next party or BBQ!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe
Fresh, light, and healthy tomato mozzarella salad! Perfect for lunches with friends or a side salad to dinner!
Total Time: 8 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Broccoli Salad Recipe
This Sunny Broccoli Salad is a simple, tasty and hearty broccoli salad served with bacon, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and mixed with a delicious, homemade mayonnaise-vinegar based dressing that is perfect for BBQs and get togethers.
Total Time: 10 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Corn Salad Recipe
This Summer Corn Salad is a light, flavorful salad filled with corn, tomatoes, feta, basil and cucumber. It’s so simple and quick that it’s perfect for get togethers and BBQs.
Total Time: 7 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe
Full of shredded Brussel sprouts, pomegranate seeds, sliced almonds, and a little bit of shaved parmesan, this colorful salad has the perfect amount of crunch!
Total Time: 25 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Broccoli Strawberry Salad Recipe
Strawberry broccoli salad is creamy and refreshing with pops of juicy fruit. It can easily be made ahead and enjoyed later!
Total Time: 7 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Asian Pasta Salad recipe
Easy & Delicious Asian Pasta Salad topped with a sweet and tangy dressing is packed with veggies and flavor!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad, Side Dish
Frito Corn Salad Recipe
Fresh and tasty frito corn salad is bursting with sweet corn and covered in a perfectly spicy creamy sauce. It is perfectly refreshing.
Total Time: 10 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Southwest Quinoa Salad Recipe
Southwest Quinoa Salad is bursting with freshness. It's got a ton of texture going on and a whole lot of flavor!
Total Time: 35 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Flavorful and simple cauliflower salad with a creamy crunch! Filled with veggies, onions, bacon, sunflower seeds and cheese, this salad is sure to be a hit at any BBQ or get together.
Check out this recipe
Salad
Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
The best crunchy Chinese chicken salad with undeniably delicious flavors that will make you coming back for seconds and thirds! We love this recipe!!
Check out this recipe
Salad
Potato Salad Recipe
Our all-time favorite Potato Salad – it’s simple, flavorful and filled with chunks of potatoes, eggs and olives! It’s the perfect addition to any BBQ or picnic and is so creamy and tasty, it will wow everyone who tries it.
Total Time: 55 minutes
Check out this recipe
Salad
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad – a simple, delicious and quick salad perfect for dinner or for BBQs and get togethers. So many great flavors!
Total Time: 10 minutes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe
Caprese Stuffed Avocados – filled with Mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and balsamic glaze providing a great side/salad to any meal.
Total Time: 5 minutes
Check out this recipe
For more great collections perfect for summertime, be sure to check out:
ENJOY!
So many delicious salads – thanks for including one of mine!
Of course, Leigh Anne!! XO
Thank you so much for the feature! So much inspiration here! 🙂
All of these look amazing! Pinned!
Thanks for including some of my recipes!!
I love salad in the summer – well pretty much all year long lol! I’m so excited to try these!!
xoxxo
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
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!
I cannot find your avocado blt pasta salad recipe !
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.
Hi! I’ll reach out and see if we can track that recipe down for you. Here are a few that came to mind real quick… are any of these the one you are thinking of? https://lilluna.com/macaroni-salad/ or https://lilluna.com/cheesecake-factory-luau-salad/ or this one is not from our site but we shared it on FB a few years ago and sounds like it might fit your description too: https://www.facebook.com/LilLunaBlog/posts/1359477357412501
Here are some other yummy Asian inspired salads as well that might work: https://lilluna.com/?s=asian+salad