45+ Easy Salad Recipes

A collection of the most simple salads. Sweet or savory, green or pasta, there’s a salad for everyone. Enjoy some of our favorite easy salad recipes!

Kristyn’s Salad Tips

  • How much to serve: As a side dish – for pasta salad, serve 1⁄2–1 cup per person; for green or vegetable-based salads, serve 1 1/2 cups per person. As a main dish – for pasta salad, serve 1 1/2–2 cups per person; for green or vegetable-based salads, serve 2–2 1/2 cups per person 
  • Add protein: Adding grilled chicken or beef to a salad is an easy way to make it more filling and turn it into a main dish rather than a side. You can also add shrimp, bacon bits, canned beans, hardboiled eggs or chickpeas
  • Keep it bite-sized: Aside from a wedge salad,
    you should never have to use a knife to cut your
    salad. Cut all greens and mix-ins into bite-sized
    pieces before assembling the salad.
  • Choose your oil wisely: The better the quality of oil, the better the dressing will be. Our favorites include a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil, sunflower oil and canola oil.
  • Make it Healthy: Make creamy dressings healthier by using low-fat or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and low-fat milk instead of whole milk or heavy cream. You can also use honey instead of sugar for a healthier sweetener.
  • Make it ahead: Most dressings can be stored in a mason jar or other airtight container with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir or shake the jar, especially for a vinaigrette, before using.

All Salads