12 Salads That Work for Lunch or Dinner

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Crunchy sweet corn with crema and the perfect amount of spice. You won't be able to stop eating this Mexican street corn salad.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese in a small bowl. — Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese. Photo credit: Two Pink Peonies.

If you're a fan of the tasty pimento cheese from Chicken Salad Chick, you’re going to love this simple copycat recipe. It's perfect for spreading on crackers, toast, or making a delicious sandwich. Plus, it's an ideal summer dish since it requires no baking. It's quick, easy, and sure to become a favorite at any gathering!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Pimento Cheese

Butternut Squash Salad

Large dinner plate with a bed of fresh arugula topped with roasted butternut squash combined with cooked golden quinoa, dried cranberries, red onion, pumpkin seeds, feta cheese, and sliced apple, and drizzled lightly with balsamic vinaigrette. — Butternut Squash Salad. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

This comforting Butternut Squash Salad is packed with wholesome quinoa and fall-inspired ingredients, including roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and fresh apple slices. Tossed in a delicate balsamic vinaigrette, it's not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether served as a side or a main, this salad is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Salad

Chicken Thai Salad

This vibrant and crunchy Chicken Thai Salad is a popular copycat recipe inspired by Panera Bread. It's simple to recreate at home, offering the same delicious flavors without the extra cost. Enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right from your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Thai Salad

Balela Salad

Bowl of salad surrounded by sprigs of fresh parsley and mint. — Balela Salad. Photo credit: Veggies Save The Day.

Balela Salad features chickpeas, black beans, and a mix of fresh herbs tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. This quick and easy Trader Joe’s copycat recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect option for a healthy side dish or a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Balela Salad

Keto Chicken Cobb Salad

A photo of Chicken Cobb Salad in a bowl with dressing being poured on top. — Keto Chicken Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Dr. Davinah's Eats.

This simple Keto Chicken Cobb Salad is bursting with flavor and loaded with delicious ingredients. It features my quick 10-minute cast iron skillet chicken breast, along with toppings such as no-sugar-added air fryer bacon, avocado, red onions, and air fryer hard-boiled eggs. I've tailored this salad to be dairy-free and compliant with Whole30 and paleo diets, but you're welcome to add any of the suggested toppings to customize it to your liking. It's a versatile dish that's perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Cobb Salad

Tex Mex Cowboy Salad

Cowboy salad is a tasty mix of flavors and textures that's sure to delight you with every bite! This no-cook Tex-Mex salad is perfect for keeping your kitchen cool, especially during the sweltering summer months. Whether enjoyed as a refreshing side dish or a main course for a potluck, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will adore. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Tex Mex Cowboy Salad

Peach Burrata Salad

This peach burrata salad is a refreshing summer dish that highlights juicy peaches, fresh herbs, and optional edible flowers for an elegant touch. It’s a simple, versatile recipe that can be customized to your taste. Some variations resemble a caprese salad with heirloom tomatoes, while others feature arugula, peach slices, and creamy burrata. Perfect for warm days, this salad is as easy as it is beautiful!
Get the Recipe: Peach Burrata Salad

Creamy Chickpea Salad

This Creamy Chickpea Salad is a delicious and easy-to-prepare side dish that's ideal for a summer barbecue. It's loaded with protein and can conveniently be made the day before. Enjoy it as a refreshing, nutritious addition to any outdoor gathering.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Salad

Guacamole Chicken Salad

This Guacamole Chicken Salad is a flavorful and healthy dish, combining creamy, zesty guacamole with tender, juicy chicken for a satisfying meal. It's perfect for serving as a sandwich filling, topping on baguette slices, stuffing into pita pockets, or pairing with crunchy tortilla chips. A crowd-pleaser that's versatile and easy to enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Chicken Salad

Chickpea Salmon Salad

Chickpea and salmon salad with lemon slices and a spoon. — Chickpea Salmon Salad. Photo credit: In The Kitch.

This chickpea salmon salad combines a variety of textures and flavors, from savory and crunchy to soft and mildly sweet. The salmon and chickpeas take center stage, while additional ingredients like red onion, garlic, and apple cider vinegar enhance the overall taste. The recipe is quick and easy, taking under 10 minutes to prepare as you simply mix everything together in a bowl. It's a perfect dish for a healthy, flavorful meal in no time.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salmon Salad

Asian Cabbage Ramen Salad

This Crunchy Asian Ramen Salad is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for gatherings or family meals. It combines a mix of coleslaw, edamame, green onions, and crispy crumbled ramen noodles with sliced almonds and sesame seeds, all tossed in a tangy soy-sesame dressing. The crunchy texture of the toasted ramen and nuts pairs beautifully with the refreshing vegetables. It's an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing salad that is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Asian Cabbage Ramen Salad