20 Salads That Make “Clean” Feel Indulgent
Caesar Pasta Salad
Crispy, fresh vegetables paired with a rich and creamy Caesar dressing make this pasta salad a real crowd-pleaser. Every bite is packed with flavor and texture, making it far from your average side dish. It’s the kind of salad that always disappears first at picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings because everyone can’t resist going back for seconds. Easy to make and endlessly satisfying, it’s a dish that feels special without requiring any extra fuss in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Pasta Salad
Pea Salad
This easy pea salad is a perfect combination of fresh, crunchy peas, smoky bacon, and melty shredded cheese, all tossed in a tangy, flavorful dressing. It’s one of those simple, no-cook dishes that feels indulgent but comes together in just 10 minutes. With only six ingredients, it’s a breeze to whip up for a last-minute picnic, potluck, or weeknight side. Every bite is full of texture and flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and refreshing. It’s the kind of salad you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad
Broccoli Salad With Bacon
This dish takes simple broccoli and transforms it into something irresistible by pairing it with smoky, crispy bacon and crunchy sunflower seeds. The combination of flavors and textures makes each bite a delight, from the tender broccoli to the nutty crunch of the seeds. Even those who usually shy away from vegetables can’t help but go back for seconds. It’s easy, flavorful, and has just the right balance of savory and satisfying in every bite. Perfect as a side or even a light main, it’s a recipe that quickly becomes a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad With Bacon
Mexican Street Corn Salad
This Mexican street corn salad is pure comfort in a bowl—crunchy, sweet corn tossed with creamy, tangy crema and just the right kick of spice. Every bite is bursting with flavor, from the natural sweetness of the corn to the subtle heat that keeps your taste buds excited. It’s one of those dishes you can’t help but go back for again and again. Easy to whip up and incredibly satisfying, it makes the perfect side or even a snack you’ll want to share… if you can resist eating it all yourself!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad
This chicken and Brussels sprouts salad is a true celebration of seasonal flavors. Crisp Brussels sprouts and tender chicken are paired with the natural sweetness of apples and the jewel-like pop of pomegranates, creating a vibrant and satisfying mix. Everything comes together effortlessly with a simple yet delicious honey mustard dressing that ties all the flavors perfectly. It’s the kind of salad that feels fresh, comforting, and just a little special, making it perfect for a weekday lunch or a light dinner. Plus, it’s easy enough to throw together without any fuss, so you can enjoy all those seasonal flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad
Fresh Tuna Cucumber And Ricotta Cheese Salad
This Ricotta Salad is a wonderfully easy and healthy dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Bursting with fresh produce and vibrant colors, every bite is a mix of crisp textures and creamy, seasoned ricotta cheese that feels indulgent without being heavy. It’s the perfect choice for summer picnics, backyard barbecues, or a light and satisfying lunch at home. Best of all, it comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a go-to option when you want something fresh, flavorful, and nourishing without a lot of fuss. With its balance of taste, texture, and nutrition, this salad is sure to become a favorite anytime you crave something bright and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Tuna Cucumber And Ricotta Cheese Salad
Easy Three Bean Salad
This Three Bean Salad is a lifesaver for busy days when you want something fresh, tasty, and fuss-free. It comes together in under 15 minutes using simple pantry staples, making it a super convenient option for any meal. Tossed in a light and zesty vinaigrette, each bite is bright, flavorful, and just the right balance of tang and sweetness. It’s perfect for summer potlucks, backyard barbecues, or even a quick side for weeknight dinners. Plus, it keeps well, so you can make it ahead and have a delicious, ready-to-go dish anytime.
Get the Recipe: Easy Three Bean Salad
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
This Mediterranean Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, light dish perfect for warm weather. It combines cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and Kalamata olives, all tossed together in a simple, flavorful dressing. Ideal for picnics, lunches, or as a side, this salad is customizable with different herbs and flavors to suit your taste. It’s a quick, healthy, and portable option that brings the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean to your table.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is a fresh and vibrant twist on the classic Caprese flavors, bringing together juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil in every bite. Tossed with a tangy balsamic dressing, it’s bursting with flavor while still feeling light and refreshing. It works wonderfully as a simple, satisfying lunch on its own or as a crowd-pleasing side dish at any gathering. Easy to make and full of color, it’s the kind of dish that looks as good as it tastes and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad
Shrimp Louie Salad
The Classic Shrimp Louie Salad is a refreshing and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Packed with tender, juicy shrimp and crisp, fresh vegetables, it’s brought together with a rich, creamy dressing that ties all the flavors perfectly. This salad is not only delicious but also quick and simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days or when you want something special without a lot of fuss. With just a few easy steps, you can make a Shrimp Louie Salad that tastes like it came from a restaurant, right at home.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Louie Salad
Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad
The Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad is a fresh and vibrant mix that’s as colorful as it is flavorful. Crunchy broccoli and sweet, crisp apples are perfectly balanced with tender carrots, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts for a satisfying bite every time. Everything is brought together with a luscious, creamy yogurt-mayo dressing that adds just the right amount of tang and richness. It’s a salad that feels wholesome and indulgent at the same time, making it perfect for lunch, dinner sides, or even a potluck contribution. You’ll love how easy it is to toss together yet how impressive it tastes!
Get the Recipe: Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad
Crunchy Red Cabbage & Lentil Salad
If you’re craving something crunchy, vibrant, and full of flavor, this lentil salad hits all the right notes. Sweet, tender lentils and a touch of maple syrup perfectly balance the refreshing bitterness of red cabbage, crisp carrots, and kohlrabi. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a bright tang, while a pinch of black pepper, salt, and optional fresh garlic round out the flavors with a savory touch. Every bite is a satisfying mix of textures—from the soft lentils to the crisp veggies—making it both hearty and refreshing. Whether you enjoy it as a light meal on its own or a flavorful side, this salad is a simple way to brighten up any table.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Red Cabbage & Lentil Salad
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Pickle lovers, get ready to be excited! This dill pickle pasta salad is bursting with tangy, creamy flavor that makes it perfect as a snack, a quick lunch, or a tasty side dish. Each bite is packed with that classic pickle punch, balanced with a smooth, savory creaminess that keeps you coming back for more. It’s easy to make, fun to serve, and guaranteed to be a hit whether you’re at home or bringing it to a gathering. Truly, it’s a simple dish that delivers big flavor every time.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Chicken Macaroni Salad
This Chicken Macaroni Salad is a wonderfully simple and satisfying dish that brings together tender pasta, juicy chicken, and crisp, fresh vegetables all tossed in a creamy, flavorful dressing. It’s a go-to option for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks because it’s easy to prepare, coming together in just about 40 minutes without any fuss. The mix of textures and flavors—soft pasta, savory chicken, and crunchy veggies—makes every bite delightful and sure to please a crowd. What’s even better is that it can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld, and served chilled for a refreshingly cool dish. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing salad that’s as convenient as it is tasty.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Macaroni Salad
Pesto Tortellini Salad
Pesto Tortellini Salad is a colorful and flavorful pasta dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean-inspired goodness. Tender, cheesy tortellini gets tossed with salty black olives, tangy capers, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh, peppery arugula, all coated in a fragrant, herby basil pesto. A squeeze of bright, zesty lemon ties all the flavors together, making each bite lively and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that works just as well at a casual weeknight dinner as it does for parties, cookouts, or potlucks. Easy to make and impossible not to love, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad
Pesto Orzo Salad
This Pesto Orzo Salad is a bright and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any summer gathering, from casual barbecues to elegant picnics. It combines tender orzo pasta with fresh, crisp vegetables and a rich, homemade pesto sauce that brings everything together in a burst of flavor. Light yet satisfying, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a stress-free addition to your meal. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes, and it’s the kind of salad that even picky eaters can’t resist. Whether served on its own or alongside your favorite main dishes, it’s a fresh and vibrant way to enjoy summer produce.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad
Pennsylvania Dutch Potato Salad is the beloved Amish classic that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Its creamy, tangy dressing is served warm, soaking into tender potatoes and perfectly complementing the satisfying crunch of fresh ingredients. Each spoonful carries that unmistakable old-fashioned flavor that brings a sense of nostalgia to any meal. It’s the kind of dish that elevates barbecues, picnics, or cozy Sunday suppers, making everyone at the table feel right at home. Once you try it, it’s hard not to go back for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad
Summer Chopped Veggie Salad
This Chopped Veggie Salad is a bright and flavorful way to make the most of fresh summer produce. Packed with crisp, colorful vegetables and little pockets of creamy feta, every bite is refreshing and satisfying. Tossed in a light, tangy vinaigrette, it perfectly balances flavors without overpowering the natural freshness of the ingredients. It’s the kind of simple salad that comes together in no time but still makes a big impact on the table. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled favorites or bringing it to a casual potluck, it adds a cheerful, vibrant touch to any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Summer Chopped Veggie Salad
Beet Salad with Feta and Walnuts
This Beet Salad has a way of converting even the most hesitant eaters into beet fans. The sweetness of roasted beets pairs beautifully with the bright, citrusy flavor of fresh orange slices, while crunchy walnuts add a satisfying bite and salty feta brings it all together. Drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, every forkful is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s fresh, vibrant, and feels both elegant and comforting at the same time—ideal for a light lunch, a side dish, or even as the star of your next dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Feta and Walnuts
Cobb Salad
The Classic Cobb Salad is a hearty, no-cook meal that's both satisfying and customizable. Layered with crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, hard-boiled eggs, smoky bacon, sweet corn, and tender chicken, it's a vibrant platter that offers a little bit of everything. Whether you prefer it on a large serving platter for sharing or divided into individual bowls, this salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Top it off with your favorite creamy dressing—be it ranch, blue cheese, or a zesty jalapeño ranch—and enjoy a meal that's perfect for warm evenings or when you want something filling without turning on the stove.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad
