Looking for salad ideas that are simple and fresh, but don’t just rely on plain lettuce? These 15 easy salad recipes bring bright flavors and fun ingredients that make every bite interesting. Whether you want something light for lunch or a tasty side for dinner, these salads offer more than the usual greens.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Avocado Tomato Salad
Creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes mix together for a smooth, tasty dish that takes just minutes to throw together. A simple, tangy dressing ties it all up without making things feel heavy or too bold. This is one of those easy and fresh salad recipes that proves lettuce isn’t always needed to make a good salad.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Goat Cheese and Dried Cherry Salad
Sweet dried cherries and rich goat cheese come together in a way that feels a little fancy but stays simple to make. A basic base keeps it light while still letting the sweet and creamy flavors shine through. This delicious salad recipe is quick, fun to eat, and perfect when greens start to feel boring.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese and Dried Cherry Salad
Spinach Caprese Salad
Juicy tomatoes, soft mozzarella, and salty prosciutto make this salad full of big flavor without being hard to make. Everything blends well with spinach for a mix that’s fresh and satisfying with every bite. This is one of those easy and fresh salad recipes that turns simple ingredients into something special.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Caprese Salad
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Quinoa adds a soft, filling base that soaks up the dressing while tomatoes and crunchy vegetables bring fresh texture. It tastes bright and hearty at the same time without needing anything fancy. This simple salad recipe goes way beyond lettuce and turns picky eaters into quinoa fans.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Lemon Kale Salad
This salad is tossed in a lemony dressing that soaks into the kale, softening it just enough without making it soggy. Grated Parmesan adds a savory kick that pairs perfectly with the bold citrus flavor. It’s one of those easy and fresh salad recipes that picky eaters actually ask to have again.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Kale Salad
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Hearty quinoa, roasted squash, and sweet cranberries all mix with tangy feta for a dish that tastes like a full meal without feeling heavy. The flavors and textures keep every bite interesting without being too much. This delicious salad recipe is perfect when something fresh, filling, and still simple is needed.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Shaved Brussels sprouts give this salad a crunchy bite, while chopped nuts and dressing bring balance and a little surprise. It doesn’t feel like a regular salad, but it’s still easy to put together and fun to eat. This is one of those fresh salad recipes that works great when greens just aren’t cutting it.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes come together in a clean, light mix that feels extra fresh without any fuss. A simple dressing brightens it up and makes everything taste even better. This easy salad recipe goes way beyond plain lettuce and is great for anyone who wants something simple but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Vegan Couscous Salad
Couscous gives this salad a soft, fluffy base that’s easy to eat and never boring, especially when paired with bright vegetables. The dressing has just enough zip to bring it all together without going overboard. This is one of those easy and fresh salad recipes that work well for any meal and pleases picky eaters too.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Spinach Orzo Salad
Tender spinach and soft orzo pasta make this salad smooth and easy to enjoy, even for folks who don’t love crunchy greens. A gentle mix of fresh herbs and light dressing adds flavor without making it too strong. This simple salad recipe works great when you want something filling but still light and easy.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Hearts of Palm Salad
Hearts of palm bring a tender bite that mixes well with crisp veggies, making this salad feel fresh but still satisfying. A quick vinaigrette keeps the flavor clean and helps everything come together fast. It’s a great salad recipe for when you need something quick, light, and just a little different.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad
Veggie Pasta Salad
Fresh corn, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta mix with pasta for a salad that’s bright, hearty, and easy to make. It has a bold flavor without being too strong, and the mix of textures keeps it fun. This is one of those easy and fresh salad recipes that work as a side or a full meal, with no extra effort needed.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Cucumber Salad
Crunchy cucumber slices and fresh herbs give this salad a clean, crisp bite that feels cool and refreshing. The tangy dressing adds a little kick while letting the natural flavors shine. This easy salad recipe is always a smart pick for picky eaters and anyone who wants something light and simple.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad
Tropical Fruit Salad
Chunks of pineapple, mango, and banana come together in a sweet and juicy mix that feels like a treat but is still good for you. Each bite is full of natural flavor without needing any extra sugar or fuss. This is one of those simple salad recipes that shows even sweet salads can go way beyond boring greens.
Get the Recipe: Tropical Fruit Salad
Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing
Strawberries and blueberries make this salad bright, sweet, and full of color, while the blueberry dressing adds a fun twist. It’s easy to make, quick to serve, and works as a side or even a snack. This easy and fresh salad recipe feels like something special and gets even picky eaters to ask for more.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing