Brunch salad recipes toss spinach with oranges, pair tomatoes with corn or peaches, and put eggs and bacon right in bowls of brightly colored vegetables. With these imaginative combinations, you'll never leave salad off the brunch menu.
29 Brunch Salad Ideas and Recipes
Updated on Jun. 06, 2025
1/29
Couscous Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This couscous salad makes the most of summer's bounty. I used to prepare it with a mayonnaise dressing, but lightened it with lemon vinaigrette. It's even better now! —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 173 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 264mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
2/29
Cucumber Watermelon Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Capturing the fantastic flavors of summer, this refreshing, beautiful watermelon-cucumber salad will be the talk of any picnic or potluck. —Roblynn Hunnisett, Guelph, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 60 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
3/29
Denver Omelet Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this recipe. It may not be your typical breakfast, but it has all the right elements. Plus, it’s easy, healthy and fast. Just turn your favorite omelet ingredients into a morning salad! —Pauline Custer, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 229 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 217mg cholesterol, 756mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
4/29
Bacon Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone in my family loves this bacon and avocado salad—even the younger kids! I serve it at pretty much every get-together I've hosted, and at this point, the recipe's been shared too many times to count. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 339 calories, 31g fat (7g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 626mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
5/29
Overnight Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This layered salad is a family favorite from a church cookbook I've had for 40 years. The bacon adds a fabulous crunch. —Mary Brehm, Cape Coral, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 206 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
6/29
Potato Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This homemade potato salad recipe doesn't have many ingredients, so it isn't as colorful as many that you find nowadays. But Mama made it the way her mother did, and that's the way I still make it today. Try it and see if it isn't one of the best-tasting potato salads you have ever eaten! —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 231 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
7/29
Peach Caprese Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you have beautiful, juicy summer produce, you want to let it shine. This refreshing peach Caprese salad is made with sweet peaches, juicy ripe tomatoes, earthy basil and buttery mozzarella with just a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky salt for the ultimate seasonal side. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 286 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
8/29
Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 110 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
9/29
Roasted Beet Salad
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Beets, oranges and spinach sprinkled with goat cheese make a scrumptious new blend for a mixed green salad. The combination may seem unlikely, but I guarantee it will become a favorite. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 125 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 195mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
10/29
Grape Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone raves when I bring this refreshing, creamy grape salad to potlucks. For a special finishing touch, sprinkle it with brown sugar and pecans. —Marge Elling, Jenison, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 131 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
11/29
Summer Corn Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This beautiful salad truly captures the summer season. It's chock-full of fresh veggies and basil, and feta cheese gives it a rich, tangy flavor the whole family will love. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 136 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
12/29
Apple Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This yummy fruit salad was a favorite of my great-grandmother’s. My family always enjoys it, and I’m happy knowing it’s good for them too. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 140 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 234mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
13/29
Rice Salad
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family and friends all love this salad, which they refer to as the Greek salad. The recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, so it’s a perfect take-along dish for a big party. No matter what you’re looking for—something with the Greek flavors you love or just a healthy, simple salad—this will not disappoint! If you’d like, substitute orzo for the rice. —Sarah Hawkins, Wanatah, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 55 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
14/29
Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges
Total Time
20 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With mandarin oranges and a slightly sweet dressing, this spinach salad is a refreshing change of pace. I frequently take it along to summer picnics. —Georgiann Franklin, Canfield, Ohio
15/29
Chickpea Cucumber Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser! My new husband and I take it to parties, barbecues and other gatherings. It's a light but flavorful side dish that brings a little bit of Greek flavor to any meal. —Kristi Smith, Greenwood, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 171 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 620mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
16/29
BLT Macaroni Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After a friend served this BLT pasta salad, I just had to get the recipe. My husband loves BLT sandwiches, so this has become a favorite of his. It's nice to serve on hot and humid days, which we frequently get during summer here in Virginia. —Mrs. Hamilton Myers Jr., Charlottesville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 259 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
17/29
Antipasto Pasta Salad
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
32 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful antipasto salad is a tasty crowd-pleaser. Guests love the homemade dressing, which is a nice change from bottled Italian. —Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 396 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
18/29
Minted Fruit Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Filled with the season’s best, freshest fruit, this salad shouts summer. The hint of mint adds a refreshing note to the colorful melon compote. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 113 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 14mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
19/29
Broccoli Raisin Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a simple but sensational side dish, I throw together this refreshing broccoli salad with raisins. I adjusted a friend's recipe to cut a few calories. The raisins add sweetness, and the bacon gives it a nice crunch. —Angela Oelschlaeger, Tonganoxie, Kansas
20/29
Crisp Waldorf Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This crunchy salad is a perfect side to accompany a heavy meal. With it's light and crisp flavors, it'll be the hit of the party. —Susan R. Falk, Eastpointe, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 151 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
21/29
Khmer Pickled Vegetable Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up as a missionary kid in Cambodia, and most of my favorite foods have a Southeast Asian background. Locals love eating this pickled salad for breakfast, but I like it as a side for lunch or dinner, especially with chicken satay. —Hannah Heavener, Belton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 99 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 794mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
22/29
Blood Orange Avocado Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My refreshing side salad is such a nice addition to our calorie-loaded Thanksgiving dinner. Use regular oranges if you can't find blood oranges. Finely chopped walnuts work well in place of the pomegranate seeds too. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 241 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
23/29
Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I start this with plenty of fruit, add the yogurt for dressing, then mix in just enough marshmallows and coconut so it tastes like the fresh and creamy version I grew up with. It’s a well-loved recipe in my home now. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 191 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
24/29
Strawberry-Avocado Tossed Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Strawberries and avocado on top of romaine drizzled with a honey vinaigrette dressing make a delicious and beautiful salad. It is perfect with a grilled steak and crusty bread. —Pam Nordahl, Edina, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 384 calories, 29g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 8g fiber), 3g protein.
25/29
Spinach & Bacon Salad with Peaches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings (1-1/2 cups dressing)
From the Recipe Creator:
Peaches and bacon? Oh, yeah. I made this family favorite for a big summer party. It was so easy to prep the parts separately, then toss everything together right before chow time. —Megan Riofski, Frankfort, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups salad with 3 tablespoons dressing: 391 calories, 35g fat (6g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
26/29
Ramen Noodle Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For potlucks and picnics, this ramen noodle salad is a knockout. I tote the veggies in a bowl, dressing in a jar and noodles in a bag. Then I just shake them all together when it's time to eat. —LJ Porter, Bauxite, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 189 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
27/29
Green Salad with Berries
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a snappy salad that draws a crowd, I do this wonderful combo of spinach, berries and oniony things. Raise your fork for this one. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 157 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
28/29
Swift Strawberry Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A simple blend of syrup, orange juice and caramel topping forms the light dressing for the fresh berries and crunchy cashews in this sensational salad. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 116 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
29/29
Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My spinach salad with a comforting bacon dressing is a recipe I turn to again and again in winter. It's quick, elegant and so delicious. I can always count on compliments. —Sandy Davis, Prescott, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 280 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 196mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
Brunch Salad FAQs
What salads can I serve for brunch?
Serve salads for brunch that complement or contrast a single main or several featured dishes in a large spread. Decadent French toast recipes pair well with naturally sweet fruit salads as well as savory ones that sprinkle on a sweet and tangy dressing or smoky bacon. Creamy fruit salads taste delicious alongside or atop pancakes and waffles. Crisp vegetable salads provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cubed bread in a brunch strata. Skip salads with hard-boiled eggs when serving fluffy egg casserole recipes and veer toward ones topped with delicate berries or salty feta cheese. Fresh leafy greens go equally well with slices of sugar-glazed ham and wedges of quiche at Easter brunch.
What proteins can I add to breakfast salads to make them more filling?
Eggs and bacon are natural protein additions to breakfast salads. Slice or quarter hard-boiled eggs for brunch salads with delicate greens, or let the eggs cook for just six to nine minutes and cut them in half to show off their jammy yolks atop crisp broccoli or corn salads. Bacon makes a salty, smoky contrast in salads that feature fruits and vegetables.
When you make a salad for breakfast, look more broadly to vegetable proteins, like creamy cannellini beans in melon salads and firm chickpeas in pasta and rice ones. Fish and shellfish also make breakfast salads more filling without weighing them down. Flake smoked salmon into potato or spinach salad, fold lump crabmeat into couscous salad or layer citrus-heavy salads with spicy Cajun shrimp.
How do I incorporate salads into a brunch spread?
For a brunch buffet, sprinkle brunch salads throughout the table rather than placing them right next to each other, so people don’t fill their plates with heavy mains before they see the lighter options. If you decide to keep mains and sides separate, start the buffet with vegetable salads and set fruit ones after the main dishes, in place of or alongside the desserts. For a sit-down brunch, pass a brunch salad after the main dish that it complements best. Start a multicourse brunch with the freshest salad or serve it between courses as a palate cleanser.
