Add these simple side salad recipes to lunches or dinners to add color to your meal and get your daily serving of vegetables.
23 Side Salad Recipes to Round Out Your Meal
Updated on Jul. 23, 2025
1/23
Mediterranean Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
28 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Got a crowd coming over for a backyard barbecue? This crisp, big-batch Mediterranean salad recipe makes a great accompaniment to any main dish you fix on the grill. —Pat Stevens, Granbury, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 69 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
This lively Greek-inspired salad is the perfect side for hearty slow-cooked lemon chicken orzo or Mediterranean-style kofta meatballs. It makes 28 servings, so pull this recipe out when you’re having a big get-together (or cut the recipe down if it’s just for the family).
2/23
Nutty Green Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a deliciously different summer salad just for two. You’ll want to try the light curry-orange dressing! —Barbara Robbins, Chandler, Arizona Beach, Florida Delray Beach
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 112 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
This simple yet elegant salad combines spring mix, carrot and crunchy pecans. It makes the perfect accompaniment to rich entrees, like cheesy homemade lasagna or any meat and potatoes dish. Elevate the salad even further by mixing in goat cheese crumbles and sliced pears.
3/23
Simple Italian Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade croutons star in this easy Italian salad recipe, filled with grape tomatoes, olives and pepperoncinis. I like to serve it with fresh Italian or focaccia bread. —Nancy Granaman, Burlington, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 120 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 943mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
We make these homemade croutons from cubed Italian bread, but feel free to use any day-old bread you have on hand. For even more cheesy goodness, add creamy mozzarella pearls.
4/23
Greek Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The heart of a Greek salad recipe is in the olives, feta, cucumbers and tomatoes. Dress it with olive oil and vinegar, then add more olives and cheese. —Arge Salvatori, Little Ferry, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 148 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
This tangy Greek salad is the perfect side for vibrant Mediterranean recipes, and it makes a delicious crunchy base for grilled proteins like chicken and salmon. To make it a chopped salad, cut all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and serve over chopped romaine.
5/23
Caesar Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This crunchy, refreshing Caesar salad has a zippy, zesty dressing that provides a burst of flavor with each bite. It's a fantastic salad to perk up any spring or summer meal. —Schelby Thompson, Camden Wyoming, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 265 calories, 28g fat (4g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 268mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Making a Caesar salad from scratch takes a few extra minutes, but the flavor payoff is huge. Unlike a traditional Caesar, this version doesn’t contain anchovies, but you could always make this Caesar salad dressing if you want to use anchovy paste.
6/23
Spinach and Beet Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a super easy salad that looks and tastes festive for the wonderful Christmas season, but is also wonderful all year round. Vinaigrette dressing coats the greens nicely. —Nancy Latulippe, Simcoe, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 113 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Goat cheese is great in salads because it offers concentrated bursts of salty flavor. Paired with sweet roasted beets and toasted walnuts? You can’t go wrong.
7/23
Wilted Endive Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The blend of seasonings, greens and warm bacon dressing makes this endive salad a sure hit. My guess is that it'll be a favorite at your next gathering. —Mildred Davis, Hagerstown, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 122 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 562mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
Bitter endive leaves become slightly wilted (and more mild-tasting) when drizzled with a warm bacon dressing in this sophisticated salad. If you don’t care for endive, swap in any leafy green, like arugula or kale.
8/23
Peach Burrata Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
“I developed this subtle soup as a starter for a Southwest-style lunch. I serve it with cheese nachos and follow up with chicken or beef taco salad,” says Jessie Gunn Stephens of Sherman, Texas.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 401 calories, 28g fat (8g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
Peach recipes are the best way to make the most of summer’s bounty, and this peachy salad is savory, rich and just the right amount of sweet. Mixing muddled fresh raspberries with a bit of champagne vinegar and olive oil makes a fantastic sweet-tart vinaigrette.
9/23
Strawberry Arugula Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The combination of peppery arugula, sweet strawberries and robust feta cheese may sound unusual, but one bite will win you over.—Carala Horne, Meridian, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 106 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Delicate arugula is a fantastic green for this sweet-and-savory side salad, which is dressed in an herbaceous vinaigrette. Top it with grilled chicken or baked salmon for a satisfying light lunch.
10/23
Lemon Artichoke Romaine Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
"I created this dish when I was trying to duplicate a very lemony Caesar salad," recalls Kathy Armstrong of Post Falls, Idaho. "I think my version is not only delicious but more healthful, too!"
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 105 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
Citrus lovers can’t go wrong with this simple romaine salad starring artichoke hearts and a zippy lemon dressing. A sprinkling of shredded Parmesan brings the whole dish together. (Crunchy homemade cheese crisps also make a fun add-on!)
11/23
Grandma’s Spinach Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With all its fresh ingredients, this pretty spinach salad was my grandma’s favorite. Even my little ones like it (but don’t tell them spinach is good for them)! —Shelley Riebel, Armada, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 280 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
This spinach salad is bursting with fresh vegetables and a vibrant vinaigrette. It’s a gorgeous side salad to serve with dinner party recipes during summertime. A sprinkling of bacon adds a subtle savoriness and crunch.
12/23
Special Radicchio-Spinach Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Almost too pretty to eat, this colorful salad combines mint, chipotle pepper and honey to create a refreshing sweet-spicy flavor combination. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 92 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
Serve this radicchio salad with main courses that contain a bit of sweetness to contrast with the chicory’s bitterness. Honey mustard glazed salmon or barbecue chicken would be perfect.
13/23
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spinach salad looks best-dressed when it's dotted with luscious red strawberries and toasted pecans. Finish it out with a sweet poppy seed dressing. —Erin Loughmiller, Ridgecrest, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 141 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
Combining balsamic vinegar, sugar and olive oil creates a rich vinaigrette that helps make baby spinach and juicy berries really pop. The sesame seeds, poppy seeds and Worcestershire will have guests wondering what the secret ingredients are.
14/23
Super Italian Chopped Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Antipasto ingredients are sliced and diced to make this substantial salad. I like to buy sliced meat from the deli and chop it all so we can get a bit of everything in each bite. —Kim Molina, Duarte, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 185 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 444mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
Upgrade your side salad game by loading it with briny olives, provolone cheese and pieces of your cured meats like salami. Find pickled pepperoncini peppers in the olive section of your grocery store, and add them on top for delightful tanginess.
15/23
Fennel-Jicama Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This crunchy jicama salad contains no mayonnaise, making it a great dish to pass. Mint adds a refreshing flavor, but can be omitted if you don't have it on hand.—Stephanie Matthews, Tempe, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 167 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
Crunchy, sweet and tangy, this elegant side dish has everything you want in a salad. Once you start cooking with fennel, you’ll never want to stop. Thinly sliced bulbs add a soft licorice taste and beautiful crunchiness to any salad.
16/23
Cucumber Tomato Salad with Italian Dressing
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This yummy medley of vegetables is a cool complement to zesty dishes like my fish, and also barbecued meats and poultry. —Florine Bruns, Fredericksburg, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 93 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Turn this zesty Italian salad into a well-rounded meal by mixing in chopped prosciutto or cubed leftover chicken. Work your way through more of our quick salads that come together in 30 minutes or less when you need your side salads in a hurry.
17/23
Chef Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For much of the year, I can use my garden's produce when I make this cool salad. In spring, the salad mix and radishes come from my crop. In summer, I use the tomatoes, cabbage and carrots. What a good feeling! —Evelyn Gubernath, Bucyrus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 171 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 227mg cholesterol, 508mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
Loaded with garden veggies, hard-boiled eggs, deli turkey and ham, chef salads have everything you want in a meal or a filling side. Creamy Thousand Island dressing is a great option for chef salads, but any homemade salad dressing will do the trick.
18/23
Fattoush Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
This type of bread salad is very popular in the Middle East. It uses sumac, which is a distinctive spice that adds an acidic flavor to dishes, as does lemon juice. —Stephanie Khio, Bloomingdale, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 200 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 436mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
Crispy homemade pita chips soak up tasty lemon dressing in this classic fattoush salad that you can prepare with any type of lettuce. If you have leftover pita bread, try out some more tasty pita recipes.
19/23
Peach Caprese Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
During summer, I like to use the fresh ingredients I receive weekly from my local food share, and that's how I created this peach Caprese salad. I use large balls of mozzarella torn into pieces, but you could use smaller mozzarella pearls. —Mounir Echariti, Mendham, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 salad: 343 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 336mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
With milky buffalo mozzarella, sweet peaches and juicy heirloom tomatoes, this is one of the most elegant summer salads. Luscious burrata is another creamy Italian cheese that you could use in this Caprese recipe.
20/23
Kale Caesar Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Caesar salads, so I created this blend of kale and romaine lettuces with a creamy Caesar dressing. It is perfect paired with chicken or steak for a light weeknight meal. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 148 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Hearty kale is a match made in heaven for rich and creamy Caesar dressing, and this quick salad is one of the most delicious ways to get your greens in. Mix in crispy roasted chickpeas for even more fiber and crunch.
21/23
Prosciutto, Pear & Burrata Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The idea for this salad came to me when we ordered a restaurant appetizer that was prosciutto, burrata, a little arugula and olive oil. I was inspired to make it into a salad with just a few more ingredients. You can try the salad with melon or peaches instead of pears. —Emily Miles, Sherman Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 297 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 444mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
This is a special occasion salad if we ever saw one. The combination of silky prosciutto, peppery arugula, sweet pear and creamy dollops of burrata makes this dish look like a creation from your favorite Italian restaurant. Pair it with a crisp white wine.
22/23
Cranberry Orzo Spinach Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter-in-law's sister brought a salad to a family function, and I immediately fell in love with it. When I got home, I created my own version of what is now the cranberry orzo spinach salad. With its citrusy vinaigrette, briny capers, salty feta and sweet-tart dried cranberries, it's the perfect combination of flavors. —Jennifer Nystrom, Pooler, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 288 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 302mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
Tiny orzo pasta mixes easily with baby spinach and feta to make this picnic-perfect pasta salad, which you can also make with rice. Serve with any simple protein like grilled salmon in foil or roast chicken.
23/23
Copycat Olive Garden Salad and Dressing
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Make your favorite Olive Garden salad at home in just 20 minutes with this fresh and creamy recipe. This copycat recipe is sweet, tangy and textured just like the original. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 270 calories, 25g fat (4g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 831mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
Serve this crunchy restaurant-worthy salad alongside any Italian-inspired dinner. While you’re at it, whip up some fluffy homemade breadsticks and any of these other copycat Olive Garden recipes.
Side Salad Recipes FAQ
How do you serve a side salad?
After tossing the ingredients in a large bowl, serve side salads by plating each one individually or passing the bowl around the table so your guests can serve themselves. Make sure all the ingredients are chopped uniformly so guests don’t have to do any knife work at the table. That includes pitting the olives!
What’s an easy side salad for a crowd?
Five-ingredient salad recipes are some of the easiest side salads to serve a crowd because you probably have everything you need without hitting the store. We also love simple make-ahead salads that can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge until it’s time to serve. In a pinch, you can throw together a last-minute salad dressing by topping salad mix or baby spinach with your favorite store-bought dressing and a few salad toppings.
How do you store leftover salad?
We generally recommend storing salad before dressing and topping it, as salads with delicate greens like lettuce, arugula and spinach will start to wilt after they’re dressed. Try to store your salad ingredients and dressing in separate salad containers in the fridge so nothing becomes too soggy. We highly recommend investing in a lettuce keeper so your greens stay as crisp as possible.
