20 side salad ideas to upgrade your meals

Side salads are proof that small touches make a big difference. A mix of crisp leaves, crunchy toppings, and a delicious homemade dressing can make your meal a little more special. Go ahead, grab those greens.

Kale Salad with Apples

This massaged kale salad is fresh, crunchy, and perfectly balanced with apples, cranberries, toasted almonds, and Pecorino Romano. A lemon Dijon dressing with a splash of apple cider vinegar brings it all together. Get the recipe: Kale Salad with Apples

Beet and Kale Salad

This beet and kale salad is hearty and full of earthy flavors. This salad is perfect for a dinner party and adds a pop of color to your meal. Get the recipe: Beet and Kale Salad

Honeycrisp Apple Candied Pecan Salad

This honeycrisp apple and candied pecan salad is a seasonal showstopper for autumn and Thanksgiving gatherings. Apples, goat cheese, candied pecans, and a maple dressing make every bite fresh and crunchy. Get the recipe: Honeycrisp Apple Candied Pecan Salad

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

This Mediterranean cucumber salad keeps it fresh with crunchy veggies, chickpeas, and a homemade dressing that hits just right. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and takes almost no effort to throw together. Get the recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

Mango Salad

This is an easy, fresh, and delicious mango salad recipe with a flavorful homemade dressing. Vegetables and fruit mingle for a flavor that is uniquely delicious. Get the recipe: Mango Salad

Strawberry Spinach Salad

This strawberry spinach salad is summer in a bowl, with sweet berries, fresh greens, and a double hit of strawberry from the vinaigrette. It goes great with whatever’s on the grill and always disappears fast at picnics or potlucks. Get the recipe: Strawberry Spinach Salad

Arugula and Sweet Potato Salad with Goat Cheese

You’ll want to bookmark this arugula salad with goat cheese ASAP. Peppery arugula, tangy goat cheese, and roasted sweet potatoes come together for a perfect balance of flavors and textures that works as an appetizer or side. Get the recipe: Arugula and Sweet Potato Salad with Goat Cheese

Greek Pasta Salad

This Greek pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. A vibrant mix of crisp veggies, tangy feta, and a bright herb dressing transforms simple pasta into a flavorful dish. Get the recipe: Greek Pasta Salad

German Cucumber Salad

This refreshing cucumber salad is a timeless favorite, featuring creamy dressing and fresh herbs. A classic from German cuisine, it’s enjoyed across Central and Eastern Europe for its simple, satisfying taste. Get the recipe: German Cucumber Salad

Waldorf Salad

This Waldorf salad is a spin on the California Pizza Kitchen classic. It’s loaded with crisp greens, fruit, veggies, and just the right amount of flavor. Get the recipe: Waldorf Salad

Arugula Salad with Parmesan

A plate of arugula salad. — Image Credit: Rebecca Taig

This easy rocket salad is packed with peppery goodness and dressed in a homemade honey-sweetened lemon balsamic vinaigrette. Topped off with pine nuts and freshly shaved parmesan, it’s a winner every time. Get the recipe: Arugula Salad with Parmesan

Cilantro Three Bean Salad

Cilantro bean salad in a bowl. — Image Credit: The Honour System

Ideal for healthy meal prep, this three bean salad tastes better and better. You cannot get enough of protein-packed beans, crunchy veggies, and a cilantro salsa dressing. Get the recipe: Cilantro Three Bean Salad

Apple Walnut Salad

This apple walnut salad is bright, crisp, and packed with the flavors of fall. Mixed greens are topped with juicy apples, candied nuts, pepitas, dried cranberries, red onions, and feta, all tossed in an apple cider vinaigrette. Get the recipe: Apple Walnut Salad

Cowboy Caviar Salad

Spin the Texas caviar dip into a really yummy cowboy caviar salad by adding rice. It features the most delicious chili maple dressing. A great meal prep option. Get the recipe: Cowboy Caviar Salad

Asian Chopped Salad With Sesame Dressing

A bowl of asian chopped salad. — Image Credit: Nuts and Twigs

Craving something fresh, crunchy, and light? Try this Asian chopped salad with a zesty sesame dressing. It’s the perfect quick and delicious plant-based meal or side dish. Get the recipe: Asian Chopped Salad With Sesame Dressing

Roasted Pear Spinach Salad with Hazelnuts

This roasted pear spinach salad is packed with sweet, caramelized pears and crunchy hazelnuts for the perfect flavor combo. Tossed with fresh spinach, this salad is beautiful and fancy enough for any occasion. Get the recipe: Roasted Pear Spinach Salad with Hazelnuts

Wild Rice Salad with Beets and Lemon Ricotta

This wild rice salad is colorful, fresh, and packed with beets, blood oranges, wild rice, and greens. Top it with whipped lemon ricotta for a healthy, delicious side or light meal. Get the recipe: Wild Rice Salad with Beets and Lemon Ricotta

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

So much texture and fresh flavor. This quinoa tabbouleh salad is a delicious side dish for BBQs and potlucks and a lovely light lunch or dinner. Get the recipe: Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing

This spinach berry salad is bright, fresh, and just a little bit sweet. Juicy berries, creamy feta, and crunchy nuts get tossed with a tangy poppy seed dressing for a combo that hits all the right notes. Get the recipe: Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

This Brussels sprout salad mixes shaved Brussels sprouts, chopped kale, pomegranate arils, avocado, and candied pecans in a bright lemon vinaigrette. Quick to make, it’s perfect for a holiday side or a light lunch. Get the recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad