Salads Recipes

Intro

This category gathers our best salads, from crisp leafy bowls and chopped salads to satisfying grain and bean mixes. You’ll find quick weeknight sides, meal-prep mains, and vibrant slaws with punchy dressings. The focus is flavour + texture: bitter greens with creamy elements, crunchy veg with silky vinaigrettes, and make-ahead components that stay fresh. Use Quick Picks to jump to favourites, the Make-Ahead & Storage table to plan smarter, and Compare Popular Options to choose by time, skill, and holding quality. Expect practical tips on salting watery veg, drying leaves properly, and balancing acid, fat, and sweetness for a well-seasoned, restaurant-quality finish.

Quick Picks

• 10-minute crunch: Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad 🥒✨ (10-Minute Side Dish)
• Fresh + zingy: Crunchy Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)
• Trendy texture: Viral Crispy Rice Salad 🥬 Crunchy, Fresh & Addictive
• Warm–cool contrast: Roasted Cabbage Salad with Pistachio-Parmesan Crunch 🥗✨
• Noodle fix: Green Mango Thai-Inspired Noodle Salad

Make-Ahead & Storage

Item	Fridge	Freezer	Reheat/Serve Tips
Creamy Coleslaw with Greek Yogurt	2–3 days	Not suitable	Toss just before serving; adjust with vinegar if too sweet.
Vibrant Thai Noodle Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing	2–3 days (undressed)	Not ideal	Keep noodles separate; dress at serving and brighten with lime.
Smoked Mackerel Baby Potato Salad with Radish and Apple	3 days	Not ideal	Serve slightly cool; fold in herbs last for freshness.
Pasta Salad with Pesto Rosso	3–4 days	2 months (pasta only)	Loosen with olive oil or hot water; add veg fresh.
Tinapa Potato Salad with Radish and Green Mango	3 days	Not ideal	Hold dressing separately if prepping early to keep bite.

Compare Popular Options

Dish/Item	Time	Skill	Make-ahead	Best with / Notes
Grilled Mediterranean Salad	25–30 min	Easy	★★★★☆	Charred veg + sundried tomato vinaigrette; great with grilled meats.
Roasted Cauliflower Salad (Lemon–Dill)	45–55 min	Easy	★★★☆☆	Serve warm or room temp; roast for caramelised edges.
Tahini Yogurt Lentil Salad	20–25 min	Easy	★★★★★	Protein-rich and lunchbox-friendly; herbs added last.
Tropical Chicken Salad	25–30 min	Easy	★★★★☆	Sweet–savory; ideal for summer plates or picnic boxes.
Green Tabbouleh with Shrimp	25–30 min	Intermediate	★★★☆☆	Zippy herbs; sit 10 min to absorb dressing.

Techniques That Matter

• Dry your leaves well: Spin or pat dry; water dilutes dressing and flattens flavour.
• Season in layers: Salt veg lightly, season grains while warm, then finish with vinaigrette.
• Salt watery veg: Lightly salt cucumbers/cabbage 10–15 minutes, then drain for lasting crunch.
• Build texture: Combine crisp (nuts, seeds), creamy (avocado, cheese), and juicy (tomato, citrus).
• Acid–fat balance: Start 1:3 acid to oil; tweak with honey or citrus to balance bitterness.
• Dress at the last minute: Keep greens crisp; fold in tender herbs just before serving.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

• Soggy salad → Leaves not dry; spin and dress lightly, right before serving.
• Bland bowl → Under-salted components; season grains/veg first, then adjust dressing.
• Watery slaw → Salt and drain cabbage, then toss with concentrated dressing.
• Greasy mouthfeel → Too much oil; add lemon/vinegar and a pinch of salt to re-balance.
• Limp herbs → Add just before serving; store wrapped in damp towels in the fridge.

Serving Ideas / Planner’s Notes

• Portions: sides 1–1½ cups; mains 2–3 cups with 15–30 g protein add-ins per person.
• Balance the table: pair a hearty grain salad with a fresh leafy one for contrast.
• Temperature play: serve one chilled and one room temperature to keep variety.
• Dietary mix: include at least one vegetarian and one gluten-free option.
• Crunch bar: offer toppers—roasted nuts, seeds, croutons, crispy shallots—for last-minute texture.

Featured Links

Round out your salad lineup with perky little leaves in Refreshing Little Gem Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette, tropical-savory vibes from Green Mango & Avocado Salad with Bagoong Vinaigrette, or a protein-forward lunch like Perfect Protein Salad with Buttermilk Dressing.