Salads Recipes
Fresh salad recipes—leafy greens, grain bowls, and crunchy slaws—with smart dressings, meal-prep ideas, and make-ahead storage tips.
Viral Green Crunch—Pomegranate-Mint Tahini Salad
Sivan’s Kitchen (adapted by JojoM)
20 min
Warm Kale, Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Salad with Lemon-Rosemary Dressing
Caitlin Latessa-Greene (Star Infinite Food) adapted by JojoM
60 min
Warm Roasted Carrot & Avocado Salad 🥕—Creamy, Crunchy & Fresh
Shredhappens (adapted by JojoM)
65 min
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.