This post may include affiliate links.

Here are my all-time favorite salad recipes, from crisp green salads and hearty grain and bean salads to pasta salads! Each one is a crowd-pleaser worth making on repeat.

Salad recipes
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

When someone asks me what food I eat the most, I always say, “a good salad!” I’m Sonja and over the past decade, I’ve created dozens of salad recipes with fresh, seasonal produce.

Here’s a collection of my favorite salad recipes I actually love eating, all made by me and tested on my real-life family! I’ve organized them by type so you can find what you’re looking for.

Sonja Overhiser

My Top Salad Recipes

My chopped salad is always a crowd favorite, and the simple arugula salad is the fastest one that doesn’t even need a salad dressing.

I also love this crisp apple salad, and my Mediterranean chickpea salad is great for adding protein to dinners or as a quick lunch. ~Sonja

Green Salad Recipes

These green salad recipes star mixtures with fresh lettuces, kale, or mixed greens (or see My Favorite Green Salads).

Chopped salad

Best Chopped Salad

This chopped salad has become legendary in my house. The magic happens with tangy pepperoncini and my homemade Italian dressing that’s bright and balanced, along with crisp romaine and crunchy vegetables.

15 minutes  |  Vegetarian, gluten-free  |  8 servings

Kale salad

Kale Salad

I’ve served this massaged kale salad to many people who claimed they “didn’t like kale” and converted every one. The secret is a simple dressing of lemon juice, garlic and olive oil.

15 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free | 3 to 4 servings

Caesar Salad

Caesar Salad

My Caesar salad uses a homemade Caesar dressing that’s creamy and garlicky, plus crisp romaine, creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and sharp Parmesan. There’s nothing better than homemade Caesar!

30 minutes | Vegetarian | 6 servings

Arugula salad

Easy Arugula Salad

My arugula salad might the easiest salad recipe you’ll make! You don’t even have to make a salad dressing. Dress baby arugula simply with olive oil and lemon juice, then add Parmesan shavings and thinly sliced shallots. Try it with roasted beets in Arugula Beet Salad.

10 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free | 6 to 8 servings

Apple Salad

Apple Salad

This is my favorite apple salad, with crisp tart apple slices, pomegranate seeds, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy, and cinnamon-spiced pecans. It’s covered with a zingy maple and apple cider vinegar dressing. 

20 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free | 4 servings

Mediterranean Salad

Mediterranean Salad

This salad has crunchy veggies like cucumber and onion, salty pops of feta cheese and Kalamata olives, and handfuls of fresh herbs. Top it off with my Greek Salad Dressing. You can also add chicken, salmon, shrimp, or tofu to make it dinner!

20 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free | 4 servings

Wedge salad

Wedge Salad

Classic is classic for a reason, and my favorite classic wedge salad does not disappoint! The crunch of iceberg lettuce with the creamy, savory blue cheese dressing is so satisfying.

15 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free | 4 servings

Romaine Salad

Romaine Salad with Green Goddess

This romaine salad with pale green dressing and delicate pink radishes tastes as good as it looks. The Green Goddess dressing takes it over the top with a herby, savory creaminess. I like sprinkling it with crunchy breadcrumbs, a fun alternative to croutons. 

20 minutes | Vegetarian; gluten-free and vegan options | 4 servings

Butter Lettuce Salad

Butter Lettuce Salad

I love a good butter lettuce salad, and this one is my favorite. The leaves are irresistible coated in creamy, savory Parmesan Peppercorn dressing and topped with a few simple veggies and Parmesan shavings.

15 minutes | Vegetarian | 4 servings

Italian salad

Italian Salad

This Italian American salad is full of all the right flavors and textures: crisp lettuce, crunchy garlic croutons, and zingy pepperoncini. It’s covered in punchy, herby Italian vinaigrette.

15 minutes | Vegetarian; vegan/gluten-free options | 4 to 6 servings

Mexican salad

Mexican Chopped Salad

My Mexican salad is full of delicious Latin-style flavors: colorful veggies, cilantro lime salad dressing, and crispy tortilla strips. It all combines into a super-flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to make.

20 minutes | Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free | 4 servings

Massaged Kale Salad

My Go-To Massaged Kale Salad

This massaged kale salad is truly my go-to salad recipe: lemony greens, crunchy veggies, and a zingy Dijon mustard dressing. It’s ready in 15 minutes and meal-prep friendly! I love topping it with crispy roasted chickpeas instead of croutons.

15 minutes | Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free | 4 servings

Endive salad

Endive Salad with Parmesan & Orange

This salad is so elegant, and equal parts refreshing, tangy, bitter, crunchy, and tangy! Bitter endive pairs perfectly with juicy orange and a sweet tart red wine vinaigrette. Top it off with savory Parmesan shavings and crunchy almonds, and the contrasts are divine.

 20 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free | 4 servings

Frisee Salad

Frisee Salad

Frisée is a leafy green with a frilly texture and subtly bitter flavor. This salad pairs it with juicy orange, aged Manchego cheese, and crunchy almonds, with a zingy white wine vinaigrette. 

15 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free; vegan option | 4 servings

Radicchio Salad

Radicchio Salad

I love this colorful salad: bitter bright purple radicchio leaves are balanced by the sweetness of pears, the crunch of toasted almonds, the creamy tang of goat cheese, and a zesty citrus vinaigrette. 

20 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free; vegan option | 4 servings

Arugula Goat Cheese Salad

Goat Cheese Salad with Arugula

Here’s a salad idea that’s simple yet elegant: goat cheese salad with apples and arugula! It comes together quickly, with crunchy apples, creamy goat cheese, and fluffy arugula and a tangy sweet balsamic dressing.

15 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free | 4 servings

Strawberry Salad recipe

Strawberry Salad

Strawberries are a natural flavor pairing with the acidity of balsamic vinegar. Here my homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing is perfect for accentuating the bright red sweet berries. Try other berry-based salads like my Strawberry Summer Salad, Blueberry Salad, or Blackberry Salad.

15 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free; vegan option | 4 servings

Pear salad

Pear Salad with Pecans

I love this pear salad for fall and winter: it’s got fresh, juicy pear against funky gorgonzola cheese; bright pomegranate against savory shallot. Throw in some toasted pecans and cover it in tangy poppy seed dressing.

20 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free | 4 servings

Pomegranate salad

Pomegranate Salad

Crunchy pomegranate seeds make a beautiful confetti over the top of leafy greens! You can use them in any salad, but this one features tart green apple slices, toasted pecans, and goat cheese or feta crumbles. For the dressing, try my apple cider vinegar dressing or pomegranate vinaigrette.

 20 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free; vegan option | 4 servings

Spinach salad

Spinach Salad

This easy salad recipe is everything a classy spinach salad should be, full of texture and flavor contrasts. There’s crunchy smoky pecans glazed with maple syrup and soy sauce along with soft, savory hard boiled eggs.

20 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free; dairy-free option | 4 servings

Spring Mix Salad

Spring Mix Salad

This spring mix salad is fast and easy: grab a box or bag of spring mix at the store and add a quick homemade salad dressing. I like a light and tangy vinaigrette.

15 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free; vegan option | 4 servings

Fennel orange salad

Fennel Orange Salad

This fennel orange salad has a famous pairing: juicy oranges with sliced raw fennel, which adds a subtle licorice essence. I like serving them over greens with pistachios, shallots, and a zingy homemade citrus vinaigrette.

20 minutes | Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free | 4 servings

Grapefruit Salad

Grapefruit Salad

Here’s a bright, easy salad recipe that pairs the citrus fruit with nutty toasted almonds, salty feta cheese and a zingy poppy seed dressing. The delicate, zingy, nutty, and creamy textures and flavors complement each other so well.

15 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free; vegan option | 4 servings

Watercress Salad

Watercress Salad with Apple

Did you know watercress is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables in the world? I love pairing it with lemon, apple and savory Parmesan shavings for a satisfying salad.

15 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free; vegan option | 4 to 6 servings

Tossed salad, best salad recipe

Tossed Salad

A good salad has got to have contrasts in texture, flavor, and colors, and one great salad dressing to top it off. In my favorite tossed salad recipe, I like to use crunchy vegetables with homemade croutons and creamy avocado dressing.

15 minutes | Vegan, dairy-free; gluten-free option | 4 servings

Vegetable and Fruit Salad Recipes

These salad recipes are built with vegetables at the center. Think sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, and celery for vegetables, or mangoes or watermelon for fruit.

Carrot salad

Simple Carrot Salad

My family loves this carrot salad recipe! It’s so simple and refreshing, featuring strings of carrots doused in a a tangy Mediterranean-style vinaigrette.

15 minutes | Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free | 4 servings

Brussels sprout salad

Brussels Sprout Salad

This Brussels sprout salad recipe is all about contrasts: the feathery shaved Brussels, the pop of the cherries, and the crunch of the apple. It’s vibrant and colorful, covered in a lightly sweet vinaigrette.

20 minutes | Vegan, gluten-free | 6 servings

Celery Salad

Celery Salad with Apples

Here’s a unique salad idea: my celery salad! Crunchy celery pairs perfectly with sweet apple, Parmesan shavings and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s bright, it’s crunchy, and it’s hydrating.

15 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free | 6 servings

Sweet Potato Salad

Sweet Potato Salad

My sweet potato salad has tender roasted sweet potato cubes, feathery baby arugula, cranberries and creamy goat cheese: it’s one of my favorites for fall and winter! Top it with tangy honey mustard dressing.

40 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free; vegan option | 4 servings

Beet salad

Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

This beet salad has roasted beets, baby greens, creamy goat cheese and a tangy balsamic beet dressing. I love how the sweet, earthy flavor of beets pairs with the tang of my balsamic dressing.

 30 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free | 4 servings

Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad

There’s something about that classic American broccoli salad recipe, a retro salad with raisins and mayo where the florets are marinaded until they’re soft and savory sweet. My version is fresh and healthy, but it keeps all the character of the original.

1 hour 15 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free; vegan option | 6 servings

Vegetable Salad

Vegetable Salad

This salad is a mix of sturdy veggies makes the best colorful mix, tossed with a red wine vinegar dressing and a sprinkle of feta cheese. This flavor tastes great right away and even better after a few hours or days of marinating.

20 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free; vegan option | 4 servings

Greek salad

Greek Salad

Classic Greek salad is a big pile of tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives (no lettuce) with a big block of feta on top. Sometimes you’ll find green pepper in the mix. It’s typically then drizzled with olive oil and just a little red wine vinegar, then sprinkled with some dried oregano.

10 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free | 4 to 6 servings

Mozzarella tomato basil salad

Caprese Salad

There’s no better way to showcase ripe tomatoes than a Caprese salad! This easy salad recipe represents Italian cuisine at its finest: beautiful ingredients combined in a way that’s both elegant and simple.

10 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free | 4 servings

Cabbage salad

Cabbage Salad

Want to change up your coleslaw routine? This effortless salad recipe calls for only 6 ingredients, and the only fresh ingredients are green cabbage and mint. It comes out fresh and tangy, with a lemon mint flavor that keeps eaters coming back for more.

15 minutes | Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free | 4 to 6 servings

Corn salad

Corn Salad

This corn salad recipe is all about fresh flavor: sweet bursts of corn, juicy tomatoes, and herbaceous basil pair with a tangy, light vinaigrette. Top with feta cheese crumbles if you like. Also try my Grilled Corn Salad or Elote Salad.

25 minutes | Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free | 6 servings

Potato Salad

Potato Salad

This classic American style potato salad is the result of years of research into what makes a perfect classic potato salad. You know, that potato salad you get at the veggie deli counter? Except this one tastes even better.

30 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free | 8 servings

Cucumber salad with vinegar

Cucumber Salad with Vinegar

This cucumber salad is everything summer! It’s perfect for potlucks to patio barbecues to picnics. The thinly sliced cucumbers and onions are salty, tangy, and lightly sweet all at once, and totally addicting. This cucumber salad is vegan, plant-based, and gluten-free, so it works for lots of diets too. 

1 hour 10 minutes | Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free | 6 to 8 servings

Butternut Squash Salad

Butternut Squash Salad

Here’s a standout fall or winter salad starring everyone’s favorite ingredient: Butternut Squash Salad! This one is a symphony in a bowl: hearty sweet squash pairs with crisp apple, chewy cranberries and a citrusy orange vinaigrette.

 45 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free; vegan option | 4 to 6 servings

Asparagus Salad on plate with fork.

Asparagus Salad with Feta

This asparagus salad recipe has savory sauteed asparagus, cooked up in a hot pan for a few minutes then spritzed with lemon. Serve on a bed of greens and sprinkle with peppery radishes and feta crumbles. A zingy Dijon mustard dressing tops it off.

15 minutes | Vegan, gluten-free | 4 to 6 servings

Avocado Salad

Avocado Salad

Here’s a salad recipe that will blow you away with its fresh, zingy flavor. This one is all about contrasts: rich avocado pairs with bursts of sweet cherry tomatoes, savory onion, and a zesty citrus vinaigrette. Also try: Avocado Corn Salad or Avocado Tomato Salad.

15 minutes | Vegan, gluten-free | 4 to 6 servings

Tomato salad

Tomato Salad

This balsamic tomato salad might sound simple, but it’s utterly divine. It’s all about simplicity: just tomatoes and herbs, marinaded in balsamic and olive oil for 30 minutes.

40 minutes | Vegan, gluten-free | 4 servings

French potato salad

French Potato Salad

This French potato salad recipe stars red potatoes that are salty, tangy, and moist, mixed with just the right amount of salty capers and savory minced shallot. This one is an adaptation of Julia Child’s classic French potato salad recipe. Also try my Dill Potato Salad.

 35 minutes | Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free | 8 servings

Fennel Salad

Fennel Salad with Parmesan

This delightful fennel salad is one anyone can enjoy despite any preconceptions, pairing the shaved raw vegetable with sweet apple, zingy lemon and savory Parmesan cheese. Delicate fennel fronds make a feathery garnish, and each bite is irresistibly crunchy with a pop of acidity.

15 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free | 4 servings

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Here’s a fun salad recipe I love to eat on repeat: Broccoli Cauliflower Salad! Crunchy broccoli and cauliflower are covered in a creamy zingy dressing, then paired with sundried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts and feta cheese.

20 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free | 6 to 8 servings

Watermelon feta salad

Watermelon Feta Salad

This watermelon salad recipe is truly easy: it’s just matter of chopping a few ingredients and throwing them together on a platter! Juicy watermelon and salty feta come together into something that’s out-of-this-world good! It’s a fantastic accessory for summer cookouts and potlucks.

10 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free; dairy-free/vegan optional | 4 to 6 servings

Strawberry arugula salad

Strawberry Arugula Salad

This strawberry arugula salad is a stunning 10-minute easy side dish! Ripe berries with crunchy pistachios, creamy cheese, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette taste like summer in a bowl.

10 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free | 4 servings

Citrus salad

Simple Citrus Salad

Here’s a refreshingly simple salad recipe that’s just begging to jump on your table: citrus salad! It stars all the beautiful, vibrant citrus: tangy grapefruit, navel oranges, and sweet blood oranges. They’re drizzled with a zingy dressing, then topped crushed pistachios and fresh mint.

15 minutes | Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free | 4 to 6 servings

Bean Salad Recipes

These salad recipes are full of protein-packed legumes like lentils and beans, making them filling side dishes or lunches.

Lentil salad

Lentil Salad

This lentil salad recipe has tender lentils coated in zippy white wine vinegar Dijon dressing, with crunchy cucumber and salty feta. It stays flavorful in the fridge for days, making leftovers even better!

30 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free; vegan option | 6 servings

Bean Salad

Three Bean Salad

Here’s my favorite three bean salad! This American classic has been gracing tables for generations, and everyone has their own take on it. Here’s my spin with a little less sugar and more freshness: it’s become a reader favorite.

15 minutes | Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free | 8 servings

Black bean and corn salad

Black Bean and Corn Salad

This black bean and corn salad comes together in no time, no chopping required! It’s my 5-minute trick to getting fresh food on the table.

5 minutes | Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free | 4 servings

Dense Bean Salad recipe

Dense Bean Salad

This Mediterranean-inspired dense bean salad recipe is packed with beans, artichokes, and olives in an herby vinaigrette. It’s great for meal prep and stores all week for healthy lunches or as a side dish!

15 minutes | Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free | 4 to 6 servings

White Bean Salad

Easy White Bean Salad

This white bean salad is so simple to put together. It’s full of Mediterranean flavor from simple ingredients: bell pepper brings a crunch, parsley an herbaceous bite, and red wine vinegar brings a zing of acidity.

10 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free; vegan option | 2 to 4 servings

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

This Mediterranean chickpea salad is a no-cook recipe ready in minutes, packed with crunchy veggies, feta, and a bright lemon dressing! I love it as a plant-based lunch for meal prep or protein-packed side dish.

20 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free; vegan option | 4 to 6 servings

Grain Salad Recipes

These grain salad recipes feature whole grains like quinoa, barley, farro, and rice, and make for hearty main dishes and great lunch salads.

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa Salad

I love this deli-style quinoa salad: it’s delightfully refreshing, a jumble of crunchy, colorful veggies, fluffy quinoa grains, and a zingy Dijon mustard vinaigrette.

25 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free; vegan option | 8 servings

Farro Salad

Farro Salad

This farro salad works as a hearty side salad or a fun lunch! It pairs the whole grain with juicy tomatoes, savory mushrooms, feathery arugula, savory pops of cheese, and a zingy vinaigrette.

30 minutes | Vegetarian; vegan option (not gluten-free — farro is wheat) | 6 servings

Couscous Salad

Couscous Salad

Couscous is actually pasta, but due to its size, it’s more like a grain salad in vibe than a pasta salad. This colorful couscous salad recipe tastes irresistibly fresh with herbs, garlic, and lemon! It’s ideal as a side dish, lunches, picnics or potlucks.

20 minutes | Vegetarian; vegan option (not gluten-free — couscous is wheat) | 6 servings

Barley Salad

Barley Salad with Lemon

This barley salad is irresistibly fresh and tasty! This whole grain is ideal for salads; its chewy texture and nutty flavor contrast the crunchy veggies, garlic, herbs, and lemon olive oil dressing.

45 minutes | Vegetarian; vegan option (not gluten-free — barley is a grain with gluten) | 6 servings

Wild Rice Salad

Wild Rice Salad

This wild rice salad recipe a perfect winter or fall salad. It’s simple and bursting with flavor, with crunchy veggies, pecans, cranberries, a zingy dressing, and feta cheese.

1 hour | Vegetarian, gluten-free; vegan option | 4 to 6 servings

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

This Mediterranean quinoa salad is loaded with crisp vegetables, salty feta, and a bright lemon-Dijon dressing! It tastes better the longer it sits: perfect as a meal prep lunch or easy side dish.

30 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free; vegan option | 4 to 6 servings

Pasta Salad Recipes

These pasta salad recipes feature chewy pasta like spirals, bowties, tortellini or orzo (or see my 15 Favorite Cold Pasta Salad Recipes).

Pasta Salad

Classic Pasta Salad

This pasta salad recipe is super classic, with crunchy veggies, herbs, balls of mozzarella cheese, and a tangy Italian dressing. This one makes a big batch and is a family favorite!

30 minutes | Vegetarian; gluten-free and vegan options | 10 to 12 servings

Tortellini salad

Tortellini Salad

I love this tortellini salad for picnics, barbecues, and lunches! It’s got tangy artichokes, pillowy pasta, sweet tomatoes, and peppery basil. It stores up to 4 days in the fridge, making it a perfect easy lunch.

20 minutes | Vegetarian | 6 to 8 servings

Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad

Here’s a perfect salad for summer: this creamy pesto pasta salad recipe is easy and bursting with herby flavor from fresh pesto! It’s great for side dishes and lunches.

20 minutes | Vegetarian | 5 to 6 servings

Orzo pasta salad

Orzo Pasta Salad

This orzo pasta salad recipe is one of my favorite pasta salads because of the texture of the orzo. It’s loaded with fresh veggies, herbs, and salty feta cheese.

30 minutes | Vegetarian | 5 to 6 servings

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

This easy Caprese pasta salad makes a crowd-pleasing summer side dish starring ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella. It’s quick to make ahead, holds up well for cookouts, and disappears quickly!

20 minutes | Vegetarian; gluten-free option | 10 to 12 servings

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

If you’re a pickle lover like I am, you’ll love this dill pickle pasta salad recipe! It combines the crunch of pickles with creamy dressing and fresh herbs for a fun summer side dish.

25 minutes | Vegetarian | 4 to 6 servings

Greek Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad

This one is my go-to when it comes to pasta salad recipes! My Greek pasta salad pairs chewy bowtie pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber, salty olives and feta with generous handfuls of parsley, dill, and a Greek-style vinaigrette dressing.

30 minutes | Vegetarian, gluten-free | 10 to 12 servings

Bow tie pasta salad

Bow Tie Pasta Salad

This bow tie pasta salad recipe is simple and so tasty! Pair noodles with tomatoes, herbs, and feta cheese for a satisfying side dish.

25 minutes | Vegetarian; vegan/gluten-free options | 5 to 6 servings

Salads For The Season

Spring salad ideas

Spring brings tender lettuces, fresh peas, and the first strawberries. My spring salad recipes celebrate delicate flavors with light vinaigrettes and gentle seasonings.

Summer salad recipes

Summer is peak salad season, when tomatoes are at their best and fresh herbs are abundant. These summer salads are refreshing and perfect for hot weather produce.

Fall and winter salads

Don’t put away your salad bowls when the weather cools! My fall salad recipes and winter salads feature roasted vegetables, hearty grains, and warm spices.

My Favorite Homemade Salad Dressings

No salad collection is complete without great salad dressing recipes. I make all my own because they taste better and don’t contain preservatives.

My go-to balsamic vinaigrette works with almost any salad combination. For creamy options, I love my homemade ranch dressing and Caesar dressing. When I want something bright and herby, my Green Goddess dressing is ideal.

Another fan favorite dressing is my easy Italian dressing.

Pro tip: I always make dressing in small batches for the freshest flavor. Most homemade vinaigrettes will keep in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

Many of these salad recipes are perfect for meal prep, but there are some tricks to keep them fresh.

Green salads don’t last well with dressing. I like to prepare all the components but keep the dressing separate until serving. Delicate greens are best prepared the day you plan to eat them.

For grain and bean salads, often they can be prepared in advance and even gain salad over time. For all types of salads, glass containers work best for storage because they don’t retain odors or stain like plastic can.

The Salad Recipe I Start With

When people ask me my favorite salad recipe, I tell them about this one! My chopped salad has been a party favorite for years: every time I bring it to a gathering, people ask for the recipe.

Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!
Print

Chopped Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

My favorite salad recipe is this chopped salad, with homemade Italian dressing, veggies and Parmesan cheese! Every time I serve it, it gets rave reviews.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Mediterranean Diet, Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 recipe Homemade Italian Dressing
  • 1 Romaine heart (3 cups)
  • 5 cups leafy lettuce
  • 1 large shallot
  • 1 English cucumber (2 cups chopped)
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup ripe green olives, halved
  • ½ cup jarred sliced pepperoncini
  • ¼ cup Parmesan shavings or shreds, plus more to serve
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

  1. Make the Homemade Italian Dressing.
  2. Chop romaine and lettuce. Thinly slice the shallot. Peel and chop cucumber. Slice tomatoes and olives in half.
  3. Mix together all the ingredients for the salad, including the dressing, and toss to combine. If making in advance, refrigerate the components separately; bring the dressing to room temperature before serving.

Did you love this recipe?

Get our free newsletter with all of our best recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions

I need some protein to feel full. How can I add protein to my salad?

There are many ways to add protein to your salad! Here are a few ideas:
Meat: Grilled chicken, steak, or sauteed shrimp.
Fish: Canned or baked salmon, canned or seared tuna, or flaky white fish.
Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, or even a soft-boiled egg on top.
Beans and lentils: A great source of protein and fiber. Try chickpeas, black beans, or lentils.
Tofu or tempeh: Baked tofu, pan fried tofu or marinated tempeh adds a satisfying meaty texture to vegetarian salads.
Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, pecans, chia seeds, and hemp seeds all offer protein and healthy fats.

Salads always seem soggy! How can I prevent that?

Here are some tips to prevent soggy salads:
Dressing on the side: Dress your salad right before eating to avoid wilting greens.
Dry your greens thoroughly: Wash and spin your greens dry before adding them to the salad bowl. If they are very wet, consider blotting them with a towel.
Use sturdy greens: Kale, romaine, and Brussels sprouts hold up better to dressings than delicate greens like spinach or baby arugula.

I’m looking for salad inspiration beyond lettuce. What are some interesting salad bases?

There’s a whole world beyond lettuce! Here are some unique salad base ideas:
Arugula: Peppery and slightly bitter, perfect for strong-flavored dressings.
Kale: Nutrient-dense and can be massaged to soften.
Quinoa: A complete protein source that adds a nutty flavor.
Roasted vegetables: Roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add warmth and texture.
Shredded cabbage or broccoli slaw: Offers a crunchy base.

How can I make salad dressings at home?

Homemade dressings are easy and healthy! The recipes above feature recipes for classic vinaigrettes and creamy dressings.

Can salads be a complete meal?

Absolutely! By incorporating protein and whole grains, salads can be a satisfying and well-balanced meal.

How can I store leftover salad?

It’s best to store salad components separately. Keep greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store cooked proteins, dressings, and croutons in separate containers.

About the authors

A Couple Cooks

Recipes by Alex & Sonja

We’re Alex & Sonja Overhiser: cookbook authors, busy parents, & a real life couple who cooks together! We started the A Couple Cooks food blog in 2010 to share simple, seasonal recipes, healthy meal planning tips, and the joy of cooking. All recipes are written & photographed by us (and tested on our two kids!).

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

12 Comments

  1. Jiya says:

    Your recipes are very inspiring. Keep sharing such wonderful recipes

  2. Anne Radick says:

    looking for your tomato & artichoke penne salad recipe i saw while browsing your book at tge store

    1. Great question! The recipes in our book are all original and not on the website (except for a very small percentage)! The publisher requires this in order to make it an original work. Thanks for asking!!

  3. Anita Newell says:

    Lots of great recipes and fun ideas! Thanks!

    One note of criticism — there are lots of other cheeses besides feta. Way too much feta in your salad collection, IMO.

    I’ll be back!

  4. Joy Beeman says:

    Love these! Thank you so much!

  5. naimuli ayubkhan says:

    thank you for this inspiring salads collection!!yum.

  6. Whispertrend says:

    Your recipes are very inspiring.Keep sharing such wonderful recipes

  7. Michelle Canada says:

    I so agree with you regarding the Greek salad. While in Greece myself I was shocked to find that they do not use lettuce. I too did not like tomatoes. You were so right on about the tomatoes. Their tomatoes were so beautiful & delicious. I concur on all you stated regarding the importance of the feta! I buy sheep & goat mixed feta from Wholefood. Delish!

  8. Barbara says:

    Thank you for this inspiring salad collection!! Yum yum….

  9. Blair. Hayman says:

    Great

  10. cynthia yamniuk says:

    can you comment me back what cook book you bought.

    1. Nhlanhla siwele says:

      ALL THE SALANDS WAS VERY GOOD I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO LEARN THANKS