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These tasty and easy green salad recipes are so versatile! As cookbook authors, these are our top picks that work with main dishes from pasta to pizza and salmon to chili.
It’s tricky to find good side salad recipes. Alex and I often want to serve our meal with a salad—but what recipes are the right fit? Browsing for recipes online can take forever, like you’re in a bargain store combing through a rack to find the just right sweater.
So, we’ve decided to take the guess work out for you! As two cookbook authors and recipe developers, we’ve put together a list of our top green salad recipes that make the perfect side salad for just about anything. Most of them are extremely versatile and vibe with many types of main dishes, whether you’re pairing baked salmon or a pizza recipe.
And now, our 20 best green salad recipes
The best go-to in our green salad recipes: this favorite chopped salad! Without fail, people always ask, "Wow! What is in this?" It's got an Italian flair, filled with crisp romaine, sliced shallots, and Parmesan cheese. The kicker? Sliced pepperoncini, which add tang and a little heat. Top it off with our classic Homemade Italian Dressing.
This arugula salad is quite possibly the easiest salad you’ll make. You don’t even have to make a salad dressing! Toss baby arugula simply with olive oil and lemon juice, then add Parmesan shavings and thinly sliced shallots. It's simple and so tasty, in just 5 minutes. It pairs especially well with soups, pasta and pizza!
Another variation? Add beets and citrus dressing for Arugula Beet Salad.
Here's another simple green salad recipe, this one starring leafy green kale! Raw kale can sometimes have a bitter taste. But with this flavor popping Italian-style dressing of lemon, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, the bitter taste of the kale is mellowed and melds beautifully with the other flavors. The sturdy texture of the kale holds up well in a salad, and provides an extra crunch when eating.
Here's a classic green salad recipe that's basic but irresistible. Meet the perfect Caesar salad! Make all the components at home and it’s a knock out stunner. The savory, creamy dressing will instantly become a household favorite. And the crunchy garlicky croutons—you’ll be eating them off the baking sheet.
If we could eat one green salad for the rest of time, this might be it. Crisp tart apple slices pair with pops of pomegranate seeds, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy, cinnamon spiced pecans. Toss them all over fresh greens with a zingy maple and apple cider vinegar dressing.
This salad is so satisfying, starring crunchy veggies like cucumber and onion, salty pops of feta cheese and Kalamata olives, and handfuls of fresh herbs like herbaceous fresh dill. Top it off with our Greek Salad Dressing and it's a great side dish. (You can also top it with chicken, salmon, shrimp, or tofu for a satisfying dinner.)
Try this refreshing romaine salad! The electric green of the romaine leaves and delicate pink radishes contrast against pale green Green Goddess Dressing, which smothers it all in herbaceous creaminess. Take it over the top with a sprinkle of crunchy breadcrumbs, a fun alternative to croutons.
This strawberry salad is one of our most popular salad recipes, pairing sweet strawberries a zingy balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing! Paired with crunchy red onions, toasted nuts, and feta cheese crumbles, this green salad is the perfect way to enjoy seasonal berries.
Here’s a simple way to make it into an impressive green salad: try this butter lettuce salad! These delicate lettuce leaves are irresistible coated in creamy, savory Parmesan Peppercorn dressing and topped with a few simple veggies and Parmesan shavings. A sprinkle of crunchy breadcrumbs seals the deal: you won’t want to put down your fork!
Want to add sophistication to your meal? Try a crunchy and refreshing frisee salad! Frisée is a leafy green with a frilly texture and subtly bitter flavor, ideal for adding flair and elegance to salads. Pair it with the burst of juicy orange, aged Manchego cheese, and crunchy almonds, and it's a symphony of flavor coated in a zingy white wine vinaigrette.
Grab a box or bag of spring mix at the store, and you barely need to think to make this salad recipe. We’ve customized it to be simple with items you might already have on hand! Add a quick homemade salad dressing, a light and tangy vinaigrette, which compliments the delicate leaves perfectly.
This Italian green salad is full of all the right flavors and textures: crisp lettuce, crunchy garlic croutons, and zingy pepperoncini. It’s covered in a punchy, herby Italian vinaigrette that makes the flavors sing! It can play sidekick to a whole range of dishes, from pizza to pasta to poultry and fish.
Here’s a great way to make a healthy green salad: try Watercress Salad with Apple! Pair this bitter leafy green with lemon, apple and savory Parmesan shavings and you won’t be able to resist another bite! The sweet apple, zingy citrus and flaky salt balance out the watercress beautifully, making for a fresh and vibrant side dish.
This salad is everything a classy spinach salad should be, full of texture and flavor contrasts. There’s crunchy smoky pecans, almost bacon-like when glazed with maple syrup and soy sauce. Add hard boiled eggs, shallots and a zingy balsamic vinaigrette, and you’ve got a stunning side salad.
This Mexican salad is full of delicious Latin-style flavors: colorful veggies, cilantro lime salad dressing, and crispy tortilla strips. It's quick and easy to make, a natural pair with dishes like tacos and enchiladas.
Here’s a favorite green salad: goat cheese salad with arugula and apples! The crunch of the apples, creamy goat cheese, and fluffy arugula are the ideal pair for the tangy sweet dressing. It’s simple and comes together quickly.
A good salad has to have contrasts in texture, flavor, and colors, and this one is all about that. There's lots of crunchy veggies, pumpkin seeds, and our tasty homemade croutons. Top it off the dressing of your choice: we like avocado dressing here, but there are lots of options like balsamic vinaigrette, ranch dressing, or honey mustard dressing.
This fennel orange salad features juicy oranges and a famous pairing: sliced raw fennel, which adds a subtle licorice essence. Throw it over mixed greens with a few garnishes and top with a zingy homemade citrus vinaigrette for a super-flavorful green salad.
This refreshing grapefruit salad pairs the juicy 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 perfectly!
This blackberry salad is classic and chic: baby greens, soft goat cheese and smoked almonds bring a nuance of flavor that’s extraordinary for the amount of prep time. Top it off with our famous creamy balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Also try: Beet Salad and Blueberry Salad
Last but not least in our green salad recipes is apple walnut salad! The mix of crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, chewy cranberries and a sweet-tart dressing makes a symphony of textures and flavors. It’s perfect as a side dish, but add protein and it also works as a main meal!
More green salad ideas
Want to make your own green salad? Try some of our simple salad dressings with the greens of your choice!
- Pick from our favorite salad dressing recipes or healthy salad dressings.
- Try creamy classics like homemade ranch dressing, Caesar dressing, Green Goddess dressing, or Parmesan Peppercorn dressing.
- Go for vinaigrettes like balsamic vinaigrette, Italian dressing, lemon vinaigrette, red wine vinaigrette, vinaigrette recipe, raspberry vinaigrette, or poppy seed dressing.
- Mix them up with greens like spinach, romaine, butter lettuce, frisee, arugula, or watercress.
Add protein to make it a meal
When we go out to eat, we love that many restaurants have the option to add protein to any of their side salads. That works with all of these green salad recipes as well: turn them into a main dish by adding protein! Here are a few ideas of what we’d add here:
- Chicken like Parmesan crusted chicken, grilled chicken, or blackened chicken.
- Shrimp like sauteed shrimp or grilled shrimp (depending on the vibe of the salad!).
- Salmon like baked salmon, pan seared salmon, or grilled salmon.
- Tofu like baked tofu, crispy tofu, or grilled tofu.
A few more salad recipes by season
There are so many salad ideas to try! Here are a few more recipes by season:
- Make a Wedge Salad with Potato Chips or Grilled Caesar Salad.
- Mix up summer salad recipes, winter salad recipes, or fall salad recipes.
- Try our 60 best salad recipes of all time.
Frequently asked questions
Here’s a basic green salad formula to get you started:
Greens: Choose a base of your favorite greens like romaine, spinach, arugula, or a mix.
Veggies: Add chopped vegetables for flavor, texture, and nutrients. Popular options include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, and onions.
Fruits: Fresh fruits like berries, apples, or pears add a touch of sweetness and a delightful contrast.
Protein (optional): For a more filling salad, incorporate protein sources like grilled chicken, tofu, hard-boiled eggs, or nuts and seeds.
Dressing: The dressing ties everything together! Experiment with vinaigrettes, creamy dressings, or homemade options.
Here are some helpful tips:
Freshness matters: Use fresh, crisp greens and vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
Variety is key: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations.
Balance the flavors: Aim for a balance of sweet, salty, sour, and bitter elements.
Chop ingredients similarly: Ensure all ingredients are chopped into similar sizes for even distribution and a pleasant eating experience.
Dress your salad last: Dressing a salad too early can make the greens wilt.
Absolutely! By incorporating protein, healthy fats, and whole grains, green salads can be a satisfying and nutritious main course.
Bonus Tip: Leftover roasted vegetables or grilled chicken can be repurposed in a delicious green salad the next day!
21 Green Salad Recipes
This chopped green salad will amaze everyone around the table! Homemade Italian dressing, crunchy veggies and Parmesan cheese combine into one extraordinary side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Raw
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 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
- Make the Homemade Italian Dressing.
- Chop romaine and lettuce. Thinly slice the shallot. Peel and chop cucumber. Slice tomatoes and olives in half.
- 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.
I asked for a green salad, i did not want eggs cheese or other additives. I will do my own which will consist of Avocado, asparagus, capsicum, cashews, capsicum, celery, lettuce and spinach with a touch of balsamic vinaigrette. Maybe a slice of apple.
A popular salad recipe in my family includes pepperoncini, and this is one of the first salad recipes I’ve seen including this unpopular vegetable! Pepperoncini is one of my favourite vegetables and I’m thrilled to share it with everyone!
Great.. Something quick that I can grab at midnight without cooking much. As a person who doesn’t regularly eat salads, and who is allergic to all vegetables, this is a great on- the-go meal. thanks
I love your collection of green salad. For a salad addict, that’s me, this post lifted my spirits! I would try at least 7 of them! I will start with the spinach and apple! Thanks.
Its Riley nice