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    Home » Trending

    33 salads you’ll crave instead of takeout

    Published: Apr 9, 2026 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Sometimes nothing hits the spot like a fresh, flavorful salad. Dig into 33 tasty salads perfect for meals at home. Each recipe makes skipping takeout easier and more delicious.

    Gluten-Free Macaroni Salad

    A bowl of pasta salad with diced cucumber, green bell pepper, and a creamy dressing, served with a wooden spoon.
    Gluten-Free Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Lunchtime cravings are easy to satisfy with a bowl of pasta and crunchy vegetables. Enjoy all the flavor in Gluten-Free Macaroni Salad without missing out on texture. It’s a go-to when you want something tasty and light.
    Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Macaroni Salad

    Mexican Elote Street Corn Kale Salad with Spicy Yogurt Lime Dressing

    A bowl of salad with grilled corn, sliced avocado, pickled onions, greens, cilantro, crumbled cheese, and creamy dressing, served with a lime wedge on the side.
    Mexican Elote Street Corn Kale Salad with Spicy Yogurt Lime Dressing. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Street corn and kale make a lively pairing in every bite. For color and crunch, Mexican Elote Street Corn Kale Salad with Spicy Yogurt Lime Dressing delivers excitement. Freshness jumps out in each serving.
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Elote Street Corn Kale Salad with Spicy Yogurt Lime Dressing

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    Smoked Salmon Salad Recipe With Bagel Chips And Cream Cheese Dressing

    Smoked Salmon Salad Recipe With Bagel Chips And Cream Cheese Dressing. Photo credit: At the Immigrants Table.

    Topping salads with smoked salmon and crunchy chips changes things up. Try Smoked Salmon Salad Recipe With Bagel Chips And Cream Cheese Dressing for a brunch or light meal. It always feels a little more fun.
    Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Salad Recipe With Bagel Chips And Cream Cheese Dressing

    Sweet and Smoky Charred Corn Salad

    A bowl of corn salad with chopped red onions, red bell peppers, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped cilantro, with a fork resting inside.
    Sweet and Smoky Charred Corn Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Sometimes a bit of grilled corn can brighten up any meal. That’s exactly what you get with Sweet and Smoky Charred Corn Salad on your plate. A blend of sweet and smoky flavors keeps things interesting.
    Get the Recipe: Sweet and Smoky Charred Corn Salad

    Roasted Butternut and Pumpkin Feta Salad

    A bowl of salad with roasted butternut squash, leafy greens, feta cheese, and whole almonds, placed on a plate with a fork and bowls of ingredients in the background.
    Roasted Butternut and Pumpkin Feta Salad. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Roasted squash and pumpkin create a sweet foundation for any salad. Finishing it with creamy cheese, Roasted Butternut and Pumpkin Feta Salad is both hearty and refreshing. It’s a nice change from routine salads.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut and Pumpkin Feta Salad

    Easy and Delicious Chickpea Chopped Salad

    Close-up of a colorful chickpea salad with chopped cucumbers, red bell peppers, parsley, and green onions on a white plate.
    Easy and Delicious Chickpea Chopped Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Chickpeas pair well with lots of veggies for a filling lunch or dinner. If you need a break from takeout, Easy and Delicious Chickpea Chopped Salad offers just that. Each bite is fresh and easy to love.
    Get the Recipe: Easy and Delicious Chickpea Chopped Salad

    Broccoli Pasta Salad with Roasted Squash & Walnuts

    A plate of bowtie pasta salad with broccoli, cherry tomatoes, walnuts, spinach, roasted vegetables, and grated cheese on top.
    Broccoli Pasta Salad with Roasted Squash & Walnuts. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Roasted squash and crunchy nuts make flavors pop in every bite. With Broccoli Pasta Salad with Roasted Squash & Walnuts, you get a satisfying blend. The balance of sweet and savory works well together.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pasta Salad with Roasted Squash & Walnuts

    Pasta Salad without Mayo

    Overhead image of a pasta salad without mayo.
    Pasta Salad without Mayo. Photo credit: The Honour System.

    Creamy dressings aren’t a must when pasta salads are as fresh as this. Families love how Pasta Salad without Mayo mixes vegetables and pasta. It makes lunch simple and refreshing.
    Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad without Mayo

    Beet Salad with Feta

    A fresh salad with crumbled feta cheese, chopped beets, and parsley is served on a white plate with a metal spoon. There is a lemon wedge in the background.
    Beet Salad with Feta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Colorful salads always feel special at the table. Try Beet Salad with Feta for a mix of bold flavors and a creamy finish. You’ll want more after the first bite.
    Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Feta

    Savoury Steak and Squash Salad

    A wooden bowl containing a salad with grilled beef slices, yellow vegetables, greens, red onions, and crumbled cheese. A yellow cloth is partially visible on the left.
    Savoury Steak and Squash Salad. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Meals feel special when you add slices of steak to fresh squash. With Savoury Steak and Squash Salad you get roasted flavor and protein together. It’s versatile for lunch or dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Savoury Steak and Squash Salad

    Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

    An image of cranberry salad with pecans served in a white salad bowl with a fork on the side.
    Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    A little bit of tartness and crunch takes meals up a notch. You’ll find both in Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans with each bite. It’s great for rounding out lunch or dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

    Quinoa Cranberry Salad

    Close-up of a quinoa salad with walnuts, feta cheese, red onion slices, and cranberries on a plate with a spoon.
    Quinoa Cranberry Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Hearty grains and fruit come together in an easy-to-pack lunch. Quinoa Cranberry Salad gives you energy while tasting just right. It’s perfect for quick meals or snacks.
    Get the Recipe: Quinoa Cranberry Salad

    Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad and Creamy Avocado Dressing

    Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad and Creamy Avocado Dressing. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    There’s something filling about colorful vegetables tossed with macaroni. Enjoy Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad and Creamy Avocado Dressing for a cool, smooth finish. It fills you up without feeling heavy.
    Get the Recipe: Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad and Creamy Avocado Dressing

    Broccoli Slaw Salad

    A plate of broccoli slaw with a dressing on it.
    Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Raw broccoli has its own satisfying crunch with a simple dressing. That mixture in Broccoli Slaw Salad keeps things simple and tasty. It’s easy to bring to potlucks or keep in the fridge.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

    Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

    Mediterranean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Crisp cucumbers set the stage for a light yet flavorful side. That’s what you get with Mediterranean Cucumber Salad and its simple seasonings. It’s great for any meal or gathering.
    Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

    Italian Chopped Salad

    Italian Chopped Salad. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Packed salads with a variety of ingredients are fun at lunch or dinner. One bowl of Italian Chopped Salad goes a long way with tons of texture. Satisfying and fresh, it’s a true classic.
    Get the Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad

    Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

    Close up of beet salad on a white platter with two forks on the right side.
    Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Roasting veggies brings out deep flavors you can count on. Every forkful of Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese brings tang and sweetness together. It makes any dinner plate a little more colorful.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

    10-Minute Marinated Butter Bean Salad

    10-Minute Marinated Butter Bean Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Fast meals can still be satisfying, as seen with 10-Minute Marinated Butter Bean Salad. The marinated beans have a smooth bite and fresh taste. It’s a simple salad that skips the takeout line.
    Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Marinated Butter Bean Salad

    Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Smoky bacon and creamy ranch dressing can make any meal exciting. The familiar taste of Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad keeps people coming back for more. It’s a hit at gatherings or simple weeknight meals.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    Arugula Salad With Endive Mozzarella Pecans And Pomegranate Seeds

    Side view of arugula salad on platter with pomegranates.
    Arugula Salad With Endive Mozzarella Pecans And Pomegranate Seeds. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    Excitement comes from a variety of flavors blending together. With ingredients like nuts and fruit, Arugula Salad With Endive Mozzarella Pecans And Pomegranate Seeds keeps meals bright. Tangy, crunchy, and sweet, all in one bowl.
    Get the Recipe: Arugula Salad With Endive Mozzarella Pecans And Pomegranate Seeds

    Spinach and Arugula Salad

    Spinach and Arugula Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Pairing two types of greens gives a nice mix of flavors that works any day. With every scoop, Spinach and Arugula Salad offers a peppery punch. You’ll return to this again and again.
    Get the Recipe: Spinach and Arugula Salad

    Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad - Favourite Summer Recipe

    Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad - Favourite Summer Recipe. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Some recipes are made for sunny days and gatherings. Spicy, full, and crisp, Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad - Favourite Summer Recipe is a crowd favorite. It’s the one everyone asks for seconds.
    Get the Recipe: Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad - Favourite Summer Recipe

    Spring Onion Potato Salad

    A bowl of spring onion potato salad.
    Spring Onion Potato Salad. Photo credit: The Honour System.

    Fresh flavors stand out in simple potato salads. Every serving of Spring Onion Potato Salad is bright and appealing. This is a go-to for light lunches and quick sides.
    Get the Recipe: Spring Onion Potato Salad

    Best Roasted Potato Salad

    Best Roasted Potato Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Warm, roasted potatoes make a big difference at lunch or picnics. You won’t regret tasting Best Roasted Potato Salad with its comforting flavors. It makes a simple meal special.
    Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Potato Salad

    Roasted Beet Salad

    Roasted Beet Salad. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Roasting brings sweetness and depth to fresh beets. With every slice, Roasted Beet Salad is both earthy and filling. It’s an easy salad to crave again and again.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad

    Classic American Potato Salad

    Classic American Potato Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Picnics wouldn’t be the same without a tried-and-true salad. People always look for Classic American Potato Salad for its creamy comfort. It’s beloved at gatherings of all kinds.
    Get the Recipe: Classic American Potato Salad

    BBQ Roasted Cauliflower Salad

    BBQ Roasted Cauliflower Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Adding roasted cauliflower to a salad changes up regular meal plans. BBQ Roasted Cauliflower Salad brings smoky notes and bold taste to every forkful. Each serving feels both new and familiar.
    Get the Recipe: BBQ Roasted Cauliflower Salad

    Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

    Greek Orzo Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

    Some days call for a Mediterranean vibe at the table. With plenty of veggies and little pasta shapes, Greek Orzo Pasta Salad stands out. It’s big on flavor yet easy to prepare.
    Get the Recipe: Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

    Mexican Corn Salad

    An overhead image of Mexican corn salad with the ingredients fully mixed together.
    Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Adding corn brightens up even the simplest salad mixes during meals. Every forkful of Mexican Corn Salad is full of flavor and color. It’s always welcome as a side or at a cookout.
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

    Russian Potato Salad Olivier Salad

    Overhead view of olivier salad with two egg halves.
    Russian Potato Salad Olivier Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrants Table.

    International flavors can break the dinnertime routine in the best way. Creamy yet full of bites, Russian Potato Salad Olivier Salad is a fun change. It’s a filling salad that surprises guests.
    Get the Recipe: Russian Potato Salad Olivier Salad

    BBQ Rib Potato Salad

    BBQ Rib Potato Salad on a light blue plate with a salad and ribs.
    BBQ Rib Potato Salad. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

    Hearty ingredients turn potato salad into something exciting. Each bite of BBQ Rib Potato Salad includes smoky rib flavor and creamy potatoes. It’s perfect for feeding a group.
    Get the Recipe: BBQ Rib Potato Salad

    Kale Salad With Cranberries

    A horizontal image of kale salad with cranberries.
    Kale Salad With Cranberries. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Sweet and tart flavors pair perfectly with leafy greens for every season. Meetings or meals at home work with Kale Salad With Cranberries as a side. Enjoy crunch and fruit in every mouthful.
    Get the Recipe: Kale Salad With Cranberries

    Creamy Broccoli Salad

    Creamy Broccoli Salad. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

    Lightly dressed vegetables can stand alone as a meal. Enjoy bits of green in Creamy Broccoli Salad and its smooth, simple taste. Even kids will clean their plates.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Salad

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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