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    Home » Trending

    Ditch The Diet Vibes With These 25 Salad Upgrades

    Published: May 23, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Say goodbye to boring salads with 25 exciting salad upgrades. Each upgrade adds a burst of flavor and texture, making healthy eating enjoyable. Discover these delicious twists and look forward to every salad bowl.

    Chickpea Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing

    Chickpea Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Kale gets a creamy makeover that’s hearty yet bursting with flavor. Chickpea Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing truly switches up the salad game with its richness and crunch. Whatever you thought about kale—this one’s different.
    Get the Recipe: Chickpea Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing

    Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad - Favorite Recipe

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

    Pasta meets bold flavors in this hearty option for a quick, protein-packed meal. Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad is a hit that’ll have you enjoying salads in a whole new way. When you want bold combinations, this recipe delivers like no other.
    Get the Recipe: Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad - Favorite Recipe

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    Beet Salad with Feta

    Beet Salad with Feta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Feta and beets combine for a salad that feels bold yet creamy in every bite. Beet Salad with Feta levels up your plate with rich flavors and eye-catching colors. Turns out simple ingredients can make a real impact.
    Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Feta

    Broccoli Pasta Salad with Roasted Squash & Walnuts

    Broccoli Pasta Salad with Roasted Squash & Walnuts. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Pasta, squash, and walnuts team up to make something truly unique. Broccoli Pasta Salad with Roasted Squash & Walnuts combines textures and distinct flavors for a salad that’s filling and anything but ordinary. Not your typical light lunch snack, that's for sure.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pasta Salad with Roasted Squash & Walnuts

    Scrumptious Southwest Salad

    Scrumptious Southwest Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Southwest-inspired vibes and hearty ingredients make a big difference here. Scrumptious Southwest Salad packs smoky flavors and bold textures into every bite for an unforgettable twist on salad time. It's sure to be anything but boring!
    Get the Recipe: Scrumptious Southwest Salad

    Smoked Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing

    Smoked Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Smoky flavors and tangy dressing come together for a salad worth talking about. Smoked Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing mixes up pasta and veggies in a way that feels rich and satisfying. A real game-changer for pasta salad fans.
    Get the Recipe: Smoked Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing

    10-Minute Marinated Butter Bean Salad

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

    Butter beans were never this exciting until now. 10-Minute Marinated Butter Bean Salad shows off soft beans upgraded with vibrant flavors, proving quick salads can still be packed with goodness. Great for when you need something simple and filling.
    Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Marinated Butter Bean Salad

    Tuna Macaroni Salad

    Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

    Skip the boring cold sides and go for something more substantial. Tuna Macaroni Salad blends tuna with creamy pasta for something that feels both basic and special at the same time. Definitely not your grandma's macaroni salad.
    Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

    Mango Salad

    Mango Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    It’s time to ditch boring salads and try something vibrant with sweet and tangy flavors. Mango Salad brings in a twist that will brighten up your plate in just moments. Perfect for adding a fruity kick to your salad game.
    Get the Recipe: Mango Salad

    Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

    A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
    Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

    Want something creamy, spicy, and packed with protein? Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad delivers on flavor without losing its crunch, making it a strong contender for lunch. Switching up traditional salads has never been more satisfying.
    Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

    Halloumi Salad

    Halloumi Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Grilled cheese meets a fresh medley of greens in this fantastic upgrade. Halloumi Salad combines the gooey goodness of halloumi with crisp textures for an irresistible salad experience. You’ll love how filling and flavorful every bite is.
    Get the Recipe: Halloumi Salad

    Olivier Salad

    Olivier Salad. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Loaded with layers everyone can enjoy, this meal doesn't disappoint. Olivier Salad stacks hearty bites and creamy textures for a salad you’ll actually look forward to eating. It’s far from plain lettuce and dressings, for sure.
    Get the Recipe: Olivier Salad

    Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

    Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Add some spicy flair to your salad game with bold and crispy cucumber slices. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad steps up with plenty of heat and crunch in every bite. Perfect for when you want something different and super flavorful.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

    Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

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

    Combining fresh veggies with a creamy twist, this is not your average macaroni dish. Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing makes lunch exciting with its delicious upgrade. An easy way to enjoy pasta with a fresh spin.
    Get the Recipe: Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

    Refreshing Avocado Grapefruit Salad

    Refreshing Avocado Grapefruit Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Feeling like your salad needs a wake-up call? Refreshing Avocado Grapefruit Salad is here to vibe things up with its bold and fresh pairings. A perfect escape from plain greens with a mix you’ll actually want.
    Get the Recipe: Refreshing Avocado Grapefruit Salad

    Cilantro Salad

    Cilantro Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    A fresh burst of herbs and greens can completely change the way you enjoy your meals. Cilantro Salad lets you enjoy a bright mix with a twist that’s hard to ignore. It’s an easy way to trade the boring for something exciting.
    Get the Recipe: Cilantro Salad

    Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

    Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
    Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

    Add a twist to plain salads with bold flavor and crunch. Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats offer a refreshing spin that's far from basic greens. These are perfect for those moments when you want something hearty without overloading.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

    Lemony Greek Pasta Salad

    Lemony Greek Pasta Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Bursting with Mediterranean vibes, this salad levels up your plate effortlessly. Lemony Greek Pasta Salad offers a simple yet tangy pasta pairing that doesn’t shy away from unique flavors. It’s more than pasta; it’s a whole new way to enjoy it.
    Get the Recipe: Lemony Greek Pasta Salad

    Easy Asian Chicken Salad

    Easy Asian Chicken Salad. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Add some tender chicken to your greens in a way that’s anything but basic. Easy Asian Chicken Salad keeps things fresh with a flavorful twist that transforms ordinary into unforgettable. A salad worth upgrading your lunch break for.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Asian Chicken Salad

    Zesty Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich

    Zesty Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Chickpeas literally smash into your meal routine, but with an easy-to-eat format that packs protein in full. Zesty Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich transforms salads into lunch-friendly sandwiches with effortless flair. It’s far from boring and totally worth the upgrade.
    Get the Recipe: Zesty Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich

    Quinoa Cranberry Salad

    Quinoa Cranberry Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    A combination of fresh grains and tart flavors, this makes salads interesting again. Quinoa Cranberry Salad is a mix you won’t regret bringing into your routine. Skip plain salads and go for a hearty yet refreshing option instead.
    Get the Recipe: Quinoa Cranberry Salad

    Avocado Tuna Salad

    A bowl of avocado tuna salad with avocado slices and lemon slices.
    Avocado Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

    A great way to make tuna interesting and creamy without going overboard is in this easy twist. Avocado Tuna Salad pairs textures together in a way that’s both light and filling. It’s a game-changer for quick homemade upgrades.
    Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad

    Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

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

    Crisp cucumbers with Mediterranean-inspired flavors take this to another level. Mediterranean Cucumber Salad keeps things crunchy and refreshing while giving you reasons to ditch boring greens. It's the perfect choice for a fresh filler.
    Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

    Roasted Butternut and Pumpkin Feta Salad

    Roasted Butternut and Pumpkin Feta Salad. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Pair roasted veggies with some creamy cheese for a blend of textures like no other. Roasted Butternut and Pumpkin Feta Salad redefines hearty salads with flavors that actually bring warmth to your meal. It’s the right mix of fresh and baked goodness.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut and Pumpkin Feta Salad

    Best Roasted Potato Salad

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

    Roasted potatoes meet creamy goodness for an upgrade that hits differently. Best Roasted Potato Salad isn’t your everyday side dish—you’ll want to eat this straight out of the bowl. No boring salad vibes here—this one’s worth it.
    Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Potato 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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