Looking to find fresh salad ideas to spruce up your lunch routine, make good on a resolution to eat more greens, or just swap out the same old, same old? This roundup is full of variety and flavor, made with upgraded ingredients for restaurant-quality salads right at home. From cleaned-up takes on the classics to hearty and unexpected salad ideas for dinner, this list will help you get your green groove back.
Classic Salads
You’ve probably seen a version of these salads on the menu at your favorite lunch spot or a deli counter. Don’t take a chance on soggy lettuce doused in salty, less-than-stellar dressings; make these favorites at home with cleaned-up ingredients.
Keto Caprese Salad
Drizzled with Primal Kitchen Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a sprinkle of salt, the simplicity of this Keto Caprese accentuates the fresh ingredients of mozzarella, basil, and ripe tomatoes. With just six ingredients, this Italian salad classic bursts through with a natural, vibrant flavor.
Whole30 Caesar Salad
Craving Caesar? Crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, and savory chicken make this salad staple impossible to resist. Our Caesar Dressing and Marinade is Whole30 Approved®, making this indulgent favorite a regular in your salad rotation.
Oil & Vinegar Salad
This Keto Kale Salad is the perfect blend of acidic and savory, and a no-frills take on the classic green salad with chicken. Rich avocado, bracing Avocado Oil and Vinegar Dressing, and briny seasoning makes this simple salad burst with juxtaposed flavors.
Keto Broccoli Salad
This salad is not your typical ready-made broccoli salad recipe. This hearty, crunchy salad is delicious with crispy bacon bits, creamy, garlic-rich mayo on broccoli florets, and a pop of color from bright red tomatoes.
Salads for Every Taste
When it comes to salads, no two taste buds are alike. If you’re searching for your salad soulmate, an unbe-leaf-able pairing to pull your lunches and dinner out of the doldrums, consider these three flavor umbrellas to start experimenting.
Zesty:
Grilled Romaine Taco Salad
A smoky take on the classic taco salad recipe, grilled romaine is the perfect side to your favorite cookout dishes.
Spinach Salmon Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
This workday lunch is easy to assemble and will make you the envy of all of your coworkers: rich salmon, tangy, zesty Cilantro Lime drizzled, and a bit of bitter crunch. Simple to prep, sublime to unpack, and enjoy at noon.
Whole30 Spicy Shrimp Salad
The inspiration for this salad comes from the best part of a cocktail party: the shrimp. Spicy and sweet, this Shrimp Salad gets a signature bittersweet kick from Whole30 Approved® Cocktail Sauce. This unexpected topper adds complex flavor to a lime-zested salad.
Savory:
Balsamic-Glazed Salmon with Kale and Avocado Salad
If you’re looking to elevate your salad to unreal heights, look no further. Decadent balsamic-glazed salmon sits atop a bed of chewy, hearty, bitter kale leaves with crunchy bits of shredded red cabbage and carrots, creamy avocado, and the nutty crunch of toasted pine nuts. This kale salad recipe is elegant and flavorful.
Antipasto Salad with Tuscano Salami
The tried-and-true traditional Greek salad recipe gets an elegant upgrade with this salami antipasto salad. Drizzled in Greek Vinaigrette and spiced with savory meats, you’ll be stunned at the depth of flavor in this easy-to-prepare salad.
Fall Salad with Acorn Squash and Bacon
The perfect warm salad for any time of year and a vibrant combination of soft, crisp, crunchy, and chewy textures make this savory favorite easy to customize to your tastes. Topped with Avocado Oil and Italian Vinaigrette, this flavorful, hearty salad is the perfect centerpiece for a veggie-forward meal.
Sweet:
Summer Shrimp Salad with Mayo
Looking for summer salad ideas that are delicious all year round? This sweet and zesty Summer Shrimp Salad uses mayo to add a creamy flavor to this seasonal favorite.
Keto Chicken Citrus Salad with Lemon Turmeric Dressing
Acidic and sweet, creamy and rich, this salad surpasses expectations with aromatic extras like grapefruit accents and Lemon Turmeric Dressing.
Whole30 Vegan Watermelon Strawberry Salad with Balsamic and Mint
Exquisite and unexpected, this colorful salad made with raw produce is ideal for warm nights spent sitting under the stars. Sun-sweetened strawberries meet a delightful drizzle of bitter balsamic for a vegan and Whole30 compliant summer salad.
Not-Quite-Salad Salads
Leaves not your thing? Romaine calm. You can still enjoy a salad without going totally green or thinking a little outside the salad bowl.
Classic Potato Salad with Bacon
This potato salad recipe with red potatoes is a tried-and-true, all American dish to have in your repertoire. A cookout classic, this potato salad is begging to be paired with air-fried chicken tenders or a big, messy burger.
Poached Egg & Avocado Breakfast Salad
This salad is not your traditional egg salad recipe. Swap the mayo and chunky hard-boiled eggs and make this crispy, crunchy, zesty salad for your next brunch.
Chicken Salad, Three Different Ways
We couldn’t pick just one chicken salad recipe. Whether you like a little sweet (Strawberry Chicken Salad), a little spice (Chipotle Chicken Lime Salad), or a little savory (Rotisserie Chicken Salad), there’s a recipe for you. If you’ve been saving your pennies and wondering, “How do I make chicken salad?” You’re in luck: This lunch counter favorite is easy to make at home.
Plant-Based Salads
The term “plant-based salads” may seem redundant, but most plant-based and vegan folks know that nearly every salad recipe you find online hinges on the meat or seafood centerpiece. So whether you’re taking part in Meatless Monday, or are a lifetime, card-carrying veg, these recipes are for you.
Pear and Arugula Salad
Savory and sweet, this iconic combo gets an extra kick with a splash of Honey Mustard.
Vegan Chickpea Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
A little dijon mustard goes a long way in this vegan chickpea salad! When you’re plumb out of spinach salad ideas or cutting out dairy, enter this savory and peppery meal.
Keto Vegan Rainbow Salad
Crisp, cool, and colorful, this vegan salad shines when drizzled with Avocado Oil and Vinegar.
Salad FAQs
How do I make a salad I want to eat?Building a crave-worthy, customized salad is a lot easier than it seems, especially if you’re willing to experiment with unexpected ingredients and flavorful dressings. Check out this video for more tips on building the salad of your dreams!
How should I store prepared salads and ingredients?If you’re brown-bagging it, consider an up-cycled jar with layered ingredients. This caesar salad fits perfectly in one of our former mayo jars and is as delicious as it is adorable.
What is the best way to meal prep protein for a salad?Prepare your protein for a simple way to cut down on cook time and incorporate salads into your routine easier than ever. Follow along in this video for step-by-step instructions to guarantee prep success.
How do you clean greens for salads?Remove any dead or unattractive greens from your bunch, then gently move them around in a large bowl of cold water. Leave them for a moment to let any excess dirt or sand settle to the bottom. You can use a salad spinner to dry them or use a colander and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel after rinsing.
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