15 Easy Salad Recipes

When it comes to side dishes: we want easy! So here's quite possibly the easiest salad you'll make: this simplest arugula salad! You don’t even have to make a salad dressing! Toss the greens with olive oil and lemon juice. In 5 to 10 minutes, you’ve got an elegant salad that goes with literally everything.

Time to make: 10 minutes

Time saver tip: For quickest prep, buy Parmesan cheese that's sold in shavings.

When the season is right, there's no better easy salad than Greek salad! The combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and salty feta is out of this world. Plus, you don't even need to mix up a dressing! Got ripe fresh tomatoes? This is the recipe for you!

Time to make: 10 minutes

Here's a fresh and delicious black bean and corn salad…in just 5 minutes, no chopping required. Sure, it’s a bit of a shortcut. But if this shortcut gets you to eat more vegetables and plant-forward meals: how could it be bad? We’ll admit: we’re wary of recipes that claim to be the easiest, best thing you’ve ever tried. But this one…let’s just say we’ve been eating it on repeat ever since!

Time to make: 5 minutes

Might we present: a new favorite go-to easy salad recipe that will become your favorite too. Spinach apple salad! It’s got a tangy balsamic dressing and crunchy maple-glazed walnuts (or pecans). No one will believe it took only minutes to put together! It’s that good.

Time to make: 15 minutes

Tip: Skip the glaze on the nuts and go with toasted for even quicker prep!

Are you ready for the BEST way to eat kale? Prepare to be amazed! This easy kale salad recipe has the power to transform the minds of kale haters everywhere. Now, it’s true: taking a bite of raw kale is a little like eating a leaf right off a tree. But! After you taste this kale salad, you’ll agree that those green leaves smothered in a lemony, garlicky Parmesan dressing can only be one thing: delicious.

Time to make: 15 minutes

Here’s an easy salad recipe that’s simply perfection, in our books. Meet this Italian salad! It’s full of all the right flavors and textures: crisp lettuce, crunchy garlic croutons, and zingy pepperoncini. It’s covered in punchy, herby Italian vinaigrette that makes the flavors sing! And shaved Parmesan seals the deal. It can play sidekick to just about anything. It’s no secret: this salad is staunchly Italian-American, not a classic Italian recipe. But that’s what we love about it!

Time to make: 15 minutes

Time saver tip: Use store-bought croutons, or make the homemade croutons in advance

Need a fast and easy salad recipe? Try this Spring Mix Salad! Grab a box or bag of spring mix at the store, and you barely need to think to make this salad recipe. Add a quick homemade salad dressing, like a light and tangy vinaigrette which compliments the delicate leaves perfectly. You’ll go from zero to salad in no time!

Here's a goat cheese recipe that takes little effort but delivers massive flavor: Goat Cheese Salad with Arugula and Apples! It’s simple and comes together quickly, but my does it deliver! The crunch of the apples, creamy goat cheese, and fluffy arugula are the ideal pair for the creamy balsamic dressing. You won't be able to stop eating it.

Time to make: 15 minutes

Classic is classic for a reason, and the classic wedge salad does not disappoint. Every time we serve it, people ooo and ahh. Because it really is perfection: the crunch of iceberg lettuce against the creamy, savory blue cheese dressing just makes sense. Not to mention it looks stunning! There’s a reason this salad has been impressing us all for 100 years. 

Time to make: 15 minutes

Here’s a surprisingly delicious easy salad recipe that deserves a spot on your plate: celery salad! The name doesn’t have quite the ring of say, potato salad. But this unique salad is so refreshing, you’ll become a convert from the first bite. Crunchy celery pairs perfectly with sweet apple, Parmesan shavings and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s bright, it’s crunchy, it’s hydrating. Really, what can’t this celery salad do?

Time to make: 15 minutes

Ready for a killer easy salad recipe recipe? Strawberries are a natural pairing with the acidity of a balsamic vinaigrette. In fact, strawberries and balsamic vinegar are often paired together in Italian desserts. So for this salad, you'll whisk up a creamy balsamic dressing that perfectly accentuates the bright red sweet berries. Paired with red onions and toasted almonds, it was a simple and delicious way to enjoy seasonal berries! Also try Blueberry Salad or Blackberry Salad.

Time to make: 15 minutes

Last up in our easy salad recipes: this radish and gorgonzola salad! The creamy blue cheese dressing perfectly complements the crunchy radishes, and the flavors all meld together perfectly. The body of the salad is both green cabbage and crunchy romaine lettuce, and it’s topped with blue cheese crumbles. It's a great compliment to any type of main dish!

Time to make: 15 minutes

Here’s a great easy salad recipe that's an all-purpose salad: it goes with everything! This tossed salad has the perfect balance of textures, colors and flavors. It's complete with crunchy croutons and your choice of homemade dressings, and pairs with everything from chili to pizza. 

Time to make: 15 minutes

Time saver tip: Use store-bought croutons, and make the dressing in advance

Meet the perfect Caesar salad! Yes, you can buy a packaged store-bought version with sub-par dressing and soggy croutons. But make all the components at home and it’s a knock out stunner. We’ve perfected all the elements so that you can make them at home. The savory, creamy dressing will instantly become a household favorite.

Time to make: 15 minutes

Time saver tip: Use store-bought croutons to keep this recipe quick and easy

Ready to meet our (and your) new favorite easy salad recipe? Fennel orange salad! It features beautiful juicy oranges, with their vibrant color and citrusy flavor. Add to that a famous pairing: sliced raw fennel, which adds a subtle licorice essence. Throw it over greens with a few garnishes, top with a zingy homemade citrus vinaigrette, and wow! There’s so much going on flavor and texture-wise, it’s one of the most unexpectedly delicious salads we’ve ever made.

Time to make: 20 minutes

Time saver tip: Supreme the oranges in advance and refrigerate until serving.

Ever wonder what to serve with tacos and enchiladas? This easy Mexican salad recipe is a chopped salad with Latin-style flavors: colorful veggies, cilantro lime salad dressing, and tortilla strips. It all combines into a super-flavorful dish that can be served as a side, or dressed up to work as a healthy main dish salad.

Time to make: 20 minutes

Time saver tip: Use store-bought tortilla strips or crushed corn tortilla chips.