Some salads just stick around—because they’re simple, reliable, and actually get eaten. These 24 recipes have the kind of flavor and staying power that earned them a spot in the binder, whether it’s 1978 or today. They’re easy to pull together and always show up well at the table. If you’re keeping only the good ones, these belong.
Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
Moroccan pearl couscous salad with chickpeas, cucumbers, and preserved lemon takes about 30 minutes to make. The flavor is savory, tangy, and full of fresh herbs. It’s chewy, bright, and satisfying in a way that works any time of year. One of those salads that somehow gets better after a day.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad
Purple cabbage and pickled mushrooms, tossed with dill and onion, take 20 minutes to prepare. The texture is crisp with a vinegary kick and earthy finish. Each bite is bold without going overboard. Great on its own or next to something hot.
Get the Recipe: Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad
Spring Fiddlehead Salad With Dill-Lemon Balm Kefir Dressing
Spring fiddlehead salad with a creamy kefir dressing comes together in about 25 minutes. The greens are crisp with a mild bitterness that pairs well with the dill and lemon. It’s a light, seasonal dish with a punchy dressing. A solid way to try something new without overcomplicating it.
Get the Recipe: Spring Fiddlehead Salad With Dill-Lemon Balm Kefir Dressing
Circassian Fried Cheese With A Middle-Eastern Field Salad
Circassian fried cheese, served with a tomato-cucumber salad, is ready in about 30 minutes. The cheese is salty and crisp, while the salad stays juicy and fresh. The flavors are balanced with herbs and a light acidity. Feels rich and refreshing at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Circassian Fried Cheese With A Middle-Eastern Field Salad
Arugula Salad With Endive, Mozzarella, Pecans, And Pomegranate Seeds
Arugula tossed with endive, fresh mozzarella, pomegranate, and pecans comes together in 15 minutes. The mix is peppery, crunchy, and slightly sweet. It’s layered without being fussy. The kind of salad that dresses up the table without needing much effort.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Salad With Endive, Mozzarella, Pecans, And Pomegranate Seeds
Tomato Avocado Salad With Dukkah Seasoning
Tomato avocado salad with dukkah seasoning and lemon dressing is ready in under 10 minutes. The texture is soft and crunchy, with a nutty spice and citrus flavor. It’s simple, bold, and full of contrast. Great as a side or scooped straight from the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Avocado Salad With Dukkah Seasoning
Bulgur Salad With Roasted Butternut Squash And Leeks
Bulgur salad with roasted squash and leeks takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. The grain is nutty, the squash is tender, and the leeks add just the right amount of savoriness. It’s hearty enough to be the main. Warm or cold, it works.
Get the Recipe: Bulgur Salad With Roasted Butternut Squash And Leeks
Israeli Tuna Salad With Pickles And Corn
Israeli tuna salad with pickles, corn, and parsley mixes up in 15 minutes. The flavor is creamy, tangy, and a little bit sweet. The tuna adds protein without heaviness. It’s a quick, filling dish that’s good by itself or stuffed in a pita.
Get the Recipe: Israeli Tuna Salad With Pickles And Corn
Ukrainian Cucumber Salad
Ukrainian cucumber salad made with sour cream and dill takes just 10 minutes to make. The cucumbers are cool and crisp, and the dressing is tangy and smooth. Each bite is simple and refreshing. One of those salads that shows up with every meal.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Cucumber Salad
Colombian Fruit Salad
Colombian fruit salad with condensed milk, cheese, and coconut comes together in 15 minutes. It’s creamy, sweet, and slightly savory, with chunks of tropical fruit. The texture is juicy with soft and chewy bites. More dessert than side, but no one complains.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Fruit Salad
Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad)
Russian vinaigrette salad, made with beets, potatoes, and carrots, takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare and chill. The flavor is earthy, tangy, and just sweet enough. The colors pop, and it holds up well for leftovers. A retro favorite that still works today.
Get the Recipe: Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad)
Fennel And Mango Slaw
Fennel and mango slaw with lime dressing comes together in just 20 minutes. The texture is crisp and juicy with a sweet-tart flavor that cuts through heavier dishes. It’s bright, simple, and totally unexpected. A solid upgrade to the usual slaw routine.
Get the Recipe: Fennel And Mango Slaw
Goat Cheese Salad
Goat cheese salad with greens, nuts, and vinaigrette comes together in about 15 minutes. The cheese is creamy and tangy while the greens stay crisp. It’s a little fancy without trying too hard. Works just as well for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Salad
Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Kale apple salad with poppy seed dressing is ready in 15 minutes. The kale is massaged until tender, and the apples bring crunch and sweetness. The dressing is smooth with a mild tang. Great for prepping ahead without it getting soggy.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
Roasted sweet potato salad with greens and red onion takes 40 minutes to make. The potatoes are soft and caramelized, while the greens stay fresh. It’s warm, filling, and doesn’t need much else. Tastes like fall but fits in any season.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
Apple And Bitter Greens Salad
Apple and bitter greens salad with a sharp vinaigrette takes 15 minutes to prepare. The apples are crisp and sweet, and the greens have bite. It’s light, bold, and made to pair with something rich. One of those salads that doesn’t fade into the background.
Get the Recipe: Apple And Bitter Greens Salad
Tabbouleh Salad With Feta
Tabbouleh with bulgur, parsley, tomato, and feta is ready in 25 minutes. The texture is soft with plenty of fresh crunch from the herbs and cucumber. It’s tangy, salty, and cool. Great in summer but still fits the plate year-round.
Get the Recipe: Tabbouleh Salad With Feta
Fried Halloumi Salad
Fried halloumi over greens with tomatoes and lemon dressing takes about 20 minutes. The cheese is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, adding both salt and texture. It’s warm and cool in the same bite. A fast way to make a salad feel like more.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad
Israeli Salad
Israeli chopped salad with tomato, cucumber, onion, and lemon is ready in 10 minutes. The flavor is fresh, tart, and full of crunch. It’s great on its own or tucked into a pita. Simple, clean, and always in style.
Get the Recipe: Israeli Salad
Berry Salad With Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, And Pomegranate Arils
Berry salad with arugula, red onion, pomegranate, and nuts takes 15 minutes to assemble. The mix is sweet, sharp, and a little peppery. It’s juicy, colorful, and hard to forget. Perfect when you want something with both crunch and color.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad With Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, And Pomegranate Arils
Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad
Napa cabbage salad with chili, vinegar, and garlic comes together in under 15 minutes. The flavor is sharp, sour, and a little spicy. It’s bold and crisp without being heavy. Good for cutting through anything rich on the table.
Get the Recipe: Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad
Mediterranean White Bean Salad With Feta
White bean salad with feta, tomato, cucumber, and herbs is ready in 15 minutes. The beans are soft and creamy, while the veggies remain crisp. It’s salty, herby, and makes a filling meal on its own. Great with crackers or just a fork.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean White Bean Salad With Feta
Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad
Pickled beet cucumber salad with dill takes 10 minutes plus chill time. The beets are earthy, the cucumbers are crisp, and the dressing is sweet and tangy. The texture is bright and juicy with a little crunch. Easy to prep and even easier to finish.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad
Salmon Salad With Bagel
Salmon salad with greens, bagel chunks, and a mustard vinaigrette can be prepared in 15 minutes. The fish is flaky and smoky, and the bagel adds chewy texture. It’s salty, tangy, and easy to make a complete meal. A deli-inspired salad that doesn’t skimp.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad With Bagel
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