Brunch and BBQ don’t always have a lot in common, but these 25 salads work for both without a problem. They’re easy to prep, hold up well, and bring enough flavor to fit in anywhere. You can serve them cold, warm, or straight from the fridge. When the menu needs something flexible, these are the ones to count on.
Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad
Hot and Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad takes 15 minutes with vinegar, chili flakes, and green onions. It’s crisp, spicy, and bright with just enough heat. The cabbage holds up well over time. It works just as well on a brunch table as it does beside grilled meat.
Get the Recipe: Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad
Ukrainian Cucumber Salad
Ukrainian Cucumber Salad takes 10 minutes with sour cream, dill, and sliced cucumbers. It’s creamy, cool, and lightly tangy. The cucumbers stay crisp even after sitting. It’s easy to pair with eggs, burgers, or anything in between.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Cucumber Salad
Fennel And Mango Slaw
Fennel and Mango Slaw takes 20 minutes with sliced fennel, mango, and a citrus dressing. It’s crunchy, sweet, and a little tangy. The mango softens the sharp edge of the fennel. It tastes fresh and holds its own next to anything grilled or baked.
Get the Recipe: Fennel And Mango Slaw
Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime and Sesame
Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime, and Sesame takes 15 minutes with crisp lettuce, fresh herbs, and a tangy-sweet dressing. It’s crunchy, slightly sweet, and sharp from the lime. The sesame adds a nutty finish. It’s built for lighter plates but still stands out.
Get the Recipe: Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime and Sesame
Bulgur Salad With Roasted Butternut Squash And Leeks
Bulgur Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Leeks takes 45 minutes and brings in warm roasted veggies with chewy grains. It’s hearty, slightly sweet, and full of texture. The leeks add depth without overpowering. It works warm or cold, making it easy to serve anywhere.
Get the Recipe: Bulgur Salad With Roasted Butternut Squash And Leeks
Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad)
Russian Vinaigrette Salad takes 1 hour with beets, potatoes, carrots, and pickles. It’s earthy, tangy, and lightly dressed with oil. The vegetables stay structured and colorful. It pairs well with eggs, meats, or anything from the grill.
Get the Recipe: Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad)
Goat Cheese Salad
Goat Cheese Salad takes 15 minutes with leafy greens, creamy goat cheese, and a vinaigrette. It’s tangy, smooth, and sharp all at once. The cheese adds richness without being too heavy. It’s a solid option for both morning and midday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Salad
Fried Halloumi Salad
Fried Halloumi Salad takes 20 minutes and features crispy cheese over greens with herbs and lemon. It’s salty, chewy, and balanced with freshness. The halloumi stays firm and warm even after sitting. It’s a salad that feels filling without being too much.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad
Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad
Purple Cabbage and Pickled Mushroom Salad takes 20 minutes with shredded cabbage, marinated mushrooms, and fresh herbs. It’s tangy, crunchy, and full of flavor. The mushrooms add bite that balances the cabbage. It brings color and edge to both light and bold plates.
Get the Recipe: Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad
Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing takes 15 minutes and mixes crisp apples with hearty kale and a tangy-sweet dressing. It’s crunchy, fresh, and holds up for hours. The apples give it just enough sweetness. It works great at brunch or outside by the grill.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Berry Salad With Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, And Pomegranate Arils
Berry Salad with Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, and Pomegranate Arils takes 10 minutes and brings sweet, sharp, and crunchy together. It’s juicy, fresh, and layered with contrast. The arugula keeps it from feeling too sweet. It’s a good mix for both sweet and savory meals.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad With Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, And Pomegranate Arils
Mediterranean White Bean Salad With Feta
Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta takes 10 minutes with beans, cucumbers, herbs, and cheese. It’s creamy, crunchy, and tastes fresh without being bland. The feta adds salt and richness. It’s hearty enough for lunch but still light enough for the side.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean White Bean Salad With Feta
Tomato Avocado Salad With Dukkah Seasoning
Tomato Avocado Salad with Dukkah Seasoning takes 10 minutes with ripe tomatoes, avocado, and spice mix. It’s creamy, juicy, and bold from the dukkah. The flavor mix is simple but feels full. It works on toast or beside grilled meat.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Avocado Salad With Dukkah Seasoning
Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad
Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad takes 15 minutes with beets, cucumbers, and onions in a light brine. It’s tangy, crisp, and slightly sweet. The beets give it color, the cucumbers keep it refreshing. It holds up well in the sun and pairs with most mains.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad
Circassian Fried Cheese With A Middle-Eastern Field Salad
Circassian Fried Cheese with Middle-Eastern Field Salad takes 25 minutes with pan-fried cheese and a chopped herb salad. It’s salty, crisp, and fresh all at once. The contrast between warm and cool keeps it interesting. It fits just as well with eggs as it does grilled chicken.
Get the Recipe: Circassian Fried Cheese With A Middle-Eastern Field Salad
Salmon Salad With Bagel
Salmon Salad with Bagel takes 20 minutes using smoked salmon, salad greens, and sliced bagels. It’s salty, fresh, and filling without being heavy. The bagel brings in just enough chew. It makes sense at any time of day.
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Arugula Salad With Endive, Mozzarella, Pecans, And Pomegranate Seeds
Arugula Salad with Endive, Mozzarella, Pecans, and Pomegranate Seeds takes 15 minutes and brings sweet, bitter, and creamy notes to the plate. It’s crisp, juicy, and easy to like. The mozzarella softens each bite. It works with fruit, eggs, or grilled mains.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Salad With Endive, Mozzarella, Pecans, And Pomegranate Seeds
Tabbouleh Salad With Feta
Tabbouleh Salad with Feta takes 20 minutes and mixes bulgur, parsley, tomatoes, and cheese. It’s chewy, bright, and slightly salty. The feta holds everything together with just the right punch. It’s good solo or with anything coming off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Tabbouleh Salad With Feta
Israeli Tuna Salad With Pickles And Corn
Israeli Tuna Salad with Pickles and Corn takes 10 minutes and mixes tuna with crunchy pickles and sweet corn. It’s creamy, tangy, and lightly sweet. The pickles add texture and balance. It’s an easy serve that holds up on any table.
Get the Recipe: Israeli Tuna Salad With Pickles And Corn
Israeli Salad
Israeli Salad takes 10 minutes with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs. It’s crisp, juicy, and fresh with a light lemon dressing. The veggies hold their shape and flavor. It’s always a welcome side that doesn’t compete.
Get the Recipe: Israeli Salad
Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
Roasted Sweet Potato Salad takes 40 minutes and features tender sweet potatoes, herbs, and a light dressing. It’s soft, sweet, and balanced with just enough tang. The potatoes soak in flavor but don’t fall apart. It’s hearty but still fits at brunch.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
Apple And Bitter Greens Salad
Apple and Bitter Greens Salad takes 15 minutes with sliced apples, mixed greens, and a simple dressing. It’s sweet, sharp, and refreshing. The bitterness plays well with the fruit. It fills a plate without feeling heavy.
Get the Recipe: Apple And Bitter Greens Salad
Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad takes 30 minutes with couscous, vegetables, and spices. It’s chewy, warm, and lightly spiced. The couscous absorbs everything without getting soggy. It holds up well and tastes good no matter the time of day.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
Spring Fiddlehead Salad With Dill-Lemon Balm Kefir Dressing
Spring Fiddlehead Salad with Dill-Lemon Balm Kefir Dressing takes 30 minutes and uses foraged greens and a tangy herb dressing. It’s crisp, sour, and slightly grassy. The dressing keeps it light but flavorful. It’s a seasonal side that still fits any setting.
Get the Recipe: Spring Fiddlehead Salad With Dill-Lemon Balm Kefir Dressing
Quinoa Cucumber Salad
Quinoa Cucumber Salad takes 20 minutes with cooked quinoa, cucumbers, and lemon. It’s refreshing, nutty, and light. The quinoa adds just enough heft to make it filling. It plays well with sweet, salty, or smoky mains.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Cucumber Salad
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