15 Salads So Good You’ll Forget They’re Healthy

Salads have come a long way from being just an underwhelming bowl of sad greens. Today, they’re vibrant, flavorful, and packed with all types of veggies, grains, and proteins. Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing, hearty and filling, or bold and creative, you’ll be inspired to eat your greens with these 15 salad recipes.

Quinoa Black Bean Salad

This black bean quinoa salad recipe should be on the top of your recipes-to-make list! It’s light and bright, satisfying and nutritious, and loaded with plant-based protein and fiber, all with tons of layered flavor. Because it can be made ahead, it’s a great salad for everything from picnics to summer cookouts to healthy meal prep salads to get you through the week.

Get the Recipe: Black Bean Quinoa Salad.

Taco Salad

If you love a classic taco salad, you will always be happy to see this recipe on the menu. It’s quick, easy, and always hits the spot. Ground beef cooks super fast, making it a great weeknight option. Put out all of the salad components and let everyone make their own salad.

Get the Recipe: Easy Taco Salad.

Cowboy Caviar

Don’t tell the party guests that this bean dip is secretly super-nutritious – it is bound to be gobbled up based on flavor alone! Made with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, two types of beans, and a tangy dressing, it’s hard to stop eating this dip! Serve with tortilla chips or crackers for a scoopable snack that everyone always adores.

Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

You’ll love this Greek orzo pasta salad with bright, fresh flavors and satisfying, salty bites! It’s made with classic Greek ingredients like crunchy and crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, salty feta, and fresh dill. Everything is tossed with tender pasta and a red wine vinaigrette for a salad that’s utterly delicious.

Get the Recipe: Greek Orzo Salad.

Persimmon Arugula Salad

This winter salad is full of flavor from peppery arugula, juicy persimmon, creamy avocado, feta cheese, pistachios, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It’s simple, tasty, takes just 10 minutes to prep, and is an incredible holiday side dish.

Get the Recipe: Persimmon Arugula Salad.

Big Mac Salad

Skip the drive-thru and get the flavor you crave, at home. This recipe has Big Mac-inspired flavor in each bite, but with a lighter and fresher flavor. Serve with fries for a delicious and nutritious main course dinner salad.

Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad.

Mediterranean Dense Bean Salad

When you’re in the mood for a salad that’s incredibly delicious, fun to eat, and super nutritious, this garbanzo bean salad is what you’re going to want to make! Made with crunchy and fresh veggies, satisfying garbanzo beans, and a homemade vinaigrette, this salad can be prepped ahead for quick and healthy lunches or served as a side dish to your favorite protein.

Get the Recipe: Garbanzo Bean Salad.

Easy Napa Cabbage Slaw

This crunchy napa cabbage slaw recipe is the best coleslaw! Crunchy napa cabbage is studded with blue cheese crumbles and tossed in an easy and flavorful vinaigrette dressing. This easy coleslaw recipe takes just 15 minutes to make and 8 easy ingredients that you probably already have.

Get the Recipe: Easy Napa Cabbage Slaw.

Lemon Kale Salad

This easy lemon kale salad recipe is made with crunchy lacinato kale, a bright lemon dressing, and extra flavor from crunchy panko and shredded Parmesan cheese. After my cousin brought this kale salad to Thanksgiving one year, it was requested year after year – it’s that good! You can make this delicious salad ahead of time so that you aren’t adding extra work to your meal. Just keep the dressing to the side and mix it in right before serving. 

Get the Recipe: Lemon Kale Salad.

Spinach Salad with Bacon Dressing

A classic spinach salad with hot bacon dressing makes the most colorful and delicious side to offer for the holidays. It is rich and delicious, but not as heavy as many traditional holiday sides. The warm bacon dressing makes the salad extra special and we’ve added some seasonal additions like dried cranberries and pepitas for extra flavor, texture, and color.

Get the Recipe: Spinach Salad With Bacon Dressing.

Traditional Greek Cucumber Salad

This Greek cucumber salad is full of crunchy vegetables, olives, and feta cheese. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s good for you too. This salad is a perfect companion for any of your favorite Mediterranean meals or pair with some pita bread and hummus for a vegetarian meal. 

Get the Recipe: Greek Cucumber Salad.

Roasted Beet & Butternut Squash Salad

This salad screams fall! The beets and butternut squash are roasted for a soft, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the peppery arugula and creamy goat cheese. It’s all topped with a simple balsamic vinaigrette and pepitas for some crunch.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet & Squash Salad.

Greek Potato Salad with Green Beans

This tasty Greek potato salad is bursting with flavor, it’s really easy to make, and the whole family will enjoy it. This healthy side salad comes with not one nutritious veggie but two! Pair it with Mediterranean meals or grilled chicken.

Get the Recipe: Greek Potato Salad with Green Beans.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw

This shaved Brussels sprouts slaw is so easy to make and always a hit. Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cilantro, and pistachios are combined with a tasty homemade vinaigrette dressing. It’s healthy, delicious, and stands up to the dressing making it a great salad to prep ahead or take to parties.

Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw.

Greens with Kumquats and Pomegranate

This fresh salad is a combination of two different lettuces (butter and frisee) and kale and is topped with kumquats, pomegranate seeds, and pepitas. If you aren’t familiar with kumquats, they are a tiny fruit that looks like citrus, but you eat it whole, with the peel on. Red wine vinaigrette is recommended for drizzling, but you could also use a delicious citrus vinaigrette.

Get the Recipe: Greens with Kumquats and Pomegranate.