15 Deliciously Different Salads That Will Make You Question Everything You Thought You Knew About Greens

Photo of author

| Published:

15 Deliciously Different Salads That Will Make You Question Everything You Thought You Knew About Greens

Discover 15 different salads for fresh and exciting ways to enjoy your greens. These recipes are not your typical salads; they provide new and interesting flavors. Every meal can become an opportunity to try something different. With these diverse salad options, you can add variety to your daily meals and elevate your dining experience. Explore the potential of salads to be more than just a side dish and become the star of the show on your dinner table.

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Adding a little spice can transform any meal, and this salad is no exception. It’s inspired by the lively flavors found on the streets of Mexico. With each bite, you’ll be reminded of the vibrant life and colors that this country is known for. It’s a refreshing take on traditional greens, mixing in a little bit of Mexican flair.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crunchy, sweet, and full of comfort, this salad brings together the richness of nuts with the brightness of fruit. It’s the perfect mix for a lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. Whether it’s a picnic or a desk lunch, you’ll find this combo hard to resist. Let the mix of chicken, tart cranberries, and earthy walnuts refresh your day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

A bowl of yellow bean and potato salad.
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Here’s something hearty that celebrates the humble potato in a fresh way. Combined with the crunch of yellow beans, it’s a side dish that could easily steal the show. Perfect for family gatherings or a filling lunch, it promises a satisfying meal without being too heavy. It’s one of those 15 unique salads that brings new excitement to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who said salads have to be boring? This one takes your palate on an adventure with a hint of spice and sweetness. The curried twist makes it a standout option for those who like a bit of excitement in their meals. Savor the combination of flavors and let this be a standout in your collection of different salads.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine basking in the sun along a Mediterranean shore as you enjoy a mix that’s full of flavor and freshness. This salad pairs tiny orzo pasta with the lightness of shrimp. It’s a refreshing medley that’s fitting for any meal that needs a seaside vibe. Making new discoveries in salad options has never been so delightful.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Southern Ham Salad

A bowl of Southern ham salad and croissants on a wooden table.
Southern Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

It’s a taste of southern comfort on a plate. With chunks of savory ham, this salad is a nod to traditional southern flavors. Enjoy it at a backyard BBQ or as a quick meal on a busy day. It’s all about simple pleasures and homespun recipes that offer a different take on salad.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad

Coronation Chicken Salad

A pan of coronation chicken salad next to a plate of lettuce and tomatoes.
Coronation Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This one has a regal background, but don’t let that fool you—it’s accessible to any home cook. It’s creamy, savory, and a little bit exotic, celebrating a blend of tastes that are rich in tradition. Perfect for an impressive lunch or dinner that doesn’t require fancy cooking skills. It’s a part of rethinking what salads can be all about.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Rotisserie chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Busy days call for meals that are both satisfying and quick to prepare. By utilizing rotisserie chicken, this pasta salad makes mealtime a breeze. It’s an ideal choice for a no-fuss dinner that still packs a lot of flavors. Turn to this option when you’re exploring the 15 different ways to enjoy salads.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Steak & Pasta Salad

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This hearty combination is perfect for those who want something more substantial from their greens. Tender slices of steak pair with pasta to create a meal that’s as filling as it is delicious. It’s the kind of dish that makes you look forward to lunchtime. Discovering unique salads means sometimes, they’re not just sides but the main event.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black dish.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a touch of elegance, this salad brings together pasta and flaky salmon. It’s a light yet satisfying choice, ideal for those days when you want a meal that feels a bit more special. Enjoy a serving of this when you want to elevate a simple lunch into something memorable. Exploring different salads can bring such surprises, and this one is a pleasant discovery.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fresh and full of herby goodness, this salad gives a nod to classic Italian flavors. Orzo dressed in pesto creates a simple yet robust side or main dish. Whether it’s part of a bigger meal or standing alone, it’s a delightful way to change up your greens. It’s part of embracing the wide array of salads that push the envelope of creativity.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for something wholesome that’ll fuel your day? Try blending the nuttiness of wheat berries with the lightness of tuna and the juiciness of tomatoes. It’s a complete meal that balances taste and nutrition effectively. This is just one of many unique salads that open up a world of possibility for health-conscious eaters.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Giving a southwestern spin to a classic, this salad proves that Caesar can wear many hats. It’s bold, packed with distinctive flavors, and a definite shake-up from the original. Enjoy it on its own or as a fiery side to any main dish. It’s another reason why reinventing salads can be so much fun.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Freshness is at the heart of this salad, with a Middle Eastern twist. It’s a simple concoction that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful. Perfect for hot days or as a complement to more robust dishes. It’s an example of the kind of diversity you’ll find when exploring new ways to enjoy salads.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Four Mediterranean Tuna Salad stuffed avocados on a white plate.
Mediterranean Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Take your taste on a trip to the sunny coasts of the Mediterranean with this light and flavorful mix. It pairs well with any meal, bringing a touch of brightness to your plate. Quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear from your plate, it’s a definite crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.