Who said salads are boring? Here are 17 salad recipes that make even the biggest veggie haters rethink their choices. Those friends and family who usually push their greens around the plate are suddenly coming back for seconds. Watch as those skeptical faces turn into nods of approval around the table. These aren’t your typical ‘rabbit food’ options; they’re loaded with flavors that make everyone sit up and take notice.
![Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shirazi-salad-closeup.jpg)
Mexican Street Corn Salad
![Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/mexican-street-corn-salad-resized.jpg)
Ever thought a salad could bring a party to your plate? That’s exactly what Mexican Street Corn Salad does. Perfect for those who swear they’re not into veggies, this dish has a knack for turning heads and changing minds. It’s a bold, flavorful choice that makes even the biggest veggie skeptics come back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Egg Salad
![The Best Egg Salad on the Planet.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/egg-salad-resized-1.jpg)
If you’re looking for a classic that never goes out of style, look no further than Egg Salad. This recipe proves simplicity is key, wrapping comfort in every bite. Ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner, it invites everyone to reconsider their salad preconceptions. It’s about rediscovering an old favorite in a new light.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad
Old Fashioned Ham Salad
![Ham Salad with dill pickle on a plate.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ham-salad-resized.jpg)
Those who think salads are just leafy greens haven’t met Old Fashioned Ham Salad. It’s a nod to tradition, blending nostalgia with the kind of freshness modern palates crave. Great for gatherings or a solo treat, this dish makes a convincing argument that salads can indeed be hearty and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
![Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/FINISHED-3H.jpg)
Introducing a salad that breaks all the stereotypes: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. It’s a lively mix that effortlessly combines lean protein with a crunch, proving that salads can be both nourishing and interesting. This one’s for anyone who’s ever found salads boring, offering a refreshing twist that demands attention.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Classic Caprese Salad
![A top-down shot of a classic caprese salad in a black dish.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/caprese-salad-finished-1a.jpg)
There’s something about a Classic Caprese Salad that speaks of eternal summer. It’s a testament to how a few quality components can come together to create something incredibly fresh and inviting. Perfect for those looking for a light yet impactful meal, it brings a slice of Italian elegance to any table, no matter the season.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad
Pesto Orzo Salad
![Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/pesto-orzo-salad-finished-3H.jpg)
For a truly transformative salad experience, dig into the vibrant world of Pesto Orzo Salad. This dish is all about bringing zing and color to the table, challenging the very idea of what a salad can be. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone aiming to add a bit more excitement to their mealtime routine, proving that salads can indeed be thrilling.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
![Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/curried-chicken-salad-resized.jpg)
If you’re looking to impress someone who’s not a big fan of greens, this is the recipe to do it. Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins combines unique flavors in a way that transforms salad into a hearty meal. It’s a game changer, offering a bold taste that can turn any skeptic into a salad believer. A must-try for both adventurous eaters and those who think they’ve seen it all.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
![Four Mediterranean Tuna Salad stuffed avocados on a white plate.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Mediterranean.webp)
Try the freshness of the sea with a Mediterranean Tuna Salad that promises a whirlwind of flavors. This dish is perfect for someone looking to experience the essence of Mediterranean cuisine in a refreshing way. Fresh, light, and brimming with flavor, it’s set to convert guests who usually steer clear of salads. Expect requests for seconds, as this dish is known to make waves.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Southern Ham Salad
![A bowl of Southern ham salad and croissants on a wooden table.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/southern-ham-salad-finished-horizontal.jpg)
Don’t let the word ‘salad’ fool you; Southern Ham Salad is a robust dish that’s bound to win over anyone. With a nod to classic Southern flavors, this salad breaks all the norms and introduces a meaty, savory alternative to the greens-heavy stereotype. It’s the perfect entry for converting those who think salads aren’t filling enough.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
![A black bowl filled with tabbouleh salad with smoked tomatoes.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/close-up-2.jpg)
Here comes a twist on a classic that’ll intrigue even the most steadfast veggie avoiders. Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes introduces a smoky flavor to a beloved dish, creating a unique sensory experience. It’s a fresh spin on an old favorite, guaranteed to pique interest and appetite. Don’t be surprised when guests, who were initially skeptical, come asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Greek Salad
![Greek Salad with a round block of feta in the middle.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/greek-salad-resized.jpeg)
The classic Greek Salad is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something spectacular. This dish is a celebration of crisp, fresh vegetables paired in harmony, challenging the misconception that salads are boring. It’s a vibrant, colorful addition to any meal that commands attention. Watch as it wins over hearts, one crunch at a time.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad
Salmon Pasta Salad
![Salmon pasta salad in a black dish.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Salmon-Pasta-Salad.jpg)
Who says salad can’t be the main event? Salmon Pasta Salad is here to prove that salads can be both nutritious and filling. This dish blends the richness of salmon with the comfort of pasta, making it an instant favorite. It’s the kind of salad that assures no one misses out on the joy of a well-rounded meal.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
![An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/tex-mex-ceasear-salad-finished-1h.jpeg)
If you’re skeptical about greens, this twist will change your mind. Tex-Mex Caesar Salad blends familiar flavors in an unexpected way. It proves that a well-loved classic can take on a new identity, offering an experience that’s both fresh and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
![Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan on a white platter.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/asparagus-with-lemon-and-parmesan-finished-1.jpg)
Reimagining how greens and veggies can be enjoyed, this dish brings a bright perspective to the table. With Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan at the center, it’s easy to see how simple components can transform a meal. The result is a flavorful journey that invites even the most reluctant to give greens another go.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
Chinese Chicken Salad
![A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/asian-chicken-salad.webp)
Imagine a salad that’s as far from mundane as you can get. That’s what Chinese, Chicken Salad brings to your dining experience. It’s a mix that combines varied textures and flavors in a harmony that challenges preconceived notions about what a salad can be. This one’s a game-changer, especially for those unenthusiastic about veggies.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad
Cucumber Salad with Feta
![Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cucumber-salad-with-feta-horizontal.webp)
Here’s a dish that makes a statement on simplicity and freshness. Cucumber Salad with Feta is all about letting the natural flavors shine through. It’s a testament to how a few choice components can create something incredibly appealing, encouraging even the biggest veggie skeptics to dive in.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Shirazi Salad
![Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shirazi-salad-closeup.jpg)
This salad is a celebration of freshness and simplicity. Shirazi Salad is a masterclass in how minimal ingredients can produce a vibrant and refreshing outcome. It’s an invitation to relook at salads, not as a boring side but as a centerpiece capable of bringing a fresh zest to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad