25 Best Side Salad Recipes to Elevate Any Meal

These easy side salad recipes will level up your meals with a burst of freshness. They add color, flavor, and nutrition to any plate. 

Are you looking for a healthy accompaniment for your dinner? Or perhaps you’re seeking a quick and easy side dish. Either way, these side salads are the perfect complement to any meal.

There are classics like Caesar salad that go with chicken, beef, and more. Or you can try an interesting combination like strawberries and balsamic vinaigrette. There’s a side salad to suit everyone’s tastes.

Let’s take a journey through the delicious world of side salad recipes!

1. Goes with Everything Side Salad

This salad truly goes with everything! It features creamy cheese, crunchy croutons, and nutty sunflower seeds. The flavors meld together perfectly.

Use tongs or two spoons to mix in the dressing. Be sure it’s fully coated in the vinaigrette for a burst of tangy flavor. 

This side salad can even be served as a main course by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.

2. Everyday Salad

Who has the time to fuss around with complicated recipes? This “everyday” salad is simple, quick, and oh-so-tasty.

It’s packed with leafy greens, red onions, and seeds. This salad is the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

3. Simple Side Salad

The combination of crisp lettuce, sweet carrots, and greens creates a balanced blend of flavors and textures. It’s impossible to resist!

Drizzle a light vinaigrette or creamy dressing over the top to bring out the flavors even more. 

It’s a great way to add a boost of vegetables to your diet and enjoy a little something extra with every bite.

4. Tossed Green Salad

A tossed green salad is a simple dish. But it’s a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.

The flavors of the greens and vegetables mingle with the dressing to create a light and refreshing taste. 

Enjoy this salad on its own or pair it with a protein such as grilled chicken or fish.

5. Easy Side Salad with Lemon Dressing

A side salad doesn’t have to be boring, and this easy-peasy recipe proves it.

Crisp greens are perfectly balanced with bright flavors from the lemon dressing. Each bite is a delight for the senses. 

The addition of feta cheese brings a tangy and salty element. And the sunflower seeds offer a nutty crunch.

6. The Little Green Salad

You’ll love this little green salad! The combination of crisp baby greens and pine nuts mingles with the tanginess of Parmesan cheese. 

Toss it all together with a homemade lemon Dijon vinaigrette. It’s so flavorful and healthy. It’s the perfect appetizer recipe for your next party.

7. Simple Italian Salad

The recipe is incredibly easy to follow. Simply mix all of the ingredients, toss them in a lovely Italian vinaigrette, and serve!

It’s low in calories, and the flavors and texture blend so well together. Every bite is an explosion of flavor. 

Who doesn’t love an easy recipe?

8. 10-Minute Ensalata Verde

This salad is the perfect combination of fresh, tangy, and creamy ingredients. The flavors work together in perfect harmony, with just the right amount of crunch and zest. 

It’s quick and easy to throw together, and it pairs well with a variety of entrees. 

Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light and satisfying meal. Or add it to tacos or burritos for some extra zest.

9. Simple Caesar Salad

This flavorful salad is made with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and tangy Parmesan cheese. However, what really brings it all together is the creamy and zesty Caesar dressing.

With such a versatile recipe, there are so many things you can pair it with. This delicious and easy-to-make salad will be your new go-to.

10. Simple Spinach Salad

A simple spinach salad might sound ordinary. But when done right, the flavors are nothing short of extraordinary. 

For a pop of savory nuttiness, sprinkle on some sliced almonds. Finally, drizzle on a simple balsamic vinaigrette to tie it all together.

Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a healthy and delicious dinner option.

11. Easy Kale Salad with Fresh Lemon Dressing

This easy kale salad with fresh lemon dressing is nutritious and refreshing. The kale provides a hearty base and stands up to the tangy flavors of the dressing. 

If you find the kale too bitter, add some sliced almonds or chopped apples to counteract it.

12. Super Simple Arugula Salad

There’s nothing like a salad made with fresh, peppery arugula and drizzled with balsamic vinegar. The combination of flavors is both tangy and savory, with just the right amount of bite. 

Add a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese for a simple yet delicious dish. It’s the perfect accent to any meal.

13. Best Greek Salad

Greek salad is truly in a league of its own. 

Featuring cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese, it’s a real flavor explosion. The olive oil dressing takes it over the top for the perfect finishing touch.

Add fresh oregano and basil for some extra zing. Or, top it with bell peppers for extra crunch.

14. Shaved Fennel Salad

This shaved fennel salad is refreshing and bursting with flavors. It’s full of thinly sliced fennel tossed with a simple yet delicious dressing. 

The mild anise flavor of fennel balances well with the acidic tang of the dressing. And the crunchy texture of the salad adds a nice contrast. 

It can be served as a refreshing side dish. Or, try it as a light meal served over protein to make it heartier.

15. Classic Wedge Salad

This classic is traditionally made with a crisp wedge of iceberg lettuce topped with creamy blue cheese dressing. It’s easy to see why it’s a beloved favorite.

The contrasting flavors and textures create a perfect balance for your tastebuds. The crunch of the lettuce complements the dressing and the saltiness of the bacon perfectly.

16. Summer Berry Salad

Picture a bed of fresh greens topped with juicy berries bursting with summer sweetness. This summer berry salad is a flavor explosion in every bite. 

The tartness of blueberries is balanced perfectly by the richness of sliced strawberries. A generous sprinkle of tangy feta cheese is the cherry on top.

Add a grilled chicken breast or some quinoa for protein for a satisfying meal.

17. Autumn Salad with Apple and Pecans

Fall is the season of vibrant colors and rich flavors. And this autumn salad with apple and pecans is no exception. 

The tartness of the thinly sliced apples is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of maple-glazed pecans. The bite of green onion adds just the right amount of sharpness. 

All of these ingredients are drizzled with a tangy maple vinaigrette, emphasizing the flavors of fall.

18. Strawberry Salad with Balsamic

There’s something irresistible about the combination of sweet and tangy. And this salad totally nails it. It’s the perfect blend of spring flavors. It’ll make you want to throw open the windows and invite the sunshine in. 

The succulent strawberries pair perfectly with the tart balsamic vinaigrette. And the mixed greens provide a dash of crunch.

Once you try this side salad, you’ll serve it all the time.

19. Chopped Caprese Salad

The recipe includes tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. It’s a delightful blend of tastes and textures. 

The acidity from the tomatoes complements the savory cheese perfectly. The basil adds beautiful herbaceousness. Yum!

20. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

This salad is a perfect dish for a healthy and refreshing appetizer! 

The fragrant and earthy flavors of shaved Brussels sprouts blend perfectly with crunchy pine nuts. It’s all balanced with the sweetness of dried cranberries. 

The salad is dressed in olive oil and lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.

21. Chickpea Salad

The recipe is made with chickpeas, vegetables, and herbs. The chickpeas serve as the base. They’re mixed with tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. 

This irresistible salad is served with yummy red wine vinegar and cumin vinaigrette.

22. Asian Side Salad

This salad combines leafy greens, shallots, and red onions. The zesty soy sauce and ginger dressing pull it all together. 

The flavors work in perfect harmony, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

23. Cranberry Walnut Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

This recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. It’s a refreshing and healthy dish you can feel good about.

The dried cranberries add the perfect amount of sweetness. The walnuts provide a crunchy texture to complement the fresh greens.

24. Mesclun Salad with Goat Cheese

The bitter taste of mesclun greens alongside the sweetness of pecans can’t be topped. It’s a flavorful balance you won’t find in a store-bought salad. 

The creamy goat cheese beautifully complements the natural flavors of the greens. It adds a rich and indulgent layer of texture to the dish. Delicious!

25. Bright Spring Salad

This salad features a mix of vibrant greens, tangy citrus fruits, and crunchy toppings. It brings together a perfect balance of textures and flavors. 

The zesty dressing adds an extra pop of brightness to the already luscious ingredients. 

Plus, it’s a nutrient powerhouse. Who doesn’t love that?