Salad Recipes for Dinner & Sides (Fresh & Flavorful) | Cozy Home Recipes

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Easy Salad Recipes (Fresh, Healthy & Crowd-Pleasing Favorites)

Salad recipes don’t have to be boring or predictable. From fresh Mediterranean-inspired bowls and crunchy Asian-style slaws to creamy pasta salads and classic side dishes, these easy salad recipes are packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a healthy dinner side, or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this collection makes it simple to serve something fresh and satisfying.

Start With These Reader Favorites

If you're not sure where to begin, start with these reader-favorite salads. These fresh, flavorful recipes are some of the most popular and versatile on the site — perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday tables, or quick meal prep.

Colorful Greek salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta, and dill in a white dish. Fresh and vibrant presentation.

Colorful Greek salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta, and dill in a white dish. Fresh and vibrant presentation.

Cucumber Tomato Olive Salad with Lemon Dressing (Fresh Mediterranean Side Dish)

Fresh cucumber tomato olive salad with lemon dressing made with simple Mediterranean ingredients. Light, healthy, and perfect as a quick side dish or mezze.

Dec 22, 20252 min read

Bowl of Caesar salad with romaine, croutons, and grated cheese. Rustic wooden table, creamy dressing visible, cozy dining vibe.

Bowl of Caesar salad with romaine, croutons, and grated cheese. Rustic wooden table, creamy dressing visible, cozy dining vibe.

Classic Caesar Salad (Crisp, Creamy & Homemade)

Classic Caesar Salad — crisp romaine, Parmesan, and crunchy croutons tossed in creamy Caesar dressing. Easy, fresh, and perfect with pasta or chicken.

Nov 6, 20252 min read

Broccoli Bacon Salad — fresh, crunchy, and creamy! Classic Southern side dish with bacon, cheddar, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for holidays or picnics.

Broccoli Bacon Salad — fresh, crunchy, and creamy! Classic Southern side dish with bacon, cheddar, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for holidays or picnics.

Best Broccoli Bacon Salad (Quick, Crunchy & So Delicious!)

Broccoli Bacon Salad — fresh, crunchy, and creamy! Classic Southern side dish with bacon, cheddar, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for holidays or picnics.

Nov 6, 20252 min read

Fresh Mediterranean Salads

Mediterranean salads are bright, simple, and built around fresh vegetables, olive oil, herbs, and bold flavor. These recipes highlight wholesome ingredients and balanced textures that pair beautifully with grilled meats or stand alone as light meals.

A bowl of lentil salad with diced veggies and feta on a wooden table, flanked by oil and a cloth. Earthy tones and fresh mood.

A bowl of lentil salad with diced veggies and feta on a wooden table, flanked by oil and a cloth. Earthy tones and fresh mood.

Mediterranean Lentil Salad (Fresh, Protein-Packed & Meal-Prep Friendly)

Fresh Mediterranean Lentil Salad made with tender lentils, cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and lemon dressing. Protein-packed, meal-prep friendly, and ready in 35 minutes.

33 minutes ago3 min read

A vibrant Greek salad in a white bowl, featuring cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta, and herbs. Fresh and colorful setting.

A vibrant Greek salad in a white bowl, featuring cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta, and herbs. Fresh and colorful setting.

Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad (Fresh, Simple & Mediterranean-Inspired)

Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad made with fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, olive oil, and feta — a light, refreshing side perfect for Mediterranean dinners or summer meals.

Jan 202 min read

Close-up of a fresh Greek salad with black olives, feta cheese, sliced red onion, tomatoes, and green peppers. It looks vibrant and appetizing.

Close-up of a fresh Greek salad with black olives, feta cheese, sliced red onion, tomatoes, and green peppers. It looks vibrant and appetizing.

Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki) – Classic, Fresh & Mediterranean

This Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki) is a classic Mediterranean recipe with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta, and olive oil — fresh and flavorful.

Jan 32 min read

Crunchy Asian-Inspired Salads

If you love bold flavor and texture, these Asian-inspired salads bring crisp vegetables, sesame dressings, and sweet-savory balance together in every bite. Perfect for meal prep or takeout-inspired dinners at home.

A fresh shrimp salad with cucumbers, red chili, mint, and cilantro in a white bowl on a wooden table. Bright, colorful, and appetizing.

A fresh shrimp salad with cucumbers, red chili, mint, and cilantro in a white bowl on a wooden table. Bright, colorful, and appetizing.

Thai Cucumber and Shrimp Salad (Light, Zesty & Refreshingly Crisp)

Light and refreshing Thai Cucumber and Shrimp Salad with lime dressing, fresh herbs, and tender shrimp. Ready in 20 minutes and perfect for summer meals.

12 minutes ago3 min read

A bowl of Asian salad with crispy noodles, sliced almonds, cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds, and green onions. The background is neutral.

A bowl of Asian salad with crispy noodles, sliced almonds, cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds, and green onions. The background is neutral.

Asian Crunch Salad with Chow Mein Noodles (Crunchy, Sweet-Savory & Addictive)

Asian crunch salad made with crispy chow mein noodles, cabbage, carrots, and a sweet-savory sesame dressing. A quick, takeout-inspired salad with irresistible crunch.

Jan 252 min read

Colorful Asian salad with cabbage, carrots, green onions, almonds, and sesame seeds in a large white bowl with a wooden serving spoon.

Colorful Asian salad with cabbage, carrots, green onions, almonds, and sesame seeds in a large white bowl with a wooden serving spoon.

Crunchy Sesame Cabbage Salad (Fresh, Crunchy & Takeout-Inspired)

Crunchy sesame cabbage salad with a creamy sesame-ginger dressing. Fresh, crisp, and takeout-inspired, this easy Asian-style salad is ready in minutes.

Jan 252 min read

Sweet & Savory Spinach Salads

These spinach-based salads combine fresh greens with fruit, nuts, and creamy cheese for balanced flavor and vibrant color. Ideal for holidays, brunch, or light lunches.

Fresh spinach salad with avocado slices, raspberries, walnuts, and feta cheese. Bright, colorful, and vibrant ingredients in a white bowl.

Fresh spinach salad with avocado slices, raspberries, walnuts, and feta cheese. Bright, colorful, and vibrant ingredients in a white bowl.

Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts (Fresh, Bright & Naturally Nourishing)

This Raspberry Spinach Salad with Avocado and Walnuts is fresh, vibrant, and naturally nourishing. Made with baby spinach, raspberries, avocado, and walnuts, it’s perfect as a light lunch or side dish.

Jan 52 min read

Spinach salad with almonds, dried cranberries, and feta in a white bowl on a wooden table. Vibrant greens and reds. Rustic

Spinach salad with almonds, dried cranberries, and feta in a white bowl on a wooden table. Vibrant greens and reds. Rustic

Cranberry Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

Cranberry Spinach Salad — fresh spinach, cranberries, almonds, and feta tossed in honey Dijon dressing. Easy, festive, and perfect for the holidays.

Nov 6, 20252 min read

Fresh salad with spinach, apple slices, pecans, and feta on a wooden table. A salt shaker and white cloth are visible beside it.

Fresh salad with spinach, apple slices, pecans, and feta on a wooden table. A salt shaker and white cloth are visible beside it.

Apple Pecan Salad with Maple Dressing (Fresh, Crunchy & Fall-Inspired!)

Apple Pecan Salad — crisp apples, toasted pecans, and creamy cheese tossed in maple vinaigrette. Fresh, festive, and perfect for fall or holiday dinners.

Nov 6, 20252 min read

Creamy & Crowd-Pleasing Pasta & Side Salads

When you need something hearty and shareable, these creamy and classic side salads deliver comfort and flavor. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and family dinners.

Bowl of vibrant bean salad with chickpeas, red and black beans, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Wooden table background.

Bowl of vibrant bean salad with chickpeas, red and black beans, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Wooden table background.

Dense Bean Salad (DBS) – Protein-Packed, Flavorful Bean Salad Recipe

Make this hearty Dense Bean Salad loaded with colorful beans, crisp veggies, and a tangy homemade dressing. A protein-rich, make-ahead dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or healthy lunches.

Nov 9, 20253 min read

Top-view image of creamy ranch pasta salad — colorful rotini pasta with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar, bacon bits, and green onions coated in creamy ranch dressing. Warm cozy lighting, minimal rustic background, served in a family-style bowl.”

Top-view image of creamy ranch pasta salad — colorful rotini pasta with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar, bacon bits, and green onions coated in creamy ranch dressing. Warm cozy lighting, minimal rustic background, served in a family-style bowl.”

Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad (Quick, Fresh & Crowd-Pleasing!)

Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad — cool, tangy, and full of flavor! Easy make-ahead side dish with pasta, veggies, cheese, and bacon. Perfect for holidays or potlucks.

Nov 6, 20252 min read

Bowl of fresh salad with lettuce, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese on rustic wooden table. Vibrant and appetizing.

Bowl of fresh salad with lettuce, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese on rustic wooden table. Vibrant and appetizing.

Classic Southern Garden Salad (Fresh, Crisp & Simple!)

Classic Southern Garden Salad — fresh greens, crisp vegetables, and a touch of cheese. Simple, colorful, and perfect for pairing with any comfort meal.

Nov 6, 20252 min read

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