From Light Lunches to Full Meals: Salad Recipes That Deliver

Spring salads are all about fresh ingredients and bright flavors. With so many fruits, veggies, and herbs in season, it’s the perfect time to mix things up in the kitchen. These salads are light, colorful, and full of texture.

You’ll find a mix of greens, grains, and proteins that work well for quick lunches or easy dinners. Some are simple with just a handful of ingredients, while others are more layered but still easy to make. They’re flexible enough to match what you already have in your fridge.

Whether you want something crisp and crunchy or soft and refreshing, there’s a salad that fits the mood. These recipes bring out the best of spring ingredients without being complicated. They’re a great way to keep meals fresh and easy.

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Chopped ham mixed with creamy mayo, a little mustard, and some diced pickles or onions—this one’s all about simplicity and flavor. It works great as a sandwich filling, cracker spread, or even spooned over greens. It’s a nostalgic dish that’s just as good now as it was back then. A great way to use up leftover ham.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Wendy’s Jalapeño Popper Salad

Inspired by the fast-food favorite, this salad brings together crispy chicken, bacon, and shredded cheese over fresh greens, with jalapeños for a kick. A creamy dressing pulls everything together. It’s filling enough to stand on its own. A fun mashup of bold flavor and fresh crunch.
Get the Recipe: Wendy’s Jalapeño Popper Salad

Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

This salad is light and herby, with shredded chicken, rice, and a bright lemon-basil dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep or lunch on the go. The fresh herbs give it a garden-fresh vibe, and it’s easy to customize with what you have on hand. Great served chilled or at room temp.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs

A fresh take on classic tuna salad, this version is loaded with chopped herbs like parsley, dill, or chives. The herbs add brightness, while a light dressing keeps it from feeling heavy. Serve it in a sandwich, lettuce wrap, or straight from the bowl. A quick, protein-packed option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs

Club Sandwich Salad

This salad has all the best parts of a club sandwich—crispy bacon, diced chicken or turkey, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce—without the bread. A creamy dressing brings it all together. It’s hearty, fresh, and easy to make ahead. Great when you want something filling but a little lighter.
Get the Recipe: Club Sandwich Salad

TikTok Green Goddess Salad

Chopped cabbage and cucumber tossed with a vibrant green dressing made from herbs, lemon, and a touch of garlic. It’s all about that crunchy texture and bright flavor. Serve it solo or scoop it up with tortilla chips. A fun way to eat more greens without it feeling like a chore.
Get the Recipe: TikTok Green Goddess Salad

Kale Quinoa Salad

This nutrient-packed salad brings together hearty kale and fluffy quinoa, with extras like nuts, dried fruit, or feta to keep things interesting. A lemony dressing softens the greens and ties it all together. It holds up well, so it’s great for leftovers. Ideal for lunchboxes or light dinners.
Get the Recipe: Kale Quinoa Salad

Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Earthy roasted beets, cool cucumbers, tangy feta, and fresh dill make this salad stand out. It’s colorful, refreshing, and perfect for warm-weather meals. A simple vinaigrette keeps it light. Serve it as a side or with a hunk of crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Tortellini Salad

Cheese-filled tortellini tossed with veggies, olives, and a zippy dressing—this salad is hearty enough for a main dish. The pasta adds richness, while the raw veggies bring crunch. It’s easy to scale up for a crowd or meal prep. A fun spin on traditional pasta salad.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Salad

Pasta Salad without Mayo

Skip the mayo and go with a vinaigrette base for a lighter, more refreshing pasta salad. Toss in seasonal veggies, maybe some cheese or herbs, and it’s ready to go. It travels well and doesn’t need chilling, making it great for picnics. Still full of flavor, just a bit more laid back.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad without Mayo

Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Uncooked ramen noodles bring an unexpected crunch to this slaw-style salad. Tossed with cabbage, green onions, and a sweet-sour dressing, it’s got texture and tang. A handful of nuts or seeds adds even more bite. A nostalgic potluck favorite that’s stood the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Inspired by elote, this salad mixes corn, mayo or crema, cotija, lime, and a bit of spice. Serve it warm or cold, with plenty of fresh cilantro and chili powder. It works as a side or topping for tacos and grilled meats. A bold-flavored dish that’s easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Antipasto Salad

Packed with meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated veggies, this salad feels like a full meal in a bowl. A vinaigrette dressing pulls all the ingredients together. It’s salty, crunchy, and super customizable. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or no-cook summer dinners.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Greek Green Salad

Crisp lettuce, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta tossed with a lemon-oregano dressing—it’s light, fresh, and ready in minutes. Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it more filling. A go-to option for quick lunches or an easy dinner side. Nothing fancy, just solid and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Salad

Strawberry Chicken Salad

Sweet strawberries, tender chicken, and crunchy almonds come together over fresh greens in this easy salad. A light vinaigrette brings everything together without weighing it down. Great for a quick lunch or dinner when it’s too hot to cook. A mix of sweet and savory that just works.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Chicken Salad