Quick Side Salads to Pair with Any Meal

Side salads are a simple way to round out any meal, whether you’re having something light or hearty. They add color, texture, and a fresh bite that balances your plate without much fuss.

These quick recipes are great for busy days, last-minute dinners, or when you just want something fresh and easy. They use basic ingredients you probably already have, and they come together in just a few minutes.

Whether you like something crisp and tangy or mild and herby, there’s a mix here that works with just about anything you’re serving. Keep a few of these in your back pocket you’ll be glad you did.

Mandarin Orange Salad

Bright and refreshing, this salad balances juicy mandarin oranges with crisp greens and a light dressing. The citrus adds a hint of sweetness that pairs perfectly with crunchy toppings like almonds or crispy noodles. It’s a great pick for something light, colorful, and just a bit unexpected on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Mandarin Orange Salad

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Hearty wheat berries give this salad a chewy bite that holds up well next to the tender tuna and juicy tomatoes. The grains soak up the flavor of the dressing, while the tomatoes bring a bit of acidity that keeps everything balanced. Great for meal prep or a no-fuss lunch.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Kale Tomato Bruschetta Salad

Inspired by the classic appetizer, this version tosses kale with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s rustic, simple, and comes together fast—think of it as bruschetta in salad form. A little grated cheese on top doesn’t hurt either.
Get the Recipe: Kale Tomato Bruschetta Salad

Colombian fruit salad

This vibrant mix goes beyond the usual fruit bowl. Often dressed with condensed milk or cheese, it brings together textures and flavors in a way that feels both playful and filling. It’s sweet, cool, and full of tropical flair.
Get the Recipe: Colombian fruit salad

Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

A little crunch goes a long way here—uncooked ramen noodles, toasted almonds, and cabbage make every bite crisp and satisfying. The tangy dressing ties everything together, and it’s one of those salads that’s even better after it sits a bit. Ideal for potlucks or easy weekday meals.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Cranberry Chicken Salad

Tender chicken, dried cranberries, and maybe a bit of celery or nuts create a nice mix of chewy and crisp. It’s balanced with a creamy dressing and just a hint of sweetness. Perfect stuffed into a sandwich or spooned over greens.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chicken Salad

Pecan Arugula Salad

Peppery arugula and toasted pecans bring a nutty, sharp bite that pairs well with a simple vinaigrette. Add goat cheese or shaved parmesan, and you’ve got something that feels fancy without any extra work. It’s quick to make and doesn’t need much else on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Arugula Salad

Fennel and Mango Slaw

Thinly sliced fennel and mango come together for a light, crunchy mix that’s a little sweet and a little herbal. It’s refreshing, especially when chilled, and works great alongside grilled meats or seafood. The flavors are clean and crisp, with just enough tang.
Get the Recipe: Fennel and Mango Slaw

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Think of your favorite deli sandwich turned into a pasta salad—salami, provolone, pepperoncini, and all. It’s bold and filling with plenty of crunch from fresh veggies. Great for feeding a crowd or packing in a lunchbox.
Get the Recipe: Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Brussels sprouts thinly sliced feel totally different—more delicate, more versatile. Add nuts, cheese, and a mustard-based dressing and you’ve got something fresh that holds up well, even after sitting. It’s crunchy, tangy, and far from boring.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Grilled Romaine with Truffle Dressing

Grilling romaine adds just the right hint of char, giving it a warm, smoky edge. The dressing (especially with truffle) adds depth and richness that makes it feel restaurant-worthy. A bit unexpected, but incredibly simple to pull off.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Romaine with Truffle Dressing

Fried Halloumi Salad

Halloumi brings that salty, crispy contrast that makes this salad stand out. Pair it with fresh greens, cucumbers, or even watermelon for something a little different. It’s quick, filling, and always a hit at the table.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad

Grinder Chopped Salad

Loaded with meats, cheese, and crunchy veggies, this one packs plenty of flavor into each bite. It’s creamy, crisp, and a little tangy—kind of like the best parts of a sub sandwich, minus the bread. Ideal when you want something a bit more substantial.
Get the Recipe: Grinder Chopped Salad

Summer Orzo Salad

This chilled pasta salad features orzo tossed with seasonal vegetables and a lemony dressing. It’s light but hearty enough to hold its own as a meal. Works well with grilled proteins or as a bring-along to any summer gathering.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

BLT Pasta Salad

Everything you love about a classic BLT—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh greens—gets tossed with pasta and a creamy dressing. It’s casual, crowd-friendly, and easy to pull together. A favorite for cookouts or quick lunches.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad

Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Crisp apples and hearty kale are a great contrast, and the creamy poppy seed dressing adds just the right amount of sweetness. This one’s great for fall, but honestly works year-round. A handful of nuts or seeds makes it even better.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Tortellini Salad

Cheese-stuffed tortellini are the base of this super simple, super satisfying salad. Toss with veggies, a light vinaigrette, and maybe some olives or salami. It’s filling and holds up well in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Salad

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Light and fresh, this salad brings together tender asparagus, fluffy couscous, and a hit of citrus. It’s a great match for seafood or as a side to grilled chicken. Bright, simple, and very spring-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Crispy Chicken Salad

Crispy chicken pieces add that satisfying crunch, while the rest of the salad keeps things light with greens, cucumbers, and maybe a few cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with your favorite dressing and you’ve got a full meal. It’s comfort food that still feels fresh.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken Salad

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

This one’s all about contrast—earthy beets, crisp cucumbers, and a tangy brine. It’s colorful, a little sour, and surprisingly refreshing. Perfect when you want something a bit out of the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Strawberry Chicken Salad

Sweet strawberries and savory chicken pair surprisingly well, especially with a balsamic or poppy seed dressing. Add in some greens, nuts, and maybe a sprinkle of cheese, and you’re set. It’s light, fruity, and hits all the right notes for warmer days.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Chicken Salad