Food Recipe Collections & Favorites Healthy Meals 29 Healthy Salad Recipes That Will Revolutionize Your Lunch Game Eating your greens doesn’t need to be boring. By Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner is a writer and recipe developer. She's a regular contributor to The New York Times, Time Out New York, Forbes, and many more publications. She also writes the food newsletter, Specialty. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 19, 2024 Close Photo: Victor Protasio If the word salad doesn’t get you excited, that’s about to change. Homemade salads don’t need to be bland and boring. And they also don’t need to be totally over the top, like restaurant salads that leave you full of days. Making healthy salads at home can be quick, low cost, and highly rewarding to pack flavor, texture, and nutrients into a meal that feeds the whole family, or is pre-prepped for a week of super fulfilling lunches. No matter the season, a luscious, cravings-worthy healthy salad (truly) is just a few chops in your kitchen away. Whether you’re dressing up a bagged salad or going straight to a healthy salad recipe, get out the big bowl, because it’s salad time. Here’s what to make. 21 Easy Fall Salad Recipes to Make Tonight 01 of 29 Old School Taco Salad Fred Hardy Part comfort food, part health food, this taco in a bowl concept predates your favorite counter service burrito bowl, and it’s so easy to make at home. Crushed chips on top add a fun touch, and feel free to get creative with extra toppings, like pumpkin seeds, sliced avocado, and more. GET THE RECIPE 02 of 29 Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad With Crispy Pancetta and Fried Eggs Fred Hardy This Brussels sprouts salad is nutritious and filling, full of savory flavors from the pancetta to the fried egg served on top. The creamy dressing, which includes mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon zest and juice, pepper, and oil, binds all the flavors together. GET THE RECIPE 03 of 29 Shaved Carrot Salad Jennifer Causey The tahini, oil, vinegar, ginger, soy sauce, and garlic dressing brings this shaved carrot salad to life. The salad will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Eat it on its own or alongside a protein for a heartier lunch. GET THE RECIPE 04 of 29 Green Bean and Celery Salad Greg Dupree This refreshing salad mixes green beans, apples, and celery with a punchy apple cider vinegar and ginger dressing. It also gets a nutty flavor from the sesame seeds, giving the medley lots of contrast in flavors. Serve with your protein of choice or on its own for a tasty vegetarian main. GET THE RECIPE 05 of 29 Steak Salad With Herby Dressing Fred Hardy Steak topped salad is always a good idea, and this bright and herbaceous green salad is simple to make all year round. The dressing uses a combo of fresh lemon juice, green herbs, and olive oil for a tangy sauce you can use on anything. GET THE RECIPE 06 of 29 Grilled Honeynut Squash Salad Christopher Testani Honeynut squash and napa cabbage hit the grill before being mixed into fresh radicchio and topped with roasted crunchy pepitas and mint. Full of nutrients from various fruits and veggies, this healthy and festive toss will surely become a staple in your rotation this fall. GET THE RECIPE 07 of 29 Cantaloupe and Cucumber Salad Victor Protasio Fruit salad is totally salad (and cucumber is, yes, a fruit). The addition of briny feta brings this cantaloupe and cucumber combo together nicely, as a meal or side dish. GET THE RECIPE 08 of 29 Farro and Squash Salad Victor Protasio Whole grains and summer squash pair together so well texturally, and the addition of nuts to this healthy salad adds another element of crunch. Make this salad year round with various types of squash, and try swapping out the cheese or herbs for seasonal varieties to keep this salad in your rotation. GET THE RECIPE 09 of 29 Crunchy Salad With Chicken and Ginger Fred Hardy If you like a nice crisp crunch when you take a bite of salad, this recipe is for you. Orange juice, soy sauce, and rice vinegar all meld nicely with ginger for a zingy dressing, and a cabbage base makes this slaw-like salad extra crunchy. GET THE RECIPE 10 of 29 Spring Green Salad Greg DuPree As easy as chopping (or tearing) fresh lettuce and stirring together a fresh yogurt-based dressing, this healthy salad can easily become a weekday go-to. Try it with pre-washed spring greens for an even faster assembly, and use it as a base all year round for seasonal toppings and mix-ins. GET THE RECIPE 11 of 29 Steak and Blackberry Salad Andrew Purcell This composed salad looks so elegant and is restaurant-quality, without a steep price and with minimal prep. The fresh blackberries go so well with steak, and pistachios add a satisfying crunch. This is about to become a household favorite. GET THE RECIPE 12 of 29 Baby Kale Chicken Caesar Salad Baby kale is packed with fresh, verdant flavor, and is so easy to work with (and chew) in a salad. The homemade dressing is quick and easy to make, and rotisserie chicken on top of this healthy salad makes this a balanced meal with plenty of protein. GET THE RECIPE 13 of 29 Warm Chicken Shawarma Salad Greg DuPree This Middle Eastern-inspired bowl is full of flavor, thanks in part to pre-mixed shawarma seasoning, and can be served warm or at room temperature, perfect for grab-and-go meals. It’s a healthy and colorful salad that’s enjoyable in every season. GET THE RECIPE 14 of 29 Smashed Cucumber Salad Jennifer Causey This cucumber salad is fun to make (smashing things = good time!) and just as fun to eat. It’s like the best parts of a Greek salad, all in one bowl. It’s salty, tangy, and most importantly, healthy. GET THE RECIPE 51 Healthy Lunch Ideas You Can Easily Make at Home in a Flash 15 of 29 Spiralized Sesame Beet Salad Caitlin Bensel A salad that looks like noodles? We’re in. In this dish, spiralized beets are coated in a sesame oil-based dressing for a healthy take on cold sesame noodles. GET THE RECIPE 16 of 29 Grilled Halloumi Salad Greg DuPree Top a salad with grilled cheese and we’re so in for a salad meal. Halloumi is a semi-soft cheese with a high melting point, meaning it’s easy to grill for a crisp exterior and gooey interior. And on top of lemony romaine, it’s perfect. GET THE RECIPE 17 of 29 Nicoise-Inspired Summer Salad Caitlin Bensel Nicoise salad is quick to prepare and oh so rewarding. Not only does it look like artwork, but every bite can be different, depending how you play it. Serve this stunner to guests, take it to a potluck, or just treat yourself. GET THE RECIPE 18 of 29 Lemony Chopped Salad With Pita Victor Protasio If you had to pick a desert island salad, this may just be it. The lemony dressing, crisp veggies, and crunch of the baked pita is the perfect combo. GET THE RECIPE 19 of 29 Make-Ahead Holiday Salad Greg DuPree You can’t make a full holiday meal everyday, but you can make this salad! Shaved Brussels sprouts and kale provide a hearty, nutritious base for the salad packed with festive flavor. GET THE RECIPE 20 of 29 Japanese-Style Shrimp Salad Greg DuPree Pre-cooked shrimp provide a quick way to create this protein-filled green salad full of avocado and cucumber. The creamy, umami-filled dressing is yet another recipe that can become a weeknight salad go-to. GET THE RECIPE 21 of 29 Superfood Lentil Salad Victor Protasio With lentils as a base, this salad is intriguing and filling, and packed with superfoods to keep you nourished. Quickly charring the zucchini adds another depth of flavor, and microgreens on top make the whole healthy salad feel elegant. GET THE RECIPE 22 of 29 Big Breakfast Salad Victor Protasio Make the most important meal of the day even more healthy with this oversized breakfast salad. Full of eggs, potatoes, and everything seasoning, this salad hits all of breakfast’s best notes, and can be enjoyed any time of day. Breakfast salad for dinner, anyone? GET THE RECIPE 23 of 29 Green Salad With Cornichon Vinaigrette Victor Protasio Stop throwing away the pickling liquid in the bottom of your jars - it has prime salad dressing potential. This green salad is acidic and pickle-y in all the right ways, to keep you scooping up big bites of lettuce packed with tastiness. GET THE RECIPE 24 of 29 Celery-and-Apple Salad With Crispy Buckwheat Alison Miksch Celery and apple are a natural bright and crisp pairing, and topped with buckwheat this salad is like a party in your mouth. Grated pecorino Romano ties everything together, and green celery leaves add even more brightness. GET THE RECIPE 7 Salad Dressing Tips From the Pros 25 of 29 Farro Salad With Brown Butter Vinaigrette Victor Protasio Everything’s better with butter, and that includes salad. This dressing made with browned butter, balsamic vinegar, and more goes so well on a grain salad, fresh veggies, and more. GET THE RECIPE 26 of 29 Antipasto Salad Victor Protasio Mix melon and prosciutto for a salad that's as refreshing as it is filling. You don't need to douse it in a dressing either. This tender and crispy lettuce salad has enough flavor from the Castelvetrano olives, sweet cantaloupe, and crunchy pistachios. Top it with a creamy burrata or mozzarella and a simple drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. GET THE RECIPE 27 of 29 Baby Wedge Salad with Crispy Spiced Chickpeas Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall Who knew a wedge salad could be such a showstopper meal? For a protein boost, this luscious dish combines roasted, shawarma-spiced crispy chickpeas with avocado, grape tomatoes, spicy red onion, and romaine in a Harissa-spiced Ranch dressing. Craving more? Toss on any toppings you want, including eggs, cheese, fresh herbs—the possibilities are endless! GET THE RECIPE 28 of 29 Greek Salad with Chicken, Feta “Croutons” and Tahini Dressing Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen The classic Greek salad just got an upgrade! Instead of kalamata olives and sprinkled feta, this recipe has feta "croutons" that get roasted in the oven (along with the chicken) to a beautiful golden brown. The tahini-honey recipe is the perfect complement to the saltiness of the feta, and fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and romaine keep the traditional Greek salad elements firmly in place. GET THE RECIPE 29 of 29 Peanutty Dumpling Salad Victor Protasio Just because this salad has frozen dumplings in it doesn't mean that it's not full of nutrition. You get your greens from the mixed salad greens, edamame, and scallions, plus necessary vitamins from crispy carrots. Add dumplings on top to make it more fulfilling—and some yummy peanut sauce to sweeten it up. GET THE RECIPE Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit