Salad Ideas For Lunch And Dinner

When people ask me about my favorite thing to cook, I always come back to salads. After 50 years in the kitchen, I’ve learned that a great salad isn’t just about throwing some greens in a bowl and calling it a day. It’s about creating something fresh, balanced, and delicious that makes people actually want to eat their vegetables.

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I grew up in a time when salads were pretty simple stuff. You’d chop some lettuce, add a tomato or two, and maybe pour some bottled dressing on top. But over the decades, I’ve watched salads transform into something really special. They can be light and refreshing on a hot summer day, or hearty and filling enough to be a complete meal.

The beauty of salads is that they’re so flexible. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, you can create something amazing with whatever’s in your fridge. In this article, I’m going to share 12 of my all-time favorite salad recipes that I’ve been making for years. Each one has a story, and each one has earned a permanent spot in my kitchen rotation.

Quick Glance at 12 Classic Salad Recipes

1. Caesar Salad

This is probably the salad I make most often at home. There’s something about the creamy, tangy dressing combined with crispy romaine that just hits the spot every single time. I started making this back in the 1980s, and honestly, I’ve barely changed the recipe since then because it just works.

Ingredients

• 1 large head romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly shaved
• 1 cup homemade croutons
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

How to Make

• Start by making your dressing. Mix the mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, and minced garlic in a small bowl
• Whisk in the olive oil slowly until everything comes together
• Season with salt and pepper
• Place your chopped romaine in a large bowl
• Pour the dressing over and toss everything together
• Top with fresh parmesan shavings and croutons
• Serve right away while the croutons are still crispy

2. Greek Salad

I make this salad constantly during summer months. When tomatoes are at their peak, there’s nothing better. The combination of fresh vegetables and salty feta cheese just screams summer to me.

Ingredients

• 4 large tomatoes, chopped into chunks
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup kalamata olives
• 8 ounces feta cheese, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper

How to Make

• Chop your tomatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl
• Add the sliced cucumber, red onion, and olives
• Sprinkle in the oregano and give everything a gentle toss
• Top with the cubed feta cheese
• Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar
• Season with salt and pepper
• Let it sit for a few minutes before serving so the flavors blend together

3. Caprese Salad

This is my go-to when I want something elegant but simple. The three main ingredients are fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil. When you’ve got quality ingredients, you don’t need to do much.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 1 bunch fresh basil
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper

How to Make

• Arrange the mozzarella and tomato slices alternating on a serving platter
• Tuck fresh basil leaves between the cheese and tomato
• Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• Sprinkle salt and pepper over everything
• Serve at room temperature

4. Cobb Salad

When I need to make something filling for lunch or dinner, this is my choice. It’s loaded with protein and stays fresh for a couple of days in the fridge, which is perfect for my week.

Ingredients

• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 4 hard boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 3/4 cup olive oil

How to Make

• Chop your romaine lettuce and spread it on a large platter
• Arrange rows of chicken, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, bacon, and blue cheese on top
• Make your dressing by whisking together red wine vinegar and olive oil
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad
• Toss everything together right before serving

5. Waldorf Salad

This is a classic that my mother used to make. I’ve been making it exactly the same way for decades now. There’s something nostalgic and comforting about it.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed greens
• 3 apples, cored and diced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup grapes, halved
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey

How to Make

• Toss together the mixed greens, apples, celery, walnuts, and grapes in a large bowl
• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey
• Pour the dressing over the salad
• Toss gently and serve right away

6. Chef Salad

This is basically the salad version of a delicatessen plate. I love making this because it’s so customizable and looks beautiful when served.

Ingredients

• 1 large head lettuce, chopped
• 2 cups ham, diced
• 2 cups turkey breast, diced
• 4 hard boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing

How to Make

• Arrange your chopped lettuce on a large platter
• Arrange neat piles of ham, turkey, eggs, tomatoes, cucumber, and cheese on top
• Drizzle with ranch dressing
• Let guests mix it themselves, or toss it all together before serving

7. Nicoise Salad

This French classic is something I make when I want to impress people. It takes a little more time, but it’s worth every minute.

Ingredients

• 1 pound red potatoes
• 1 pound green beans
• 4 cans tuna, drained
• 6 hard boiled eggs, halved
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

How to Make

• Boil the potatoes until tender, then slice them
• Boil the green beans until tender but still crispy
• Arrange your mixed greens on a large platter
• Arrange the potatoes, green beans, tuna, eggs, tomatoes, and olives on top
• Whisk together olive oil and vinegar, then drizzle over everything
• Serve while the potatoes are still warm

8. Classic Coleslaw

This is the salad I make for every barbecue. It’s crispy, tangy, and pairs perfectly with grilled food.

Ingredients

• 1 small head cabbage, shredded
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

How to Make

• Combine shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl
• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper
• Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture
• Toss everything together really well
• Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving

9. Potato Salad

This is comfort food at its finest. I’ve been making this since the 1970s, and I’ve never felt the need to change it.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds red potatoes
• 4 hard boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• Salt and pepper

How to Make

• Boil the potatoes until they’re tender but not mushy
• Cut them into chunks and let them cool slightly
• Add the chopped eggs, celery, and red onion
• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, and mustard
• Pour over the potato mixture and toss gently
• Season with salt and pepper
• Chill before serving

10. Macaroni Salad

This is perfect for picnics and potlucks. It feeds a crowd and tastes better the next day.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow pasta
• 2 cups mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
• Salt and pepper

How to Make

• Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain and rinse
• In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar
• Add the cooked pasta, celery, bell pepper, and carrots
• Toss everything together until well mixed
• Season with salt and pepper
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving

11. Garden Salad

This is my everyday salad. I make a variation of this almost every single day because it’s fresh, healthy, and you can throw in whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Ingredients

• 1 small head lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Salt and pepper

How to Make

• Place your chopped lettuce in a bowl
• Add the tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, and parsley
• Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper
• Pour the dressing over the salad
• Toss and serve immediately

12. Pasta Primavera Salad

This is one of my favorite potluck dishes. It’s colorful, tasty, and always gets compliments.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

How to Make

• Cook the pasta according to package directions
• Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain
• Combine the cooked pasta and broccoli with carrots, peppers, and tomatoes
• Pour the Italian dressing over everything and toss
• Add parmesan cheese and mix again
• Season with salt and pepper
• Chill before serving

205+ Salad Ideas List

Classic Salad Ideas

• Caesar Salad
• Greek Salad
• Caprese Salad
• Cobb Salad
• Waldorf Salad
• Chef Salad
• Nicoise Salad
• Classic Coleslaw
• Potato Salad
• Macaroni Salad
• Garden Salad
• Pasta Primavera Salad
• Tuna Salad
• Egg Salad
• Chicken Caesar Salad
• Broccoli Bacon Salad
• Spinach Strawberry Salad
• Avocado Tomato Salad
• Cucumber Tomato Salad
• Three Bean Salad
• Asian Sesame Salad

Healthy Salad Ideas

• Quinoa Salad
• Kale Avocado Salad
• Chickpea Cucumber Salad
• Lentil Salad
• Grilled Chicken Salad
• Salmon Spinach Salad
• Tofu Veggie Salad
• Beetroot Goat Cheese Salad
• Zucchini Noodle Salad
• Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad
• Mediterranean Salad
• Detox Green Salad
• Low Carb Salad
• High Protein Salad
• Vegan Buddha Bowl Salad
• Rainbow Veggie Salad
• Arugula Parmesan Salad
• Apple Walnut Salad
• Edamame Salad
• Brown Rice Salad
• Pomegranate Spinach Salad

Salad Ideas For Dinner

• Grilled Steak Salad
• BBQ Chicken Salad
• Shrimp Avocado Salad
• Taco Salad
• Buffalo Chicken Salad
• Teriyaki Chicken Salad
• Mediterranean Chicken Salad
• Crispy Chicken Salad
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Salad
• Thai Peanut Salad
• Southwest Chicken Salad
• Chicken Fajita Salad
• Cajun Shrimp Salad
• Lamb Greek Salad
• Turkey Club Salad
• Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
• Creamy Parmesan Chicken Salad
• Spicy Sriracha Chicken Salad
• Avocado Bacon Ranch Salad
• Garlic Herb Salmon Salad
• Roasted Veggie Pasta Salad

Salad Ideas For Party

• Seven Layer Salad
• Italian Pasta Salad
• Deviled Egg Salad
• Creamy Coleslaw
• Broccoli Cranberry Salad
• Fruit Mint Salad
• Greek Orzo Salad
• Mexican Corn Salad
• Antipasto Salad
• BLT Salad
• Chicken Macaroni Salad
• Dill Pickle Salad
• Creamy Cucumber Salad
• Pineapple Coleslaw
• Layered Taco Salad
• Crab Salad
• Caprese Skewers Salad
• Spinach Artichoke Salad
• Ranch Pasta Salad
• Cold Noodle Salad
• Watermelon Feta Salad Platter

Salad Ideas For Lunch

• Avocado Egg Salad
• Tuna Avocado Salad
• Chicken Ranch Salad
• Quinoa Veggie Salad
• Asian Noodle Salad
• Chickpea Spinach Salad
• Turkey Caesar Salad
• Eggplant Parmesan Salad
• Greek Chicken Salad
• Hummus Veggie Salad
• Smoked Salmon Salad
• Couscous Veggie Salad
• Cottage Cheese Salad
• Chicken Pesto Salad
• BLT Chopped Salad
• Spinach Berry Salad
• Mediterranean Farro Salad
• Tabbouleh Salad
• Avocado Corn Salad
• Chicken Shawarma Salad
• Kale Chicken Salad

Easy To Make Salad Ideas

• Simple Garden Salad
• Cucumber Onion Salad
• Tomato Basil Salad
• Corn Avocado Salad
• Egg Mayo Salad
• Classic Coleslaw
• Easy Pasta Salad
• Chicken Mayo Salad
• Quick Greek Salad
• Fruit Yogurt Salad
• Three Ingredient Bean Salad
• Lemon Herb Lettuce Salad
• Easy Caesar Salad
• Quick Tuna Salad
• Creamy Potato Salad
• Honey Mustard Slaw
• Easy Macaroni Salad
• Quick Chickpea Salad
• Ranch Veggie Salad
• Simple Spinach Salad

Salad Ideas For Christmas

• Christmas Wreath Salad
• Cranberry Walnut Salad
• Winter Citrus Salad
• Festive Pomegranate Salad
• Apple Pecan Salad
• Holiday Caprese Salad
• Roasted Beet Holiday Salad
• Festive Broccoli Salad
• Candy Cane Fruit Salad
• Red Green Pasta Salad
• Festive Coleslaw
• Pear Gorgonzola Salad
• Maple Glazed Carrot Salad
• Holiday Seven Layer Salad
• Roasted Brussels Sprout Salad
• Christmas Cobb Salad
• Honey Glazed Ham Salad
• Festive Couscous Salad
• Cranberry Kale Salad
• Snowy Ambrosia Salad

Decorated Salad Ideas

• Rainbow Layered Salad
• Mason Jar Layered Salad
• Rose Cucumber Salad
• Flower Garden Salad
• Heart Shaped Caprese Salad
• Layered Taco Glass Salad
• Fruit Carving Platter Salad
• Spiral Veggie Salad
• Ombre Pasta Salad
• Ring Mold Salad
• Checkerboard Salad
• Star Shaped Fruit Salad
• Layered Trifle Salad
• Garnished Greek Salad
• Edible Flower Salad
• Pinwheel Veggie Salad
• Stuffed Avocado Salad
• Stuffed Bell Pepper Salad
• Swirl Beetroot Salad
• Crown Salad Platter

Salad Ideas For Kids

• Rainbow Pasta Salad
• Chicken Nugget Salad
• Mini Taco Salad Cups
• Fruit Cup Salad
• Sweet Corn Salad
• Mac and Cheese Veggie Salad
• Apple Peanut Butter Salad
• Yogurt Fruit Salad
• Mini Caesar Salad
• Ham Cheese Pasta Salad
• Strawberry Banana Salad
• Mini Chef Salad
• Crunchy Coleslaw
• Peanut Butter Apple Salad
• Popcorn Chicken Salad
• Mini Caprese Bites Salad
• Potato Smiley Salad
• Veggie Sticks Ranch Salad
• Pineapple Marshmallow Salad
• Kid Friendly Cobb Salad

Salad Ideas For Summer

• Watermelon Feta Salad
• Mango Avocado Salad
• Grilled Corn Salad
• Cucumber Mint Salad
• Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Citrus Shrimp Salad
• Tomato Burrata Salad
• Peach Caprese Salad
• Summer Quinoa Salad
• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
• Pasta Veggie Salad
• Fresh Garden Salad
• Pineapple Chicken Salad
• Blueberry Spinach Salad
• Lemon Orzo Salad
• Thai Mango Salad
• Avocado Lime Salad
• Summer Coleslaw
• BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad
• Chilled Asian Noodle Salad

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make these salads?

Most of these salads are best made within a few hours of serving. The leafy greens tend to get soggy if they sit too long with dressing. However, potato salad, macaroni salad, and coleslaw actually taste better when made a day ahead.

Can I prepare ingredients the night before?

Absolutely. I do this all the time. Chop your vegetables, cook your proteins, and store everything in separate containers. You can assemble everything fresh in the morning.

What’s the best way to keep salads fresh?

Store your dressing separately from the salad. Keep everything in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Most of my salads stay fresh for about three days.

Can I swap out ingredients in these recipes?

Yes, please do. The beauty of salads is that they’re flexible. Use whatever vegetables are in your fridge or what you like best.

Conclusion

After five decades of cooking, I can honestly say that salads have become some of my favorite things to make and eat. They’re simple, healthy, and absolutely endless in their possibilities. Whether you’re making a quick garden salad for dinner or preparing a big batch of potato salad for a gathering, these recipes will help you create something delicious.

The most important thing I’ve learned is that the best salad is the one made with fresh ingredients and served with love. Start with these 12 recipes, make them your own, and enjoy the process. Your family and friends will thank you.