{"id":433358,"date":"2022-11-21T10:23:47","date_gmt":"2022-11-21T16:23:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?post_type=collection&p=433358"},"modified":"2025-02-01T18:21:37","modified_gmt":"2025-02-02T00:21:37","slug":"side-salad-recipes","status":"publish","type":"listicle","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/side-salad-recipes\/","title":{"rendered":"24 Side Salad Recipes to Round Out Your Meal"},"content":{"rendered":"
This lively Greek-inspired salad is the perfect side for hearty dishes like this slow-cooked lemon chicken orzo<\/a> or Mediterranean kofta meatballs<\/a>. It makes 28 servings, so pull this recipe out when you're having a big get-together, or cut the recipe down if it's just for the family.<\/p>\r\n \"Do you have a crowd coming over for a potluck? This big, crispy salad can accompany any main dish you have planned.\" \u2014Recipe contributor Pat Stevens, Granbury, Texas<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n This elegant simple salad of spring mix, carrot and crunchy pecans makes the perfect accompaniment to richer entrees, like cheesy homemade lasagna<\/a> or any meat and potatoes dish<\/a>. Elevate the salad even further by mixing in goat cheese crumbles and sliced pear.<\/p>\r\n \"This is a deliciously different summer salad just for two. You'll want to try the light curry-orange dressing!\" \u2014Recipe contributor Barbara Robbins, Chandler, Arizona<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n While these homemade croutons are made from cubed Italian bread, feel free to use any day-old bread<\/a> you have on hand. For even more cheesy goodness, add creamy mozzarella pearls. And opt for the best olives you can buy<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n \"Homemade croutons star in this easy Italian salad recipe filled with grape tomatoes, olives and pepperoncinis. I like to serve it with fresh Italian or focaccia bread.\" \u2014Recipe contributor Nancy Granaman, Burlington, Iowa<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n This tangy Greek salad is the perfect side for vibrant Mediterranean dishes<\/a>, and it makes a delicious crunchy base for grilled proteins like chicken and salmon. To make it a chopped salad, cut all of the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and serve over chopped romaine.<\/p>\r\n \"The heart of a Greek salad is in the olives, feta and fresh veggies. Dress it with oil and vinegar, then add more olives and cheese.\" \u2014Recipe contributor Arge Salvatori, Little Ferry, New Jersey<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Making Caesar salad from scratch takes a few extra minutes of effort but the flavor payoff is huge, thanks to fresh garlic, lemon and a touch of ground mustard. Unlike traditional Caesar, this version doesn't contain anchovies. If you have anchovy paste to use up, make this Caesar salad dressing<\/a> instead.<\/p>\r\n \"This crunchy, refreshing Caesar salad has a zippy, zesty dressing that provides a burst of flavor with each bite. It's a fantastic salad to perk up any spring or summer meal.\" \u2014Recipe contributor Schelby Thompson, Camden Wyoming, Delaware<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Bitter endive lettuce<\/a> becomes slightly wilted (and more mild-tasting) when drizzled with a rich, warm bacon dressing in this sophisticated salad. If you don't care for endive, swap in any leafy green, like arugula or kale.<\/p>\r\n \"The blend of seasonings, greens and warm bacon dressing makes this salad a sure hit. My guess is that it'll be a favorite at your next gathering.\" \u2014Recipe contributor Mildred Davis, Hagerstown, Maryland<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Delicate baby spinach is another great green to add to this sweet-and-savory side salad, which is dressed in an herbaceous vinaigrette. Top it with grilled chicken<\/a> or baked salmon<\/a> for a satisfying light lunch.<\/p>\r\n \"The combination of peppery arugula, sweet strawberries and robust feta cheese may sound unusual, but one bite wins over taste buds.\" \u2014Recipe contributor Carla Horne, Meridian, Mississippi<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Citrus lovers can't go wrong with this simple romaine salad starring artichoke hearts and a zippy lemon dressing. A sprinkling of shredded Parmesan brings the whole dish together. (Crunchy homemade cheese crisps<\/a> also make a fun add-on!)<\/p>\r\n\"I created this dish when I was trying to duplicate a very lemony Caesar salad. This version is not only delicious but more healthful, too.\" \u2014Recipe contributor Kathy Armstrong, Post Falls, Idaho<\/em>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This fruit-filled spinach salad with fresh strawberries, kiwis and a raspberry vinaigrette is a gorgeous side salad to serve at dinner parties<\/a> during summertime. A sprinkling of poppy seeds and sesame seeds add subtle nuttiness and crunch.<\/p>\r\n \"This pretty salad is always a hit when I serve it! The recipe came from a cookbook, but I personalized it. Sometimes just a small change in ingredients can make a big difference.\" \u2014Recipe contributor Laura Pounds, Andover, Kansas<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Combining red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice in a rich vinaigrette helps make baby spinach and juicy berries really pop. The hint of warm cinnamon and allspice in the dressing will have guests wondering what the secret ingredients are.<\/p>\r\n \"Enjoy some of nature's candy in this berry-filled salad. Its slightly tart dressing contrasts deliciously with sweet in-season fruit.\" \u2014Recipe contributor Betty Lise Anderson, Gahanna, Ohio<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Upgrade your side salad game by loading it with briny olives, provolone cheese and pieces of your favorite cured meat<\/a>, like hard salami. Find pickled pepperoncini peppers in the olive section of your grocery store, and add them on top for delightful tanginess.<\/p>\r\n \"Antipasto ingredients are sliced and diced to make this substantial salad. I like to buy sliced meat from the deli and chop it all so we can get a bit of everything in each bite.\" \u2014Recipe contributor Kim Molina, Duarte, California<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Salad skeptics will be completely won over by this bacon-topped Caesar, which features garlicky homemade croutons. Don't be scared of the anchovy paste in the dressing; it adds the best subtle salty flavor.<\/p>\r\n \"Family and friends always say my Caesar salad rivals any restaurant version. The addition of bacon is a little untraditional, but it lends a slightly smoky flavor and makes it unique.\" \u2014Recipe contributor Sharon Tipton, Winter Garden, Florida<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Serve this savory endive salad with main courses that have a bit of sweetness to contrast with the lettuce's bitterness. Glazed salmon<\/a> or barbecued chicken<\/a> would be perfect. Another type of endive is long and narrow Belgian endive, which is perfect for hors d'oeuvres like this cranberry endive appetizer<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n \"This warm salad is a deliciously different way to serve lettuce. Unlike other wilted versions, this one is not sweet. Vinegar and bacon give it old-fashioned savory goodness.\" \u2014Recipe contributor Chere Bell, Colorado Springs, Colorado<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Goat cheese<\/a> is great in salads because it offers concentrated bursts of salty flavor. Paired with sweet roasted beets and toasted walnuts? You can't go wrong.<\/p>\r\n \"Here's a super easy salad that looks and tastes festive for this wonderful Christmas season. Vinaigrette dressing coats the greens nicely.\" \u2014Recipe contributor Nancy Latulippe, Simcoe, Ontario<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Crunchy, sweet, tangy and savory, this elegant side dish has everything you want in a salad. Once you start cooking with fennel<\/a>, you'll never want to stop. Thinly sliced bulbs add a soft licorice taste and beautiful crunchiness to the top of any salad.<\/p>\r\n \"A sweet balsamic vinaigrette always pulls everything together in a delicious harmony of flavors. Raspberries are one of my very favorite fruits, so I'm always eager to find a new use for them.\" \u2014Recipe contributor Susan Gauthier, Falmouth, Maine<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Turn this zesty Italian salad into a well-rounded meal by mixing in chopped prosciutto or cubed leftover chicken. Work your way through more of our quick salads<\/a> that come together in 30 minutes or less when you need your side salads in a hurry.<\/p>\r\n \"Garden-fresh veggies are a hit at community potlucks. I carry the dressing in a mason jar to add just before serving.\" \u2014Recipe contributor Jeanette Hildebrand, Stafford, Kansas<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Loaded with garden veggies, hard-boiled eggs, deli turkey and ham, chef salads have everything you want in a meal or a filling side. Creamy Thousand Island salad dressing<\/a> is a great option for chef salads, but any homemade salad dressing<\/a> will do the trick.<\/p>\r\n \"For much of the year, I can use my garden's produce when I make this cool salad. In spring, the salad mix and radishes come from my crop. In summer, I use the tomatoes, cabbage and carrots. What a good feeling!\" \u2014Recipe contributor Evelyn Gubernath, Bucyrus, Ohio<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Crispy homemade pita chips soak up tasty lemon dressing in this classic fattoush salad that you can prepare with any type of lettuce. If you have leftover pita bread, try out some more tasty pita recipes<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n \"This type of bread salad is very popular in the Middle East. It uses sumac, which is a distinctive spice that adds an acidic flavor to dishes, as does lemon juice.\" \u2014Recipe contributor Stephanie Khio, Bloomingdale, Illinois<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/div>
Nutty Green Salad<\/a><\/h2>Total Time:<\/strong> 10 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/strong> Spring mix, pecans, carrot\r\nLevel:<\/strong> Beginner
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Simple Italian Salad<\/a><\/h2>Total Time:<\/strong> 30 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/strong> Italian bread, Parmesan, romaine, onion\r\nLevel:<\/strong> Beginner
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Greek Salad<\/a><\/h2>Total Time:<\/strong> 20 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/strong> Tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, feta\r\nLevel:<\/strong> Beginner
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Caesar Salad<\/a><\/h2>Total Time:<\/strong> 10 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/strong> Romaine, garlic, Parmesan, lemon\r\nLevel:<\/strong> Beginner
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Wilted Endive Salad<\/a><\/h2>Total Time:<\/strong> 20 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/strong> Curly endive, bacon, bread\r\nLevel:<\/strong> Beginner
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Strawberry Arugula Salad<\/a><\/h2>Total Time:<\/strong> 15 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/strong> Arugula, strawberries, almonds, feta\r\nLevel:<\/strong> Beginner
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Lemon Artichoke Romaine Salad<\/a><\/h2>Total Time:<\/strong> 15 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/strong> Romaine, artichoke hearts, lemon\r\nLevel:<\/strong> Beginner
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Kiwi-Strawberry Spinach Salad<\/a><\/h2>Total Time:<\/strong> 20 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/strong> Spinach, kiwis, strawberries, poppy seeds\r\nLevel:<\/strong> Beginner
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Four-Berry Spinach Salad<\/a><\/h2>Total Time:<\/strong> 15 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/strong> Spinach, berries, poppy seeds\r\nLevel:<\/strong> Beginner
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Super Italian Chopped Salad<\/a><\/h2>Total Time:<\/strong> 25 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/strong> Romaine, chickpeas, salami, olives\r\nLevel:<\/strong> Beginner
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Bacon Caesar Salad<\/a><\/h2>Total Time:<\/strong> 20 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/strong> Bread, anchovy paste, romaine, bacon\r\nLevel:<\/strong> Beginner
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Wilted Curly Endive<\/a><\/h2>Total Time:<\/strong> 20 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/strong> Curly endive, bacon, onion\r\nLevel:<\/strong> Beginner
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Spinach and Beet Salad<\/a><\/h2>Total Time:<\/strong> 45 minutes + cooling\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/strong> Beets, spinach, goat cheese, walnuts\r\nLevel:<\/strong> Intermediate
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Fennel Salad with Orange-Balsamic Vinaigrette<\/a><\/h2>Total Time: <\/strong>25 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/strong> Spring mix, fennel bulbs, mandarin oranges, pistachios\r\nLevel:<\/strong> Beginner
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Italian Fresh Vegetable Salad<\/a><\/h2>Total Time:<\/strong> 25 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/strong> Romaine, artichoke hearts, olives, mozzarella\r\nLevel: <\/strong>Beginner
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Chef Salad<\/a><\/h2>Total Time:<\/strong> 25 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/strong> Salad greens, eggs, deli meat, vegetables\r\nLevel:<\/strong> Beginner
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Fattoush Salad<\/a><\/h2>Total Time:<\/strong> 25 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/strong> Pita, romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes\r\nLevel:<\/strong> Beginner