16 Flavor-Packed Salads That Don’t Use Lettuce
Salads don’t need lettuce to be fresh, satisfying, and full of flavor. These 16 recipes focus on bold ingredients, great textures, and combinations that make every bite interesting. From hearty grains to vibrant veggies and proteins, each one proves there’s more than one way to build a great salad. If you’re ready to try something different, this list is a great place to start.
Brussels Sprout Salad
Brussels Sprouts can get a bad rap, but this Brussels Sprout Salad recipe is bound to change the way you see this versatile veggie.
Brussels Sprouts Cranberry Salad
Don’t knock brussels sprouts until you’ve tried this salad! Creamy Brussels Sprouts Cranberry Salad is full of sunflower seeds and parmesan. Ready for the table in 20 minutes.
Black Bean and Corn Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
Use garden fresh corn and peppers in this easy black bean and corn salad with honey lime dressing. The homemade dressing gives amazing flavor to this colorful summer side dish!
Mango Salad with Lime
This bright mango salad recipe is sweet and zingy, starring the ripe fruit with fresh herbs and a honey lime dressing.
Classic Three Bean Salad
Here’s how to make our favorite three bean salad recipe: a fresh spin on Grandma’s! It’s so easy to throw together for picnics and potlucks. This is one of our top summer salads because it’s so easy to make, protein-packed, and fits many diets (vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free).
Kale Quinoa Salad
This colorful kale quinoa salad is full of healthy ingredients and tastes incredible! Meal prep this easy plant-based lunch idea for meals all week.
Stress Relieving Quinoa Avocado Salad
This quinoa avocado salad is a delicious and hearty bowl full of stress relieving foods! It’s drizzled with a zesty cocoa vinaigrette.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Creamy, tangy, and sweet, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is bursting with flavor and texture! It’s easy to throw together and ready in just 5 minutes. Then it’s drizzled with a simple Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing which you’ll want to add to all of your salads! Perfect as a side dish or a main meal!
Pickled Asparagus Salad
Pickled Asparagus Salad is one of my favorite side dish recipes for BBQs, potlucks and other gatherings. Served as a cold asparagus salad, it is an excellent make-ahead recipe and checks all my boxes as the ideal party food.
BLACK BEAN COUSCOUS SALAD
Packed with seasonal bell peppers and charred grilled corn and held together with a homemade dressing, this Black Bean Couscous Salad is a little sweet, a little spicy, and super delicious! It’s perfect for a family barbecue.
Easy Mediterranean White Bean Salad
This 7-ingredient Tuscan white bean salad is bursting with Mediterranean flavors like tomatoes, white beans, and basil, takes just 10 minutes to prepare, and can be enjoyed as a Summery appetizer, side, or light main!
Quinoa Salad with Sun Dried Tomatoes & Feta Cheese
This Quinoa Salad with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Feta Cheese from Bolivia is a blend of pure deliciousness. This superfood makes an awesome base to a salad topped with a tangy lemon vinaigrette. It is healthy and perfect as either a side dish or a main course!
Quinoa Mint Fruit Salad
Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just because you’re a fruit salad enthusiast, this Quinoa Mint Fruit Salad is filled with a delicious rainbow of berries, kiwi, banana, and mandarins. The quinoa and fresh fruit are tossed with a honey lime mint dressing for a refreshing salad everyone will enjoy!
RAW BEET QUINOA SALAD
Whether you’re looking for a lunch box idea, a potluck dish or a light meal, this raw beet quinoa salad is a great choice. It’s bright, light, easy and delicious. Not to mention versatile too.
Shrimp Avocado Salad
This low-carb Shrimp Avocado Salad is made with only a few simple ingredients with a zesty lime olive oil dressing that adds a fresh flavor!
Garbanzo Bean Salad
This garbanzo bean salad is protein-packed and bursting with fresh flavors, perfect for a light lunch or side dish! Simple ingredients and a quick prep time make it an easy and healthy meal prep option.
