22 Salad Recipes for a Delicious Dinner in 2024

In 2024, the culinary world has embraced salads as a main course, offering a delightful array of options. Each of these 22 salad recipes is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a nod to healthy living. Enhanced with additional details and ingredients, these recipes are perfect for any dinner table.

1. Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

A perfect blend of South American flavors, this salad is both filling and nutritious. Quinoa provides a complete protein source, while black beans add fiber and texture. Corn brings sweetness, and avocado adds creaminess. The lime and cilantro vinaigrette adds a zesty finish, making this salad a balanced and flavorful meal.

• Quinoa
• Black beans
• Corn
• Fresh tomatoes
• Avocado
• Lime juice
• Cilantro
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Recipe

2. Roasted Vegetable and Farro Salad

This warm, hearty salad is a great winter dish. The roasted vegetables, including zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions, bring a smoky sweetness. Farro, an ancient grain, adds a nutty flavor and satisfying chew. The balsamic dressing ties the salad together with a tangy and slightly sweet finish.

• Farro
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers
• Red onions
• Balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Mixed herbs

Recipe

3. Kale and Sweet Potato Salad

Kale, the king of greens, is loaded with nutrients and pairs wonderfully with the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. Cranberries add a burst of tartness, while pecans offer a crunchy texture. The honey-mustard dressing provides a balance of sweetness and tang, making this salad a delightful mix of flavors.

• Kale
• Sweet potatoes
• Dried cranberries
• Pecans
• Honey
• Mustard
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Recipe

4. Asian-Style Chicken Salad

Inspired by the flavors of Asia, this salad is both light and satisfying. Shredded chicken adds lean protein, while mixed greens offer a fresh base. Mandarin oranges provide a sweet citrus note, and crispy noodles add an enjoyable crunch. The sesame ginger dressing brings a vibrant and aromatic finish to the dish.

• Mixed greens
• Shredded chicken
• Mandarin oranges
• Crispy noodles
• Sesame oil
• Ginger
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Honey

Recipe

5. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Reflecting the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean, this salad is both hearty and healthy. Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber, while cucumbers and tomatoes add freshness. Olives bring a briny flavor, and feta cheese adds a creamy tang. The olive oil and lemon dressing is simple yet flavorful.

• Chickpeas
• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Olives
• Feta cheese
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley

Recipe

6. Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

A vibrant and elegant salad, the earthy flavor of roasted beets pairs perfectly with the creamy goat cheese. The walnuts add a crunch, while the arugula provides a peppery base. Drizzled with a balsamic glaze, this salad is a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors, making it a visually appealing and delicious dish.

• Roasted beets
• Goat cheese
• Walnuts
• Arugula
• Balsamic glaze
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh thyme

Recipe

7. Caesar Salad with Grilled Shrimp

An upscale twist on the classic Caesar, this version features succulent grilled shrimp as the star. The smoky flavor of the shrimp complements the rich, creamy Caesar dressing perfectly. Crisp romaine lettuce provides a fresh base, and Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth. Homemade croutons bring a welcome crunch, rounding out this luxurious salad.

• Grilled shrimp
• Romaine lettuce
• Caesar dressing
• Parmesan cheese
• Croutons
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Anchovy paste (optional)

Recipe

8. Spinach and Strawberry Salad

This salad is a delightful combination of sweet and savory. Fresh spinach and strawberries create a refreshing base, while the almonds offer a nutty crunch. The poppy seed dressing adds a hint of sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish. This salad is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, especially in the spring and summer months.

• Fresh spinach
• Strawberries
• Almonds
• Poppy seed dressing
• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper

Recipe

9. Cobb Salad

A classic Cobb salad is a hearty and satisfying meal. It combines grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and boiled eggs for a protein-packed dish. Avocado adds creaminess, and blue cheese brings a bold flavor. The salad is completed with a classic vinaigrette that ties all the ingredients together in a harmonious blend.

• Grilled chicken
• Bacon
• Boiled eggs
• Avocado
• Blue cheese
• Mixed greens
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red wine vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Olive oil

Recipe

10. Pear and Gorgonzola Salad

This salad is a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors. The ripe pears provide a natural sweetness, while the gorgonzola cheese offers a sharp contrast. Candied walnuts add a sweet crunch, and the salad is dressed with a red wine vinaigrette that complements the flavors perfectly. It’s an elegant dish, perfect for a special occasion.

• Sliced pears
• Gorgonzola cheese
• Candied walnuts
• Mixed greens
• Red wine vinegar
• Olive oil
• Honey
• Mustard
• Salt and pepper

Recipe

11. Mexican Street Corn Salad

Transforming classic Mexican street corn into a salad, this dish is bursting with flavor. Grilled corn provides a smoky sweetness, complemented by the salty tang of cotija cheese. A squeeze of lime adds a zesty freshness, and chili powder brings a subtle heat. Tossed with cilantro and a creamy dressing, it’s a vibrant and satisfying salad with a delightful Mexican flair.

• Grilled corn
• Cotija cheese
• Lime
• Chili powder
• Cilantro
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper

Recipe

12. Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction

A timeless Italian classic, this salad pairs ripe, juicy tomatoes with soft, fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil leaves. The balsamic reduction adds a sweet and tangy glaze that perfectly complements the simplicity of the ingredients. Drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with a dash of salt, this salad is a testament to the beauty of fresh, quality ingredients.

• Tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella
• Fresh basil
• Balsamic reduction
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Recipe

13. Thai Beef Salad

This salad is a fantastic fusion of bold Thai flavors. The grilled beef is tender and juicy, mixed with crisp greens and refreshing cucumbers. The spicy Thai dressing, made with fish sauce, lime juice, and chili, adds an authentic kick. Topped with fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, it’s a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy.

• Grilled beef
• Mixed greens
• Cucumbers
• Fish sauce
• Lime juice
• Red chili
• Sugar
• Garlic
• Cilantro
• Mint

Recipe

14. Watermelon and Feta Salad

Ideal for hot summer days, this salad combines juicy watermelon with creamy feta cheese, creating a sweet and salty delight. Fresh mint leaves add a refreshing touch, and a light dressing of olive oil and lime juice brings all the flavors together. This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly hydrating and refreshing.

• Watermelon
• Feta cheese
• Fresh mint
• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Recipe

15. Roasted Butternut Squash and Pomegranate Salad

A perfect salad for autumn, it features roasted butternut squash, which adds a sweet, nutty flavor and a soft texture. The pomegranate seeds provide a juicy burst of tartness, while goat cheese adds creaminess. Tossed with a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing, it’s a warm and comforting salad ideal for cooler weather.

• Roasted butternut squash
• Pomegranate seeds
• Goat cheese
• Mixed greens
• Olive oil
• Vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Honey (optional)

Recipe

16. Greek Salad

This classic Greek salad is a vibrant combination of crunchy cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and briny olives. Feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy element, and the lemon-olive oil dressing brings a bright and fresh flavor. This salad is a celebration of simple, Mediterranean ingredients, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Kalamata olives
• Feta cheese
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Recipe