13 Timeless Salads Everyone Should Know How To Make!

Getting to know these 13 salads can also spark creativity in your cooking. Once you’re familiar with the basics, you can start experimenting with variations and substitutions. This can be a fun way to make the most of seasonal ingredients or to cater to different dietary preferences, ensuring that your salads are not only nutritious but also exciting and varied.

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

If you’re in the mood for something with a bit of a kick, Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad blends heat with crisp freshness perfectly. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate, offering a burst of color on the plate. You might find it becoming a go-to for adding a lively twist to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Pizza Salad

Combining the beloved flavors of a classic pizza with the freshness of a salad creates a unique dish that’s hard to resist. Pizza Salad is a fantastic way to enjoy the essence of pizza in a lighter, more refreshing form. Ideal for those warmer days when you crave pizza but want something less heavy.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Offering a vibrant contrast to any dish, Red Cabbage Coleslaw variant introduces a crunch and a pop of color. It pairs exceptionally well with a range of meals from BBQ to sandwiches, making it a versatile side. It’s a reliable choice when you need something quick, refreshing, and visually appealing on the table.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad

Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, highlighting the fresh flavors of its components. It’s incredibly refreshing and can serve as a perfect side dish for almost any meal, especially during warmer months. Its preparation is straightforward, requiring minimal effort for a rewarding outcome.
Get the Recipe: Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad

Waldorf Salad

Born in New York City, Waldorf Salad has remained popular for good reason. It combines crunchiness, sweetness, and creaminess in one dish, making it a hit at gatherings. While traditionally associated with special occasions, its simplicity makes it suitable for any day. It’s a celebration of texture and taste that has stood the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Indian Onion Salad

Often found as a side dish in Indian cuisine, Onion Salad brings a refreshing and slightly spicy touch to the table. It complements a wide variety of dishes, especially those rich in flavors, by adding a crisp, cleansing palate. Making it is as easy as it gets, yet the result can significantly enhance the dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Indian Onion Salad

Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad

For a hearty, yet refreshing option, Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad stands out. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a substantial side, it delivers. It’s a colorful and nutritious choice that’s equally enjoyable to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad

Easy Caprese Salad

Hailing from Italy, Easy Caprese Salad is as simple as it is delicious, emphasizing the quality of its ingredients. It’s perfect for when you’re short on time but still looking for something impressive to serve. Whether it’s part of a larger Italian feast or enjoyed on its own, it never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

7 Layer Salad

7 Layer Salad is a showstopper at potlucks and picnics, offering layers of texture and taste. Each layer contributes a different note, making every bite interesting. It’s not only visually impressive but also incredibly flexible, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on preference or what you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

A twist on the traditional Caprese, incorporating pasta brings a comforting element to the salad, making it a fulfilling meal on its own. Caprese Pasta Salad is ideal for those looking for a quick, yet wholesome option that still feels gourmet. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner, it’s adaptable and loved by many.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

Avocado Salad

With its creamy texture, avocado adds a luxuriousness to salads that few other ingredients can. Avocado Salad is no exception, providing not only nutritional benefits but also a rich, smooth contrast to the other elements. It’s quick to prepare and can easily be tailored to what you have available.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad

Macaroni Salad

A staple at American BBQs and picnics, Macaroni Salad offers a comforting taste of nostalgia. It’s creamy, satisfying, and can serve as a blank canvas for various add-ins to suit your taste. Not only is it a hit with kids and adults alike, but it also makes for great leftovers. Whether as a side dish or a light main, it carries a sense of celebration.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo adds a lively punch to any dish it accompanies. It’s incredibly simple to make but brings a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Consisting of just a few ingredients, it showcases the importance of using fresh, quality produce. Whether served with chips, over tacos, or as a fresh side, it’s a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo