I Added 17 Salads To Our Weeknight Meals And Didn’t Hear A Single Groan

ByMandy

Salads don’t usually show up at dinner without someone asking what went wrong. But these 17 didn’t just make it to the table—they stayed, without any complaints, side comments, or people quietly pushing them around. They were easy to pair with regular meals and didn’t feel like a lecture in disguise.

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Adding Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad to your weeknight meal plan is an effortless way to enjoy a hearty dish. This recipe strikes a balance between satisfying flavors and freshness. It’s light enough for busy evenings yet filling enough to keep everyone happy. Once it’s served, nobody will miss heavier dinner options.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Italian Pasta with Salami is an excellent choice for a quick but flavorful meal. This recipe combines familiar pasta textures with bold salami, which gives it great character. It’s ideal for those nights when you want something classic yet not overcomplicated. Everyone around the table will appreciate its effortless appeal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Healthy Chicken Salad

Close-up of a salad with grilled chicken, strawberries, blueberries, pecans, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing on a bed of leafy greens.
Healthy Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fresh and versatile, Healthy Chicken Salad can easily become a weekly favorite. Its balanced approach to a salad ensures it leaves everyone satisfied without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll enjoy how straightforward it is to put together on any busy evening. It’s a wholesome option for dinner without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Cucumber Peanut Salad

A bowl of chopped cucumber salad mixed with nuts and fresh herbs.
Cucumber Peanut Salad. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

With Cucumber Peanut Salad, your meals are instantly more lively and engaging. This combination adds an interesting crunch to weeknight dinners, keeping things fresh and exciting. It’s simple to prepare but leaves a lasting impression on whoever tries it. Serve it once, and it’s sure to be a go-to option that gets requested.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut Salad

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

A honey hot chicken salad with succulent fried chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, cucumber slices, and mixed greens, all topped with a creamy dressing.
Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hot Honey Chicken Salad doesn’t just bring flavor; it keeps mealtime interesting and fulfilling. The mix of subtle sweetness and hearty chicken is just right for any dinner setup. Preparing it is quick, making it ideal after a busy day. You’ll find it’s anything but ordinary and can easily shake up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Macaroni Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re not already making Macaroni Salad during your weeknight meals, this classic option will change the way you think about salad sides. It’s versatile, easy to make, and loved by almost everyone. The simplicity of the dish doesn’t take away from how pleasant it is to include on your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Dense Bean Salad

A spoonful of chickpea salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, and feta cheese being served from a bowl.
Dense Bean Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Dense Bean Salad is perfect for nights when you want something hearty but balanced. Bringing together fresh textures with filling ingredients, it’s a great way to keep dinner engaging. Despite its simplicity, it has a way of making meals feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Mango Shrimp Salad

A bowl of shrimp ceviche with diced mango, avocado, red onion, red pepper, and cilantro, with a spoon inside.
Mango Shrimp Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Weeknight dinners feel brightened with Mango Shrimp Salad on the table. This combination is appealing because it feels both fresh and fulfilling at the same time. The shrimp adds a nice heartiness while the mango gives a refreshing balance. It’s a hit for mealtimes, making it enjoyable for both light eaters and larger portions alike.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

Grilled Paneer Salad

A close-up of a salad featuring grilled tofu cubes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and leafy greens, all drizzled with a creamy dressing.
Grilled Paneer Salad. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Adding Grilled Paneer Salad to meals will give plain weeknight dinners a much-needed upgrade. It’s a recipe that feels fresh, appealing, and satisfying while being easy to make. The grilled paneer gives it a warmth perfect for laid-back evenings. You’ll love the way this dish fits into your weekly routine without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Paneer Salad

Kachumber

Kachumber salad in a grey bowl.
Kachumber. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Kachumber isn’t just a salad; it’s more like a quick side that complements most weeknight meals effortlessly. The freshness it brings makes the table much more inviting. It’s straightforward prep means you can throw it together even on your busiest days. A simple yet refreshing addition that never fails to make dinner better.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber

Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Busy weeknights meet their match with Pasta Primavera, a dish that works both as a main meal and a fantastic salad option. The combination of pasta and lighter ingredients blends effortlessly, making it enjoyable for everyone. Preparing it doesn’t feel like a chore, which is always a win for midweek cooking.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Quinoa Salad

Close-up of a quinoa salad with chickpeas, chopped cucumber, parsley, red onion, and a light dressing, with a spoon partially visible.
Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Quinoa Salad is a health-conscious option that doesn’t skimp on being enjoyable for everyone. With its wholesome yet light approach, it’s a great choice for change-of-pace weeknight meals. It’s quick enough to prepare while still feeling purposeful and complete. You’ll be glad to include it every time your menu needs a refresh.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Potato Salad

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Weeknight meals feel more complete with Potato Salad on the table. This dish brings a hearty, familiar element to dinner without being overly heavy. Its simple preparation makes it a go-to addition for busy evenings. You’ll find it’s liked by almost everyone, a quick way to enhance your dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Seven Layer Salad

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise.
Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Seven Layer Salad brings a layered approach to salads, making it stand out during mealtime. Its setup allows you to cater to different tastes while presenting it in a visually appealing way. Preparing it is straightforward despite its impressive appearance.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Classic and recognizable, Waldorf Salad feels fresh and inviting on any dinner table. It’s not your average salad, but it still fits seamlessly into weeknight meals. The preparation is easy, and the final dish feels both familiar and slightly transformed. This recipe has a way of staying memorable while being pleasantly approachable.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

A salad with arugula, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and a drizzle of creamy dressing on a white plate.
Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Adding Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad to your weeknight rotation feels like a great decision every time. The pairing of warm elements with fresh salad textures gives it staying power. It’s easy to make while feeling substantial enough to stand out.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Weeknight dinners get a bit more exciting with Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad as part of the menu. It’s fresh, slightly bold, and adds contrast to other dishes on the table. Quick to prepare, this recipe works perfectly for busy evenings. You’ll appreciate how it switches things up without overwhelming the other choices.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

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