What Helped Me Eat Better Without Overthinking—17 Easy Salads

Making better food choices usually involves a TED Talk and five apps—but not this time. These 17 salads took the hard part out and left the good part in. No need to overthink what’s for lunch when the options already make life easier. It’s like healthy eating finally got the memo to calm down.

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.

Mixing bold flavors together makes for an exciting plate, and Hot Honey Chicken Salad does just that with a spicy-sweet touch. This one packs a punch without being overly complicated. It’s a good way to make chicken less boring while still keeping things simple. A great pick for a quick and satisfying meal.
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.

Pasta takes center stage in Macaroni Salad, bringing a creamy and hearty option to the table. It’s really easy to throw together and so familiar it doesn’t need a lot of thought. Works well for lunch or as a side. Perfect when you want something comforting without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni 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.

If you’re into quick, filling meals, Italian Pasta with Salami hits the mark with bold flavors and a little extra kick. It’s a solid option that feels a bit fancy but isn’t complicated. Great for switching things up without getting too adventurous. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’re set.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Laccha Pyaz

Close-up of thinly sliced red onions, marinated with herbs and spices, placed on a white plate.
Laccha Pyaz. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Light yet packed with sharp notes, Laccha Pyaz brings a distinct twist to ordinary salads. This dish keeps things simple while adding a texture boost with its unique presentation. Ideal for anyone looking to change up their salad game. Great for rounding out heavier meals.
Get the Recipe: Laccha Pyaz

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.

Sometimes you need a hearty option, and Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad answers that call with warm and earthy notes. It’s filling but doesn’t overcomplicate things, making it an easy go-to. Perfect for when you want something that feels balanced but fuss-free. Definitely worth trying out.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Cabbage Salad

Cabbage salad in a white bowl with chips in the background.
Cabbage Salad. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Crunchy and straightforward, Cabbage Salad adds a fresh element to any meal without taking up much of your time. It’s one of those salads you can rely on for variety and simplicity. You don’t need to overthink this one; it’s good as a main or a side. Perfect for a no-nonsense choice.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage 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.

A mix of bold and light flavors come together in Mango Shrimp Salad, making it a standout option. Sweet pairings with seafood create a different experience but stay easy and approachable. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a slight change without stepping too far from the familiar. Great for quick meals.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

Waldorf Salad

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

Old-school favorites like Waldorf Salad show up in the best ways when you want something timeless and easy. It’s all about keeping it simple while still feeling a little different than basic salad options. Works well for every meal type and adds a fresh twist. No need to overthink this pick.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Buffalo Chicken Salad

A croissant sandwich filled with buffalo chicken and blue cheese, served on a white plate with celery sticks in the background.
Buffalo Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bold with a spicy twist, Buffalo Chicken Salad turns ordinary chicken into something memorable. It’s a great quick option when you’re looking for a little excitement in a salad. Perfect for those moments when you want something hearty but not too heavy. Easy to make anytime.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

A bowl of vibrant pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of dressing.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Adding smoky hints to a classic salad, Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies brings a savory touch that feels fresh and different. It’s a good choice when you’re looking for something filling without feeling overdone. Works well on its own or with other dishes. Ready in no time and hits the spot every time.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Curried Chicken Salad

Close-up of a dish featuring a creamy yellow curry with chunks of vegetables, cashews, and raisins, garnished with fresh herbs.
Curried Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

If you’re into bold flavors, Curried Chicken Salad has just the right kick without going overboard. It’s a unique twist on the usual chicken salads and brings something fresh to any meal. Great choice for switching up your typical options. It’s simple yet feels a bit special every time.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad

Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad

Chunks of tomato, cucumber, and onion in a bowl.
Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Clean and fresh combinations make Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad easy and quick without sacrificing variety. Light yet satisfying, it’s great when you need something to balance heavier meals. This option works anytime, adding a straightforward mix to your plate. Simple but effective every time.
Get the Recipe: Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad

Potato Salad

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

Few dishes feel as versatile and reliable as Potato Salad when you want something that fits in effortlessly. It’s familiar and filling, making it a solid choice no matter the occasion. This one’s always a crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and hard to mess up. Perfect classic for any table spread.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

7 Layer Salad

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For anyone who prefers layers of flavor in one bowl, 7 Layer Salad keeps things interesting without being complicated. It stacks hearty elements together, making meal prep less overwhelming. This option feels like a full meal even though it’s super easy to make. Great when variety is a must.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Close-up of a delightful broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Mixed ingredients are visible in detail, showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of this fresh broccoli salad.
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Loaded with crunch, this salad brings balance with its creamy dressing. Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing proves you don’t need complicated meals to eat better. It’s quick, straightforward, and easy to pair with anything. Perfect for when you want something fresh without too much thought.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

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 adds a robust element to your salad rotation without much fuss. It’s an easy way to fit extra protein into your meals without feeling too heavy. Great for when you want a straightforward option that still feels hearty. Simple pick that works every time.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mixing comfort food with a salad twist, Pizza Salad brings a fun and unexpected touch to the table. It’s casual and approachable, perfect for when you want a salad that still feels familiar. Easy to whip up and always a bit different from your average bowl. Great for casual meals without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

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