Our 12 Go-To Salad Recipes

This platter-sized salad, inspired by sizzling steak fajitas, will instantly wake up your weeknight dinner routine. The chili-lime vinaigrette adds just the right kick.

We’re suckers for a chopped salad. When you’re craving something fresh that will keep you full all afternoon, look no further. This is tangy and crunchy and packed with good-for-you veggies, hearty farro, and a full can of chickpeas.

Will kale salad ever go out of style? Packed with all the rich, assertive flavors of herby spanakopita, this creative riff might just make you feel like you’re dining al fresco in Greece.

This briny pasta salad gets even better as it sits (the tortellini plumps; the vegetables begin to pickle), which makes it perfect for meal prep. Go ahead and double the vinaigrette, which you’ll want to toss with leafy greens or use to marinate chicken.

This salad is TikTok-famous (and, yes, a favorite of the Kardashians), but totally worth the hype, with crisp iceberg lettuce, an assortment of salty mix-ins (salami, shredded mozz, and Pecorino Romano), and a tangy vinaigrette.

Looking to cook more shrimp at home? This saucy, tangy salad, with an herby Greek yogurt dressing, is the perfect place to start. Serve it over greens or toast, or tuck it into a buttered roll.

This modern take on potato salad is a far cry from Grandma’s — although we think she’ll love it, too. Plate it up alongside anything hot off the grill: hamburgers and hot dogs, grilled steak, veggies, and more.

This veggie and olive-packed salad pairs well with pretty much everything, making it our go-to for cookouts and picnics. Prep it a day or two in advance to let the flavors to mingle — and save you day-of stress.

Shito, a Ghanaian hot pepper sauce, instantly livens up whatever it touches. Here, it works its magic on cool and crisp cucumbers, resulting in a spicy fresh side packed with bold and smoky flavor.

This salad’s creamy dressing features a brilliant duo: sweetened condensed milk and tangy sour cream. Canned tropical fruit salad makes it extra delightful.

Gone are the days of oil-heavy vinaigrettes. This brighter, punchier dressing (with equal parts oil and vinegar), is way more flavorful. Editors on The Kitchn whip up a batch every week to perk up salads, pastas, and beans.

This will quickly become the most reached-for condiment in your fridge. In this creamy, nutty twist on classic ranch, tahini stands in for mayo. Use it to dress leafy greens or drizzle it over roasted vegetables.