It was one of those evenings, work ran late, your phone battery was dying, and the fridge looked like it held “ingredients,” not a meal. You wanted something healthy but also fast and, honestly, comforting. So you start wondering: Is it even possible to make something fresh, filling, and flavorful in under 20 minutes without turning the kitchen upside down? Maybe with a few easy and quick salad recipes you can throw together without stress?
The answer is yes, and salads are the secret.
Despite their reputation, salads aren’t just bowls of lettuce. When built right, they’re balanced meals packed with fiber, protein, healthy fats, and colorful ingredients that keep things interesting. Even better, many wholesome foods like leafy greens, beans, and fresh vegetables can help you feel satisfied and energized without requiring complicated cooking.
Below you’ll find 25 quick, easy salad recipes designed for busy adults who want real food without complicated prep. Each one uses simple ingredients, minimal steps, and can be customized to what you have at home.
If you also love simple, nourishing meals that don’t require complicated prep, you might enjoy these healthy one-pot recipes for weight loss for easy dinners during busy weeks.
25 Easy and Quick Salad Recipes You Can Make in Under 20 Minutes
1. Salmon, Avocado, and Potato Salad
Image credit and recipe found at easypeasyfoodie.
This is a great option when you want a filling, balanced salad with healthy fats and protein that actually keeps you full.
Ingredients: Cooked salmon, baby potatoes, avocado, spinach, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper
How to prepare:
- Boil the baby potatoes until tender and let them cool slightly
- Flake the cooked salmon into chunks
- Slice the avocado
- Toss spinach, potatoes, salmon, and avocado together
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season
Pair your prepped salads with make-ahead snacks like these healthy no-bake energy ball recipes for easy grab-and-go options during the week.
2. Easy Tuna Rice Salad
Image credit and recipe found at easypeasyfoodie.
This is ideal for quick lunches and budget-friendly, while still high in protein.
Ingredients: Cooked rice, canned tuna, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice
How to prepare:
- Fluff the rice in a bowl
- Add drained tuna, chopped cucumber, and halved tomatoes
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice
- Season and mix well
3. Aubergine and Halloumi Salad
Image credit and recipe found at easypeasyfoodie.
A flavorful vegetarian salad that feels hearty thanks to grilled cheese and vegetables.
Ingredients: Sliced aubergine, halloumi cheese, arugula, olive oil, balsamic glaze
How to prepare:
- Brush aubergine slices with olive oil and grill until tender
- Grill sliced halloumi until golden
- Toss arugula with the warm aubergine and halloumi
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze
These quick, easy salad recipes pair well with refreshing drinks like this fruit-infused water, keeping meals light and energizing.
4. Roasted Squash, Quinoa, Avocado, and Feta Salad
Image credit and recipe found at easypeasyfoodie.
This is a nourishing bowl packed with fiber, healthy fats, and satisfying grains.
Ingredients: Roasted squash cubes, cooked quinoa, avocado, feta cheese, olive oil, lemon
How to prepare:
- Roast the squash until tender
- Combine quinoa, squash, sliced avocado, and crumbled feta
- Dress with olive oil and lemon
5. Beetroot, Kale, and Orange Salad
Image credit and recipe found at easypeasyfoodie.
A vibrant salad rich in texture, color, and refreshing citrus flavor.
Ingredients: Cooked beetroot, chopped kale, orange segments, walnuts, vinaigrette
How to prepare:
- Massage kale with a little dressing to soften
- Add sliced beets and orange segments
- Sprinkle with walnuts and toss
6. Peach, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella Salad
Image credit and recipe found at easypeasyfoodie.
This sweet-and-salty combination makes a light yet satisfying warm-weather meal.
Ingredients: Fresh peaches, mozzarella, prosciutto, basil, balsamic glaze
How to prepare:
- Slice peaches and mozzarella
- Arrange with prosciutto and basil leaves
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze
7. Chicken, Kale, Quinoa, and Pumpkin Salad
Image credit and recipe found at easypeasyfoodie.
A protein-rich salad that works well for meal prep and keeps you full longer.
Ingredients: Cooked chicken, quinoa, roasted pumpkin, kale, lemon tahini dressing
How to prepare:
- Massage kale lightly
- Add quinoa, chicken, and pumpkin
- Toss with dressing
8. Thai Chicken Salad with Honey-Drizzled Cashews
Image credit and recipe found at easypeasyfoodie.
Great when you want crunch, freshness, and bold flavor in one bowl.
Ingredients: Shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, cashews, lime juice, soy sauce, honey
How to prepare:
- Combine cabbage, carrots, and chicken
- Toss with lime juice and soy sauce
- Top with cashews and drizzle honey
9. Easy Prawn, Avocado, and Mango Salad
Image credit and recipe found at easypeasyfoodie.
This tropical-style salad is light, refreshing, and packed with lean protein.
Ingredients: Cooked prawns, mango, avocado, mixed greens, lime dressing
How to prepare:
- Slice the mango and avocado
- Toss with greens and prawns
- Add lime dressing and mix gently
10. Easy Peasy Greek Salad
Image credit and recipe found at easypeasyfoodie.
A classic Mediterranean option that’s fresh, simple, and full of flavor.
Ingredients: Tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta, olive oil, vinegar, oregano
How to prepare:
- Chop vegetables
- Toss with olives and feta
- Dress with olive oil, vinegar, and oregano
11. Ham, Squash, and Puy Lentil Salad
Image credit and recipe found at easypeasyfoodie.
This hearty salad combines protein and fiber for lasting fullness.
Ingredients: Cooked lentils, roasted squash, diced ham, greens, vinaigrette
How to prepare:
- Combine lentils, squash, and ham
- Add greens and toss with dressing
12. Italian Beans for One
Image credit and recipe found at nourishnutritionblog.
Perfect for a quick, warm, protein-packed single serving.
Ingredients: Cooked white beans, olive oil, garlic, herbs, greens
How to prepare:
- Warm beans with olive oil, garlic, and herbs
- Spoon over fresh greens
13. Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges
Image credit and recipe found at nourishnutritionblog.
A light, sweet, and crunchy salad that comes together in minutes.
Ingredients: Spinach, mandarin oranges, almonds, vinaigrette
How to prepare:
- Toss spinach with oranges and almonds
- Add dressing
14. Mediterranean Grain Bowl
Image credit and recipe found at nourishnutritionblog.
A balanced bowl with grains, veggies, and healthy fats.
Ingredients: Cooked grains, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta, olive oil
How to prepare:
- Combine all ingredients
- Drizzle olive oil and lemon
15. Warm Harvest Bowl with Crispy Tofu
Image credit and recipe found at nourishnutritionblog.
Great for cooler days when you want something warm and comforting.
Ingredients: Roasted vegetables, crispy tofu, greens, dressing
How to prepare:
- Roast vegetables
- Pan-fry tofu until crisp
- Assemble the bowl and add the dressing
16. Italian Chopped Salad
Image credit and recipe found at loveandlemons.
A bold, satisfying salad with lots of texture.
Ingredients: Lettuce, salami, cheese, tomatoes, olives, Italian dressing
How to prepare:
- Chop everything finely
- Toss with dressing
17. Caesar Salad
Image credit and recipe found at loveandlemons.
A classic option that’s creamy, crunchy, and comforting.
Ingredients: Romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan, Caesar dressing
How to prepare:
- Toss lettuce with dressing
- Top with croutons and parmesan
18. Beet Salad
Image credit and recipe found at loveandlemons.
Earthy, sweet, and creamy when paired with cheese.
Ingredients: Roasted beets, goat cheese, arugula, walnuts
How to prepare:
- Slice beets
- Toss with arugula and walnuts
- Add goat cheese and dressing
19. Bright Spring Salad
Image credit and recipe found at loveandlemons.
A refreshing mix that highlights crisp, seasonal vegetables.
Ingredients: Mixed greens, radishes, herbs, lemon dressing
How to prepare:
- Toss greens, radishes, and herbs
- Add lemon dressing
20. Healthy Taco Salad
Image credit and recipe found at loveandlemons.
A fun, filling salad with bold flavors and protein.
Ingredients: Ground beef or beans, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, salsa
How to prepare:
- Cook and season the protein
- Toss with lettuce and vegetables
- Add salsa and avocado
This salad is a lighter way to enjoy taco flavors, especially if you already have cooked beef from one of these easy ground beef recipes on hand.
21. Kale Salad with Carrot Ginger Dressing
Image credit and recipe found at loveandlemons.
A crunchy salad with a fresh, zesty dressing.
Ingredients: Kale, shredded carrots, carrot-ginger dressing
How to prepare:
- Massage kale
- Toss with carrots and dressing
22. Easy Pasta Salad
Image credit and recipe found at loveandlemons.
A crowd-pleasing, make-ahead option perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients: Cooked pasta, vegetables, vinaigrette
How to prepare:
- Cool pasta
- Mix with vegetables and dressing
23. Tortellini Salad
Image credit and recipe found at loveandlemons.
A hearty salad that feels more like a full meal.
Ingredients: Cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, pesto, and mozzarella
How to prepare:
- Toss all ingredients together
- Chill before serving
24. Orzo Salad
Image credit and recipe found at loveandlemons.
Light and Mediterranean-inspired with simple ingredients.
Ingredients: Cooked orzo, cucumber, tomatoes, feta, olive oil
How to prepare:
- Combine all ingredients
- Toss with olive oil and lemon
25. Pesto Pasta Salad
Image credit and recipe found at loveandlemons.
A quick, herby, satisfying dish perfect for busy days.
Ingredients: Cooked pasta, pesto, tomatoes, parmesan
How to prepare:
- Toss pasta with pesto
- Add tomatoes and parmesan
Final Thoughts on these Easy and Quick Salad Recipes
Salads aren’t “diet food.” They’re fast, flexible meals that can be hearty, comforting, refreshing, or indulgent depending on how you build them. That’s exactly why easy and quick salad recipes can become your go-to solution when you want something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen.
With a few staple ingredients and simple dressings, you can have a fresh, balanced meal on the table in minutes, even on your busiest days.
Which of these quick salad recipes will you try first tonight?
Hi I’m Ana. I’m all about trying to live the best life you can. This blog is all about working to become physically healthy, mentally healthy and financially free! There lots of DIY tips, personal finance tips and just general tips on how to live the best life.
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