When it comes to fresh, healthy and flavour-packed meals, nothing beats a colourful salad! I've rounded up 35+ of the best salad recipes in one place - perfect for family meals, work lunches, as well as entertaining. From classics everyone knows, to new favourites you'll want on repeat, these are the salads I make again and again for my own family (and yes, the kids give them the thumbs up too! 👌).
P.S. Love salads? You'll adore my Salads eBook bundle-your go-to salad bibles!
Scroll through, pick your favourites and get inspired. Whether it's for a gathering, Christmas lunch, summer BBQ or just a quick mid-week dinner, there's a salad here to suit. Keep this list handy - next time you're stuck on what to make, you'll have 35+ fresh salad ideas ready to go.
You'll find all the Bake Play Smile favourites here-like Crispy Noodle Salad, Creamy Pasta Salad and Roasted Pumpkin Salad - plus plenty of fresh new ones to try!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Creamy, smoky and loaded with flavour - this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is always a hit! Tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh veggies and that dreamy ranch dressing come together in just 25 minutes for the ultimate BBQ side or easy midweek meal.
Chickpea Salad with Avocado
Meet your new 10-minute hero: creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, juicy tomato, feta and chickpeas all tossed in a zesty honey-mustard dressing. No cooking, no fuss-just fresh flavour in a bowl that's light, nutritious and totally kid-approved.
Crispy Rice Salad
Crispy baked rice, creamy avocado, fresh cucumber and edamame all come together with flaky salmon and a sesame dressing that ties it all perfectly. It's full of texture, bold flavour-and the kind of salad you'll want on repeat for lunches, BBQs or anytime you need something special in a bowl.
Halloumi Pomengranate Salad With Honeyed Walnuts
Golden fried halloumi, juicy pomegranate, creamy avocado and crunchy honeyed walnuts - all drizzled with a zingy mustard-lemon dressing. It takes just 20 minutes to prep, and strikes that sweet-tangy balance of flavours with a colourful look.
Tortellini Pasta Salad With Pesto
This Italian-style tortellini pasta salad with pesto is no-fuss but full of flavour - cheese tortellini meets sweet cherry tomatoes, baby bocconcini and red onion, all tossed through a basil-rich pesto. It's fresh, vibrant and comes together in minutes - this makes a fabulous light meal on its own, or pair as a side for BBQs meats.
Homemade Caesar Salad
Here's my take on the classic Caesar Salad-crisp cos lettuce, crunchy croutons, salty bacon, shaved parmesan and that dreamy homemade dressing all tossed together in about 25 minutes. It's simple, fuss-free and always a hit - the perfect all-rounder for a light lunch, family dinners or summer BBQs.
TIP: Mix it up by adding grilled chicken or salmon on top.
Beetroot & Quinoa Salad
A mix of beetroot, nutty quinoa, creamy feta and crunchy walnuts, tossed with fresh mint and a zesty lemon dressing. It's vibrant, hearty and wholesome - ideal for BBQs, work lunches or a fresh make-ahead side dish loaded with flavour.
Orzo (Risoni) Pesto Salad
Say hello to this Orzo Pesto Salad with it's Italian vibes - mini mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, peppery rocket and toasted pine nuts all tossed into orzo and coated in a basil-parmesan pesto dressing. It comes together in about 20 minutes, no stress - and is perfect whether you serve it solo, or alongside grilled meats for a light, flavour-packed meal.
Halloumi Salad
This isn't your average salad - it's Halloumi Salad turned up to 11: crispy fried halloumi, sweet roast pumpkin, creamy avocado, crunchy macadamias and smoky bacon all tossed through baby spinach with a smooth sesame-cream dressing. It takes about 30 minutes, and it's the kind of salad that actually leaves you full (in a good way).
Curried Rice Salad
This is the kind of classic salad that disappears fast-fluffy rice, crunchy apple, toasted nuts and sweet raisins all tossed in a creamy, mild curry dressing for a balance of sweet and spiced. No fuss, totally make-ahead and 100% crowd-friendly (even the kids will go back for seconds).
Greek Style Risoni Salad With Lemon, Feta & Olives
Bright, zesty and full of Mediterranean flavour - this Greek-Style Risoni (Orzo) Salad combines lemony pasta, salty feta, olives, fresh veggies and crunchy almonds in a simple vinaigrette. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's brings BIG flavour as a sunshine-filled side dish or easy main for summer, BBQs or casual dinners.
Prawn Cocktail Salad
Cue nostalgia in a bowl: juicy prawns, creamy avocado and crisp lettuce tossed in a classic tangy cocktail sauce - simple, fresh and full of retro charm. Ready in just 10 minutes, it's the perfect light and effortless starter that always impresses.
Healthy Tuna Salad
Flaky tuna, crisp celery, and pickles all tossed in a herby mayo dressing. It's quick, crunchy and full of flavour - the ultimate five-minute lunch or light meal that's healthy, satisfying and a protein hit (kid-friendly bonus included).
Curried Egg Salad
Hard boiled eggs, a hint of curry, crunchy spring onions and creamy mayo come together in this quick and tasty Curried Egg Salad. Ready in 15 minutes, it's simple, flavour-packed and perfect for lunches, a simple BBQ side, or sandwich fillings with a flavour twist.
Creamy Broccoli & Bacon Salad
Hands down one of my favourite salads ever - crisp broccoli, crispy bacon, crunchy almonds and tart cranberries all tossed in a smooth and creamy dressing. It comes together in about 20 minutes, keeps well, and always ends up disappearing faster than you think!
Creamy Pesto Potato Salad
Here's a new "side that steals the spotlight" - potatoes, crispy bacon and boiled eggs all coated in a creamy basil-pesto dressing. It takes just 40 minutes to pull together and is ideal for BBQs, family dinners, or any time you want a substantial salad that's more than just a side.
Jennifer Aniston Salad
Looking for a fresh, nutritious salad that's as good for lunch as it is for dinner? This Jennifer Aniston Salad combines healthy quinoa, crisp cucumber, chickpeas, feta and herbs, all tossed in a light vinaigrette. It's fast, full of texture, and the kind of bowl you go back to again and again. Travels well for work lunches too.
Beetroot Salad with Feta
Bright, bold and crazy easy - soft baby beetroot, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts and fresh mint all come together with a balsamic-honey dressing. Ready in just 10 minutes, this salad is your go-to side for weeknights, lunchboxes or dinner parties where you want something that not only looks impressive, but it super tasty too.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Think of this as Caesar salad's heartier cousin - seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, cos lettuce, boiled eggs and crunchy croutons all tossed in a creamy homemade dressing. It looks like a show-stopping salad, but comes together in under 25 minutes (ideal for an impressive mid-week meal in a hurry).
Chang's Crispy Noodle Salad
A crunchy, tangy Aussie favourite - shredded cabbage and toasted almonds tossed with loads of fried noodles, drizzled in a sweet-sesame dressing is a winning combo of flavours. Ready in just 15 minutes, totally crowd-friendly, and the kind of salad that vanishes fast (seriously, it's always the first one gone at BBQs).
Lentil Tabouli
Ten-minute magic in a bowl - tinned lentils, juicy tomatoes, heaps of parsley and mint, all tossed with zesty lemon and olive oil. It's fuss-free, super nutritious, and keeps well - the kind of salad you'll want to make again and again for lunches, BBQs or just because.
Mexican Chopped Salad
Think bold flavours in every bite - charred corn, creamy avocado, black beans, crisp lettuce and red capsicum all tossed in a creamy avocado-lime dressing. It comes together in just 15 minutes, making it the perfect side for tacos, enchiladas or any Mexican feast you're planning.
Blackberry, Goats Cheese, Pistachio & Rocket Salad
Think sweet bursts of blackberry, creamy goat cheese, crunchy pistachios and peppery rocket all drizzled in a subtle honey-mustard dressing. It comes together in about 5 minutes, yet feels fancy enough for guests - fresh, flavourful and impossible to resist.
Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad
This creamy tuna pasta salad hits all the comfort notes - flaky tuna, macaroni and crisp veggies and a dill-lemon mayo dressing all mingling beautifully. It's ready in about 10 minutes, makes a quick and satisfying lunch, or serve it alongside your favourite meats at your next BBQ.
Asian Cucumber Salad
Need a quick, flavour-packed side that's all crunch and no fuss? This Asian Cucumber Salad is your go-to. Thin cucumber slices drenched in a tangy sesame-soy drizzle, sprinkled with golden toasted sesame seeds, it takes just 10 minutes, no cooking required, and always livens up any meal with a crisp and vibrant flavour.
Roast Vegetable Couscous Salad
A colourful mix of roasted veggies, fluffy couscous, feta and rocket tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. Ready in 30 minutes, this versatile salad shines either warm or chilled - perfect with grilled meat or on its own as a satisfying meat-free meal.
Creamy Pasta Salad
A true crowd-pleaser combining pasta, crisp veggies and a creamy homemade dressing - it certainly beats any store-bought version! Quick, unfussy and always a hit, it's the first salad to disappear at BBQs, lunches, family get-togethers or potlucks.
Mango & Chicken Salad
Meet your new summer staple - sweet and juicy mango, chicken, avocado, crunchy macadamias and crisp veggies - all tossed in a sweet and savoury drizzle. It's fresh, flavourful and ready in just 25 minutes (the kind of salad that disappears fast).
Cypriot Grain Salad
My all-time favourite salad - inspired by the famous Hellenic Republic version, but simplified without losing any of the incredible flavour. Colourful, healthy and full of texture, it's perfect for BBQs, family gatherings or any meal that needs a little wow.
Walnut, Pear, Rocket & Parmesan Salad
Crisp pear, peppery rocket, crunchy walnuts and shaved parmesan drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze. Ready in under 10 minutes, it's simple, flavourful and the kind of salad you'll make on repeat for BBQs, weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining.
Roast Pumpkin Salad with Feta
Roasted pumpkin, crumbled feta, toasted pine nuts and baby spinach all tossed together in a honey-balsamic drizzle. This vegetarian beauty is easy to throw together and perfect as a side for BBQs - or savour it all on its own when you're craving something fresh and satisfying.
Roasted Potato & Chorizo Salad
This salad is flavour with a capital "F" - crispy roasted potatoes, smoky chorizo, red onion and dill all tossed in a creamy sour cream + mustard dressing. Serve it warm or at room temp - it's a crowd-pleaser whether it's alongside grilled meat or flying solo at your next gathering.
Brown Rice Salad
Whether it's a BBQ, light lunch or midweek dinner side, this salad always delivers. With cooked brown rice, crunchy veggies and a zesty dressing, it's fresh, filling and ready in just 10 minutes-a budget friendly salad and a healthy winner every time.
Sweet Potato & Kale Salad
This one's a keeper - roasted sweet potatoes, crispy chickpeas, kale, feta and creamy avocado all tossed in the most delicious sesame flavoured dressing. It's hearty, colourful and full of good stuff, perfect on its own, or as a side to your favourite meal.
Chicken Macaroni Salad
This deli-style chicken macaroni salad brings together tender chicken, al dente macaroni and crunchy veggies in a creamy, tangy mayo dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's a crowd-pleaser that works beautifully as a side at BBQs - or as an easy weeknight addition to a main with leftovers set for work lunches.
Three Bean Salad
My go-to when I need something fresh and last-minute! This Three Bean Salad is all about simple ingredients - tasty beans and chickpeas, red onion and crunchy celery, all tossed in a zippy vinaigrette. It's quick, colourful and the kind of salad that somehow goes with everything (and always disappears first at a BBQ).
Creamy Potato Salad with Egg & Bacon Salad
Crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, crunchy spring onions and tender potatoes all tossed in a creamy mayo and sour cream dressing - pure comfort food in a bowl! A true crowd-pleaser that's stood the test of time, this classic potato salad never fails to impress.
Serving Suggestions
These salads are absolutely delicious served on their own... or take things up a level and serve with one of these tasty options:
- Grilled meats - serve with chicken, pork, lamb or beef!
- Seafood - serve with grilled fish, prawns, scallops, oysters or salmon
- Roast meat - roast chicken, beef, pork or lamb all partner perfectly with salad
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