11 Easy Healthy Salad Recipes You Will Make On Repeat

Are you stuck in a salad rut, staring down another bowl of sad, limp lettuce and wondering if “healthy” has to mean “boring”? You’re not alone. So many of us start with good intentions, but our salads end up feeling like a chore—uninspired, unsatisfying, and definitely not something to look forward to. They lack the flavor, texture, and heartiness to be a truly crave-worthy meal.

Here’s the deal: eating healthy should be a joyful, delicious experience. The problem isn’t the salad; it’s the approach to the salad. Without the right combination of ingredients, a good dressing, and a little creativity, it’s easy to fall back into the same old uninspired habits. You deserve a meal that’s packed with nutrients and excites your taste buds.

The secret to transforming your meals is knowing how to build a better salad. A great healthy salad perfectly balances crisp greens, a rainbow of vibrant vegetables, a satisfying source of lean protein like chickpeas or chicken, a healthy fat like avocado or nuts, and a simple, flavorful homemade dressing. This formula is the key to creating a dish that is not just good for you, but is also filling, delicious, and something you’ll genuinely make on repeat.

Tired of Sad, Limp Salads? Here’s How to Make Them Crave-Worthy

A great healthy salad balances crisp greens, colorful vegetables, a source of protein like chickpeas or chicken, a healthy fat like avocado or nuts, and a simple, flavorful homemade dressing. This combination ensures the salad is filling, nutritious, and absolutely delicious. In my experience, the biggest mistake people make is skipping one of these core components. You need the protein and fat for satiety, the veggies for nutrients and crunch, and the dressing to tie it all together. Ditching bland, bottled dressings for a quick homemade vinaigrette is the single best upgrade you can make. It takes just two minutes and elevates the entire meal from bland to brilliant.

11 Easy Healthy Salad Recipes You Will Make On Repeat (Updated for 2025)

Here are 11 of the best, tried-and-true easy and healthy salad recipes that deliver on flavor and satisfaction. This curated list includes everything from quick 15-minute lunches and hearty main dish salads to options that are vegetarian, gluten-free, and perfect for your weekly meal prep.

1. Everyday Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
2. The Famous ‘Jennifer Aniston’ Quinoa & Chickpea Salad
3. 15-Minute Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
4. Sweet & Savory Strawberry Feta Salad
5. Blueberry Goat Cheese Salad
6. Crisp Apple & Mixed Greens Salad
7. Hearty Pasta & Green Pea Salad
8. High-Protein Dense Bean Salad
9. Crunchy Broccoli Salad
10. Refreshing Quinoa Tabbouleh
11. The Ultimate Healthy Cobb Salad

1. The Perfect Everyday Green Salad with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

• Ingredients:
  • Salad: 5 oz spring mix, 1/2 English cucumber (sliced), 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced), 1 avocado (diced), 1/4 cup toasted pepitas, shaved Parmesan cheese to taste.
  • Dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 small garlic clove (minced), salt and pepper to taste.
• Instructions:
  1. In a small jar, combine all dressing ingredients. Shake vigorously until emulsified.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the spring mix, cucumber, and red onion.
  3. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss gently to coat.
  4. Top with diced avocado, toasted pepitas, and shaved Parmesan. Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side.

Pro-Tip: For a heartier salad, add a can of rinsed chickpeas or a grilled chicken breast. If using kale instead of spring mix, massage the dressing into the leaves for a minute to tenderize them.

Pin this go-to salad recipe for your next dinner party!

2. The Famous ‘Jennifer Aniston’ Quinoa & Chickpea Salad

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1 (15-oz) can chickpeas (rinsed), 1 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup minced red onion, 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1/2 cup chopped pistachios, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese.
• Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, salt and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Whisk all dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
  4. Gently fold in the pistachios and feta cheese. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Pro-Tip: For the best flavor, let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to meld. This salad gets even better the next day!

Save this viral recipe for your weekly meal prep!

3. 15-Minute Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (15-oz) can chickpeas (rinsed), 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 English cucumber (cubed), 1/2 red onion (finely chopped), 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup crumbled vegan feta.
• Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, 1.5 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
  2. In a small jar, shake all dressing ingredients together until well combined.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
  4. Top with crumbled vegan feta before serving.

Lesson Learned: Don’t skip the fresh parsley! It adds a bright, fresh flavor that is essential to the Mediterranean taste profile and cuts through the richness of the dressing.

Need a quick lunch? Pin this 15-minute recipe!

4. Sweet & Savory Strawberry Feta Salad with Fresh Mint

• Ingredients:
  • 5 oz spring mix or baby spinach, 1 lb fresh strawberries (sliced), 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/2 English cucumber (sliced), 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves.
• Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp honey, pinch of salt.
• Instructions:
  1. Arrange the spring mix on a large platter or in a bowl.
  2. Top with sliced strawberries, cucumber, and fresh mint leaves.
  3. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top.
  4. Whisk the dressing ingredients together and drizzle over the salad just before serving.

Pro-Tip: For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, add 1/4 cup of toasted pecans or candied walnuts. The nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the strawberries and feta.

Pin this beautiful salad for your next brunch!

5. Blueberry Goat Cheese Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts

• Ingredients:
  • 5 oz spring mix, 1 cup fresh blueberries, 4 oz goat cheese (crumbled), 1 avocado (sliced), 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted).
• Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, salt and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  2. Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
  3. On a platter, arrange the spring mix. Top with blueberries and sliced avocado.
  4. Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese and toasted pine nuts.
  5. Drizzle with lemon-dill dressing right before serving.

Pro-Tip: Add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning. A little squeeze of lemon juice directly on the avocado slices can also help them stay green longer.

Save this elegant salad idea for a special lunch!

6. Crisp Apple & Mixed Greens Salad with Sunflower Seeds

• Ingredients:
  • 5 oz mixed greens or chopped romaine, 1 crisp apple (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, thinly sliced), 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
• Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, salt and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apple, sun-dried tomatoes, and parsley.
  2. Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together for the dressing.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
  4. Sprinkle with sunflower seeds just before serving for maximum crunch.

Lesson Learned: To prevent apple slices from browning, toss them in a little bit of the lemon juice from the dressing right after slicing, before you add them to the rest of the salad.

Pin this crisp and refreshing salad for a healthy lunch!

7. Hearty Pasta & Green Pea Salad with Italian Dressing

• Ingredients:
  • 8 oz whole-grain pasta (like rotini or penne), 1 cup green peas (thawed if frozen), 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 red bell pepper (diced), 1/2 cup sliced black olives, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.
• Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs, salt and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly.
  2. Shake all dressing ingredients in a sealed jar.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, peas, tomatoes, bell pepper, olives, and basil.
  4. Pour dressing over the top and toss to coat everything evenly.
  5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Serve chilled.

Pro-Tip: This salad tastes even better after it has chilled for a few hours, so it’s perfect to make in the morning for dinner or to pack for lunch the next day. Reserve a little dressing to add right before serving if it seems dry.

Your new favorite potluck dish is here! Pin it now.

8. High-Protein Dense Bean Salad with Lemon-Cumin Dressing

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (15-oz) can black beans (rinsed), 1 (15-oz) can chickpeas (rinsed), 1 (15-oz) can kidney beans (rinsed), 1 green bell pepper (diced), 1/2 red onion (finely diced), 1 large cucumber (diced), 1/2 cup chopped parsley.
• Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, gently combine the rinsed black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, bell pepper, red onion, cucumber, and parsley.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and stir until everything is well-coated.
  4. For best results, let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Lesson Learned: Rinsing canned beans thoroughly under cold water is crucial. It removes excess sodium and the starchy liquid, resulting in a cleaner taste and better texture for your salad.

Pin this power-packed vegan salad for an easy protein boost!

9. Crowd-Pleasing Crunchy Broccoli Salad

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (cut small), 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup roasted sliced almonds, 1/4 cup minced red onion.
• Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, salt and pepper to taste.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cranberries, almonds, and red onion.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and stir well to coat everything.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Pro-Tip: For a more tender-crisp texture, you can quickly blanch the broccoli florets. Drop them in boiling water for 60 seconds, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Dry thoroughly before adding to the salad.

Be the hero of the next potluck! Save this recipe.

10. Refreshing Quinoa Tabbouleh (Gluten-Free!)

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (chilled), 2 cups finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 cup finely chopped fresh mint, 2 Roma tomatoes (seeded and finely diced), 1 large cucumber (peeled, seeded, and finely diced), 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, salt to taste.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, combine the massive amount of finely chopped parsley and mint. This is the star of the show.
  2. Add the cooked quinoa, diced tomatoes, and diced cucumber.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt.
  4. Toss gently until everything is combined. Taste and adjust lemon juice or salt as needed.

Lesson Learned: The secret to authentic tabbouleh is the ratio—it should be an herb salad with some grain, not a grain salad with some herbs. Don’t be afraid to use a lot of parsley and mint!

Craving something fresh? Pin this vibrant Tabbouleh recipe!

11. The Ultimate Healthy Cobb Salad

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups mixed greens, 1 grilled chicken breast (sliced), 2 hard-boiled eggs (sliced), 1 avocado (sliced), 6 cherry tomatoes (halved).
• Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, 1.5 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Arrange the mixed greens as a base on a large plate or in a shallow bowl.
  2. Arrange the sliced grilled chicken, sliced hard-boiled eggs, sliced avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes in neat rows over the greens.
  3. Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.
  4. Drizzle the light vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.

Pro-Tip: For perfect, easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs, place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then immediately turn off the heat, cover, and let stand for 10-12 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath before peeling.

Pin this classic recipe for a perfect dinner salad!

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Delicious, Healthy Salads

• Start with a Fresh Base: Use crisp greens like romaine, spring mix, or spinach.
• Add Lean Protein: Make it a meal with chickpeas, beans, quinoa, grilled chicken, or hard-boiled eggs.
• Pack in the Veggies: The more color, the better! Think tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions.
• Include Healthy Fats: Add creaminess and staying power with avocado, nuts, seeds, or a good quality olive oil dressing.
• Don’t Forget Crunch & Flavor: Toasted nuts, seeds, fresh herbs, or a small amount of cheese can elevate any salad.
• Ditch Bottled Dressing: A simple homemade vinaigrette (oil + vinegar/lemon juice + seasonings) is healthier and tastes better.

People Also Ask About Easy Healthy Salad Recipes

What is the healthiest salad you can eat?

The healthiest salad is one that is rich in a variety of colors and textures. It typically includes a base of dark leafy greens like spinach or kale, a mix of colorful vegetables (peppers, tomatoes, carrots), a lean protein source (like chickpeas, lentils, or grilled chicken), and a healthy fat such as avocado or nuts. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil and vinegar is the healthiest dressing choice.

What is the healthiest thing to put on your salad?

The healthiest things to add to a salad are more whole foods. This includes a variety of vegetables for fiber and vitamins, lean protein like beans or fish to make it filling, and healthy fats from sources like avocado, seeds (chia, sunflower), or nuts (walnuts, almonds). A dressing made from extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar is also a top healthy addition.

What are the 5 basic types of salads?

The five basic categories of salads are: 1) Green salads (like Caesar or garden salad), 2) Vegetable salads (like coleslaw or Greek salad without lettuce), 3) Pasta, legume, or grain salads (like pasta salad or quinoa salad), 4) Mixed salads incorporating a main protein (like chicken salad or Cobb salad), and 5) Fruit salads.

What is the salad Jennifer Aniston eats every day?

While Jennifer Aniston ate a version of a Cobb salad on the set of Friends, the viral salad she more recently shared is a gluten-free take on Tabbouleh. It’s made with quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, fresh parsley and mint, red onion, pistachios, and feta cheese, all tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette.

Final Thoughts

We hope these 11 recipes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and prove that healthy salads can be the most exciting meal of the day. They are a fantastic starting point for building your own creations. Once you master the basic formula of greens + protein + veggies + healthy fat + homemade dressing, the possibilities are endless.

Now we’d love to know—what’s your absolute favorite, can’t-live-without salad ingredient? Let us know in the comments below