Easy Side Salads for Any Day of the Week

Need a quick, fresh side to go with any meal? These easy side salads are perfect for adding a healthy crunch without the hassle. Whether you're serving up a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, or looking for something to bring to a BBQ, these salads are simple to make and full of flavor.

Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad

Broccoli salad in a bowl, topped with crumbled goat cheese and slivered almonds. — Image Credit: My Plant Based Bowl

Crispy roasted broccoli and fluffy quinoa come together in a hearty, no-fuss salad that works for lunch or a simple side. It’s packed with texture, and the roasted edges of the broccoli add just the right amount of depth. Easy to throw together and loaded with goodness.

Get the recipe: Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad

Fennel Carrot Salad with Orange Dressing

Carrot, fennel, and radish salad on a plate beside a jar of dressing. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This crisp, refreshing salad is all about contrast—crunchy fennel, sweet carrots, and a bright orange dressing that ties it all together. It’s simple, light, and just the thing to add a little freshness to your plate.

Get the recipe: Fennel Carrot Salad with Orange Dressing

Za’atar Cucumber Salad

Cucumber and onion salad in a bowl. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Cool cucumbers meet bold za’atar seasoning in this ridiculously easy salad. A handful of ingredients, a quick toss in a bowl, and you’ve got something fresh and flavorful that pairs with just about anything.

Get the recipe: Za’atar Cucumber Salad

Couscous Chickpea Salad

Couscous, chickpea, and vegetable salad in bowls. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Light, fluffy couscous and hearty chickpeas make this salad both filling and refreshing. It’s easy to make ahead and works as a quick lunch or a side for your favorite meals. No complicated steps—just simple, satisfying food.

Get the recipe: Couscous Chickpea Salad

Everything Cucumber Salad

Sliced cucumbers on a plate coated in light sauce and seeds. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Crisp cucumbers, tangy dressing, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning make this salad an easy win. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and goes with pretty much anything. Simple ingredients, big payoff.

Get the recipe: Everything Cucumber Salad

Couscous Halloumi Salad

Couscous and vegetable salad in a bowl topped with cheese, nuts, and herbs. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Golden, crispy halloumi takes this couscous salad to the next level. It’s got a mix of soft, chewy, and crunchy textures with a fresh dressing that brings it all together. A great side, or a light meal on its own.

Get the recipe: Couscous Halloumi Salad

Carrot Lentil Salad

Shredded carrot salad on a plate with black lentils, green onion, and red onion. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This salad is all about balance—sweet carrots, earthy lentils, and a zesty dressing to keep things interesting. It’s filling enough for lunch but works just as well as a side. Easy, fresh, and full of good stuff.

Get the recipe: Carrot Lentil Salad

Kale Crunch Salad

Kale salad on a plate topped with crispy chickpeas. — Image Credit: My Plant Based Bowl

Kale that’s actually enjoyable? This salad makes it happen. Massaged kale, crunchy toppings, and a simple dressing turn this into a fresh, satisfying dish that’s great for meal prep or a quick side.

Get the recipe: Kale Crunch Salad

Cabbage Crunch Salad with Peanut Butter Dressing

Cabbage salad in a bowl topped with fresh herbs. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Shredded cabbage, crisp veggies, and a creamy peanut dressing make this salad anything but boring. It’s crunchy, satisfying, and easy to throw together—perfect for a light meal or a fresh side dish.

Get the recipe: Cabbage Crunch Salad with Peanut Butter Dressing

Southwest Corn Salad

Chopped salad in bowls with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and corn. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Sweet corn, black beans, and a punchy dressing make this salad a go-to for taco nights or summer BBQs. It’s fresh, a little smoky, and comes together fast. Perfect for when you need something easy but packed with texture.

Get the recipe: Southwest Corn Salad

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salad in a bowl with sauce and green onions. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Cool cucumbers meet a fiery kick in this simple yet addictive salad. A quick toss in a bold dressing, and you’ve got something light, refreshing, and just the right amount of spicy.

Get the recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Greek Tzatziki Cucumber Salad

Salad in a bowl with cucumbers, red onions, and dill. — Image Credit: My Plant Based Bowl

Creamy, garlicky, and packed with fresh herbs, this cucumber salad is a no-fuss way to add brightness to any meal. It’s cool, refreshing, and comes together in minutes.

Get the recipe: Greek Tzatziki Cucumber Salad

Chickpea Salad with Tomatoes and Cucumber

Chickpeas and chopped tomato and cucumber in a bowl. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

A simple mix of chickpeas, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers tossed in a light dressing. It’s fresh, filling, and works just as well as a side or a quick lunch.

Get the recipe: Chickpea Salad with Tomatoes and Cucumber

Broccoli Crunch Salad

Broccoli salad in a bowl topped with pumpkin seeds. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Crunchy broccoli, toasted nuts, and a tangy dressing make this salad both satisfying and ridiculously easy. It’s got texture, flavor, and just the right amount of bite.

Get the recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad

Spinach Salad with Apples

Salad in a bowl with greens, sliced apples, pecans, and feta cheese. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Sweet, crisp apples and tender spinach make this salad a great mix of fresh and light. It’s simple to throw together but feels a little extra special—perfect for everyday meals or a quick side.

Get the recipe: Spinach Salad with Apples

Dill Potato Salad

Salad in a bowl with potatoes, cucumber, corn, and dill. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Creamy potatoes, fresh dill, and a perfectly balanced dressing make this an easy favorite. It’s fresh, herby, and way better than store-bought versions.

Get the recipe: Dill Potato Salad

Pearl Couscous Salad

Salad in a bowl with pearl couscous, tomatoes and herbs. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Chewy pearl couscous, fresh veggies, and a bright dressing make this a simple but satisfying salad. It’s light enough for a side, hearty enough for lunch, and packed with good textures.

Get the recipe: Pearl Couscous Salad

Greek Salad Without Lettuce

Greek salad with peppers, tomato, feta, and black olives on a plate. — Image Credit: My Plant Based Bowl

No lettuce? No problem. This Greek-inspired salad keeps things simple with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and olives tossed in a tangy dressing. A classic combo that never disappoints.

Get the recipe: Greek Salad Without Lettuce