Best 20 Quick Salad Recipes
In today's fast-paced world, where time is of the essence, preparing elaborate meals can often feel like a daunting task. However, nourishing oneself with healthy and delicious food shouldn't be a compromise. Quick salads offer a fantastic solution, providing a burst of flavor, essential nutrients, and convenience all in one. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can whip up a delightful and nutritious salad that caters to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you're a vegetarian, a meat lover, or someone with specific dietary restrictions, there's a quick salad recipe out there that will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling energized and refreshed.
Here are our top 20 tried and tested recipes!
QUICK CRANBERRY GELATIN SALAD
Since this tangy salad keeps well, I make it a day ahead for my Christmas menu. It's also a great choice to take to a holiday potluck - even people who aren't fond of cranberries think it's yummy. I got the recipe from a friend at church who likes to cook and bake as much as I do. -Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 10m
Yield 10 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in water. Stir in pineapple and cranberry sauce. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Stir in grapes and pecans. Pour into a 2-qt. serving bowl. Refrigerate until firm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 146 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 62mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
QUICK ITALIAN PASTA SALAD
A quick and flavorful pasta salad with salami and bell peppers.
Provided by Trish
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Rotini Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water until cool.
- Combine pasta, salami, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, onion, salad dressing, olives, and mozzarella cheese in a large bowl. Mix dry salad dressing into pasta; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 370.9 calories, Carbohydrate 29.2 g, Cholesterol 46 mg, Fat 21 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 15.2 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 1893.1 mg, Sugar 5.4 g
QUICK TUNA SALAD
This tuna salad is great when you are in a hurry; very quick and easy to make. It tastes great every time!
Provided by HJP
Categories Salad Seafood Salad Recipes Tuna Salad Recipes
Time 5m
Yield 3
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Mash tuna together with salad dressing and relish in a small bowl with a fork. Serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 142.3 calories, Carbohydrate 4.4 g, Cholesterol 26.3 mg, Fat 5.9 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 16.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 239.9 mg, Sugar 4.1 g
QUICK ITALIAN SALAD
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 20m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- For the dressing: In a blender, add the olive oil, mayonnaise, Parmesan, parsley, sugar, vinegar, black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, garlic and lemon juice and blend until pureed.
- For the salad: Put the romaine and iceberg greens in a large bowl and toss with the dressing. Top the salad with the pepperoncini, olives, tomatoes and onions. Sprinkle with Parmesan at the end.
QUICK CORN SALAD
This sensational salad is a delight to serve because you can make it ahead and it's an easy way to put garden bounty to good use. With colorful ingredients like corn, tomato and green pepper, it's also pretty in the bowl and on your plate. -Rita Reifenstein, Evans City, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 10m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large salad bowl, combine vegetables; stir in dressing. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 64 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 93mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
QUICK AMBROSIA FRUIT SALAD
I start this with plenty of fruit, add the yogurt for dressing, then mix in just enough marshmallows and coconut so it tastes like the fresh and creamy version I grew up with. It's a well-loved recipe in my home now. -Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 10m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Chill until serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 191 calories, Fat 4g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 48mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (34g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.
QUICK CORN AND BLACK BEAN SALAD
I'm often asked to create "different" recipes for parties. This corn salad, cooked up for a barbecue, was an instant hit. Filled with multicolored vegetables and plenty of seasonings, it has great eye appeal and loads of flavor.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 20m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. In a small bowl, combine the salad dressing, cilantro, lime juice, hot pepper sauce and chili powder. Pour over corn mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. Serve with a slotted spoon.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 179 calories, Fat 9g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 635mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 4g protein.
QUICK ARTICHOKE PASTA SALAD
This pasta salad is quick and easy to make. The liquid from the marinated artichoke hearts makes an excellent dressing.
Provided by Maryanne
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 4h20m
Yield 5
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil; add pasta and boil until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, tomatoes, olives, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper; toss well. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Before serving, season the pasta dish with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 154.7 calories, Carbohydrate 23.8 g, Fat 5.5 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 4.9 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 389.8 mg, Sugar 0.7 g
QUICK CARROT RAISIN SALAD
This traditional salad is fun to eat because of its crunchy texture and the slightly sweet raisin flavor.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 10m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Place carrots and raisins in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar and enough milk to achieve the consistency of a creamy salad dressing. Pour over carrot mixture and toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 129 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 60mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 1g protein.
QUICK MACARONI SALAD
You can't go wrong with this time-tested winner. Here it is pared down for two.-Carma Blosser, Livermore, Colorado
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions, adding peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse in cold water. , In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Stir in macaroni and peas. Chill until serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 276 calories, Fat 15g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 24mg cholesterol, Sodium 544mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.
QUICK ANTIPASTO PASTA SALAD
This is a quick and easy side dish. Perfect for a BBQ, potluck or any kind of party. Add croutons or other toppings as desired. Delicious!
Provided by Christine Foley Wanner
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Italian Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 40m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Whisk olive oil, vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper in a bowl.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook fusilli in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 12 minutes. Drain.
- Mix fusilli, basil, salami, pepperoni, artichoke hearts, provolone cheese, Asiago cheese, olives, roasted red peppers, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl; drizzle vinaigrette over salad. Toss to evenly coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 372.8 calories, Carbohydrate 30.8 g, Cholesterol 20.5 mg, Fat 23.5 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 10.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.2 g, Sodium 626.3 mg, Sugar 1.3 g
QUICK TACO SALAD
This is a simple make-your-own taco salad. Both my kids, ages six and two, LOVE this! I have made this both with two boneless chicken breasts and beef. Both are a great hit and so easy. I have also used this for Super Bowl party... they LOVED it!
Provided by Amy Tapscott Harvel
Categories Salad Taco Salad Recipes
Time 55m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until crumbly and no longer pink, about 10 minutes; drain excess grease. Mix in taco seasoning mix and water. Bring the beef mixture to a boil and cook until thickened, about 10 more minutes. Transfer beef to a serving bowl.
- Place chopped onion, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, Cheddar cheese, black olives, salsa, jalapeno peppers, sour cream, and corn chips in individual serving bowls. Allow diners to assemble their own salads from the ingredients.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 637.5 calories, Carbohydrate 36.8 g, Cholesterol 100.8 mg, Fat 40.5 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 30.1 g, SaturatedFat 15.5 g, Sodium 1611.1 mg, Sugar 6.3 g
QUICK GREEK PASTA SALAD WITH STEAK
One quick, unique and healthy meal that will liven up your taste buds!
Provided by Polo
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Greek Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 35m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. When cooked, drain, then toss with olive oil, and keep warm.
- Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the rib-eye on both sides until rosy-pink in the center, 7 to 10 minutes depending on thickness. Remove steak from skillet and cut into bite-size pieces. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet, and stir in the garlic and shallots. Cook 5 to 10 seconds until fragrant, then return the steak to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes or to desired doneness. Stir in the soy sauce, and cook a few seconds longer, allowing it to evaporate.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sun-dried tomato pesto, olives, spinach, basil, parsley, feta cheese and sunflower kernels. Toss with the pasta in a large bowl and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 579.3 calories, Carbohydrate 44.7 g, Cholesterol 72.5 mg, Fat 35 g, Fiber 7.9 g, Protein 24.5 g, SaturatedFat 12.6 g, Sodium 709.6 mg, Sugar 3.1 g
QUICK SALMON SALAD
This is a very quick and tasty great salmon salad that can be eaten as a sandwich on thickly sliced specialty bread (fantastic on foccacia). To serve as a salad, mound mixture on a bed of lettuce, or on an avocado half.
Provided by LILREDCV
Categories Salad Seafood Salad Recipes Salmon Salad Recipes
Time 15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a bowl, combine salmon, green onions, celery, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Season with dill and salt. Mix well.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 248 calories, Carbohydrate 2.2 g, Cholesterol 42.6 mg, Fat 17.2 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 20.4 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 570.6 mg, Sugar 0.7 g
QUICK POTATO SALAD
You can whip up this potato salad in just 25 minutes. It requires no leftovers.
Provided by Abbi Saesong
Categories Salad Potato Salad Recipes Dairy-Free Potato Salad Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until soft, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water.
- Combine the potatoes, eggs, cucumber, tomato, celery, onion, green onion, mayonnaise, and mustard in a large bowl; stir until evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 160.2 calories, Carbohydrate 24.5 g, Cholesterol 93 mg, Fat 4.8 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 5.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 390.8 mg, Sugar 8.8 g
QUICK AND EASY BLACK EYED PEA SALAD
One of a few winners of Cooking Light Magazine's Ultimate Reader Recipe Contest, Jan/Feb 2010. So good! This is a great vegetarian lunch or a perfect pack and go side dish for a pot luck!
Provided by januarybride
Categories Beans
Time 10m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Prepare dressing by mixing together first 5 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk until well blended.
- Place all of salad ingredients in a large bowl, drizzle dressing over the top and toss well.
- Cover and chill.
QUICK PICKLED CUCUMBER SALAD
Quickly pickled sliced cucumbers and red onion make a cooling side salad for lamb burgers or fried fish.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Salad Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, red onion, sugar, and rice vinegar. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 39 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 1 g
QUICK CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD
Chicken salad is a great way to use up leftover chicken breast. With this great salad, dinner is quick, and you don't have to turn on the oven.
Provided by Kikkoman
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Kikkoman
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Combine vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, vegetable and sesame oils in large bowl, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Add salad mixture and cilantro, tossing to coat all pieces.
- Add chicken; toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 210.9 calories, Carbohydrate 6.5 g, Cholesterol 41.3 mg, Fat 12.4 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 18.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 753.9 mg, Sugar 3.9 g
QUICK BACON POTATO SALAD
My family was tired of the same old potato salad at family functions, so I created this with the ingredients I had on hand. Now I'm always asked to bring it to potluck gatherings. -Tami Gallagher, Eagan, Minnesota
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 30m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Drain., In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, onion, bacon and parsley. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour over potato mixture; toss to coat. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until chilled.
Nutrition Facts :
QUICK THREE-PEPPER SALAD
This is a five-ingredient time-saver that serves as an attractive and welcome variation on veggies. After topping the peppers and onion with bottle vinaigrette, I can focus on the rest of the meal.-Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 10m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- In a bowl, combine the peppers and onion. Add dressing and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.
Nutrition Facts :
Tips:
- Prep your ingredients beforehand. This will save you time and ensure that you have everything you need on hand when you're ready to start cooking.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better your salad will taste.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors. There are endless possibilities when it comes to salad dressings and toppings.
- Use a variety of colors and textures in your salad. This will make it more visually appealing and interesting to eat.
- Serve your salad immediately after it's made. Salads are best enjoyed fresh.
Conclusion:
With so many delicious and healthy salad recipes to choose from, there's no excuse not to enjoy a salad every day. Salads are a great way to get your daily dose of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. They're also a good source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, reach for a salad. You won't be disappointed.
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