19 Salad Recipes That Go Beyond Lettuce

Lettuce doesn't have to be the key ingredient in a salad, and these recipes prove it.

By
Robin Shreeves
Robin Shreeves
Robin Shreeves
Robin Shreeves is a food and beverage writer.
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Updated April 27, 2025
Robin Shreeves
Bowl of Roasted Root Vegetable Panzanella Surrounded by a Slices of Bread, Vase of Flowers, Utensils, and a Kitchen Linen

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

A good salad can be made of anything—no lettuce required. Below are different side salads that go beyond traditional salad leafy greens like iceberg or romaine, and some recipes you might like to try! Any of these would work alongside a main course like roast chicken, pork chops, or seared fish.

  • Cold Rice Noodle Salad

    Overhead view of an easy rice noodle salad in a serving bowl along with wooden claws.
    Alison Bickel

    Contributor Georgia Freedman says, "Each component (the vegetables, the noodles, and the dressing) of this salad can be prepared a couple hours or even a full day ahead, but it is best to combine and dress it just before serving."

  • 5-Ingredient Tomato Salad

    tomato quarter in a large bowl next to a smaller bowl with minced herbs for 5-ingredient tomato salad recipe

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

    Contributor Alison Spiegel says, "Stick to larger tomatoes, such as beefsteak or heirloom, over grape or cherry tomatoes, which don’t hold the dressing as well."

  • Wild Rice Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

    Wild Rice Cranberry Pecan Salad
    Elise Bauer

    With a touch of lemon zest and the zip of scallions, this is a perfect accompaniment to many fall and winter dishes: roast chicken, stews, or pork chops.

  • Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

    Bowl of Roasted Sweet Potato Salad Topped with Crumbled Feta Cheese, Surrounded by Stack of Plate with Forks, a Small Bowl of More Feta Cheese, a Small Bowl of Salt, a Cutting Board with Lime Wedges, a Kitchen Towel, and Empty Glasses

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

    If you've never had sweet potato salad before, you're in for a treat. Crumbly, salty feta helps bring out the savory side of tender roasted sweet potatoes.

    Continue to 5 of 19 below

  • Creamy Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad

    Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad

    Simply Recipes / Sara Tane

    Contributor Sara Tane says, "I’d recommend using Persian cucumbers for this salad because they’re more flavorful, less watery, and have thinner, smoother skin in comparison to English cucumbers. You can opt to use one large cucumber or several smaller ones."

  • Southwestern Three Bean Salad

    Mexican Three Bean Salad
    Elise Bauer

    You'll love the combo of pinto beans, black beans, and green beans, with onions, jalapenos, Cotija cheese, and cilantro with a sweet lime dressing.

  • Black Bean Salad

    Black Bean Salad
    Elise Bauer

    Red bell peppers, jalapeños, avocado, black beans, and corn combined to give this salad its kick and fresh flavors.

  • White Bean and Tuna Salad

    White Bean Tuna Salad
    Elise Bauer

    A classic combination that's so easy to make with pantry staples.

    Continue to 9 of 19 below

  • Grapefruit Avocado Salad

    Grapefruit Avocado Salad
    Elise Bauer

    Grapefruit and avocado make the perfect pair in this cheerful, healthy salad! It's dressed with a light citrus vinaigrette.

  • Orange and Beet Salad

    Orange and Beet Salad
    Elise Bauer

    Brighten your day with this colorful beet salad with sliced beets, navel oranges, red onions, and arugula in a light vinaigrette.

  • Kale Caesar Salad with Creamy Parmesan Dressing

    Elise Bauer

    Make this e kale and romaine Caesar salad with a creamy Parmesan dressing (and no egg!) Great for a potluck.

  • Roasted Root Vegetable Panzanella

    Bowl of Roasted Root Vegetable Panzanella Surrounded by a Slices of Bread, Vase of Flowers, Utensils, and a Kitchen Linen

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

    Panzanella gets the cool weather treatment with vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets, along with hearty kale. Slightly sweet maple brown butter dressing and tangy goat cheese balance out the savory veggies and bread.

    Continue to 13 of 19 below

  • Cold Pea Salad

    cold pea salad in a white bowl
    Sally Vargas

    For a unique spin on peas as a side, try this salad with frozen peas, smoked almonds, water chestnuts, and a hint of curry. Great as a summer side, its smokiness would pair nicely with bbq chicken.

  • Greek Pasta Salad

    greek pasta salad in a bowl
    Sabrina Modelle

    Everything you love about a Greek salad on top of lettuce mixed with pasta and a lemony dressing instead. A perfect potluck dish.

  • Festive Beet Citrus Salad with Kale and Pistachios

    beet and kale salad in a blue bowl
    Elise Bauer

    Beets, kale, and blood oranges combined bring some brightness to a winter dinner. Sprinkled with pistachios and drizzled with citrusy, briny dressing, it's a winner.

  • Classic Carrot Salad

    Classic Carrot Salad in a bowl with wooden serving spoons.
    Michelle Becker

    Carrots, raisins, apples, and mayo. That's all it takes to make this simple salad. If you've never tried it, trust us, it works. Really well.

    Continue to 17 of 19 below

  • Pasta and Bean Picnic Salad

    pasta and bean summer salad in a bowl with a spoon
    Sheryl Julian

    White beans, tomato, celery, and onions join shell pasta in this summer salad finished with a light vinaigrette.

  • Endive Salad with Walnuts, Pears, and Gorgonzola

    Endive Salad with Walnuts Pear Gorgonzola
    Elise Bauer

    Endive is a crisp, bitter delight that's tempered with walnuts, chopped pear, and creamy blue cheese.

  • Watercress Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

    Watercress Bacon Salad
    Elise Bauer

    Here's a simple watercress salad with fresh peppery watercress and a hot bacon apple cider dressing.

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