25 Side Salads that Go Beyond Lettuce

Summer Miller, Robin Shreeves

Tue, November 27, 2018 at 7:00 AM UTC

5 min read

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25 ideas for side salads to get you out of a lettuce-only rut.

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.

Robin Shreeves joins Summer Miller in compiling this list.

Chickpea Barley Salad

This chickpea and barley salad recipe tips its hat to Morocco with ras el hanout, pistachios, dried apricots, onions, parsley, and lemon.

Get Recipe: Chickpea and Barley Salad

Kale and Farro Salad With Spiced Candied Pecans

<p>Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel</p> — Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

This one's a textural delight, with a creamy dressing and sweet candied pecans. It's make-ahead friendly and also happens to be vegan.

Get Recipe: Kale and Farro Salad with Spiced Candied Pecans

Wild Rice Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

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.

Get Recipe: Wild Rice Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

Soba Noodle Salad

Bell peppers and mango in the same salad? The contrast matches well together in this salad on a base of cold Japanese noodles made with buckwheat flour.

Get Recipe: Soba Noodle Salad

Cucumber Mint Quinoa Salad

This quick easy quinoa salad with cucumbers and mint is perfect for a summer picnic salad!

Get Recipe: Cucumber Mint Quinoa Salad

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

<p>Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe</p> — 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. Serve it with roast chicken at dinner and then enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day.

Get Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

Roasted Broccoli Salad with Feta, Barley, and Pomegranate

Roasted broccoli is base for this hearty winter salad. Toss with barley, spinach, feta, almonds, and pomegranate seeds. 30-minute cooking time.

Get Recipe: Roasted Broccoli Salad with Feta, Barley, and Pomegranate

Roasted Radish and Feta Salad

Have you ever roasted radishes? Their flavor transforms in the heat of the oven, turning juicy and sweet. Toss them with a vinaigrette and some feta for a light meal or side salad.

Get Recipe: Roasted Radish and Feta Salad

Harvest Salad with Miso-Maple Roasted Butternut Squash

Toss miso-maple roasted squash with greens, apples, cooked grains, pepitas, dried cranberries, and pomegranate arils. Best fall salad EVER. Makes a great lunch, too.

Get Recipe: Harvest Salad with Miso-Maple Roasted Butternut Squash

Southwestern Three Bean Salad

A three bean salad with a Southwestern twist! 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.

Get Recipe: Southwestern Three Bean Salad

Black Bean Salad

A fresh black bean salad, perfect for a summer picnic or potluck. Red bell peppers, jalape?os, avocado, black beans, and corn combined to give this salad its kick and fresh flavors.

Get Recipe: Black Bean Salad

White Bean and Tuna Salad

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

Get Recipe: White Bean and Tuna Salad

Grapefruit Avocado Salad

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

Get Recipe: Grapefruit Avocado Salad

Orange and Beet Salad

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

Get Recipe: Orange and Beet Salad

Kale Caesar Salad with Creamy Parmesan Dressing

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

Get Recipe: Kale Caesar Salad with Creamy Parmesan Dressing

Radicchio Salad with Green Olives, Chickpeas, and Parmesan

A beautiful radicchio salad with green olives, chickpeas, and Parmesan. Quick and easy to toss together and great with chicken or fish.

Get Recipe: Radicchio Salad With Green Olives, Chickpeas, and Parmesan

Roasted Root Vegetable Panzanella

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.

Get Recipe: Roasted Root Vegetable Panzanella

Cold Pea Salad

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.

Get Recipe: BBQ Chicken on the Grill

Greek Pasta Salad

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

Get Recipe: Greek Pasta Salad

Festive Beet Citrus Salad with Kale and Pistachios

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

Get Recipe: Festive Beet Citrus Salad with Kale and Pistachios

Classic Carrot Salad

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.

Get Recipe: Classic Carrot Salad With Apples, Raisins, and Mayo

Quinoa Succotash

Cook onions, quinoa, corn, lima beans, and tomatoes in bacon fat then add stock and water. The result is a flavorful, protein-packed side salad that would also work as a main dish.

Get Recipe: Quinoa Succotash