17 Spring Salads That Aren’t Boring

When spring rolls around, there’s something magical about refreshing meals that bring a pop of color and a dash of excitement to the table. It’s time to move past the usual suspects and explore salads that break the mold. With vibrant greens and a mix of unexpected textures, these salads are a testament to the season’s bounty.

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re craving something with a bit of a kick that brings together both sweet and spicy, you’ll want to look into this choice. It brings the vibrant street food flavors right to your table, offering a unique twist on traditional corn salad. It’s perfect for those looking for a bold taste in their spring menu.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Here, you get a delightful mix that balances tender chicken with the crunch of walnuts and the sweetness of cranberries. This salad strikes the perfect note for a refreshing yet hearty spring meal. Its balance of textures and flavors makes it a hit for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Light and bursting with freshness, this salad pays homage to Persian cuisine with its simple yet profoundly flavorful profile. It’s an ideal choice for those days when you want a meal that feels like a breeze on your palate. Especially great for warm days, it embodies the essence of spring on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Ham Salad with dill pickle on a plate.
Old Fashioned Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who love a touch of nostalgia in their meals, this one’s a blast from the past with a twist. Combining savory ham with crunchy textures, it serves as a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. Ideal for a quick lunch or a picnic, this salad is all about bringing comfort food into the light of spring.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Herbed potato salad on a white platter.
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine a dish that brings the earthy flavors of spring directly to your taste senses. This salad elevates the humble potato with vibrant herbs and the fresh punch of green garlic. It’s a hearty yet refreshing choice, proving that comfort food can be spring-time appropriate.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

A bowl of yellow bean and potato salad.
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This salad is a wonderful marriage of textures and flavors, bringing together crisp yellow beans with soft potatoes in a harmony of taste. It’s a festive addition to any spring table, offering a colorful and satisfying option. It’s sure to become a go-to for gatherings or simply elevating your weekday meals.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dive into the light yet rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this shrimp-based delight. It pairs the delicate pasta with robust flavors, capturing the essence of spring by the sea. Perfect for a refreshing dinner or a side dish, this salad is a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Southern Ham Salad

A bowl of Southern ham salad and croissants on a wooden table.
Southern Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Here’s a celebration of southern flavors with a salad that’s as versatile as it is delicious. It combines the savory depth of ham with a mix that’s bound to spark joy. Whether it’s a part of your brunch spread or a standalone meal, it offers both comfort and freshness.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re after something that packs a flavorful punch, this salad brings the heat with a hint of sweet. The curry offers a warming sensation that’s beautifully offset by the pop of raisins. It’s a bold choice for those who dare to explore deeper flavors in their spring salads.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Rotisserie chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Take the convenience of rotisserie chicken and mix it with the satisfying body of pasta for a salad that’s both filling and refreshing. It’s the perfect dish for those busy spring days when you want a meal that’s quick but doesn’t compromise on flavor. Serve it up at a potluck or enjoy it as a fulfilling meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Steak & Pasta Salad

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who believe salad should be both substantial and flavorful, this combination brings the best of both worlds. The richness of steak pairs wonderfully with the lightness of pasta, offering a meal that’s satisfying without feeling too heavy for spring. It’s a versatile dish that can cater to both casual and fancy dining experiences.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black bowl with forks nearby.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy the delicate taste of salmon combined with pasta in a salad that’s as elegant as it is satisfying. This meal is a testament to the versatility of spring flavors, offering a light yet hearty dish. It’s perfect for those looking to add a touch of sophistication to their spring meals.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Here’s a hearty option that brings together the nuttiness of wheat berries with the lightness of tuna and the brightness of tomatoes. It’s a well-rounded meal that offers a satisfying chew and a burst of flavor with every bite. Ideal for a nutritious lunch, it’ll keep you energized through spring days.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Shake up your salad game with a Tex-Mex twist on the classic Caesar. This version adds a punch of flavor that makes it stand out as a lively addition to any spring feast. It’s for those who love a little extra spice and joy in their meals.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Coronation Chicken Salad

A pan of coronation chicken salad next to a plate of lettuce and tomatoes.
Coronation Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Take a journey back to a classic with this dish, which combines a rich history with a taste that stands the test of time. This salad balances creamy, sweet, and savory elements, striking a perfect chord for a spring meal. It’s a sophisticated choice that promises to be a conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This salad is all about bringing the fresh, herby goodness of pesto to the forefront. Mixed with orzo, it offers a light yet fulfilling meal that screams spring. It’s the perfect side for a barbecue or a refreshing standalone dish for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Four Mediterranean Tuna Salad stuffed avocados on a white plate.
Mediterranean Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Last but not least, embrace the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this tuna-based delight. It’s a colorful, zesty option that brings freshness and variety to your spring salad lineup. Packed with flavor, it’s a bright way to celebrate the season.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad

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