Monday, May 20, 2024
HomeHealthy Food20 Tasty Green Salad Recipes – A Couple Cooks

20 Tasty Green Salad Recipes – A Couple Cooks


These tasty and easy green salad recipes are so versatile! They pair with just about any main dish, from pasta to pizza to salmon to chili.

Green salad recipes

It’s tricky to find good side salad recipes. Alex and I often want to accessorize our meal with a salad. But what green salad recipes are the right fit? Browsing for recipes online can take too long: sometimes it feels like you’re in a bargain store trying to comb through sweaters to find the just right thing to wear.

So, we’ve decided to take the guess work out for you! As two cookbook authors and recipe developers, we’ve put together a list of our top green salad recipes that make the perfect side salad for just about anything. Most of them are extremely versatile and vibe with many types of main dishes, whether you’re pairing baked salmon or a pizza recipe.

And now, our 20 best green salad recipes

More green salad ideas

Want to make your own green salad? Try some of our simple salad dressings with the greens of your choice!

Add protein to make it a meal

When we go out to eat, we love that many restaurants have the option to add protein to any of their side salads. That works with all of these green salad recipes as well: turn them into a main dish by adding protein! Here are a few ideas of what we’d add here:

A few more salad recipes by season

There are so many salad ideas to try! Here are a few more recipes by season:

Frequently asked questions

I’m new to making salads. Where do I start?

Here’s a basic green salad formula to get you started:
Greens: Choose a base of your favorite greens like romaine, spinach, arugula, or a mix.
Veggies: Add chopped vegetables for flavor, texture, and nutrients. Popular options include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, and onions.
Fruits: Fresh fruits like berries, apples, or pears add a touch of sweetness and a delightful contrast.
Protein (optional): For a more filling salad, incorporate protein sources like grilled chicken, tofu, hard-boiled eggs, or nuts and seeds.
Dressing: The dressing ties everything together! Experiment with vinaigrettes, creamy dressings, or homemade options.

What are some tips for making delicious green salads?

Here are some helpful tips:
Freshness matters: Use fresh, crisp greens and vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
Variety is key: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations.
Balance the flavors: Aim for a balance of sweet, salty, sour, and bitter elements.
Chop ingredients similarly: Ensure all ingredients are chopped into similar sizes for even distribution and a pleasant eating experience.
Dress your salad last: Dressing a salad too early can make the greens wilt.

Can green salads be a complete meal?

Absolutely! By incorporating protein, healthy fats, and whole grains, green salads can be a satisfying and nutritious main course.
Bonus Tip: Leftover roasted vegetables or grilled chicken can be repurposed in a delicious green salad the next day!

Print

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Description

This chopped green salad will amaze everyone around the table! Homemade Italian dressing, crunchy veggies and Parmesan cheese combine into one extraordinary side salad.


  • 1 recipe Homemade Italian Dressing
  • 1 Romaine heart (3 cups)
  • 5 cups leafy lettuce
  • 1 large shallot
  • 1 English cucumber (2 cups chopped)
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup ripe green olives, halved
  • ½ cup jarred sliced pepperoncini
  • ¼ cup Parmesan shavings or shreds, plus more to serve
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional


  1. Make the Homemade Italian Dressing.
  2. Chop romaine and lettuce. Thinly slice the shallot. Peel and chop cucumber. Slice tomatoes and olives in half.
  3. Mix together all the ingredients for the salad, including the dressing, and toss to combine. If making in advance, refrigerate the components separately; bring the dressing to room temperature before serving.

  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Raw
  • Cuisine: Italian

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