24 Salad Recipes That Are So Good, You Won’t Miss the Lettuce

Tabbouleh

Tabbouleh is a refreshing salad that’s made from finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bulgur. Lemon juice adds acidity and tang, while mint creates a burst of freshness and flavor.

“This salad is great, I love it,” says Allrecipes member Rochelle. “It is easy, fast and vegan. I especially like the crunchiness of the cucumbers.”

Brown Rice Belgian Endive Salad

The addition of brown rice takes this lettuce-free salad recipe from side to main course. Endives are rich in fiber, as well as good sources of iron.

“Great crunch factor and love the bite of the vinegar,” says Allrecipes member lisaod.

Chickpea, Artichoke, and Feta Salad

This recipe by Allrecipes member KellyJeanne results in “a fresh chickpea and artichoke salad from ingredients that last a long time in the pantry and refrigerator. It has a pleasing balance of earthy, sharp, salty, and green.”

With a boost of protein coming from the chickpeas, this lettuce-free salad is filling all on its own.

Israeli Tomato and Cucumber Salad

A staple in many Mediterranean restaurants, this refreshing salad is shockingly delicious for being so simple. Fresh vegetables—cucumber, tomato, red bell pepper, and red onion—combine with herbs and a lemon dressing to create a side dish that might end up the star of your meal.

Napa Cabbage Salad

“This is a yummy, crunchy napa cabbage salad with toasted ramen noodles and almond slivers,” says Allrecipes member Carol. “The bowl is always licked clean at potlucks!”

Mediterranean Three Bean Salad

Made from pantry staples—kidney, garbanzo, and cannellini beans—this salad is quick to whip up and rich in fiber and B vitamins. Refrigerate for a while before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tomato Mozzarella Salad

“Tomato and mozzarella salad served with fresh basil and drizzled with olive oil… there’s nothing better!” says Allrecipes member JOANN HAN. “A perfect salad alternative, especially in summer when you can get tomatoes and basil from the garden.”

Arabic Fattoush Salad

“If you’ve never made a single Arabic dish, this is a delicious and healthy place to start,” says Allrecipes member Sonja Taha.

Fattoush is a popular salad staple on tables across the Middle East, where you’ll often see it served for both lunch and dinner. While it’s common to see lettuce in fattoush recipes, some are also lettuce-free. Just don’t skip on the pita and sumac, two essential ingredients to any fattoush salad.

Easy Quinoa Salad

This quinoa salad is light and citrusy, easy to make for a great summer meal, and a great new way to enjoy quinoa,” says Allrecipes member scrumdiddly. “Lime juice and cilantro give a refreshing kick, while quinoa and black beans make it hearty and filling.”

Edamame, Corn, and Black Bean Salad

A light lime vinaigrette adds a splash of acidity to this colorful, lettuce-free salad recipe. Shelled edamame is an excellent source of protein and relatively low in calories.

“Great taste, easy to make ahead and very good as leftover,” says reviewer DONNA9197.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

“Just made this and WOW,” says reviewer Loulou. “Love it. So delicious. I used Vidalia onions and cherry tomatoes. I also used the apple cider vinegar, which I think gives it this fantastic taste.”

Bodacious Broccoli Salad

Crunchy, creamy, salty, and a little sweet, this salad has it all. “This recipe is requested at every family gathering,” says Allrecipes community member Cassandra Kennedy. “Let it be your next dish that they crave!”

Greek Zoodle Salad

Fresh zucchini are transformed with the spiralizer to create this vibrant salad. Each bite is packed with Greek-inspired flavors from feta, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy lemon dressing.

Shoepeg Corn Salad

Perfect for using up a bounty of fresh corn, this rich salad makes a beautiful side dish. Pickled jalapeño peppers are the secret ingredient, adding a pop of tangy and spicy flavor.

Zucchini Artichoke Summer Salad

This salad can easily serve as a side or a light main during zucchini season. Tender pieces of chicken are tossed with sautéed zucchini, tangy artichoke hearts, salty olives, and rich Parmesan cheese to create an impressive dish.

Asian Cabbage Salad

Humble cabbage is upgraded with this Asian-inspired recipe. A splash of rice vinegar and drizzle of sesame oil make for a bold taste, while shredded carrots and crushed ramen noodles add a distinct crunch.

Best Bean Salad

“I’ve always enjoyed a basic ‘three bean salad’ but this is even better,” says reviewer Paula H. “Although it’s not mentioned, I will rinse off the black and red kidney beans next time, so [there’s] less interference with the dressing. Very good.”

Persian-Style Tomato Avocado Salad

Zippy fresh lime amps up the natural flavors of tomatoes and avocado in this colorful dish.

“A refreshing summer salad that is bit more substantial than a greens-based salad,” says Allrecipes community member Chad. “It is unparalleled for taking advantage of the first succulent tomatoes of the season.”

Chickpea Salad with Red Onion and Tomato

It doesn’t get much easier than this stick-to-your-ribs salad. Simply open a can of chickpeas and chop a few veggies to throw it all together.

“Just delicious, with the perfect ratio of olive oil to lemon juice,” says reviewer naples34102. “And the lemon juice was refreshingly different from the vinegar traditionally used in dressings like this.”

Greek Orzo Salad

“This Greek orzo salad is a delicious, colorful dish with artichoke hearts and feta,” says Allrecipes community member Patrice. “I receive a lot of requests for this recipe.”

Elote Salad

“Is there anything better than grilled corn? Nope,” says reviewer Poppe Art. “I’ll save you the time. This is the best corn salad I’ve ever made. “The second time I made it I put in a few chopped jalapeños. Even better. You could go crazy with this recipe. Maybe some grape tomatoes sliced in half? I’m getting hungry already.”

Perfect Summer Fruit Salad

“This fruit salad is perfect for a backyard bbq or any occasion,” says Allrecipes member Nicole Graham Holley. “There are never leftovers! This is one of my favorite fruit salad recipes, as I think the citrusy sauce really makes it. This salad is tastier the longer you can let it soak in its juices.”

Best Ramen Noodle Salad

“This ramen noodle salad is light and crunchy,” according to Nicole Burnham. “It’s excellent with BBQ chicken. “This recipe is from my mother-in-law and has been a family favorite for years.”

Barb’s Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad

“I could not stop eating this dish, I loved it so much!” says reviewer Amy Shoge. “This is a great base recipe because you can tailor it to your tastes and it will come out wonderful every time!”