Why These 17 Salads Will Change Your Mind About ‘Going Green’ for Good

Salads don’t always get the credit they deserve, but these 17 recipes are about to change that. They’re packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors that will make you rethink what “going green” can really mean. Whether you need a light side or a filling main, these salads bring the satisfaction you’ve been looking for without sacrificing taste. Get ready to embrace your new favorite meal with greens that are anything but boring.

Red Skin Potato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

1. Summer Orzo Salad

Summer orzo pasta salad in a while serving bowl on a whitewashed background next to a bowl of green beans. — 1. Summer Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Summer orzo salad brings together crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tender orzo pasta, tossed in a homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for those who think going green isn’t exciting—this fresh, light salad is a great way to embrace the season. Ideal as a side dish on hot days, it offers all the refreshing qualities you’d want. With this salad, you’ll be rethinking your take on greens all summer long.
Get the Recipe: 1. Summer Orzo Salad

2. Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

Rubbed kale salad is the proof you need that ‘going green’ doesn’t have to be boring. With just seven simple ingredients, including a touch of Parmesan, this salad is a no-fuss dish that’s perfect for transitioning into warmer weather. Its hearty greens make it a satisfying option while still keeping things light. You might even find yourself craving kale year-round after this one.
Get the Recipe: 2. Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

3. Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

An overhead shot of a wooden serving bowl filled with salad next to cornbread on a cutting board. — 3. Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad brings a hearty twist to your typical ‘greens.’ Featuring grilled mustard BBQ chicken, fresh veggies, and crispy bacon, this salad packs in flavor while keeping it light. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a main course that keeps you feeling good about ‘going green.’ This salad might just make you rethink what a summer salad can do.
Get the Recipe: 3. Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

4. Veggie Couscous Salad

Veggie couscous salad in a white serving bowl on a wooden board. — 4. Veggie Couscous Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This veggie couscous salad proves that you can ‘go green’ with garden-fresh ingredients and still enjoy a vibrant, satisfying meal. Light and refreshing, it’s perfect for spring or summer gatherings and can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish. Fresh herbs and vegetables come together in every bite. You’ll wonder why you didn’t switch to greens sooner.
Get the Recipe: 4. Veggie Couscous Salad

5. Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus asparagus couscous in a white bowl next to an orange and lemons. — 5. Citrus Asparagus Couscous. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Citrus asparagus couscous shows how simple going green can be, whether it’s a quick side for dinner or a dish to impress at a BBQ. The bright citrus notes bring a refreshing twist, while asparagus adds a tender, crunchy texture. It’s a green you’ll want to serve over and over, no matter the occasion. You may never look at couscous the same way again.
Get the Recipe: 5. Citrus Asparagus Couscous

6. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

A serving of shaved brussels sprouts salad next to the serving bowl of shaved brussels sprouts salad with salad servers in the middle. — 6. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Shaved Brussels sprouts salad flips the script on greens with its winter-friendly, crunchy, raw Brussels sprouts base. Topped with sweet, smoky, and creamy elements, this salad gives you every reason to stay committed to greens year-round. With a homemade mustard balsamic dressing, it’s the fresh salad you didn’t know you needed. Who says greens are only for summer?
Get the Recipe: 6. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

7. Zucchini Noodle Salad

Zucchini noodle salad on a white square plate with a serving bowl in the background. — 7. Zucchini Noodle Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Zucchini noodle salad brings together zucchini, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for a refreshing take on your typical salad. It’s the kind of dish that makes you see greens in a whole new light—light and crisp yet still satisfying. Perfect for warm-weather meals, it’ll quickly become a staple in your rotation. Going green has never tasted better.
Get the Recipe: 7. Zucchini Noodle Salad

8. California Steak Salad

California steak salad with strawberries and avocados. — 8. California Steak Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

California steak salad proves that ‘going green’ doesn’t mean skimping on flavor. Loaded with tender steak, juicy strawberries, and tangy goat cheese, this salad is as vibrant as it is satisfying. Topped with a bright citrus vinaigrette, it’s a main course that makes you feel good about your greens. It’s a salad you’ll crave again and again.
Get the Recipe: 8. California Steak Salad

9. Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Overhead shot of shrimp skewers and veggie skewers next to a bowl of dressed grains. — 9. Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The grilled shrimp grain bowl is a summer salad that keeps your commitment to greens fresh and flavorful. With grilled shrimp and a homemade herb citrus vinaigrette, it’s packed with vibrant summer flavors that will make ‘going green’ a delicious choice. A perfect meal for when you want something light yet fulfilling. This is the kind of salad you’ll be thinking about all season.
Get the Recipe: 9. Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

10. Berry Salad with Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, and Pomegranate Arils

Side view of berry salad in bowl with pomegranates. — 10. Berry Salad with Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, and Pomegranate Arils. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Berry salad is a reminder that ‘going green’ can be a burst of flavors, not just a chore. Combining sweet berries, tangy red onions, peppery arugula, and crunchy nuts with juicy pomegranate arils, this vibrant salad is the definition of refreshing. It’s the perfect way to embrace greens during the height of summer. Each bite makes you realize that ‘green’ can be truly exciting.
Get the Recipe: 10. Berry Salad with Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, and Pomegranate Arils

11. Salmon Salad with Bagel

Overhead of smoked salmon and bagel salad. — 11. Salmon Salad with Bagel. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This salmon salad proves that ‘going green’ doesn’t mean compromising on taste. Modeled after a classic bagel and lox, it combines cucumber, dill, tomatoes, and homemade cream cheese dressing for a fresh yet filling salad. Skip the bagel chips if you want, but it’s the flavors that make this a winner. It’s a lighter spin on the bagel but equally satisfying.
Get the Recipe: 11. Salmon Salad with Bagel

12. Arugula Salad with Endive, Mozzarella, Pecans, and Pomegranate Seeds

Side view of arugula salad on platter with pomegranates. — 12. Arugula Salad with Endive, Mozzarella, Pecans, and Pomegranate Seeds. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The jeweled arugula salad offers a bold take on ‘going green,’ mixing peppery arugula, crisp endive, creamy mozzarella, crunchy pecans, and pomegranate seeds for a visually striking dish. Perfect for a summer gathering, this salad is as flavorful as it is beautiful. It’s the kind of salad that makes you appreciate greens all over again. Each bite is an unexpected delight.
Get the Recipe: 12. Arugula Salad with Endive, Mozzarella, Pecans, and Pomegranate Seeds

13. Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta

Side view of white bean salad in bowl with tongs. — 13. Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The Mediterranean white bean salad proves ‘going green’ can be as satisfying as any heavier meal. Creamy white beans, juicy tomatoes, and crumbled feta combine to create a refreshing and filling summer dish. This salad feels like a mini Mediterranean getaway, right on your plate. You’ll find yourself craving it on every hot day.
Get the Recipe: 13. Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta

14. Middle Eastern Roasted Carrots

Middle Eastern roasted carrots with olives, goat cheese, salad topper and harissa-preserved lemon dressing. — 14. Middle Eastern Roasted Carrots. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Middle Eastern roasted carrots add a touch of exotic flavor to your salad lineup, showing that ‘going green’ doesn’t have to be predictable. With cilantro, harissa, preserved lemons, goat cheese, and crunchy nuts, these roasted carrots elevate any meal. It’s the kind of salad topper that brings a surprising depth of flavor. Who knew carrots could do that?
Get the Recipe: 14. Middle Eastern Roasted Carrots

15. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Greek yogurt chicken salad keeps things light while giving you a filling, creamy option for ‘going green.’ With tender chicken, crisp apples, and roasted almonds, all dressed in tangy Greek yogurt, this salad makes greens feel like a treat. It’s a perfect blend of fresh and satisfying for any lunch or dinner. A simple way to stay on track with your greens.
Get the Recipe: 15. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

16. Fattoush Salad

Fattoush salad turns the idea of ‘going green’ into something exciting, with fresh veggies and a tangy lemon-mint dressing. A favorite for light lunches or side dishes, this Middle Eastern staple brings bold flavors to your table while keeping it healthy and refreshing. It’s a salad you’ll come back to, whether you’re new to greens or not. You’ll feel good with every bite.
Get the Recipe: 16. Fattoush Salad

17. Red Skin Potato Salad

Red skin potato salad adds a hearty twist to your ‘going green’ commitment, featuring creamy potatoes and the savory addition of bacon. It’s the side dish you’ll want at every summer BBQ, offering all the richness of a classic without making you feel weighed down. Greens have never been so easy to love. Each bite takes your picnic game to the next level.
Get the Recipe: 17. Red Skin Potato Salad