29 No-Lettuce Salads You’ll Want to Make Forever

Give your salads a fresh twist with these delicious recipes that skip the traditional lettuce base in favor of other flavorful ingredients. Featuring chickpeas, broccoli, fresh fruit and more, these salads offer plenty of variety for your next meal. Plus, each recipe has earned a four- or five-star rating from EatingWell readers, so you know they’re worth trying. Recipes like our Marry Me White Bean Salad and Broccoli Crunch Salad are flavorful options you’ll want to make again and again.

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01 of 29

Broccoli‑Apple Crunch Salad

This crisp, colorful broccoli-apple salad proves that broccoli is just as delicious raw as it is roasted. A tangy apple-cider vinaigrette, brightened with Dijon and honey, softens the bite of the raw florets and shallot as they marinate in the fridge. Just before serving, thin slices of Honeycrisp apple, shredded sharp Cheddar and crunchy sunflower seeds join the mix for a sweet-salty-crunchy finish.

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02 of 29

Buraczki (Polish Beet Salad)

Caraway takes center stage in this Buraczki (Polish Beet Salad), lending its subtle citrusy, peppery notes to a simple sour cream dressing. The creamy dressing balances beautifully with the tart-sweet mix of apples and beets, creating a refreshing, colorful salad that’s best served chilled. Crisp apple varieties like McIntosh or Granny Smith work especially well, adding just the right juicy bite and bright acidity.

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03 of 29

Marry Me White Bean Salad

This Marry Me White Bean Salad is a bright, flavor-packed dish that’s hard not to fall for and pulls inspiration from Marry Me Chicken. Tender white beans are tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil and a creamy dressing that soaks into every bite. It’s quick to throw together and perfect for meal prep, picnics or pairing with grilled meats.

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04 of 29

High-Protein Caprese Chickpea Salad

This caprese chickpea salad is a fresh, protein- and fiber-packed, plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite. It combines creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil with hearty chickpeas for a satisfying dish. A simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish. It’s quick to prepare, colorful and bursting with summery flavor.

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05 of 29

Bang Bang Broccoli Salad

This bang bang broccoli salad features the classic creamy, sweet and spicy bang bang sauce—made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce and Sriracha—for a bold flavor that balances heat with a hint of sweetness. It’s typically used as a dipping sauce; here we use it as a dressing instead to coat crispy veggies, delivering a satisfying kick.

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06 of 29

Broccoli Crunch Salad

From the crunchy nuts and Parmesan crisps to the chewiness of sun-dried tomatoes, this broccoli salad has a satisfying medley of textures. The red-wine vinaigrette brings a briny flavor that is balanced by the nuttiness of the cheese. Serve this salad as a side or turn it into a meal-prep-friendly lunch—just leave the Parmesan crisps out until serving so they don’t get soggy. Look for Parmesan crisps in the dressing aisle near croutons.

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07 of 29

Everything Bagel Chicken Salad

If you love the flavors of an everything bagel with cream cheese, you’ll love this quick chicken salad. Cream cheese and Greek-style yogurt create a rich, creamy dressing, while everything bagel seasoning adds savory flavor and crunch. Enjoy it as a protein-packed lunch with crackers, tucked into a sandwich or spooned over greens.

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08 of 29

Creamy Cucumber-Tomato Salad with Feta & Chickpeas

This high-protein cucumber-tomato salad gets a creamy upgrade with a blended cottage cheese dressing. Fresh herbs, lemon and garlic add bright, savory flavor, while chickpeas and feta boost the protein to make it more satisfying than a typical side. It’s a refreshing, no-cook dish that pairs well with a variety of mains.

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09 of 29

High-Protein Chicken Pasta Salad

This high-protein chicken pasta salad is a satisfying, meal-prep-friendly dish that’s perfect for lunches, potlucks or easy dinners. Tender chicken, whole-wheat pasta and feta cheese boost the protein, while crisp vegetables add freshness and crunch. A zesty lemon–red-wine vinaigrette brings everything together for a bright, balanced flavor in every bite.

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10 of 29

French Lentil Salad

This hearty French lentil salad is packed with fresh vegetables and tossed in a bright lemon-Dijon dressing. French green lentils hold their shape well, making them ideal for salads, while herbs add freshness and depth of flavor. It’s a satisfying make-ahead option for lunches or light dinners.

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11 of 29

Carrot-Vinegar Salad

This carrot-vinegar salad is a simple, refreshing side that highlights crisp vegetables and a lightly sweet-tangy dressing. Finished with fresh herbs, this quick salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes and comes together in just 20 minutes.

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12 of 29

3-Ingredient Bean Salad

This easy three-ingredient bean salad makes a satisfying plant-based lunch with minimal prep. Creamy great northern beans are tossed with tangy pickled red onions and fresh parsley for a bright, flavorful dish that comes together in just 10 minutes. Enjoy it on its own, spooned over greens or paired with crusty whole-grain bread.

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13 of 29

Green Bean & Tuna Salad

This bright green bean and tuna salad is a quick, protein-packed entree that comes together in just 25 minutes. Crisp green beans, flaky tuna and fresh herbs are tossed in a tangy Dijon vinaigrette, while peperoncini add a briny pop of flavor. Serve it on its own for a light dinner or with crusty bread for a more filling meal.

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14 of 29

3-Ingredient Chicken Salad

This simple chicken salad proves that a short ingredient list can still deliver big flavor. Creamy whole-milk Greek-style yogurt pairs with tangy dill pickles and brine to create a bright, savory dressing. It’s a quick, protein-packed option for lunches or light dinners.

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15 of 29

Herbed Chicken Salad

This quick chicken salad combines hearty rice, tender shredded chicken and crisp vegetables with a bright citrus-herb dressing. Fresh mint and cilantro add vibrant flavor, while a hint of cinnamon and cayenne brings subtle warmth to each bite. It’s a satisfying, well-balanced dish that comes together in just minutes.

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16 of 29

Roasted Vegetable & Bean Pasta Salad

This easy pasta salad is a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion. Roasted vegetables and white beans add plant-based fiber and protein, while a quick herb vinaigrette ties everything together. If you want to make it more filling, grilled chicken would be an excellent addition.

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17 of 29

Loaded Bean & Broccoli Salad

This broccoli-bean salad combines crisp broccoli, creamy cannellini beans and sharp Cheddar with a tangy yogurt-mayo dressing for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Crispy bacon and fresh dill add bold flavor, while scallions bring a bright finish to every bite.

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18 of 29

Chickpea, Beet & Cucumber Salad

In this colorful salad, earthy beets and hearty chickpeas are tossed with crisp cucumber, tender greens and nutty farro for a vibrant mix of texture and flavor in every bite. Enjoy it as a light vegetarian lunch or serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for an easy, make-ahead side.

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19 of 29

Broccoli Crunch Salad with Lemon & Dill

This vibrant salad gets its satisfying crunch from crisp broccoli florets, sliced radishes and toasted walnuts. A tangy lemon-dill vinaigrette ties everything together, while creamy goat cheese adds richness.

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20 of 29

Easy Bean Salad With Herby Salsa Verde

This refreshing bean salad gets a lift from a quick homemade salsa verde packed with fresh herbs, jalapeño and lime. A mix of creamy beans, crisp radishes and smoky corn makes it hearty enough for a light lunch or easy dinner.

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21 of 29

High-Protein Potato Salad

This high-protein potato salad has a creamy, tangy dressing made with cottage cheese instead of mayonnaise. Blending the cottage cheese with fresh herbs and seasonings creates a smooth dressing that coats the potatoes while adding extra protein to this picnic-ready side dish.

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22 of 29

Orzo Salad with Broccoli & Chickpeas

This bright, veggie-packed orzo salad comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for meal prep, picnics or easy lunches. Briny capers, fresh lemon and parsley add plenty of flavor to every bite.

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23 of 29

4th of July Salad

This colorful salad is packed with grilled summer veggies and is tossed in a creamy lime-cilantro dressing made with cottage cheese. It brings festive color to a Fourth of July cookout while delivering plenty of flavor. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, burgers or fish at your next backyard gathering.

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24 of 29

Tomato Crunch Salad

This vibrant tomato salad is inspired by Southeast Asian flavors, pairing juicy tomatoes with a tangy lime–fish sauce dressing. Serve it alongside grilled meats, seafood or rice dishes for a fresh and complete summer meal.

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25 of 29

Chopped Broccoli & Chickpea Salad

This hearty broccoli-chickpea salad is packed with satisfying texture and flavor from tender chickpeas, crunchy almonds, sweet golden raisins and tangy feta cheese. A mash of feta forms the base of the creamy, lemony dressing, coating every bite.

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26 of 29

Bang Bang Chicken Salad

This bang bang chicken salad is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken with crisp chopped bell pepper, carrots and scallions. The star of the salad is the creamy, sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce, made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce and a hint of Sriracha for heat. It’s easy to prepare and makes a satisfying lunch, light dinner or appetizer served with crudités and crackers.

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27 of 29

Tomato, Cucumber & White Bean Salad

This fresh salad highlights crisp vegetables and creamy white beans tossed in a vibrant chive vinaigrette. Blending the dressing creates a smooth, herb-forward sauce that evenly coats every bite. Served over tender baby kale, this quick entree is light, satisfying and packed with plant-based nutrients.

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28 of 29

Chickpea, Cabbage & Cucumber Salad

This easy salad comes together quickly for lunch or dinner. From crisp cucumbers to crunchy cabbage, it’s super fresh with tons of textural contrast. Tomatoes add a pop of sweetness and acidity. If you don’t have chickpeas on hand, white beans make an excellent swap.

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29 of 29

High-Protein Salmon Salad

This salmon salad combines flaky canned salmon with tangy capers and fresh, fragrant dill. This versatile salad can be enjoyed piled onto toast, stuffed into a pita or served over greens for a light, satisfying meal.

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