Quick Recipes

10 Savory Salad Recipes for All Occasions

With the arrival of nice weather or simply to eat fresher and lighter, salads are essential. Versatile, quick to prepare, economical and most importantly delicious, they can accompany your dishes or shine as main courses. This article offers you 10 unmissable salad recipes, from the classics to the most original, to satisfy everyone [...]

MenuCochon
MenuCochonAuthor
May 15, 2025
6 min read
10 Savory Salad Recipes for All Occasions

With the arrival of nice weather or simply to eat fresher and lighter, salads are essential. Versatile, quick to prepare, economical and above all delicious, they can accompany your dishes or shine as main courses. This article offers 10 unmissable salad recipes, from the most classic to the most original, to satisfy all tastes and all occasions: picnic, quick lunch, barbecue with friends or family dinner.

1. Couscous Salad (Revised Taboulé)

salad couscous

The couscous salad, also known as taboulé, is a fresh and fragrant Mediterranean dish. Perfect in summer, it keeps well in the fridge and even gains flavor over time.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of medium couscous
  • 1 cup of boiling water
  • 1 cucumber, cut into small cubes
  • 2 tomatoes, seeded and diced
  • ½ red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bunch of flat parsley, chopped
  • The juice of 2 lemons
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Steps

  1. Pour boiling water over the couscous, cover and let swell for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  2. Add the vegetables and herbs.
  3. Add the lemon juice and olive oil.
  4. Season to taste, mix well and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

A fresh salad, full of textures and very balanced, perfect for accompanying grilled meat or as a light main course.

2. Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salad

Simple, crispy and refreshing, cucumber salad is a timeless classic that can be prepared in a few minutes.

Ingredients

  • 2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (optional)
  • Dill, chopped
  • Salt and pepper

Steps

  1. Mix the vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper and dill.
  2. Add the cucumbers and onion.
  3. If desired, add olive oil.
  4. Let rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving.

A simple salad but always appreciated for its freshness and tangy taste.

3. Warm Salad of Beets, Cheese and Walnuts (Salade d'Amour)

Warm Salad of Beets, Cheese and Walnuts

A warm salad of beets, cheese and walnuts is a delicious and hearty dish that can be served as a main course or side dish.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium beets, cooked and sliced
  • 1 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper

Steps

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the beets, onion and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Add the balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vinegar has reduced slightly.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the goat cheese and walnuts.
  5. Season to taste with salt and pepper if needed.

Serve immediately as a warm and hearty salad that pairs well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

4. Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette

Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette

A spinach salad with warm bacon vinaigrette is a classic dish that combines the rich flavors of bacon and creamy blue cheese.

Ingredients

  • 10 oz baby spinach
  • 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup white wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
  • Salt and pepper

Steps

  1. In a small saucepan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. In a separate saucepan, combine the vinegar, honey, mustard and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat until the mixture reduces by half.
  3. Whisk in the olive oil and remove from heat.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, onion, bacon and blue cheese.
  5. Drizzle the warm vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
  6. Season with salt and pepper if needed.

Serve immediately as a flavorful and satisfying salad.

5. Grilled Caesar Salad

Grilled Caesar Salad

A grilled Caesar salad is a unique twist on the classic dish, with charred romaine lettuce and crispy croutons.

Ingredients

  • 2 heads of romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise
  • 1 loaf of crusty bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 anchovy fillets, minced (optional)
  • 2 eggs, hard-boiled and halved

Steps

  1. Preheat a grill to medium heat.
  2. Brush the cut sides of the lettuce with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Grill the lettuce, cut side down, until charred and slightly wilted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, lemon juice, mustard, remaining olive oil, salt and pepper to make the dressing.
  5. Toss the grilled lettuce with the dressing, Parmesan cheese and anchovies (if using).
  6. Toast the croutons in a 350°F oven until crispy, about 10 minutes.
  7. Serve the salad topped with the hard-boiled eggs and croutons.

This grilled Caesar salad is a delicious and impressive dish that's perfect for entertaining.

salade d'amour

This colorful and flavorful salad combines sweetness, crunchiness, and creaminess for a burst of flavors. It's called "salade d’amour" because of its guaranteed wow effect!

Ingredients

  • 3 cooked and sliced beets
  • 100 g of crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • 1 handful of walnuts or pecans
  • Arugula or young greens
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper

Steps

  1. Arrange the salad greens on a plate.
  2. Add the sliced beets, cheese, and nuts.
  3. Drizzle with oil and vinegar, salt, and pepper.

This elegant and romantic salad is perfect for a chic appetizer or a dinner for two.

4. Macaroni Salad

Homemade Macaroni Salad in white bowls, low angle view.

Another timeless classic, this macaroni salad goes great with grilled foods.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (227 g) cooked and cooled elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) yellow mustard
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) diced celery
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped green onions
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

  1. In a large bowl, mix the macaroni, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, bell pepper, green onions, salt, and pepper.
  2. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

A retro and comforting salad that everyone loves, especially kids!

5. Potato Salad

Potato salad

Another classic that pairs wonderfully with grilled foods.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups (1.4 kg) cooked and cooled diced potatoes
  • 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) yellow mustard
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) diced pickles or relish
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped celery
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

  1. In a large bowl, mix the potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, eggs, pickles, celery, salt, and pepper.
  2. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
  1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Creamy and satisfying, this salad is a sure value for all summer meals.

6. Greek Salad

Traditional Greek Salad, Greece

Originating from the Mediterranean, Greek salad is a feast of fresh vegetables, salty feta and savory olives.

Ingredients

  • 2 quartered tomatoes
  • 1/2 cucumber in half-round slices
  • ½ red onion in thin slices
  • Black Kalamata olives
  • 150 g of feta in cubes
  • Oregano, olive oil, red wine vinegar
  • A spoonful of Lemon

Steps

  1. Mix all vegetables in a bowl.
  2. Add the feta cubes.
  3. Season with oil, vinegar, oregano, salt and pepper.

A journey to Greece with every bite: simple, healthy and flavorful.

7. Coleslaw Salad

Traditional cole slaw salad in a bowl. Salad with cabbage, carrot and mayonnaise sauce.

Creamy and satisfying, this salad is a sure value for all summer meals.

Ingredients

  • ½ shredded green cabbage
  • 1 grated carrot
  • ½ cup of mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
  • Salt, pepper

Steps

  1. Mix all ingredients.
  2. Let rest in the fridge for 1 hour before serving.

A homemade coleslaw always beats store-bought ones: balanced and crunchy to taste.

8. Pasta Salad

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Fusilli Pasta - Caprese salad with tomato, mozzarella and basil.

The Caprese pasta salad is infinitely adaptable and an essential for summer lunches.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups of short pasta cooked
  • Cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumbers
  • Mozzarella in cubes or pearls
  • 3/4 cup of pesto or vinaigrette
  • Fresh basil

Steps

  1. Mix all ingredients.
  2. Refrigerate before serving to allow flavors to develop.

A complete, colorful and flavorful dish that will please the whole family.

9. Orzo Salad

Mediterranean orzo salad
Mediterranean orzo salad

Light, sweet and full of vitamins, the Mediterranean orzo salad is ideal for closing a meal or as a snack.

Ingredients

  • Orzo pasta
  • Olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, bell peppers
  • Lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper
  • Fresh parsley, fresh mint

Steps

  1. Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and bell peppers.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, parsley, and mint. Pour over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful Mediterranean orzo salad as a side dish or on its own!

10. Fruit Salad

Woman holds bowl of fresh fruit salad, front view
Woman holds bowl of fresh fruit salad, front view

Light, sweet and full of vitamins, the fruit salad is ideal for closing a meal or as a snack.

Ingredients

  • Fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, grapes, pineapple, kiwi, melon, and bananas
  • Juice of one orange
  • Mint leaves for garnish

Steps

  1. Wash and cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cut fruits.
  3. Drizzle with orange juice and toss to coat.
  4. Garnish with mint leaves before serving.

Enjoy this refreshing and healthy fruit salad as a dessert or snack!

Conclusion

These 10 summer recipes are perfect for entertaining guests, enjoying a picnic, or simply spending time with family. From pasta salads to refreshing fruit salads, there's something for everyone to enjoy during the warm summer months!

Whether it's to accompany a meal, feed a table of guests or simply enjoy fresh ingredients, these 10 salad recipes cover all desires. From the classic coleslaw to the elegant orzo salad, passing by the timeless potato salad or light fruit salad, there is something for every taste. Don't hesitate to personalize these recipes according to your preferences and especially, have fun creating your own combinations!

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Whether it's to accompany a meal, feed a table of guests or simply enjoy fresh ingredients, these 10 salad recipes cover all desires. From the classic coleslaw to the elegant orzo salad, passing by the timeless potato salad or light fruit salad, there is something for every taste. Don't hesitate to personalize these recipes according to your preferences and especially, have fun creating your own combinations!

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