Make meal prep simple with these make-ahead, no-lettuce salads featuring flavorful ingredients like chickpeas, broccoli, beets and fruit.
Give your salads a fresh twist with these delicious recipes that skip the traditional lettuce base in favor of other flavorful ingredients. These salads use chickpeas, broccoli, fresh fruits as more as the main ingredient plus, they can all be meal prepped or made ahead, making it easier to plan out your week. Recipes like our Buraczki (Polish Beet Salad) and Broccoli‑Apple Crunch Salad are perfect for whenever you need something quick and flavorful.
Never Lose A Recipe Again!
Keep all of your recipes at your fingertips. With the MyRecipes app you can easily save and organize your favorites from anywhere, including Instagram and TikTok, in one convenient place. Get the free app.
01 of 20
Beet Salad (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.
View Recipe
02 of 20
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.
View Recipe
03 of 20
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.
View Recipe
04 of 20
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.
View Recipe
05 of 20
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.
View Recipe
06 of 20
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.
View Recipe
07 of 20
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.
View Recipe
08 of 20
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.
View Recipe
09 of 20
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.
View Recipe
10 of 20
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.
View Recipe
11 of 20
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.
View Recipe
12 of 20
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.
View Recipe
13 of 20
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.
View Recipe
14 of 20
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.
View Recipe
15 of 20
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.
View Recipe
16 of 20
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.
View Recipe
17 of 20
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.
View Recipe
18 of 20
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.
View Recipe
19 of 20
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.
View Recipe
20 of 20
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.
View Recipe