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Sometimes, a simple tossed salad is just what a meal needs. I think a good salad should be easy to put together, but also something you actually look forward to eating.
That often means adding one special ingredient or a homemade dressing to make it taste a little more complete.
Here are my takes on 17 classic tossed salads. Each one is a small step up from the basic version, making them better for weeknight dinners or when you have guests over.
1. The Better Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine hearts with homemade croutons and a quick, creamy dressing made with lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire, and parmesan. I mash an anchovy fillet into the dressing for that real, deep flavor you usually only get at restaurants.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
2. Garden Salad with Fresh Herb Dressing
A mix of lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and red onion gets a lift from a simple dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, and a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley and dill. The herbs make it taste fresh and bright.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
3. House Salad with Toasted Seed Vinaigrette
Your standard dinner salad with greens, tomato, and cucumber is improved by toasting sunflower and pumpkin seeds and whisking them into a tangy vinaigrette. The toasted seeds add a great nutty flavor.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
4. Italian Salad with Pepperoncini & Olives
Romaine, red onion, tomatoes, and chickpeas are tossed with sliced pepperoncini and kalamata olives. I use a garlic and oregano Italian vinaigrette. The pickled pepperoncini give it a nice tangy bite.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 6g
5. Simple Side Salad with Lemon Black Pepper Dressing
Mixed greens and thinly sliced radishes keep things simple. The upgrade is in the dressing: fresh lemon juice, good olive oil, lots of cracked black pepper, and a pinch of salt. It’s zesty and sharp.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
6. Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
Fresh spinach with sliced mushrooms and red onion. Instead of cold dressing, I cook a little bacon, then use the warm drippings to make a sweet and sour dressing to pour right over the top, gently wilting the spinach.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
7. Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese & Everything Spice
The classic iceberg wedge with blue cheese dressing and bacon is topped with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. It adds onion, garlic, and extra salt that works perfectly with the cool lettuce and rich dressing.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
8. Chopped Salad with Creamy Garlic Dijon
Everything is chopped small: lettuce, ham, turkey, cheese, tomato, and cucumber. It’s all mixed with a creamy, punchy dressing made from mayonnaise, a touch of mustard, garlic, and lemon. Every forkful gets a bit of everything.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
9. Bibb Lettuce Salad with Buttermilk Chive
Tender Bibb or butter lettuce leaves are lightly coated in a thin, tangy dressing of buttermilk, a little mayonnaise, and lots of fresh chopped chives. It’s incredibly light and refreshing.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
10. Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki)
This isn’t tossed until you’re ready to eat. Chunky tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, red onion, and feta are dressed with good olive oil and oregano. I add a few capers for an extra salty pop.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
11. Chef’s Salad with Homemade Ranch
The classic combo of turkey, ham, cheddar, and hard-boiled egg on greens is so much better with a from-scratch ranch dressing using fresh dill and chives. It tastes clean and herby.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
12. Mixed Green Salad with Goat Cheese & Honey Drizzle
A variety of greens is tossed in a light vinaigrette, topped with crumbled goat cheese and walnuts, and finished with a tiny drizzle of honey. The sweet touch balances the tangy cheese and bitter greens.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 9g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
13. Cucumber Tomato Salad with Feta & Mint
Sliced cucumbers and tomatoes are marinated for a bit in a red wine vinaigrette with red onion. Right before serving, I add crumbled feta and fresh mint leaves. The mint makes it special.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
14. Shredded Carrot & Raisin Salad with Orange
Instead of a heavy mayo dressing, I toss shredded carrots and raisins with a light dressing of orange juice, a little olive oil, and a pinch of cinnamon. It’s brighter and less sweet.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 21g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 4g
15. Three Bean Salad with Fresh Dill
Canned green beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas are drained and tossed with a sweet and sour vinaigrette and a big handful of chopped fresh dill. The dill cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 8g
16. Iceberg Lettuce Salad with French Dressing
Crisp iceberg wedges are topped with a homemade, tomato-based French dressing (not the bottled kind), bacon, and chopped hard-boiled egg. It’s a nostalgic flavor made new.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
17. Arugula Salad with Lemon & Parmesan Shavings
Peppery arugula needs little more than a squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and a few wide shavings of parmesan cheese made with a vegetable peeler. It’s simple but feels elegant.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 3g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
