This shocking trick promises to revive even the droopiest lettuce.
How to Fix Wilted Lettuce
Updated Oct. 03, 2024
Salad lovers rejoice! There’s a smarter, faster way to bring your lettuces, herbs and leafy greens back from the brink. While many intuitively think wilted greens should take a refreshing bath in cold water, we’re here to debunk that myth. Instead, they need to be perked up in a basin of hot water—yes, really! Here’s everything you need to know about fixing wilted greens.
How to Fix Wilted Lettuce
All you need to do is fill a large bowl with hot water (about 120 degrees Fahrenheit). Submerge your wilted greens, and let them soak until they perk up, anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. Then, drain them and cool them off again. If you’re using them immediately, use an ice-water bath. If you have some time, wrap them in a damp towel and refrigerate them.
Where Did Soaking Lettuce in Hot Water Come From?
This hack was recently re-popularized by Bon Appetit‘s Shilpa Uskokovic. However, it’s been around in some form for at least a decade. Uskokovic credits journalist Tracie Macmillan’s 2012 book, The American Way of Eating: Undercover at Walmart, Applebee’s, Farm Fields, and the Dinner Table for introducing her to the technique.
Apparently, while working at a Walmart, Macmillan was instructed to use this “crisping” method on the produce before shelving it. Additionally, in 2013, Modernist Cuisine, the famous research kitchen, published its advice for “heat-shocking” produce.
Why Heat-Shocking Produce Works
The theory behind heat-shocking is that warm water can open up the lettuce’s cells more quickly than cold water. This, in turn, allows them to absorb water more efficiently, leading to the plumping and crisping effect.
This water plunge technique also works on cut flowers, though florists seem to largely use cooler water for their revivals.
Putting Those Crisp Greens to Use
Now that you’ve extended the shelf life of your favorite greens, it’s time to showcase them in some delicious recipes. If you have lettuce, be sure to check out these recipes that go way beyond boring salads. Or, make your tender herbs the star of the meal with these fresh takes. Finally, if spinach is your thing, venture beyond a palak with these tasty pairings. Whatever your green of choice, we hope you enjoy your newly refreshed vegetables!
Salad Recipes You'll Love
Garden Chickpea SaladTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Tomato, chickpeas, zucchini, feta, salad greens
Level: Beginner
With delicate julienned zucchini, bold sliced radishes and tangy feta cheese, every bite of this filling chickpea salad packs garden-fresh flavor. If you're a protein lover, top with an easy grilled or baked chicken breast recipe.
"Looking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you like, add sliced, cooked chicken or lamb." —Recipe contributor Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Simple Italian SaladTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Italian bread, romaine, olives, Italian dressing
Level: Beginner
This simple, crunchy Italian side salad goes with just about any of these family-style Italian recipes. Pickled pepperoncini peppers have a mild heat and slight bitterness that adds the perfect tang.
"Homemade croutons star in this easy Italian salad recipe filled with grape tomatoes, olives and pepperoncinis. I like to serve it with fresh Italian or focaccia bread." —Recipe contributor Nancy Granaman, Burlington, Iowa
Caesar SaladTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Romaine, egg yolks, anchovy paste, Parmesan
Level: Intermediate
Every home cook should have a great Caesar salad recipe in their back pocket. Transform stale bread into homemade croutons for a special touch.
"Make the ultimate Caesar salad with fresh and flavorful ingredients. The secret is in the dressing, where lemon juice, red wine vinegar, anchovy paste, garlic and more come together to create that creamy, tangy taste." —Recipe contributor JoLynn Unruh, Dumas, Arkansas
Penne Pasta SaladTotal Time: 20 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Penne, Italian dressing, olives, tomatoes
Level: Beginner
Make homemade Italian dressing if you have the time, or use store-bought to bring this lovely vegetarian penne salad together quickly. Bring it to a picnic, whip it up for lunch or pair it with any cookout main dishes, like barbecued chicken.
"I came up with this recipe one day while experimenting in my kitchen. This salad makes a great side dish with just about any kind of meat." —Recipe contributor Melissa Harryman, Lenorah, Texas
BBLT Chopped SaladTotal Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Spinach, bacon, Miracle Whip
Level: Beginner
When you want a delicious salad in ten minutes or less, you can't go wrong with this baby spinach salad featuring crispy pieces of thick-cut bacon. Miracle Whip is the secret to the perfect, slightly sweet dressing, but feel free to use mayonnaise.
"My original salad recipe called for lettuce. One day I didn't have any, so I substituted spinach and then added broccoli. That's the extra 'b' in the title!" —Recipe contributor Cindy VanBeek, Randolph, Wisconsin
Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese and BeetsTotal Time: 45 minutes + cooling
Main Ingredients: Beets, spinach, goat cheese, walnuts
Level: Intermediate
Fresh beets are all you need for this salad, but you can swap in pickled beets if you have those in your fridge. The sweet red root vegetable contrasts with luscious bites of goat cheese and delicate baby spinach. If you don't have walnuts, any nut will do.
"Here's a super easy salad that looks and tastes festive for this wonderful Christmas season. Vinaigrette dressing coats the greens nicely." —Recipe contributor Nancy Latulippe, Simcoe, Ontario
Barbecue Pork Cobb SaladTotal Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Barbecue sauce, pork tenderloin, romaine, eggs
Level: Intermediate
Sweet, slow-cooked barbecue pork makes this filling salad a true treat to eat. Freeze the shredded pork in freezer containers so you have a protein on hand for all your favorite salads.
"My lunchtime salad gets way more interesting topped with barbecue pork, cheddar cheese and creamy avocado. It's as satisfying as it is scrumptious." —Recipe contributor Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California
Kale Quinoa SaladTotal Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, onion, kale, currants
Level: Beginner
This bright quinoa dish packed with chewy currants and sweet onions will be your new favorite make-ahead salad. Quinoa tastes better after a good rinse in a fine-mesh sieve or even your French press.
"Here's a holiday side dish you can feel good about serving. Kale packs a mighty punch of vitamins, while quinoa delivers a hearty serving of protein. Best of all, the flavor can't be beat!" —Recipe contributor Lisa Warren, Washington, DC
Veggie Nicoise SaladTotal Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Romaine, eggs, green beans, kidney beans, potatoes
Level: Intermediate
This twist on the classic French Nicoise is entirely vegetarian and filling enough to be a main dish, thanks to hard-boiled eggs, beans and creamy boiled potatoes. Serve with any and all types of French bread for an elegant meal.
"More and more people in my workplace are becoming vegetarians. When we cook or eat together, the focus is on fresh produce. This salad combines some of our favorite ingredients in one dish—and with the hard-boiled eggs and kidney beans, it delivers enough protein to satisfy those who are skeptical of vegetarian fare." —Recipe contributor Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois
Chef SaladTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Lettuce, deli meat, eggs, tomato
Level: Beginner
There's nothing like a loaded chef salad for days you don't feel like turning on the oven. Here's how to make the perfect hard-boiled eggs to add on top.
"For much of the year, I can use my garden's produce when I make this cool salad. In spring, the salad mix and radishes come from my crop. In summer, I use the tomatoes, cabbage and carrots. What a good feeling!" —Recipe contributor Evelyn Gubernath, Bucyrus, Ohio
TabboulehTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Bulgur, parsley, tomatoes, mint
Level: Beginner
Bright parsley-and-bulgur salad pairs wonderfully with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean main dishes. In the winter, when tomatoes are out of season, sub in sun-dried tomatoes or even sweet roasted beets.
"Tabbouleh, also known as tabouleh, is a classic Middle Eastern salad. The fresh veggies and mint leaves make it light and refreshing on a hot day." —Recipe contributors Michael and Mathil Chebat, Lake Ridge, Virginia
Peach Mango Caprese SaladTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Peaches, tomatoes, mango, mozzarella, basil
Level: Beginner
Sweet mango fits right into this delightful twist on a classic Italian Caprese salad. More than just a delicious tropical fruit, the health benefits of mango make us want to put it in everything.
"Summer in the Midwest offers a bounty of fresh produce. I wanted to come up with a new recipe for the harvested goods, and this bright, flavorful salad is the refreshing end result." —Recipe contributor Richard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois
Summer Harvest Grilled Panzanella SaladTotal Time: 25 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, zucchini, ciabatta, tomatoes
Level: Beginner
There's nothing like cubes of crusty Italian bread to make a fresh summer salad all the more delectable. This loaded panzanella features silky artichokes, zucchini and eggplant, but no need to stop there—throw in some chopped olives and mini mozzarella balls to make it a feast.
"This colorful and healthy grilled panzanella salad is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish that makes the most of simple, seasonal ingredients. It combines the smoky flavors of grilled summer vegetables, juicy tomatoes, crusty bread and a zesty vinaigrette. Panzanella salad is best enjoyed after the bread has soaked up all the flavors and juices from the veggies and dressing." —Recipe contributor Olga Kouloufakos, Lake Pleasant, Massachusetts
Cornbread SaladTotal Time: 30 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Cornbread mix, ranch dressing mix, cheddar, corn
Level: Intermediate
Cornbread mix from the supermarket can be used in everything from casseroles to pudding, but this hearty cornbread salad is one of the most impressive ways to serve the southern classic. Choose the best cheddar cheese for the richest flavor.
"To feed a crowd, I make this eye-popping cornbread salad. It's beautiful in a trifle bowl and instant sunshine by the spoonful." —Recipe contributor Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
Chicken Taco SaladTotal Time: 3 hours, 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, romaine, taco seasoning blend
Level: Beginner
We like the crunch of romaine lettuce for this loaded taco salad, but you can swap in any green like arugula or spinach. When it comes to fixings, the sky is the limit: Serve with any blend of chopped tomatoes, sliced avocado, shredded cheddar, sliced green onions and your favorite salad dressing.
"We use this super duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love helping measure seasonings." —Recipe contributor Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington
Tex-Mex Potato SaladTotal Time: 40 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Corn, red potatoes, avocado, mayonnaise
Level: Beginner
This contest-winning potato salad is packed with Tex-Mex flavors thanks to chopped pickled jalapeno slices, lime juice and loads of zesty spices. This is one of those vegetable side dishes we love pairing with grilled meats.
"I created this recipe for my cooking class, and it was a hit. It's perfect for a backyard cookout or potluck. Add a can of black beans for more protein." —Recipe contributor Dianna Ackerley, Cibolo, Texas
Kale Caesar SaladTotal Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Kale, Romaine, Parmesan
Level: Beginner
Make a crunchy Caesar salad that rivals your favorite restaurant's, thanks to homemade croutons (totally worth the effort!) and a generous helping of nutty Parmesan. Add toasted walnuts for even more richness, or work in crispy roasted chickpeas for more satisfying texture and earthy flavor.
"I love Caesar salads, so I created this blend of kale and romaine lettuce with a creamy Caesar dressing. It is perfect paired with chicken or steak for a light weeknight meal." —Recipe contributor Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Spinach Pasta SaladTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Spinach, penne, olives
Level: Beginner
Experiment with your favorite olive varieties in this zesty, veggie-packed pasta salad that comes together in a flash. For a more filling and indulgent dish, swap in cheese tortellini for the penne.
"You can always double the vinaigrette for this recipe and use half of it to marinate and grill chicken breasts. Slice and add to the salad for a substantial salad offering." —Recipe contributor Benice Silver, Carmel, Indiana
Cool Beans SaladTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Rice, canned beans, corn
Level: Beginner
Use any canned beans you like to make this colorful salad dressed in a homemade southwest-style vinaigrette. Don't worry if you don't have basmati rice on hand; all popular types of rice will work nicely here, because beans and zippy spices are the stars.
"This protein-filled dish could be served as a colorful side dish or a meatless main entree. When you make it, double the recipe because it will be gone in a flash! The basmati rice add a unique flavor and the dressing gives it a bit of a tang." —Recipe contributor Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
Thai Salad with Peanut DressingTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salad greens, peanut butter, lime
Level: Beginner
Serve this creamy, crunchy salad with any of these satisfying Thai recipes, from Tom Kha Gai (a coconut chicken soup) to red curry. The peanut dressing is the star, so choose the best peanut butter brand you can get your hands on.
"This Thai salad is very fresh and flavorful. The peanut garnish adds a satisfying crunch." —Recipe contributor James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Corn Tomato SaladTotal Time: 25 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Corn, basil, tomatoes, lime
Level: Beginner
Fragrant basil, juicy tomatoes and sweet corn kernels mix together to make the perfect summer side dish. Using both lime juice and zest infuses the entire salad with a tangy kick.
"I always make this for family events and parties. It reminds me of all the fun barbecues and picnics over the years. Fresh corn and basil make a huge difference in this recipe." —Recipe contributor Jessica Kleinbaum, Plant City, Florida
Prosciutto, Pear & Burrata SaladTotal Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Arugula, prosciutto, burrata, pear
Level: Beginner
This decadent burrata salad can be made with any of these common lettuce varieties, but spicy arugula has a delicate bitterness that contrasts nicely with the creamy cheese. The most important thing here is to wash salad greens properly before eating.
"The idea for this salad came when we ordered a restaurant appetizer that was prosciutto, burrata, a little arugula and olive oil. I was inspired to make it into a salad with just a few more ingredients. Instead of pears, try the salad with melon or peaches." —Recipe contributor Emily Miles, Sherman Oaks, California
Green Bean SaladTotal Time: 30 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Green beans, tomatoes, feta
Level: Beginner
Cold green bean salad with a zingy balsamic dressing gets an extra hit of brightness from fresh lemon juice. If you're not a fan of raw onion, whip up pickled red onions to mellow out their flavor.
"Serve up those green beans in a whole new way! The tangy flavors and crunch of this tasty-looking side complement any special meal or potluck." —Recipe contributor Megan Spencer, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Chicken Pasta SaladTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, pasta, Gorgonzola, bacon
Level: Beginner
This cheesy, potluck-favorite pasta salad is the perfect way to use up leftover chicken and any veggies in your fridge. For a bit more green, toss in a few handfuls of arugula or spinach and a few more glugs of extra-virgin olive oil.
"I love all the colors and flavors of this quick and easy dish and serve it often in summer, to the delight of guests! You can't beat the combination of Gorgonzola and bacon. Leftover grilled shrimp makes a tasty substitute for chicken." —Recipe contributor Terry McCarty, Oro Grande, California
Red, White and Blue Summer SaladTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Basil, mozzarella, peaches, blueberries
Level: Beginner
Using white balsamic vinegar helps keep the colors of this sweet-and-savory, blueberry-studded salad nice and bright. Pair it with any of these fresh basil recipes so you don't let those basil leaves wilt in the back of your fridge.
"In this dish, I combine traditional Caprese salad flavors with summer peaches and blueberries. I also add prosciutto for saltiness, creating a balanced, flavor-packed side dish." —Recipe contributors Emily Falke, Santa Barbara, California
Tequila-Lime Steak SaladTotal Time: 25 minutes + marinating
Main Ingredients: Beef flank steak, romaine, tequila, lime
Level: Beginner
Tequila is more than just the star ingredient of summer cocktails. Used in a flavorful marinade, the agave-based liquor tenderizes meat and adds an extra zing. (If you're serving kids, don't worry: The alcohol cooks off.)
"This recipe is one of my family's Fourth of July favorites. The adults can make margaritas from the rest of the tequila!" —Recipe contributor Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, California
Couscous SaladTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Couscous, corn, cucumber, feta, lemon
Level: Beginner
This top-rated couscous salad gets its depth from salty, crumbly feta and a bright lemon vinaigrette seasoned with dried oregano and cumin. Experiment with different cucumber varieties to find the perfect refreshing crunch. Cook the couscous in vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
"This makes the most of summer's bounty. I used to prepare it with a mayonnaise dressing, but now lighten it with lemon vinaigrette, and it's even better." —Recipe contributor Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
Taco Salad for a Large CrowdTotal Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, tortilla chips, beans, iceberg lettuce, cheddar
Level: Beginner
Taco night becomes a lot more manageable (and involves fewer dishes) when all the delicious fixings are thrown together in a salad loaded with cheddar, seasoned beef and crispy tortilla chips. Work your way through all of our best taco salad recipes if you love the ease of everything in one bowl.
"I made this huge taco salad to bring to a party and people were scrambling to figure out who made it. Needless to say I only brought home an empty bowl and the guests went home with a full stomach! Everyone loves this taco salad recipe." —Recipe contributor Lisa Homer, Avon, New York
Hearty Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon DressingTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Spinach, bacon, red onion
Level: Beginner
If you've only ever eaten your salads cold, try this warm, rich bacon dressing drizzled on baby spinach, which gives the greens a slight wilt. Try any kind of bacon for slight flavor variations.
"This warm and hearty spinach and bacon salad offers comfort at any meal. The glossy dressing features a hint of celery seed for a special touch." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Ramen ColeslawTotal Time: 15 minutes Main Ingredients: Broccoli coleslaw mix, ramen noodles, broccoli, slivered almonds Level: Beginner
What can't ramen noodles do? When crushed, the packaged noodles add a savory crunch to broccoli coleslaw mix tossed with a tangy vinaigrette and toasted nuts. This slaw is also great dressed with homemade peanut sauce.
"My daughter gave me the recipe for this delightful salad. The sweet dressing nicely coats a crisp blend of broccoli slaw mix, onions, almonds and sunflower kernels. Crushed ramen noodles provide even more crunch. It's a smash hit wherever I take it." —Recipe contributor Dora Mae Clapsaddle, Kensington, Ohio
Nutty Green SaladTotal Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Spring mix, pecans, carrot
Level: Beginner
For the perfect dinner salad, look no further than these simply dressed salad greens jazzed up with shredded carrot and pecan halves. The lively citrus dressing has just a dash of curry powder, our go-to aromatic spice blend for everything from marinades to stews.
"From Delray Beach, Florida, Barbara Robbins shares her recipe for a deliciously different summery salad just for two. You'll want to try this light curry-orange dressing!" —Recipe contributor Barbara Robbins, Chandler, Arizona Beach, Florida Delray Beach
Italian Pasta SaladTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Small pasta, salami, provolone, olives
Level: Beginner
With cubes of salami and chewy provolone cheese, this main-dish salad is lovely with any small pasta shape (including gluten-free). Throw in all of your favorite antipasto ingredients, like marinated artichoke hearts and chopped pepperoncini.
"The first time I tasted this delicious salad was at my wedding, and I recall, even in the blur of that day, the recipe was in high demand. That was years ago and I'm still asked to bring it to cookouts and parties!" —Recipe contributor Sarah Ryan, Geneva, Ohio
Cucumber Salad with Sour CreamTotal Time: 15 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, sour cream
Level: Beginner
This cool and crunchy side salad recipe is such a refreshing accompaniment to hearty dishes like goulash or potato kielbasa skillet. For the crispiest cucumbers, toss the slices with a couple teaspoons of salt and let them sit for 30 minutes before squeezing out the moisture. Rinse the cucumbers and squeeze again before using.
"It's been a tradition at our house to serve this dish with the other Hungarian specialties my mom learned to make from the women at church. It's especially good during the summer when the cucumbers are fresh-picked from the garden." —Recipe contributor Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
Cowboy Caviar (Corn and Black Bean Salad)Total Time: 15 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Black-eyed peas, black beans, tomatoes, corn
Level: Beginner
We adore salads that are chunky enough to scoop up with our favorite tortilla chips. This zesty salad is also a hearty addition to burritos and a great topping for grilled salmon or steak.
"This colorful, crunchy salad is chock-full of easy-to-swallow nutrition that all ages will love. Try it with a variety of summer entrees, or as a wholesome salsa!" —Recipe contributor Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon
Macaroni SaladTotal Time: 35 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, mayonnaise, red pepper, onion
Level: Beginner
Creamy, tangy macaroni is one of those easy pasta salads that taste like a party in a bowl. To make it a complete meal, mix in canned tuna, your favorite grilled protein or cubed leftover chicken.
"Classic macaroni salad is a potluck staple. It can be made ahead, transports easily and is the perfect side for grilled meats and sandwiches." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Antipasto Pasta SaladTotal Time: 1 hour + chilling
Main Ingredients: Spiral pasta, salami, provolone, olives, chickpeas
Level: Intermediate
The most important thing to avoid with cold pasta salad dishes is overcooking the noodles. Make sure to start sampling your pasta a few minutes before the package says it will be done, and pull it off the heat when the pasta still has some texture to it (also known as al dente).
"This colorful salad is a tasty crowd-pleaser. Guests love the homemade dressing, which is a nice change from bottled Italian." —Recipe contributor Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire
Dill Pickle Potato SaladTotal Time: 40 minutes + chilling and cooling
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, eggs, dill pickles, mayonnaise
Level: Beginner
Choose the best pickles you can buy because this tasty potato salad uses the brining liquid as well as the pickles themselves. And make sure to pick the right type of potato for the job!
"Dill pickles add pizazz to this old-fashioned chilled potato salad. The creamy, well-dressed side dish makes a flavorful and attractive addition to a Fourth of July picnic or church supper." —Recipe contributor Nancy Holland, Morgan Hill, California
Grilled Peach Couscous SaladTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Couscous, peaches, lime, tomatoes
Level: Beginner
Couscous is the perfect tiny pasta for salads because it mixes so thoroughly with other ingredients—in this case, sweet grilled peaches. Check out these tasty grilled fruit recipes for more summer cookout inspiration.
"You'll feel inspired at the farmers market with the recipe for this couscous salad in tow. Grilled peaches and limes plus a subtly sweet dressing bring pizazz." —Recipe contributor Emily King, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Creamy ColeslawTotal Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, sour cream
Level: Beginner
We've found four easy ways to shred cabbage yourself, but packaged slaw mixes work well in this classic recipe. Try more of our best coleslaw recipes for the crunchiest salads ever.
"For me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots really cuts down on prep time. This coleslaw recipe is great for potlucks or to serve to your family on a busy weeknight." —Recipe contributor Renee Endress, Galva, Illinois
Potato SaladTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, eggs, mayonnaise, evaporated milk
Level: Beginner
Our secret to the creamiest potato salad ever? Evaporated milk, which mixes with mayonnaise to make this dish so luscious and rich. White vinegar offers tanginess for balance.
"We live at the edge of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where there are lots of small farms. Country markets are plentiful here, so potatoes are a staple." —Recipe contributor Sandra Anderson, New York, New York
BLT Macaroni SaladTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, tomato, lettuce, bacon
Level: Beginner
These BLT-based recipes prove that bacon, lettuce and tomato belong on more than just sandwiches, like this party-perfect macaroni salad. Since bacon is the main attraction here, splurge on good quality, thick-sliced bacon so it can really shine.
"A friend served this salad, and I just had to get the recipe. My husband loves BLT sandwiches, so this has become a favorite of his. It's nice to serve on hot and humid days, which we frequently get during summer here in Virginia." —Recipe contributor Mrs. Hamilton Myers Jr., Charlottesville, Virginia
Summer Squash SaladTotal Time: 15 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, yellow squash, radishes, Dijon mustard
Level: Beginner
This colorful, super simple squash slaw is the perfect side dish to bring to a picnic or summer cookout. If you don't have time to julienne the squash, slice it just like the radishes.
"Packing a perfect crunch, this salad is a tasty alternative to coleslaw. Like most gardeners, we usually have an abundance of squash and zucchini in summer, so this dish is an amazing way to use our fresh produce." —Recipe contributor Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Kansas Cucumber SaladTotal Time: 10 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Miracle Whip
Level: Beginner
Creamy and refreshing with just the right amount of crunch, cucumber salad transforms the mild vegetable (or is it a fruit?) into a crowd-pleasing side. Feel free to peel your cucumbers before slicing if you want a more uniform texture.
"Cucumbers are my very favorite garden vegetable, so I use this recipe often. I got it from a friend years ago. I've heard this refreshing dish keeps very well in the refrigerator, but it goes so fast around our house, I've never found out for myself." —Recipe contributor Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
Grandmother's Orange SaladTotal Time: 20 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, orange gelatin, sherbet
Level: Beginner
We love retro dessert salad recipes, and this orange beauty is one of the best. Serve it with a dollop of homemade whipped cream as a side to citrusy main dishes.
"This slightly sweet gelatin salad is a little bit tangy, too. It adds beautiful color to any meal and appeals to all ages." —Recipe contributor Ann Eastman, Greenville, California
Carrot and Raisin SaladTotal Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Carrot, raisins, mayonnaise
Level: Beginner
Use different colored carrots to add even more pizazz to this sweet and creamy salad. We can't think of a prettier side dish for an Easter feast.
"This traditional salad is one of my mother-in-law's favorites. It's fun to eat because of the crunchy texture, and the raisins give it a slightly sweet flavor. Plus, I love how easy it is to make." —Recipe contributor Denise Baumert, Dalhart, Texas
Salad Recipes FAQ
What are the five basic types of salads?
A salad is any chilled or room temperature dish of raw or cooked ingredients, usually vegetables, combined together in some sort of dressing. There is an infinite number of possible ingredient combinations, but there are five basic types of salads, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica: green salads; vegetable salads; pasta or grain salads; mixed salads with a protein and fruit salads. Here's a guide to classic salads you need to know, from Caprese to fattoush.
What are the components of a good salad?
A good salad offers balance between contrasting flavors, textures and colors. The tastiest salads offer some combination of veggies, protein, carbs, fruits and nuts or seeds, with a dressing that provides fat and acid. Read our guide to making the perfect salad, from choosing the right type of dressing to the best-tasting toppings, for more tips.
How do I store leftover salad?
Salads that have delicate ingredients like lettuce, which wilt easily, do not make great leftovers. Whenever possible, we recommend storing your salad and dressing in the fridge separately so they don't become soggy overnight. Even better, store each of your ingredients separately so you can assemble everything when you're ready to eat. We like these salad containers for keeping our salads crisp, and a salad dressing shaker to mix and store dressing!
Originally Published: January 19, 2023
