35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (2024)

There's no reason why you can't replicate the glitz and glamour of a restaurant salad in your own kitchen. In these recipes, we whip up simple vinaigrettes and combine your favorite veggies, fruits, cheeses and proteins for salads that will remind you of your favorite takeout options—from a classic steakhouse wedge to fruity side salads you'll want to pair with your favorite café sandwich. Recipes like our Best Caesar Salad with Crispy Parmesan and Shrimp Cobb Salad with Dijon Dressing are perfect for any occasion, whether you're entertaining guests or cooking for one.

01of 35

Shrimp Cobb Salad with Dijon Dressing

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (1)

We've replaced chicken with shrimp in this delicious and easy spin on the classic Cobb salad. This satisfying salad takes just 20 minutes to make, so it's perfect for weeknight dinners, but it's elegant enough to serve to guests.

02of 35

Little Gem Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese & Herb Dressing

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (2)

Little Gem lettuce is like a cross between romaine and butterhead. It's perfect for making an updated take on the wedge salad in this healthy recipe. If you can't find Little Gem, use half a romaine heart for each serving. You can order Point Reyes Original blue cheese online from pointreyescheese.com or substitute another raw-milk blue cheese.

03of 35

Best Caesar Salad with Crispy Parmesan

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (3)

For a nutrient-packed twist, this healthy Caesar salad features spinach and kale in addition to romaine. But it's the Parmesan crisps that make this salad holiday-worthy. Serve it for Thanksgiving or any other special meal.

04of 35

Apple-Cranberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (4)

The tangy-sweet dressing in this spinach salad beautifully amplifies the apples and cranberries--and the creamy goat cheese transforms it into the perfect salad. Tasters raved about this easy fall salad. If you can't find Pink Lady apples, any sweet, crisp apple is a worthy substitute. Want to make this salad a main meal? Top with some rotisserie chicken, chickpeas or tofu.

05of 35

Crab Louie Salad

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (5)

At the Bayside Cafe in Morro Bay, California, this classic West Coast salad is made with Dungeness crab caught in the coastal waters. Lump crabmeat is a good substitute.

06of 35

Use-a-Spoon Chopped Salad with Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion & Kalamata Olives

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (6)

This quick salad recipe features ingredients inspired by the Mediterranean, including Kalamata olives, cucumber and more. Serve alongside grilled fish or chicken for a refreshing side dish. This recipe was inspired by our popular "Use a Spoon" Chopped Salad from Paul Newman and Michel Nischan's former restaurant Dressing Room.

07of 35

Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad with Chicken

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (7)

In this healthy copycat of a takeout salad favorite we combine precooked (or leftover) chicken and poppy seed dressing with fresh greens, strawberries and goat cheese for an easy throw-together meal that's ready in 10 minutes.

08of 35

Warm Pear & Spinach Salad with Maple-Bacon Vinaigrette

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (8)

Mature, larger-leaved spinach holds up better to the warm bacon vinaigrette than baby spinach in this healthy spinach salad recipe. If you don't want the spinach to wilt, let the dressing cool before tossing it with the salad.

09of 35

Chopped Power Salad with Chicken

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (9)

Enjoy this filling and colorful salad for lunch or dinner. The dressing gets made in the same bowl that the salad is tossed in, so the greens absorb every bit of flavor.

10of 35

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Burrata

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (10)

This beautiful butternut squash salad with creamy burrata cheese and peppery arugula is perfect for fall entertaining. For the best flavor and texture, remove the burrata from the refrigerator about an hour before use and assemble the salad while the squash is still warm from roasting so the cheese will melt slightly. Feel free to use precut butternut squash to make this recipe easier. If you can find pomegranates, the arils add a bright pop of color and flavor to this healthy salad, but it's just as good--and almost as impressive-looking--without them.

11of 35

Winter Cobb Salad

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (11)

This seasonal twist on a traditional Cobb salad swaps in kale for lettuce and spiced butternut squash for chicken but keeps the essential avocado, blue cheese, bacon and egg.

12of 35

"Use a Spoon" Chopped Salad

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (12)

When Paul Newman and Michel Nischan opened their Westport, Connecticut, restaurant Dressing Room, Paul's request was that the menu always include a chopped salad that you could eat with a spoon. This chopped salad recipe is full of great flavors, colors and textures, featuring celery, carrots, red pepper, apple, cucumber, greens, cabbage, goat cheese and almonds. This is great for any holiday meal: you can let it stand and it stays crisp.

13of 35

Greek Revival Salad

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (13)

This attractive, full-bodied dish celebrates the Greek flavors of feta, black olives and plenty of oregano.

14of 35

Hasselback Tomato Caprese Salad

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (14)

Use the hasselback technique to upgrade plain caprese salad with this fun twist! Cutting partially into the whole tomato creates openings to layer in fresh mozzarella cheese, basil and a balsamic drizzle for tons of flavor in this unique vegetable side dish recipe.

15of 35

Superfood Chopped Salad with Salmon & Creamy Garlic Dressing

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (15)

Curly kale forms the base of this salad, but you could use chard or spinach. To the greens, add a multitude of chopped veggies, such as broccoli, cabbage and carrots. Finish with rich salmon for protein and a drizzle of creamy yogurt dressing to bring it all together.

16of 35

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (16)

This scrumptious and healthy salad combines elements of Caesar salad, pasta salad and chicken salad for an easy weeknight dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes (and most of the prep can be done ahead). Use your blender to whip together the tangy buttermilk-based dressing, which would also be great on a salmon or chickpea salad.

17of 35

Tea-Leaf Salad

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (17)

Traditionally, the star of this famous Burmese salad, laphet, is made by fermenting just-picked tea leaves for several months underground. While laphet is starting to be imported, it is still hard to find. This version, using readily available green tea, offers a quick alternative. Mix the salad at the table so everyone can appreciate the diversity of ingredients--from crunchy to savory--that make it so special.

Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cauliflower "Rice" Tabbouleh

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (18)

Chicken breasts on the grill have a smoky flavor that's enhanced with an easy spice rub. We chose flat-leaf parsley in this salad because it has a stronger herbal taste than its sometimes-bitter curly counterpart.

19of 35

Quinoa Power Salad

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (19)

Make this satisfying salad in the evening and enjoy one portion for dinner, then pack the remaining portion for lunch the next day. Loaded with protein- and fiber-rich ingredients like chicken, sweet potato and quinoa plus power greens, this meal is nutrition-packed!

20of 35

Chicken & Kale Taco Salad with Jalapeño-Avocado Ranch

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (20)

This healthy, super-fast salad recipe swaps out romaine for kale, giving you more than 10 times the vitamin C. Easy flavor hacks like store-bought ranch and pickled jalapeños help make a creamy, tangy and spicy dressing you'll want to drizzle on everything from salad to sliced veggies and shredded poached chicken.

21of 35

Stetson Chopped Salad

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (21)

Knock it out of the park at dinner with this composed salad recipe inspired by the crazy-popular Stetson Chopped Salad at Cowboy Ciao in Scottsdale, Arizona. It packs in colorful vegetables and a variety of textures from whole grains, seeds and a creamy homemade dressing for a photo-worthy, healthy meal. Keep it vegetarian or add smoked salmon or roasted chicken.

22of 35

Fried Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (22)

A blend of whole-wheat panko and fine cornmeal gives this healthy chicken recipe the perfect amount of crunch even though it's not deep fried. Making an easy homemade buttermilk ranch dressing recipe means you can skip bottled, which may have additives and stabilizers.

23of 35

Salmon Caesar Salad

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (23)

This easy Caesar salad subs creamy Greek yogurt and buttermilk for the traditional egg yolks and olive oil and mixes in mildly bitter radicchio in addition to classic romaine. Using just a small amount of flavorful Parmigiano-Reggiano shaves calories and sodium too.

24of 35

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (24)

Serve this summery strawberry spinach salad alongside soup or a half sandwich, or top with grilled chicken or roasted salmon for a complete and easy healthy meal.

25of 35

Big Beautiful Summer Salad

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (25)

This gorgeous and healthy summer vegetable salad is loaded with pretty produce, including golden beets, avocado, corn, microgreens and radishes. Chickpeas and edamame add substance, and an herb-filled buttermilk-avocado dressing makes this salad really special. Serve it on its own for a light vegetarian meal or add grilled chicken for an easy weeknight dinner.

26of 35

Avocado & Corn Salad

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (26)

In this fresh summer salad recipe, sweet corn and honey balance nicely with tomatoes, avocado and lime juice. Bring it along to your next summer picnic or pair it with grilled shrimp or chicken for an easy weeknight meal.

27of 35

Chopped Salad with Chicken & Avocado-Buttermilk Dressing

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (27)

This herb-loaded green goddess-inspired dressing gets a color boost from creamy avocado. Make a double batch of this healthy salad dressing to keep on hand for salads throughout the week.

28of 35

Caesar Salad with Grilled Steak

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (28)

Traditional Caesar salad dressing uses egg yolk to make it creamy. Here we use mayo instead for the same rich results without the raw egg.

29of 35

Watermelon & Goat Cheese Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (29)

In this watermelon and goat cheese salad, the contrasting flavors and textures of crisp, sweet melon and creamy, tangy goat cheese are magical partners. Top with sliced grilled chicken to make it a meal.

30of 35

Kale & Strawberry Salad

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (30)

In this kale and strawberry salad, apple-cider vinegar and mustard flavor the dressing while fresh strawberries offer a touch of sweetness. Creamy herbed goat cheese completes this healthy salad that's perfect for lunch or dinner.

31of 35

Quinoa Avocado Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (31)

Persimmons add sweetness to this tossed green salad that sports a healthy salad dressing. A sprinkling of crispy fried quinoa adds unexpected crunch, putting the salad over the top in the best way.

32of 35

Watermelon, Orange & Cucumber Salad with Castelvetrano Olive Vinaigrette

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (32)

This easy and superfast salad is incredibly refreshing, thanks to juicy watermelon and oranges! The Castelvetrano olives lend a briny hit, while the herbs add lots of delicious depth to the salad. Pair this colorful salad with grilled shrimp or chicken.

33of 35

Blue Cheese & Spinach Salad

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (33)

This blue cheese, corn and spinach salad recipe is delicious tossed with a warm bacon-spiked tomato vinaigrette. We love a full-flavored blue cheese like Maytag, but a milder blue cheese is also nice. This spinach salad is great with pizza or as a light side salad.

34of 35

Spinach Salad with Ginger-Soy Dressing

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (34)

This spinach salad tossed with spunky ginger dressing was inspired by the iceberg salads served at Japanese steakhouses across the U.S. Add shrimp for lunch or a light supper.

35of 35

Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes & Burrata

View Recipe

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (35)

For a gorgeous take on a classic caprese, make this healthy salad recipe with heirloom tomatoes in various colors, shapes and sizes. Swapping regular mozzarella for creamy burrata makes this summer salad even more special--but it's still incredibly easy to make.

35 Salad Recipes That Copy Your Favorite Restaurant Dishes (2024)

FAQs

What are the 3 types of salad according to how you will serve it? ›

Appetizer salads – light, smaller-portion salads served as the first course of the meal. Side salads – to accompany the main course as a side dish; examples include potato salad and coleslaw. Main course salads – usually containing a portion of one or more high-protein foods, such as eggs, legumes, or cheese.

Why do restaurant salads taste better than homemade? ›

Restaurants salt their salads.

This resulted in every bite tasting vibrant and flavorful. "Season your salad just like you would anything else," Simpson said. "Salt is a big difference between salads at home and salads in a restaurant." This doesn't mean you have to make your salads salty!

What are the 5 ways salads are used as part of the meal? ›

Section 4.1 Summary

The five basic types of salad are green salads (tossed or composed), bound, vegetable, fruit, and combination. The five basic salads that can be served throughout the course of a meal are starter, accompaniment, main course, intermezzo, and dessert.

What was the world's first salad? ›

The first recordings of people enjoying salad date back to Ancient Roman times. The salads of that time were not much different than the modern-day garden salads of today. They consisted of fresh, edible herbs, lettuce, and raw vegetables, and the dressing of the time was a simple mixture of oil and salt.

Which salad green is the most popular one used in the USA? ›

Iceberg lettuce may be the most popular of all the salad greens, but it's definitely not the healthiest base you can choose. While the low calorie count is comparable to other greens, the nutrient totals are not, according to the USDA.

What are the 5 main salads? ›

salad, any of a wide variety of dishes that fall into the following principal categories: green salads; vegetable salads; salads of pasta, legumes, or grains; mixed salads incorporating meat, poultry, or seafood; and fruit salads.

What are the five basic salad types? ›

The basic parts of a salad are the base, the body, the garnish, and the dressing. The five basic types of salad are green salads (tossed or composed), bound, vegetable, fruit, and combination.

How do restaurants get their salads so crisp? ›

The Keys to Crisp Lettuce

Lettuce actually needs a good amount of airflow, in addition to a bit of moisture (but not too much!), in order to stay crisp. That's why restaurants store their lettuce in special perforated bins that allow for air circulation while it's held in the fridge.

What is the most important ingredient in a salad? ›

Obviously, every salad needs a base, some type of leafy greens. Choose a salad green that's loaded with health benefits… and STAY AWAY from that iceberg lettuce. You can also use a mix of these to give your salad a little more variety.

Can a salad be a full meal? ›

Myth: A salad can't be a meal

“With the plate method, the plate is half veggies, 1/4 protein and 1/4 carbs,” she says. “If you're having a salad as a full meal, add protein and carb sources to make a complete meal. This helps increase the nutritional value and promote satiety.”

What is salad called in English? ›

Meaning of salad in English. a mixture of uncooked vegetables, usually including lettuce, eaten either as a separate dish or with other food: Toss (= mix) the salad with a vinaigrette dressing. Serve the risotto with a mixed/green salad.

What is the most famous salad in the world? ›

Caesar Salad

This may also have led to its immense popularity and its spot on many restaurant menus, including ours. Caesar salad is famous for its ingredients of romaine lettuce, olive oil, raw egg, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Worcestershire sauce. Together, they make one of the most popular salads in the world.

What is the most popular salad in the US? ›

Caesar Salad

It is a popular choice in many American restaurants and is often served as a side dish or a main course. The Caesar Salad at Panera is a classic salad made with crisp romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, grilled chicken, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons.

What are the 5 salads? ›

Salad is any of a wide variety of dishes including green salads; vegetable salads; long beans; salads of pasta, legumes, or grains; mixed salads incorporating meat, poultry, or seafood; and fruit salads. They often include vegetables and fruits.

What are the five most common types of salads? ›

Some common types include garden salads, Caesar salads, fruit salads, pasta salads, and grain salads, among others. The best time to eat salads can vary based on personal preference and dietary goals. They can be enjoyed as a light meal or a side dish, making them suitable for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Pres. Carey Rath

Last Updated:

Views: 6315

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Pres. Carey Rath

Birthday: 1997-03-06

Address: 14955 Ledner Trail, East Rodrickfort, NE 85127-8369

Phone: +18682428114917

Job: National Technology Representative

Hobby: Sand art, Drama, Web surfing, Cycling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Leather crafting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Pres. Carey Rath, I am a faithful, funny, vast, joyous, lively, brave, glamorous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.