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Make-Ahead Salads

by Donna Post Updated: June 2026

Salads are a great healthy addition to any meal but you may not always have the time to whip up a fresh salad during a busy week. That’s why I gathered these make-ahead salads. These salad recipes allow you to have a delicious and healthy lunch, side dish, or supper even when you have limited time to prepare food.

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Delicious Make-Ahead Salads

15 delicious salad options when you need a make-ahead salad recipe. You'll find delicious salad recipes with a leafy green base, salads that are hearty enough to make a main entree, and chopped salads (my fav!)

Image for Summer Strawberry Salad w/ Cucumber & Arugula

Summer Strawberry Salad w/ Cucumber & Arugula

A vibrant and light summer salad bursting with flavors - this Arugula Strawberry Salad has a medley of fresh ingredients and colors. The lemon poppyseed dressing is homemade and out of this world delicious! Perfect for serving in the warmer months.

Image for Green Goddess Salad

Green Goddess Salad

This Green Goddess Salad combines crisp iceberg lettuce, tender baby spinach, and peppery arugula with slices of cucumber and green onions, all tossed in a wonderfully flavorful green goddess dressing. Easily adaptable, it serves beautifully as either a main dish or a refreshing side salad.

Image for Classic Iceberg Wedge Salad

Classic Iceberg Wedge Salad

A classic Wedge Salad topped with creamy blue cheese dressing, bacon, and more is truly the king of all the salads made with Iceberg lettuce. Learn how easy this refreshing salad is to make!

Image for Italian Chopped Salad

Italian Chopped Salad

This chopped salad is hearty enough to be the main dish, perfect for a summer evening. Full of fresh vegetables, mozzarella cheese, and salami.

Image for Spinach and Arugula Salad with Apples and Pecans

Spinach and Arugula Salad with Apples and Pecans

This spinach and arugula salad has the perfect blend of flavors with the crisp apple, creamy goat cheese, and sweet pecans. You can make the candied pecans beforehand and throw everything together in minutes.

Image for Traditional Greek Salad

Traditional Greek Salad

This authentic Greek salad is loaded with crisp vegetables and feta cheese. Served with a nice Greek dressing.

Image for Simple Tossed Salad

Simple Tossed Salad

Looking for inspiration for a super simple salad that's just a little different? Check out this tossed salad recipe

Image for Fattoush Salad

Fattoush Salad

A healthy Middle Eastern Salad with a light, lemony vinaigrette dressing. This Fattoush Salad mixes crisp romaine, fresh vegetables, pita chips, and a light lemony sumac dressing and is great with fresh farmers market vegetables.

Image for Lemon Arugula Salad Recipe with Parmesan Cheese

Lemon Arugula Salad Recipe with Parmesan Cheese

Lemon Arugula Salad Recipe with Parmesan Cheese is a quick and easy salad that is peppery, sweet and satisfying. Arugula is tossed with cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and parmesan cheese and finished off with a lemony, olive oil dressing.

Image for House Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Dressing

House Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Dressing

This House Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette comes together with a few simple ingredients for a light side dish you can throw together in just 10 minutes. Prepare it in advance by assembling the salad and refrigerating it, then add the dressing just prior to serving.

Image for Vegetarian Cobb Salad Jar

Vegetarian Cobb Salad Jar

Vegetarian Cobb Salad is deliciously layered in a mason jar with a simple homemade creamy dressing, veggies, hard-boiled eggs, crumbled blue cheese, romaine lettuce, and avocado

Image for Pear and Walnut Salad

Pear and Walnut Salad

While pears may scream Fall, this pear and walnut salad is truly lovely at any time of year. It’s refreshing, tangy, and just a touch sweet with crisp slices of pear and mixed salad leaves. It’s finished with crunchy toasted walnuts and salty pecorino and it’s truly delicious.

Image for Caesar Pasta Salad

Caesar Pasta Salad

Crispy veggies and creamy Caesar dressing make this pasta salad stand out from the crowd. This Caesar pasta salad is always one of the first things to disappear at picnics!

Image for Chopped Mexican Salad

Chopped Mexican Salad

I love a chopped salad and I love Mexican food - this is a great mix of the two! Black beans, corn, and avocado are added to make this tasty Mexican salad.

Image for Copycat Portillo's Chopped Salad Recipe

Copycat Portillo's Chopped Salad Recipe

This salad can be made and stored in a glass jar with a lid in the fridge for up to 1 week. This is a delicious recipe when you need a make-ahead salad option. Lettuce, colorful vegetables, chicken, and pasta are mixed to make this hearty chopped salad.

Find More Make-Ahead Recipes

  • Make-Ahead Breakfasts
  • Make-Ahead Lunch Recipes
  • Make-Ahead Dinner Recipes
  • Make-Ahead Side Dishes
  • Make-Ahead Salad Recipes
  • Make-Ahead BBQ Side Dishes
  • Make-Ahead Christmas Side Dish Recipes

More Meal Planning Articles:

Notebook with meal ideas for January

January Monthly Meal Plan

Side-dishes you can make early

20 Delicious Make-Ahead Side Dishes

May Monthly Meal Plan

Printable Weekly Meal Plan Worksheets

Filed Under: Main Dishes, Make-Ahead Meals, Meal Planning, Recipes

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