These easy recipes for spinach salad, potato salad, coleslaw, pasta salad, cucumber salad and more are each made with five or fewer ingredients.
5-Ingredient Salad Recipes
1/34
Strawberry Feta Tossed Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A neighbor served this light, wonderful salad at a summer barbecue. I’ve since tried it with many ingredient combinations, but this one draws the most compliments.
-Lisa Lesinski-Topp
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 103 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
2/34
Nectarine and Beet Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Beets, nectarines and feta cheese make for scrumptious additions to mixed greens. While the combination of ingredients may seem unlikely, I guarantee it will become a favorite salad on your home menu. —Nicole Werner, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 84 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 371mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
3/34
Tuna Nicoise Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Like the French, I pack my classic Nicoise salad with veggies, potatoes, tuna and eggs. Cooking the potatoes and beans together helps the dish come together fast. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 327 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 206mg cholesterol, 691mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat, 1 starch.
4/34
Authentic German Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This authentic German potato salad recipe came from Speck’s Restaurant, which was a famous eating establishment in St. Louis from the 1920s through the ‘50s. I ate lunch there almost every day and always ordered the potato salad. When the owner learned I was getting married, he gave me the recipe as a wedding gift! —Violette Klevorn, Washington, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 344 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 719mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
5/34
Pea Salad with Bacon
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband absolutely loves peas. My middle son isn't the biggest fan, but he loves bacon. So I decided to combine the two, and it was perfect! This salad is an awesome side dish, especially for barbecues. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 218 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
6/34
Insalata Caprese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic Caprese salad has colors that resemble the Italian flag. For extra zing, I add a splash of balsamic vinegar. —Melba Wilson, Murrells Inlet, SC
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 160 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
7/34
Swift Strawberry Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A simple blend of syrup, orange juice and caramel topping forms the light dressing for the fresh berries and the crunchy cashews found in this sensational salad. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 116 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
8/34
Grandmother’s Orange Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This orange salad dessert is slightly sweet and tangy, too. It adds beautiful color to any meal and appeals to all ages! —Ann Eastman, Santa Monica, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 161 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
9/34
Ranch Potato Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this creamy ranch potato salad with cheese, bacon and ranch salad dressing. My sister asked for the recipe as soon as she tried it. —Lynn Breunig, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 316 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 649mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
10/34
Snickers Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy, sweet salad with crisp apple crunch is a real people-pleaser. It makes a lot, which is good, because it will go fast! —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 218 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
11/34
Red Potato Salad Dijon
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother made the best warm potato salad, and now it's a tradition at all of our tables. Sometimes I use Yukon Gold potatoes to make it even prettier. —Patricia Swart, Galloway, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 139 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 557mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
12/34
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cucumber salad recipes are my absolute favorite! This fast, fresh salad is a winner at every get together. It's an easygoing, healthy side dish for kabobs, chicken or anything hot off the grill. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 90 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
13/34
Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 62 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
14/34
Tri-Color Pasta Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tackle gatherings with a bright side dish. This tri-color pasta salad with broccoli, tomatoes, olives and a hardworking dressing is one of the easiest cold pasta salad recipes you could take. —Amanda Cable, Boxford, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 149 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
15/34
Cucumber Watermelon Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Capturing the fantastic flavors of summer, this refreshing, beautiful watermelon-cucumber salad will be the talk of any picnic or potluck. —Roblynn Hunnisett, Guelph, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 60 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
16/34
Kale Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making meals that wow everyone. The flavor and nutrition in this kale salad set it apart from other 30-minute creations. —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 113 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
17/34
Pear & Blue Cheese Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This crisp fall salad gets its tartness from fresh pears, an extra crunch from pecans and a hint of creaminess from blue cheese. It's simple, but always impresses. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 133 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 324mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
18/34
Garlic Dressing
Total Time
40 min
Servings
3/4 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
Our Test Kitchen came up with this full-flavored vinaigrette. Roasted garlic is blended with Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, tarragon vinegar and lemon juice in the zesty dressing. Try it drizzled over crisp greens or cherry tomatoes.
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 83 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
19/34
Shredded Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad is a simple and delicious way to eat your superfoods! It gets even better after it sits for a while in the fridge, so I make it ahead. I use my homemade honey mustard dressing, but any type works just fine. —Alexandra Weisser, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 207 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
20/34
Cucumber and Red Onion Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cucumber and onion salad is one of the first recipes I came up with myself. It's a great salad for picnics or potlucks. I always come home with an empty bowl! —Brynn Steckman, Westerville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 31 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
21/34
Bacon-Tomato Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love this wonderful bacon salad that tastes like a piled-high BLT without the time or effort. You can make it hours ahead and keep it in the fridge till serving time. —Denise Thurman, Columbia, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 268 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 621mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
22/34
Roasted Red Potato Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this roasted potato salad recipe from my sister-in-law and I've made it numerous times at the request of friends and co-workers. It's quick and easy, which is just what I need in my busy life. I learned how to cook from the two best cooks I know—my mom, Arline, and my Grandma Etta. —Ginger Cusano, Sandusky, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 355 calories, 27g fat (5g saturated fat), 120mg cholesterol, 412mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
23/34
Fresh Fruit Bowl
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The glorious colors of the fruit make this a festive salad. Slightly sweet and chilled, it makes a nice accompaniment to a grilled entree. —Marlon Kirst, Troy, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 56 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 14mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
24/34
Pina Colada Carrot Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This sweet carrot salad, with pina colada yogurt, macadamia nuts and green grapes, has a tropical theme. Just mix and chill out. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 184 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 157mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
25/34
Minted Beet Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We have neighbors who share vegetables from their garden, and every year my husband and I look forward to their beets. My interest in Mediterranean food inspired this beet salad recipe—the vinegar and oil dressing with fresh mint tones down the sweetness of the beets, and the kalamata olives add a salty touch. —Barbara Estabrook, Appleton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 123 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 406mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
26/34
Fresh Cucumber Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crisp garden-fresh cukes are always in season when we hold our family reunion, and they really shine in this simple salad. The recipe can easily be expanded to make large quantities too. —Betsy Carlson, Rockford, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 87 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 22g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
27/34
Rosey Raspberry Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever I make this pretty raspberry salad, people talk! It's a festive side dish that works well for celebrations throughout the year. —Jane Vanderground, Macedonia, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 145 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
28/34
Coleslaw with Poppy Seed Dressing
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the kind of salad you can keep in the fridge for a couple days and it just gets better. I just add the sunflower seeds before serving to keep the crunch. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 83 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 102mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
29/34
Judy’s Macaroni Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After finding this vintage macaroni salad recipe years ago, I tweaked the flavor and bumped up the pickles. Tuck this dill pickle pasta salad inside your picnic basket. —Elizabeth Kirchgatter, Maysville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 347 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 413mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
30/34
Mango & Grilled Chicken Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We live in the hot South, and this awesome fruity chicken salad is a weeknight standout. I buy salad greens and add veggies for color and crunch. —Sherry Little, Sherwood, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 210 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 447mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
31/34
Peach Gelatin Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother always asked our family what we wanted to eat for holiday dinners. Without exception, our requests included this refreshing gelatin. Toasted walnuts give it a little crunch. —Dennis King, Navarre, Florida
32/34
Jeweled Endive Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every Christmas, friends have a huge potluck party. I wanted to bring something unique, so I topped off endive and watercress with jewel-toned pomegranate seeds. —Alysha Braun, St. Catharines, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 121 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
33/34
Frozen Cherry Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pretty slices of this refreshing salad are dotted with colorful cherries for a festive look. The flavor is pleasant and not overly sweet like some frozen cherry recipes. Prepared in advance and frozen, it's a treat that fits into many different menus. I serve it throughout the year. —Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 201 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
34/34
Minty Watermelon Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My 4-year-old twin grandchildren love to cook in the kitchen with me. Last summer, the three of us were experimenting with watermelon and cheese, and that's where this recipe began. It's amazing for picnics, at neighborhood gatherings or as a healthy snack on a hot summer day. —Gwendolyn Vetter, Rogers, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 45 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fruit.
