Salads Without Lettuce *Do* Exist—And They're All So Darn Good
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Don't get us wrong: we're all about salads filled with our favorite seasonal veggies. But sometimes, lettuce just doesn't need to be a part of that equation. While a nutritious arugula or spinach salad is great, there are so many potato salads, pasta salads, corn salads, and more salads without lettuce that fulfill our craving for a cool bite without the leafy greens. On a hot summer day, a crunchy salad without lettuce makes the ultimate BBQ side dish, pairing perfectly with everything from grilled chicken recipes to burgers. The best part about lettuce-less salads? They can withstand the heat of any outdoor feast like a backyard cookout or picnic. That means no soggy or wilted dishes on your summer dinner table.
It just so happens that some of the best Pioneer Woman salads of all time are recipes that don't have any lettuce at all. Just look at Ree Drummond's watermelon salad featuring juicy fruit and feta cheese, or even the pea salad she remembers eating as a kid, neither of which call for lettuce. If you're looking for more of a main course salad, we've got you covered: Check out the grilled shrimp panzanella salad with crusty chunks of bread or the chicken Caprese salad made with instant couscous. So the next time you want to make a hearty salad that you can pack up for a quick work lunch or if you're planning a big summer BBQ with lots of sides, look no further than these hold-the-lettuce salads.
Radish Salad
Crisp, fresh radishes add so much color and flavor to this spring salad! Thinly slice them along with cucumbers and toss with lots of fresh herbs—and you've got a new lettuce-free salad.
Get the Radish Salad recipe.
Ramen Noodle Salad
This dish may have ramen in the name, but it's about as far as you can get from a hot soup! Crunchy ramen noodles add so much texture to this salad, which also includes juicy mandarin oranges, sliced green onions, and a tangy dressing.
Get the Ramen Noodle Salad recipe.
Couscous Salad
This Mediterranean-inspired salad is nothing like any wilted bowl of lettuce. It's a couscous dish tossed with colorful cherry tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, toasted walnuts, and fresh dill. It's the perfect way to taste the rainbow!
Get the Couscous Salad recipe.
Egg Salad
Chock-full of chopped boiled eggs, red onion, pickles, chives, and lots of dill, this creamy no-lettuce salad is full of flavor. Eat it by the spoonful or as a side dish at any potluck.
Get the Egg Salad recipe.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Not a lettuce lover? Not a problem with this scrumptious Mediterranean pasta salad. It's full of giardiniera, fresh basil, and crunchy chickpeas, and coated in a delicious Spanish-style romesco sauce.
Get Ree's Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe.
Corn Salad
When fresh corn is in season, this salad is at the top of our list! It has mix-ins like tomato, avocado, and cheese, plus a creamy, tangy dressing with a hint of spice from smoky chipotle.
Get the Corn Salad recipe.
Avocado Salad
This show-stopping summer salad puts creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers front and center. But it's the zesty salsa verde dressing that really sets it apart.
Get the Avocado Salad recipe.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Fans of classic caprese salad will love this hearty twist that's perfect for cookouts! It's still fresh and summery thanks to cherry tomatoes and basil, but it also includes creamy mozzarella, noodles, and a simple white balsamic vinegar dressing.
Get the Caprese Pasta Salad recipe.
Chickpea Salad
This salad is jam-packed with color and flavor thanks to crisp, green cucumbers, fresh herbs, avocado, and juicy tomatoes. Plus, the chickpeas add a bit of heartiness to fill you up at lunchtime.
Get the Chickpea Salad recipe.
Cucumber Salad
Whether you're firing up your favorite grilling recipes or adding a bit of heat in a spicy dish, this cucumber salad is the perfect accompaniment. It's cool and crisp in all its glory.
Get the Cucumber Salad recipe.
Green Bean Salad
Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, this crisp green bean salad is loaded with fun mix-ins, like roasted, salted almonds, creamy goat cheese, and briny olives.
Get the Green Bean Salad recipe.
Cornbread Salad
This big cowboy-approved salad has layers of cornbread, beans, veggies, and a creamy chipotle ranch dressing. It's over-the-top and fun!
Get the Cornbread Salad recipe.
Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
Cucumber and watermelon are a surprisingly refreshing combination that will have your family or guests coming back for seconds. It's perfect for a warm summer day.
Get Ree's Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint recipe.
Caprese Salad
You can do so much with a good Caprese salad—serve it as an appetizer for your summer cookout, a side dish with beef, or a tasty afternoon snack. It's even better with the balsamic glaze.
Get Ree's Caprese Salad recipe.
Green Goddess Potato Salad
This recipe takes the green goddess dressing you know and love and uses it for potato salad instead of leafy greens. It's an herby, creamy, and colorful twist your family will love!
Get Ree's Green Goddess Potato Salad recipe.
Broccoli Salad
Fresh broccoli is the star of this creamy veggie salad, but it's the mix-ins that make it extra exciting. Add dried cranberries, sharp cheddar cheese, and smoked almonds for a flavor-packed dish.
Get the Broccoli Salad recipe.
Carrot Salad
Skip the lettuce in favor of crunchy carrots instead. The natural sweetness from the carrots complements the apples and raisins that are mixed in.
Get the Carrot Salad recipe.
Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
You'll want to put this flavorful salad on repeat all summer long, especially when corn is in season. Serve it up with your favorite burgers, hot dogs, or grilled meats.
Get Ree's Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette recipe.
Grilled Shrimp Panzanella
A classic Panzanella salad has fresh tomatoes and chunks of crusty bread. This one adds grilled shrimp, so it's filling enough for lunch or a light dinner.
Get Ree's Grilled Shrimp Panzanella Salad recipe.
Greek Pasta Salad
A classic Greek salad typically has cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and red onion. But this version adds bow tie pasta to the mix. It's best when the pasta and dressing have time to sit and mingle, so it's perfect for making ahead.
Get the Greek Pasta Salad recipe.
Classic Three-Bean Salad
This potluck salad is made with three types of beans: white beans, red kidney beans, and fresh green beans. But don't hold out on the chopped celery and red onion either—they add a ton of crunch and flavor.
Get the Classic Three-Bean Salad recipe.
Pea Salad
You won't miss the lettuce in this creamy pea salad. There are plenty of mix-ins to make it interesting, like the crispy bacon, red onion, and chunks of cheese!
Get Ree's Pea Salad recipe.
Chicken Caprese Salad
Couscous is a tiny grain that cooks in just 5 minutes, but you can also swap in pasta if you prefer. It's the perfect base for this heartier variation on Caprese salad.
Get the Chicken Caprese Salad recipe.
Red Potato Salad
Red potatoes are the ideal type of potato for making this barbecue salad. They have a firm texture that doesn't get mushy and colorful skins that don't need to be peeled!
Get the Red Potato Salad recipe.
Greek Pesto Pasta Salad
Canned artichoke hearts and store-bought pesto make this pasta salad extra-easy, but you can also make your own homemade pesto if you prefer. Either way, it's delicious!
Get Ree's Greek Pesto Pasta Salad recipe.
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