50 Crunchy Romaine Salads (2024)

Home Recipes Ingredients Vegetables Lettuce

Updated: Feb. 11, 2024

From classics like Cobb and Caesar to unique combinations like Buffalo chicken and BLT turkey, we've collected the best romaine lettuce salad recipes for you to try.

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Cobb Salad

Made on the fly by Hollywood restaurateur Bob Cobb in 1937, the Cobb salad is a world-famous American dish. Here’s a fresh take, with all the original appeal and an extra special presentation. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Favorite Mediterranean Salad

Got a crowd coming over for a backyard barbecue? This crisp, big-batch Mediterranean salad recipe makes a great accompaniment to any main dish you fix on the grill. —Pat Stevens, Granbury, Texas

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Grilled Romaine Salad

For a great-tasting salad, try this recipe on the grill! It’s equally good with any dressing of your choice.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco Salad

We use this super-duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love to help measure the seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington

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Bacon Caesar Salad

Family and friends always say my Caesar salad rivals any restaurant version. The addition of bacon lends a slightly smoky flavor and makes it unique. —Sharon Tipton, Casselberry, Florida

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Strawberry-Avocado Tossed Salad

Delicious and beautiful! Strawberries and avocado on top of romaine drizzled with a honey vinaigrette dressing. Perfect with a grilled steak and crusty bread.—Pam Nordahl, Edina, Minnesota

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Mexican Layered Salad

Here’s another popular dish I like to prepare in advance, adding the cheese and chips just before serving. It’s a slightly different version of the traditional layered salad.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

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Fattoush Salad

Fattoush salad is very popular in the Middle East. It uses sumac, which is a unique spice that adds an acidic flavor to dishes, as lemon juice does. —Stephanie Khio, Bloomingdale, Illinois

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Apple Walnut Salad

The pumpkin seeds and homemade dressing make this salad so special—and healthy, too. Add leftover turkey and you’ve got a main-dish salad. —Bjorg Martin, Noblesville, Indiana

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Barbecue Pork Cobb Salad

My lunchtime salad gets way more interesting topped with barbecue pork, cheddar cheese and creamy avocado. It’s as satisfying as it is scrumptious. Looking for more summer salad recipes? Try this grilled romaine recipe. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California

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Simple Italian Salad

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. —Nancy Granaman, Burlington, Iowa

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Lemon Artichoke Romaine Salad

I created this dish when I was trying to duplicate a very lemony Caesar salad. I think my version is not only delicious but more healthful, too! —Kathy Armstrong, Post Falls, Idaho

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Grilled Chicken Chopped Salad

Layered desserts always grab my family’s attention, but salads? Not
so much. I wondered if I could get everyone on board by presenting
a healthy salad in an eye-catching way. I’m happy to say that it worked. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts

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Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan

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Wendy's Apple Pomegranate Salad

My grandparents grew pomegranates, pecans and walnuts and would send us some each year. Some of my best memories are the days I used to spend with my grandmother learning how to cook with her. Whenever I make this, it's like having lunch with my grandmother again. —Wendy Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan

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Buffalo Chicken Salad

Delicious, and even better—quick! This buffalo chicken salad is a summer staple at our house. Sometimes we cook the chicken on the grill, then sprinkle the hot sauce over it with the dressing, because you've gotta have that kick! —Cori Cooper, Flagstaff, Arizona

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Easy Caesar Salad

Fans of Caesar salad will find the dressing used in this tasty version one of the best. My sister, Jan, developed this Caesar salad recipe and was nice enough to share her secret with me.—Dianne Nash, Kaslo, British Columbia

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Bacon Avocado Salad

Everyone in my family loves this bacon and avocado salad—even the younger kids! I serve it at pretty much every get-together I've hosted, and at this point, the recipe's been shared too many times to count. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut

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Green Salad with Dill Dressing

With a big holiday meal, a light colorful salad is the perfect side dish, especially with this flavorful dressing. I like to make this pretty, tasty salad for the holidays or anytime. —Lucy Meyring, Walden, Colorado

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Veggie Nicoise Salad

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. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois

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Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad

This pretty spinach salad topped with grilled chicken, strawberries and almonds features a delectably sweet poppy seed dressing. Made in moments, the dish is a refreshing lunch or light supper. —Ginger Ellsworth, Caldwell, Idaho

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Chicken Pasta Caesar Salad

My colleagues and I made a pact to eat healthier, and we took turns sharing dishes. I'm happy to report that, thanks to recipes like this crisp and tangy salad, we all trimmed down. —Teresa Jordan, Springville, Utah

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Tropical Layered Chicken Salad

This is a fresh and delicious recipe that is a big hit whenever I take it to a potluck—it's always the first to go! —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas

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Ham Caesar Salad

One bite, and you’ll fall in love with this combo! Serve with fresh iced tea and banana splits for a casual menu that won’t heat up your kitchen. —Mary Ann Schlabach, Sarasota, Florida

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Layered Salad for a Crowd

This salad is a favorite of my three sons. I took it to a luncheon honoring our school district’s food service manager, and she asked for the recipe. I like to make the dressing the day before so the flavors blend together. —Linda Ashley, Leesburg, Georgia

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Caesar Salad in Peppered Parmesan Bowls

This cheese bowl salad looks impressive but is a cinch to make. I won't tell if you don't! —Melissa Wilkes, St. Augustine, Florida

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Vegan Taco Salad

The best salads are made with ingredients that have different textures and complementary flavors. In this vegan taco salad, you'll love the crunch of the tortilla chips mixed with the sweet, crisp lettuce and "meaty" crumble mixture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Sesame Almond Slaw

Crunchy veggies and noodles are coated in a tangy dressing in this pleasant slaw. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Herbed Chicken Caesar Salad

This chicken Caesar salad looks and tastes fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. It’s my husband’s favorite dinner.—Kay Andersen, Bear, Delaware

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Sesame Chicken Slaw Salad

I tasted many types of Asian chicken salad in California. When I moved back to Georgia, I wanted more. Here’s a gingery-sweet recipe using wonton strips. —Michelle Mulrain, Evans, Georgia

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Apple-Feta Tossed Salad

A friend of mine shared this recipe with me after I raved about the delightful salad at dinner. I have served it for years now, and no matter where i take it, I have to bring along copies of the recipe to hand out. —Marlene Clark, Apple Valley, California

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Strawberry-Blue Cheese Steak Salad

At lunch one day, a friend told me about a steak salad she'd had at a party. It sounded so fantastic I had to try it for myself. My family would eat it nonstop if we could. Can't seem to get enough of that tangy dressing! —Alma Winberry, Great Falls, Montana

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Orange-Pistachio Quinoa Salad

Add this fresh and healthy quinoa recipe to your holiday spread. Its citrusy, nutty taste is simply delicious. —Jean Greenfield, San Anselmo, California

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Grilled Steak and Mushroom Salad

My husband loves this, especially during summertime. He says he feels like he’s eating a healthy salad and getting his steak, too! I always serve it with some homemade bread. —Julie Cashion, Sanford, Florida

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BLT Turkey Salad

This variation of a BLT salad is great with a side of garlic bread or garlic toast, and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. —Sherry Conley, Noel, Nova Scotia

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Mediterranean Romaine Salad

This salad is my standard—I always make sure I have the ingredients on hand so I can whip up this easy salad anytime. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

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Cashew-Pear Tossed Salad

A friend who does a lot of catering fixed this salad for our staff Christmas party several years ago, and we all asked for the recipe. The unexpected sweet-salty mix and lovely dressing make it a hit with everyone. —Arlene Muller, Kingwood, Texas

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Three ingredients plus a dressing equals a quick salad for special occasions. I first had it at a friend's wedding, and it's become a family favorite. — Linda Pallotto, Mantua, Ohio

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Salmon Caesar Salad

This main course was invented out of a need to serve my family a balanced meal when time was limited. Even my young son loves it! —Ann Bagdonas, Antioch, California

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A tangy salad of romaine, celery and oranges with tarragon vinegar and hot pepper sauce makes a cool companion for turkey dishes. —Cathy Pawlowski, Naperville, Illinois

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Layered Garden Bean Salad

For easy entertaining, cover and refrigerate the salad a few hours before guests arrive so you don't have to bother with last-minute assembly. Turn it into a light lunch by adding sliced rotisserie chicken, salmon or tuna. —Melissa Wharton, Cincinnati, Ohio

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Ramen Noodle Salad

With added crunch from ramen noodles and sunflower seeds, plus a sweet, glossy dressing, this lively salad is a definite crowd-pleaser! —Beverly Sprague, Baltimore, Maryland

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Barbecue Chicken Cobb Salad

I turned barbecue chicken into a major salad with romaine, carrots, sweet peppers and avocados. That’s how I got my family to eat more veggies. —Camille Beckstrand, Layton, Utah

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Holiday Lettuce Salad

Light with a hint of sweetness, this lettuce salad recipe will make everyone excited to eat their fruits and vegetables. —Bryan Braack, Eldridge, Iowa

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Green Salad with Berries

For snappy salad that draws a crowd, I do a wonderful combo of spinach, berries and oniony things. Raise your fork for this one. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho

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Harvest Salad with Lime-Curry Dressing

A friend gave me this salad recipe to help me impress my new husband who loves citrus. We serve the dressing over greens we harvest from our garden—the lime and curry make a fantastic pairing. —Rachel Muilenburg, Prineville, Oregon

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Mediterranean Cobb Salad

I'm a huge fan of taking classic dishes and adding some flair to them. I also like to change up heavier dishes, like the classic Cobb salad. I've replaced typical chicken with crunchy falafel that's just as satisfying. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

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Orange Poppy Seed Salad

In our area, olives, walnuts, pomegranates and oranges are grown locally, and I love using them in recipes. I include all four ingredients in a simple but refreshing romanine salad. —Faith Sommers, Bangor, California

Originally Published: April 27, 2020