Look, we love a leafy green salad. But sometimes, you need something that’ll last in the fridge for a pre-made side, hearty snack or light lunch — and some delicate baby spinach isn’t gonna cut it. But don’t worry, you’ve got plenty of options for salads that store well in the fridge. Read on for our favorite salad meal prep salad recipes you can enjoy all week long.
Garlic and Herb Chickpea Salad
When it comes to hearty salads, legumes are your best friend. And this garlicky chickpea salad is a must-try. It pairs canned chickpeas with crunchy cucumbers, sweet tomatoes and savory onion for a medley of flavors and textures, then uses a garlicky homemade vinaigrette to bring the flavors together.
Herbed Three Bean Salad
When it comes to beans, the more the merrier — and this three-bean salad is sure to please. It features creamy chickpeas, hearty kidney beans and crunchy green beans drenched in a rosemary dijon vinaigrette, which means each bite bursts with flavors and textures. Using fresh green beans adds the most crunch, but you can also make this with drained canned green beans when fresh ones are out of season.
Cool Cucumber Salad
The cucumber salad trend is oh so refreshing, and this fridge-friendly version deserves a spot in your meal plan. It’s simple yet delicious, with cucumbers providing crispiness and crunch, onions adding savory flavor, and a homemade dill dressing giving this a pickle-inspired twist. This salad tastes even better after it sits in the fridge, since the onions have time to mellow out and the flavors have time to meld.
Mexican Corn Salad
Craving elotes, the classic Mexican street food? Try an elote-inspired salad! This hearty corn salad recipe tosses tender corn in creamy cilantro and lime dressing, with a dash of chili powder for Mexican-inspired flavor. This salad tastes amazing on its own, as a filling for tacos or quesadillas or mixed with Mexican Rice.
Edamame and Corn Salad with Oregano Vinaigrette
If you can’t get enough corn salad (and who could blame you?), give this Mediterranean-inspired salad a try. An oregano, garlic and olive oil vinaigrette adds savory notes to each bite, while corn, red pepper, onion and edamame add subtle sweetness and crunch. This recipe is extra meal prep-friendly: You can use frozen corn and edamame, so you’ll always have the base ingredients on hand.
Greek Style Cold Noodle Salad
Pasta salads are the ultimate make-ahead salad, since the noodles soak up added flavor in the fridge. And this veggie-packed, Greek-inspired salad should be at the top of your list. It’s loaded with flavor, featuring the classic trio of tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions, plus crumbly feta and sliced olives for pops of saltiness. Udon noodles — a buckwheat noodle used in Japanese cuisine — add nuttiness to the salad, creating a perfect base for the toppings.
Ramen Noodle Salad
Ah, ramen. What can’t it do? This easy recipe turns your favorite pantry staple into a delicious make-ahead salad. It’s savory and sweet, with edamame for crunch, mandarin slices for brightness, and a soy honey vinaigrette for depth of flavor. This recipe mixes the noodles with store-bought coleslaw to save time. But if you’re making it ahead, mix the slaw in a few minutes before serving to preserve its crunch.
Couscous Salad
Couscous is a staple ingredient in several North African and Middle Eastern cuisines — and it also makes a fantastic make-ahead salad. Our recipe combines couscous with tomatoes and onions for added umami, with a garlicky dressing that brings the flavor over the top. It’s also adaptable, so try mixing in whatever veggies you have in your fridge for a delicious side dish.
Loving These Salad Meal Prep Ideas?
Here are more salad recipes you might enjoy!
