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Salads don't always need a bed of greens to steal the show. In fact, when the weather heats up, it's the lettuce-free creations that often shine brightest. Think creamy potato salads, tangy pasta salads, and fresh corn salads, each offering a cool, satisfying bite without a single leafy green in sight. For anyone planning a backyard BBQ or picnic, these hearty salads are the perfect sidekick to grilled meats and classic burgers. Plus, they're built to last, holding up beautifully under the sun without turning soggy or limp. It's everything great about a salad—minus the lettuce.
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.
Tabbouleh
This salad may be green, but it doesn't contain a lick of lettuce! Instead, the Middle Eastern dish gets color from parsley, mint, green onion, cucumber, and tomato.
Get the Tabbouleh recipe.
Mango Salad
Fruit salad still counts as a salad, right? Despite mainly consisting of mango, this salad has a savory, or rather spicy, twist, thanks to a sprinkle of chili-lime seasoning.
Get the Mango Salad recipe.
Asparagus Salad
Here's a spring salad to add to your rotation! While it has no lettuce, the salad still has plenty of crunch, thanks to asparagus, walnuts, and radishes. At the same time, bacon, parmesan cheese, and a lemony vinaigrette make it the perfect balance of salty and refreshing!
Get the Asparagus Salad recipe.
Ramen Noodle Salad
Don't let the name fool you—this dish is worlds away from a steaming bowl of ramen. Instead, it's a crisp, refreshing salad where crunchy ramen noodles steal the spotlight. Tossed with juicy mandarin oranges, sliced green onions, and a zesty dressing, it's full of flavor and texture in every bite.
Get the Ramen Noodle Salad recipe.
Radish Salad
Colorful, crunchy radishes bring a burst of peppery flavor to this vibrant spring salad. Paired with thinly sliced cucumbers and a generous handful of fresh herbs, it's a refreshing, lettuce-free option that's as easy to make as it is to love.
Get the Radish 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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