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11 Salads That Are Always The First To Go

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If you’ve ever been to a buffet where certain salads are all the rage, then you’ve likely encountered some of these favorites. Who knew that adding cranberries to a spinach salad could cause such a commotion? These 11 salads are so popular, they’re almost famous—just without the paparazzi and autographs.

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Low angle shot of a bowl of watermelon salad with kalamata olives and feta cheese.
Watermelon and Feta Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Cucumber Kimchi

Cucumber kimchi on a white plate with a pair of chopsticks lifting a slice of cucumber.
Cucumber Kimchi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Just when you think you've seen all the salads, Cucumber Kimchi comes along with a crunch that steals the show. It's the kind of dish that has guests pausing their conversations to ask, “What's in this?” Perfect for those who love a bit of a kick, it stands out in a sea of ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Kimchi

Thai Larb

Low angle shot of a striped bowl filled with Thai larb salad garnished with shallot slices.
Thai Larb. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Not all salads are green and leafy; Thai Larb proves just that. Bursting with bold flavors that command attention, this dish is often the star at gatherings. Its robust presence ensures it's never left lingering on the buffet table.
Get the Recipe: Thai Larb

Mexican Corn Salad

Mexican corn salad in bowls, garnished with parmesan cheese and lime wedges, with forks on the side.
Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For those who crave a little fiesta in their fork, Mexican Corn Salad is the go-to. It’s a conversation starter—bright, bold, and often gone before you know it. This is the salad that has people lining up before the buffet opens, ensuring they get their share. It’s not just a salad; it’s practically a highlight of the evening.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Salpicon de Res

Low angle shot of mini tostadas with salpicon de res or shredded beef salad on top.
Salpicon de Res. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

The dish that everyone circles back for, just to get a little more. Salpicon de Res is a hearty contender that commands respect among salad aficionados. Known for its robust and fulfilling nature without the weight of a main course, it’s a top pick at potlucks. This salad doesn’t just fill the plate; it fills the room with eager anticipation.
Get the Recipe: Salpicon de Res

Green Papaya Salad

Overhead shot of green papaya salad in a black bowl.
Green Papaya Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If there’s ever a rush at the salad bar, Green Papaya Salad is likely the cause. This dish is a vibrant centerpiece that draws the eye and the palate. It’s famous for being both refreshing and bold, a rare combination that keeps the crowd coming back. Often, it’s the first to be refreshed and the first to run out again.
Get the Recipe: Green Papaya Salad

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Japanese Cucumber Salad

A black bowl of Japanese cucumber salad garnished with sesame seeds.
Japanese Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Often, it’s scooped up faster than one can say its full name, leaving people both satisfied and intrigued. Known as Sunomono, Japanese Cucumber Salad offers a refreshing pause from the heavier dishes it accompanies. Its subtle yet captivating flavor profile is a welcome cleanse to the palate.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Cucumber Salad

Green Bean Salad

Low angle shot of green bean salad with fried onions and dry ricotta on a white plate.
Green Bean Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This is the salad that often leaves guests asking for the recipe. Green Bean Salad may sound simple, but its flavors are anything but. It’s a staple that brings a touch of freshness to any meal, blending seamlessly with various cuisines. Always a hit, it manages to be both unassuming and popular, a pleasant surprise at any table.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Salad

Yum Woon Sen

Yum woon sen salad on a white plate with a green napkin.
Yum Woon Sen. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

With Yum Woon Sen, you get a salad that’s as fun to eat as it is to say. This dish is a flavor explosion, often outshining more traditional salads. Its popularity isn’t just about taste; it’s about how it makes the meal memorable. Watch it disappear as guests go back for seconds, thirds, and sometimes even fourths.
Get the Recipe: Yum Woon Sen

Cucumber Raita

A low angle shot of a bowl of cucumber raita with radishes on top.
Cucumber Raita. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This salad doesn't just complement; it steals the spotlight, often becoming the most talked-about dish. Cucumber Raita is often the soothing sidekick to spicy dishes, offering a cool reprieve. It’s cherished for its creamy texture and gentle flavors, providing a balance to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Raita

Kachumber Salad

Kachumber salad in a white bowl with fancy silver spoons on the side.
Kachumber Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A vibrant mix that adds a splash of color to any plate, Kachumber Salad is a must-have at any gathering. It’s not just the freshness it brings to the table, but the quick way it vanishes from it. This salad is a crowd-pleaser, known for eliciting nods of approval from those lucky enough to snag a serving.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber Salad

Watermelon and Feta Salad

Low angle shot of a bowl of watermelon salad with kalamata olives and feta cheese.
Watermelon and Feta Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Amidst a table laden with dishes, Watermelon and Feta Salad stands out with its refreshing vibe. It’s always a hit on warm days, providing a cool escape from heavier fare. The combination invites curiosity and conversation, making it a frequent topic among guests.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Feta Salad

By on August 30th, 2024
Photo of Robin Donovan

About Robin Donovan

Robin Donovan is the creative force behind All Ways Delicious. She’s an Associated Press syndicated food and travel writer and the bestselling author of more than 40 cookbooks, including Ramen for Beginners, Ramen Obsession, and Campfire Cuisine. Her work has been featured in major publications including Chicago Sun-Times, Huffington Post, MSN, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Seattle Times, Food & Wine, Cooking Light, PopSugar, Fitness, Mercury News, and many others. More about Robin

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