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45 Best Traditional Spanish Salads [+Recipes]

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Here’s a list of the best traditional Spanish salads, plus recipes to make at home!

Aren’t you tired of always having the same basic salad for lunch? Do you want to include more vegetables and seafood in your diet? Then, keep reading this article.

We know how exhausting it can be always to have the same salad to go with your main dishes.

So we delved into the world of Spanish salads, and we came up with the most traditional Spanish salads.

In this article, we will show you different Spanish salad recipes, but all of them have a reason to stand out and shine in their own way, so keep reading to learn more about them.

Different photos of salad altogether. Main picture has a lot of meat in it. The rest have fresh salad ingredients.
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Pssst…??!! You can’t get enough Spanish salad recipes? Have a look at my other posts:

Top Traditional Spanish Salads

1. Spanish Grilled Octopus Salad

Spanish grilled octopus salad recipe with tomatoes on a blue plate.

When it comes to traditional Spanish salads, the Spanish grilled octopus salad stands out with its abundant Andalusian ingredients.

The star of the dish is octopus, which is grilled to enhance its flavor and provide a crispy texture, unlike the boiled version.

Furthermore, the olive oil dressing, along with the addition of garlic, onions, and bell peppers, aligns perfectly with the essence of Southern Spain, adding to the authenticity of the recipe.

This is one of the easiest Spanish salads recipes to make.

Get the recipe: Spanish Grilled Octopus Salad

2. Spanish Potato Salad (Ensalada Rusa)

spanish potato salad served on a black plate.

One of the Spanish salad names that might be misleading, the Russian salad actually originates from Spain and was created in the 1850s.

Originally influenced by Russian and French cuisine, the recipe underwent modifications in Andalusia, incorporating unique variations.

The traditional Spanish version has potatoes, eggs, and carrots, all dressed with mayonnaise, occasionally accompanied by a touch of olive oil.

In the late 1800s, the Spanish aristocracy changed this Spanish potato salad by adding caviar or salmon, but the general population continued to use the staple ingredients.

Get the recipe: Spanish Potato Salad

3. Pipirrana Salad Recipe

pipirrana recipe in a white bowl.

Pipirrana is the Spanish summer salad by excellence: it is made with the freshest vegetables and it is served as cold as possible.

The main ingredients of this Spanish salad are tomatoes, onions, garlic cloves, bell peppers, and cucumbers.

Some people like to serve it topped with chopped hard-boiled eggs or even cubed Spanish chorizo, but that’s completely up to you.

The Spanish salad dressing for pipirrana is olive oil, and you can add some sherry vinegar too for a more complex flavor.

Get the recipe: Pipirrana Salad Recipe

4. Ensalada Malagueña Recipe

Malaga Salad on a white plate on a black tile with other food on the table blurred

Among the different salad recipes from Spain, the ensalada malagueña is probably the most innovative one.

To prepare this recipe you have potatoes and oranges as the main ingredients, which might sound weird at first, but don’t knock it till you try it.

It may seem like potatoes and oranges don’t go together in theory, but once you try it you will have your new favorite summer salad.

The potato helps to bring down the acidic taste of the oranges, so you get to feel the freshness at its full splendor.

Get the recipe: Ensalada Malagueña Recipe

5. Warm Spanish Bean Salad Recipe

warm Spanish bean salad in a clay bowl

This Spanish bean salad is mostly known as a winter salad, but you can enjoy it all year round. It is also one of the tapas salads that can be made at home.

To make the warm Spanish bean salad you need white beans, onions, tomatoes, garlic clove, and olive oil as the main ingredients.

You are supposed to serve it warm (you can reheat it in the oven, pan, or microwave if you don’t serve it right away) or cool it down in the fridge if you want to enjoy it in summer.

Besides that, you can serve it as salad tapas by placing a few tablespoons on a small bowl or plate and serving it before the main dish.

Get the recipe: Spanish Bean Salad Recipe

6. Spanish Tuna Salad Recipe

spanish tuna salad next to potatoes, olives and quail eggs

If you want to add more seafood to your diet, the Spanish tuna salad could be the best way to start.

The flavor of the canned tuna blends perfectly with the fresh vegetables, making it a killer combination for summer days.

When it comes to traditional Spanish salads the tuna salad is one that you can serve both as a side dish or as a main dish.

Since tuna has a lot of protein, it can be a filling main dish if you serve a larger portion.

Get the recipe: Spanish Tuna Salad Recipe

7. Ensalada de Mango Recipe 

closeup with ensalada de mango in a white bowl.

The ensalada de mango is one of the best traditional Spanish salads for summer that you will find: with all the freshness of the mango you will cool down immediately after eating it.

Despite being a Spanish fruit salad, the ensalada de mango isn’t a dessert, it is meant to be served as a side dish or as Spanish salad tapas.

It is an amazing combination of savory and sweet ingredients since you mix the mango with red onions, cucumbers, jalapeños, and olive oil plus some spices and seasoning.

Get the recipe: Ensalada de Mango

8. Spanish Seafood Salad Recipe

spanish seafood (crab, octopus) salad in a glass bowl.

If you compare it with other Spanish salads from Spain, the seafood salad might be the one that takes the longest to make, but it is totally worth it.

Something that makes this salad stand out is that you can serve it as a tapa, as a side dish, or as a main dish.

It is one of the oldest and most traditional Spanish salads, and it was developed in the coastal region.

If you have a party or you want to treat your guests (or yourself) to a delicious yet innovative salad, then the Spanish seafood salad is the perfect choice.

Get the recipe: Spanish Seafood Salad

9. Spanish Mixed Green Salad Recipe

spanish mixed green salad in a bowl on a wooden board.

The Spanish mixed green salad is the Andalusian take on the classic mixed green salad recipe.

If you order a similar salad in another country you would probably get a mixed green salad with ranch dressing or Caesar dressing, but the Spanish version is different.

To prepare this Spanish side salad, use the green salad and a mix of olive oil and sherry vinegar, and once you try it, we can assure you that you will fall in love with it.

Get the recipe: Spanish Mixed Green Salad

10. Spanish Lentil Salad Recipe

spanish lentil salad with feta cheese in a wooden bowl

If you have to include more nutrients in your diet, especially iron, then the Spanish lentil salad is for you.

People usually associate lentils with stews, soups, or warmer recipes, so the lentil salad is a great option for enjoying that ingredient in the summer months.

Other ingredients that you have to use for this recipe are onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and in some cases, green peas are recommended. 

Although it is known as a side dish, it is a super complete main dish if you serve a larger portion.

Get the recipe: Spanish Lentil Salad Recipe

11. Spanish Chickpea Salad Recipe

spanish chickpea salad in a wooden bowl next to a fork

The Spanish chickpea salad is the result of the perfect mix of Arabic and Andalusian cuisine.

Chickpeas, in general, are one of the most famous ingredients from the Arab World, but for this recipe, they get an Andalusian twist.

The staple ingredients of Southern Spain that you include in this recipe are onions, garlic, peppers, and olive oil.

It works great as a summer salad, but you can only make it during fall or winter, because you only need to use vegetables that are available all year round, plus you can serve it at room temperature.

Get the recipe: Spanish Chickpea Salad

12. Spanish Macaroni Salad Recipe

a bowl of spanish macaroni pasta with egg, tomatoes and veggies on kitchen tablecloths

If you thought that you could only enjoy pasta during the cold days, then you have to learn more about the Spanish pasta salad.

In this case, you prepare the recipe with macaroni pasta, which is one of the most common ones that you can find.

The ingredients that go with the pasta in this recipe are tomatoes, olive oil, and minced garlic, which are a stamp of Andalusian cuisine.

The Spanish macaroni salad is mostly known as a side dish, but due to the large amount of carbs that it has, you can serve it as a main dish.

Get the recipe: Spanish Macaroni Salad

13. Ensalada de Cangrejo Recipe – Spanish Crab Salad

Ensalada de Cangrejo, spanish crab salad with eggs, tomatoes, potatoes and crab imitation.

Andalusia is one of the places in the world with the biggest fishing industries, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to the large amount of seafood salad recipes that you can find.

The ensalada de cangrejo has the particularity that you can make it with fresh crab or with canned or imitation crab: it depends on what you like the most or what you have on hand.

This salad is meant to be served really cold, so you are supposed to place it in the fridge for a bit before serving.

This is one of the tapas salad recipes popular in Spain. It can also be served as a main dish or a side, perfect for every occasion.

Get the recipe: Ensalada de Cangrejo

14. Apple Manchego Salad Recipe

closeup with apple manchego salad

With the apple manchego salad, we delve again into the world of sweet and savory Spanish salads.

Then again, it might sound like a dessert but it is supposed to be served at lunch or dinner.

The combination of apple and manchego cheese is out of this world and you have to try it at least once in your life.

The apple manchego salad is meant to be served cold as a side dish or as an appetizer (but not as a main dish).

Get the recipe: Apple Manchego Salad

15. Spanish Fruit Salad Recipe

spanish fruit salad in a white bowl with slices of orange in the background.

In this article, we talked about salads with fruit that are served at lunch or dinner, but that isn’t the case with The Spanish fruit salad.

In its origins, this salad was only served as a dessert for special occasions (family dinners, easter, etc), but nowadays, some people serve it as the main breakfast item.

To prepare the Spanish fruit salad you have to use the seasonal fruits or anyone that you have available, but they have to be fresh.

You can serve the fruit salad with whipped cream, condensed milk, or yogurt. 

Get the recipe: Spanish Fruit Salad Recipe

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16. Spanish Tomato Salad

spanish tomato salad with onion and cheese on a bowl

The Spanish tomato salad is probably the freshest salad that you will find.

It is known as a summer recipe, but you can make it all year round as long as you can find fresh and juicy tomatoes.

Keep in mind that the main ingredient is tomatoes, so almost all of the flavor of this recipe depends on their taste.

Among traditional Spanish salads, this one is the easiest to make and it only takes a few minutes, plus you don’t have to cook anything.

Get the recipe: Spanish Tomato Salad

17. Ensalada de Pepino – Spanish Cucumber Salad

ensalada de pepino with a wooden table spoon in a bowl.

The ensalada de pepino, also known as Spanish cucumber salad, is the perfect excuse to include more and different vegetables in your diet.

This recipe is meant to be served as a side dish, but if you add a protein like canned tuna, chicken breasts, or even eggs, then it could be a main dish.

You are also supposed to serve it cold, so the best thing to do is to let it cool in the fridge for a couple of minutes before serving.

Get the recipe: Ensalada de Pepino

18. Spanish Potato Salad with Beets

closeup with spanish potato salad with beets and eggs

With this dish, you have the perfect twist on the classic Spanish potato salad recipe.

The beets add more flavor to it, but they also give an amazing purple color that will make this salad stand out from any salad bar.

In some cases, the dressing is a mix of olive oil and sherry vinegar, and in others, you add a few tablespoons of mayonnaise to give more moisture to the dish.

Get the recipe: Spanish Potato Salad with Beets

19. Ensalada de Bacalao – Xato 

closeup with ensalada de bacalao with tomatoes and cod fish.

The recipe for the ensalada de bacalao might be a little bit trickier than other seafood salads, but the finished result is fantastic.

Although you add other vegetables and ingredients to the recipe, the bacalao (or cod as it is known in English) is undoubtedly the star of the salad.

You have to serve this dish cold and as a side dish or appetizer.

Get the recipe: Ensalada de Bacalao

20. Ensalada de Brocoli with Prawns

Ensalada de Broccoli with prawns in a bowl on a plate with spoon and fork

Most of the traditional Spanish salads call for vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and potatoes, but the main star of this salad is broccoli.

The combination of prawns and broccoli is fantastic, and for the Andalusian version of this dish, you usually include some minced garlic or onions.

If you want a salad that won’t overpower your main dish, then you have to make the broccoli prawn salad.

Get the recipe: Ensalada de Broccoli Recipe

21. Spanish Grilled Veggie Salad Recipe

spanish grilled veggie salad in a wooden bowl

During the summer, when there are plenty of locally produced, fresh veggies and the weather is ideal for outside grilling and dining, many prepare the Spanish grilled veggie salad.

It is one of the best traditional Spanish salads that is frequently offered as a light meal or side dish at get-togethers, picnics, and barbecues.

To prepare it at home we just need to wash, slice, and grill vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, onion, and tomatoes.

We can marinate those veggies with some salt, crushed garlic, black pepper, fresh herbs, and olive oil to make this healthy Spanish salad tastier.

Get the recipe: Grilled Veggie Salad Recipe

22. Ensalada de Melon Recipe

ensalada de melon with watermelon, ham, and fork on a plate

In Spain, especially in areas with a warm climate, ensalada de melón is frequently consumed during the hot summer months.

Given its refreshing qualities, this Spanish salad is a popular appetizer or light lunch option, making it ideal for beating the summer heat. 

This is definitely one of the easiest traditional Spanish salad recipes because if we want to prepare it at home, we just have to slice half a melon and place some cured ham on top of it.

Get the recipe: Ensalada de Melon

23. Best Ensalada de Gambas

ensalada de gambas, spanish salad with tomatoes and shrimp in a bowl

Ensalada de gambas is frequently eaten as a light and energizing lunch or supper choice, especially during warm weather.

It is a well-liked option for seaside places to eat where there is an abundance of fresh fish.

Unique recipes like these are the perfect example of the Spanish way of cooking, where each meal is allowed to showcase the flavors of its few, high-quality ingredients.

To make traditional Spanish salads like this at home, we should purchase and cut the basic things to put on a salad: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions.

Then, we should boil the shrimp, pour it inside the salad and dress it with some olive oil, vinegar, salt, black pepper and lemon juice.

Get the recipe: Ensalada de Gambas

24. Traditional Spanish Salad Recipe – Remojón

traditional spanish salad with oranges and fish

One of the most Traditional Spanish Salads is remojón, a typical Andalusian meal from the southern part of Spain. 

It is a beautiful blending of tastes and colors that shows the influence of Mediterranean and Moorish cuisines. 

Remojón is frequently offered as a light starter or side dish, especially during Holy Week, but it is also very delicious when oranges are seasonal.

To prepare easy traditional Spanish salads like this at home, we just need to peel, cut, and place on our serving dish some oranges, cod, black olives, and sliced red onion.

The last step is to dress the salad with some olive oil, salt, black pepper, and sherry vinegar.

Get the recipe: Traditional Spanish Salad

25. Spanish Trampo Salad Recipe

a bowl of trampo salad with tomatoes, onion and pepper.

Depending on the region of Spain we visit, we can eat locals calling this summer salad trampó or pipirrana.

Pipirrana salad celebrates the natural flavors of seasonal vegetables and the distinctive extra-virgin olive oil of the region.

There is no doubt about the fact that this summer salad exemplifies the elegance and simplicity of Andalusian cuisine.

If we want to prepare traditional Spanish salads like this one, we just need to wash and dice some tomatoes, green peppers, cucumbers, and red onions.

To make it more nutritious, we can add some boiled chickpeas to all these vegetables and lastly, we just have to spice this salad up with some salt, black pepper, and olive oil.

Get the recipe: Trampo Salad

26. Ensalada Campera Recipe

ensalada campera with tuna, boiled eggs, olives and tomatoes

When fresh vegetables are in season and people want to enjoy light lunches because of the weather, ensalada campera is definitely one of the best traditional Spanish salads.

Ensalada campera means ‘rural salad’ which shows the countryside roots of this dish and the kind of ingredients we will use.

It is a mainstay of summer celebrations and is frequently served at outdoor parties, picnics, and barbecues.

Spanish campera salad is similar to ensalada rusa because the ingredients are basically the same except for the mayonnaise.

If we are aiming to impress our guests with this healthy salad, we should boil some potatoes and eggs and while these are getting ready, we have to dice some bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions.

Our last thing to do is to place all the ingredients on our serving dish and to dress this yummy salad with some extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, salt and black pepper.

Get the recipe: Ensalada Campera

27. Ensalada de Salmon Recipe

closeup of a ensalada de salmon, spanish salmon salad with tomatoes and dressing.

Salmon salad, or ensalada de salmón, is a tasty and nourishing dish that highlights the richness of salmon when mixed with fresh vegetables and a savory vinaigrette.

It is one of the most healthy salad recipes among people who want to enjoy the flavor of delicious salmon while eating a light and nutritious dinner.

Traditional Spanish salads like ensalada de salmón can be enjoyed all year round as lunch or dinner.

The preparation process involves pouring into a large salad bowl some mixed greens, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, red onions, avocado, and some smoked salmon slices.

Then, we should dress this salad with some extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, chopped herbs, salt, and white pepper.

Get the recipe: Ensalada de Salmon

28. Spanish Summer Salad Recipe

spanish summer salad with tomatoes, olives, onion and feta in a bowl

The Spanish summer salad is a typical Spanish salad made with fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese.

Its origins may be traced back to the Mediterranean areas of Spain, where local vegetable items were plentiful during the hot summer months, and it became an iconic dish of Spanish cuisine during that time of year.

Because of its simplicity and the high quality of its ingredients, the Spanish summer salad has become a staple on the menus of Spanish restaurants and households throughout the years.

Get the recipe: Spanish Summer Salad

29. Spanish Rice Salad Recipe

closeup with spanish rice salad with tomatoes, olives and vegetables

Some traditional Spanish salads include rice or pasta to make these salad recipes for lunch more nutritious.

Classic salads like rice salads are ideal to eat when spending our day at the beach or going on a mountain trip.

Ensalada de arroz is a versatile and customizable dish that allows you to experiment with different ingredients.

If we want to prepare it at home, we should boil some rice to which we will add our favorite toppings.

Some great options are: boiled eggs, cured ham, cheese, olives, and canned tuna.

Get the recipe: Spanish Rice Salad

 30. Ensalada de Remolacha

ensalada de remolacha, spanish beets salad with mayo and potatoes.

One of the best salad toppings is remolacha, which is what we know in English as ‘beetroot’.

The sweetness of beetroot matches perfectly the strong flavor of goat or feta cheese, that’s why remolacha may be considered the perfect ingredient to create original salads.

If we want to impress our guests with a delicious Spanish beetroot salad, we just need to place some fresh greens in a bowl and pour some beetroot, goat cheese, nuts, and sliced red onion.

Then, it’s time to dress the salad using some olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Get the recipe: Ensalada de Remolacha

31. Murcia Salad Recipe from Spain

murcia salad with boiled eggs, tomatoes, olives and tuna with a slice of bread and an egg next to the bowl

One of the most popular traditional Spanish salads is the ensalada murciana, in which tomatoes, cod, black olives, onions, hard-boiled eggs, and olive oil are used to make this classic salad.

It is a typical meal in Murcia and other areas where fresh ingredients and top-notch salted fish are usually available.

Like other salads in Spain, ensalada murciana is eaten all year round, although it is particularly well-liked in the spring and summer when fresh tomatoes are in season.

To prepare this Spanish salad at home, we just need to place in a bowl some chopped tomatoes, flaked cod, a sliced red onion, and an egg.

Our last step is to gently pour some extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and white pepper over the salad.

Get the recipe: Murcia Salad

32. Spanish Green Salad

closeup of a spanish green salad with lettuce and onion

The classic Spanish salad is the ensalada mixta, which is a light side dish that combines fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, boiled eggs, and canned tuna.

It is definitely one of the easiest traditional Spanish salads to make at home.

As we simply need to mix all the ingredients mentioned above and season them with some olive oil, vinegar, salt, and black pepper.

Its simplicity makes this salad ideal to serve with a wide variety of meat or fish dishes,

Get the recipe: Spanish Green Salad

33. Ensalada de Aguacate

ensalada de aguacate in a bowl with tomatoes

Traditional Spanish salads like ensalada de aguacate are increasingly popular among locals who are getting used to including this healthy ingredient in lots of meals.

Summer salad recipes using avocado are common in Latin America and Mediterranean regions, where these are abundant.

If we want to prepare a nutritious ensalada de aguacate, we should cut some tomatoes, avocados, and red onions. 

The second step is to pour them inside a mixing bowl with some cilantro, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. 

Get the recipe: Ensalada de Aguacate

34. Ensalada de Repollo Recipe

ensalada de repollo, cabbage salad from Spain in a wooden bowl.

Cabbage salad, or ensalada de repollo, is a simple and energizing dish that consists of thinly sliced or chopped cabbage. 

Due to its adaptability and crisp texture, it is a common salad in many different cuisines and geographical areas.

To prepare this Spanish summer salad at home, we should place in our favorite bowl some sliced red onions, cabbage, carrots, and radishes.

After that, we just have to dress the salad with some olive oil, lemon juice, salt and black pepper.

Get the recipe: Ensalada de Repollo

35. Ensalada de Coditos

closeup with ensalada de coditos in a glass bowl

Our list of traditional Spanish salads to bring to the beach should definitely include the ensalada de coditos.

With each bite, its creamy and savory blend of ingredients provides a sensation of familiarity and nostalgia that shows how versatile macaroni is.

Preparing it at home will require us to boil some coditos and to mix them with chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, celery, pickles, and carrots.

If we want to enjoy a light version of this Spanish pasta salad, we can season it with some olive oil and salt but, if we prefer a tastier ensalda de coditos, we can dress it with some mayonnaise or mustard.

Get the recipe: Ensalada de Coditos

36. Ensalada de Pollo

ensalada de pollo, chicken salad from spain with eggs on a plate

Sometimes following a chicken paella recipe, will result in using some chicken to give the dish an extra flavor without eating this meat.

If we want to avoid wasting this ingredient, we can use it to prepare a delicious chicken salad!

To prepare it at home, we should place our favorite vegetables in a large bowl. For example, we can use lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, avocados, and red onions.

Then, we should add the shredded chicken to these ingredients and we can dress this delicious salad using some Caesar sauce or some olive oil, sherry vinegar, salt, and black pepper.

Get the recipe: Ensalada de Pollo

La Paella: Deliciously Authentic Rice Dishes from Spain's Mediterranean CoastLa Paella: Deliciously Authentic Rice Dishes from Spain’s Mediterranean CoastCarbon Steel Paella PanCarbon Steel Paella PanPaella Seasoning from SpainPaella Seasoning from SpainSpanish AioliSpanish AioliOrganic Extra Virgin Olive OilOrganic Extra Virgin Olive OilForum - Spanish Cabranet Sauvignon Red Wine Vinegar - 500 mLForum – Spanish Cabranet Sauvignon Red Wine Vinegar – 500 mL

 

37. Best Ensalada de Zanahoria

ensalada de zanahoria or Spanish carrot salad in a glass bowl with a sauce next to it.

A delicious salad that may be eaten all year round is ensalada de zanahoria, which is frequently offered as a side dish.

The tastiest and most plentiful fresh carrots are available throughout the warmer months when traditional Spanish salads like this are most eaten. 

If we want to prepare it at home, we should grate and place into a mixing bowl some carrots, an onion, nuts and raisins.

Then, we should dress the salad with some salt, lemon juice, olive oil, and parsley.

Get the recipe: Ensalada de Zanahoria

38. Ensalada de Espinacas with Strawberries

ensalada de espinacas or spanish spinach salad with strawberry and walnuts in a white bowl

Although combining spinach with strawberries may sound weird initially, we are sure your guests are going to love unconventional and traditional Spanish salads like this.

Around the world, many cuisines adore spinach salads because they are rich in iron, vitamin C and E, potassium, and magnesium.

Nevertheless, each culture has its own special variation on the dish and to prepare the Spanish version of it.

We should pour some fresh spinach, a red onion, crumbled cheese, and some sliced strawberries inside our favorite bowl.

Then, the dressing should be prepared by mixing olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, salt and black pepper.

Get the recipe: Ensalada de Espinacas

39. Quick Ensalada de Bacalao

closeup with ensalada de bacalao with lemon, tomato and other vegetables

Cod is the primary ingredient of the traditional meal known as ensalada de bacalao, which is a delicious salad.

It is popular in many different cuisines but is most prevalent in the Mediterranean and Latin American countries.

Traditional Spanish salads like ensalada de bacalao date back to the time when preserving fish was a widespread practice to maintain a reliable food supply, particularly in coastal areas.

This delicious Spanish salad can be made using tomatoes, if we want it to be light and fresh, or boiled potatoes, when we prefer a more nutritious version.

To make it at home, we should combine the flaked cod, diced potatoes or tomatoes, sliced red peppers and onions, green olives, and boiled eggs.

The traditional Spanish salad dressing made with salt, black pepper, parsley, and olive oil, will be ideal for this delicious bite.

Get the recipe: Ensalada de Bacalao

40. Spanish Octopus Salad Recipe

spanish octopus salad recipe in a plate

In Mediterranean and coastal cultures, where octopus is a treasured and widely accessible fish, octopus salad has a long history.

The unique flavor and texture of this treasured seafood may be enjoyed in a rich and pleasurable way with octopus Spanish salads. 

This ensalada recipe requires cooking the octopus for an hour to achieve a tender texture. 

Once it is ready, we just have to chop the octopus, red onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and fresh parsley.

The last step is to gently pour some olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to dress this wonderful salad.

Get the recipe: Spanish Octopus Salad

41. Ensalada de Alcachofas (Artichoke Salad)

an artichoke salad with pepper, onions, and lemon sliceo n a plate on top of a striped place mat surrounded by olive oil sauce and a fork

Ensalada de alcachofas, or Artichoke Salad, stands as one of the Spanish salad ideas you should consider making.

It combines marinated artichoke hearts with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tasty olives. Sometimes, people add roasted red peppers for extra flavor.

To make it, marinate the artichoke hearts in olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs.

Then, mix them with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and peppers. Finally, drizzle olive oil and vinegar over the salad.

This Spanish ensalada recipe is a great example of traditional Spanish cooking, highlighting fresh ingredients and tasty combinations.

43. Ensalada de Berros (Watercress Salad)

a close-up of a watercress salad with pepper slices on a transparent plate

Watercress Salad, a beloved Spanish favorite, offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

It combines peppery watercress leaves with juicy oranges, tangy red onions, and crunchy pine nuts.

Mix the watercress, oranges, onions, and pine nuts. Then, dress the salad with olive oil and lemon juice, which adds a refreshing zing.

This is one of the Spain salad recipes that focuses on fresh, vibrant ingredients and simple yet satisfying flavors.

43. Roasted Pepper Salad

a plate filled with peppers topped with a garnish on a wooden table

Roasted Pepper Salad or Ensalada de Pimientos Asados features tender slices of roasted bell peppers marinated in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, garlic, and vinegar.

Sometimes, it’s served with onions and olives for added depth of flavor.

Start by roasting bell peppers until soft and slightly charred. Slice them and marinate them in olive oil, garlic, and vinegar, which infuses them with a rich, tangy taste.

This traditional Spanish salad embodies the essence of Spanish cuisine, showcasing simple yet delicious ingredients and bold, robust flavors.

44. Ensalada de Hinojo

fennel and orang slices and a for on top of a white plate with black rim on a white wooden table

One of the Spanish style salads that you should consider is Ensalada de Hinojo or Fennel Salad.

This recipe brings together thinly sliced fennel bulbs with juicy orange segments, flavorful black olives, and refreshing mint leaves.

First, thinly slice the fennel bulb and combine it with orange segments, black olives, and torn mint leaves in a bowl.

Next, dress the salad with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice, which adds a bright and zesty flavor.

This salad perfectly captures the essence of traditional Spanish cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh and vibrant ingredients and harmonious balance of flavors.

45. Green Bean Salad

a closeup of  green beans, tomatoes, onions, and eggs salad on top of a white plate

Green Bean Salad features blanched green beans tossed with diced tomatoes, onions, and olives, then dressed with a flavorful combination of olive oil, vinegar, and garlic.

To prepare this salad, blanch the green beans until they’re tender yet still crisp. Then, mix them with diced tomatoes, sliced onions, and halved olives in a bowl.

To create the dressing, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, and minced garlic in a separate bowl. Lastly, pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well-coated.

This is one of the authentic Spanish salad recipes that showcases the freshness of seasonal produce and the bold flavors typical of traditional Spanish dishes.

Short FAQ about the best traditional Spanish salads

What are the best traditional Spanish Salads?

It is hard to choose a few, but the traditional Spanish salads that everyone loves are the Spanish potato salad, the seafood salad, and the tomato salad.

What salad goes with paella?

You don’t want to overshadow the paella, so the best Spanish salad recipes that you can make are mixed green salad or cucumber salad.

What are some Spanish main dishes?

Some of the best Spanish main dishes are lentil stew, roasted suckling pig, chicken (or pork) skewers, etc.