6 Spanish Salads You HAVE To Try

Let’s be real—salads don’t always get the love they deserve. But when it comes to Spanish salads, it’s a whole different story. These aren’t your average bowls of lettuce and sad tomatoes. Nope, Spanish salads are vibrant, flavorful, and packed with ingredients that make you go, “Wait, this is a salad?!”

From the coastal vibes of Andalusia to the hearty flavors of the Basque Country, Spain knows how to turn simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. So, grab your fork (and maybe a glass of sangria), because we’re diving into 6 Spanish salads you absolutely HAVE to try. FYI, your taste buds will thank you.

1. Gazpacho Salad

Yes, you read that right. Gazpacho, but in salad form. This dish takes all the fresh, zesty flavors of the classic cold soup and turns it into a chunky, forkable delight. Perfect for those days when you want something refreshing but still filling.

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the veggies and toss to coat.
4. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve chilled.

Pro Tip: Add a handful of croutons for some crunch. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

2. Ensalada Mixta

This is the OG Spanish salad. Simple, fresh, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s the kind of salad you’ll find in every Spanish home and restaurant. Think of it as the little black dress of salads—timeless and always in style.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, arugula, spinach)
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
• 1 can tuna in olive oil
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Arrange the mixed greens on a large platter.
2. Top with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, eggs, and tuna.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss gently before serving.

Fun Fact: This salad is often served as a starter, but it’s hearty enough to be a main dish. IMO, it’s perfect for lunch.

3. Pipirrana

Hailing from Andalusia, Pipirrana is a rustic salad that’s bursting with flavor. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl, with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a tangy dressing that’ll make you want to dance flamenco.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, sherry vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Let it sit for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

Tip: Add a handful of olives or capers for an extra punch of flavor. You’re welcome.

4. Ensalada de Pimientos Asados

Roasted pepper salad? Yes, please! This dish is smoky, sweet, and ridiculously easy to make. It’s the kind of salad that makes you feel fancy without any effort. Win-win.

Ingredients

• 4 roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Slice the roasted peppers into strips and place them in a bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, sherry vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the peppers and toss to coat.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve at room temperature.

Pro Tip: Pair this with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious dressing. You won’t regret it.

5. Ensalada de Bacalao

Calling all seafood lovers! This salt cod salad is a Spanish classic. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with protein. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your dinner guests without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients

• 200g salt cod, soaked and shredded
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine salt cod, tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve chilled.

Fun Fact: Salt cod is a staple in Spanish cuisine. It’s salty, savory, and totally addictive.

6. Ensalada de Naranja

Orange salad? Don’t knock it till you try it. This sweet and tangy dish is a refreshing twist on traditional salads. It’s like sunshine in a bowl—perfect for brightening up your day.

Ingredients

• 4 oranges, peeled and sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup black olives
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh mint for garnish

Instructions

1. Arrange orange slices on a platter.
2. Scatter red onion and olives over the oranges.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, sherry vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and garnish with fresh mint.

Tip: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky-sweet kick. It’s next-level delicious.

FAQs

1. Can I make these salads ahead of time?

Absolutely! Most of these salads taste even better after sitting for a bit, as the flavors meld together. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh.

2. Are these salads vegetarian-friendly?

Most of them are! The Ensalada de Bacalao is the only one with fish, but you can easily swap it out for a vegetarian protein like chickpeas.

3. What’s the best olive oil to use?

Go for extra virgin olive oil. It’s the gold standard in Spanish cooking and adds a rich, fruity flavor to your salads.

4. Can I add meat to these salads?

Of course! Grilled chicken, chorizo, or jamón serrano would all be delicious additions. Make it your own!

5. What’s the best way to roast peppers?

You can roast them over an open flame, under the broiler, or on a grill until the skin is charred. Then, let them steam in a covered bowl before peeling off the skin.

Final Thoughts

Spanish salads are anything but boring. They’re vibrant, flavorful, and packed with fresh ingredients that celebrate the best of Spanish cuisine. Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing or hearty and satisfying, there’s a salad on this list for you.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, channel your inner Spanish chef, and get tossing. Your taste buds (and your Instagram feed) will thank you. 😉