Dive into our handpicked selection of 20 healthy filling salad recipes, crafted to elevate your dining experience with wholesome and flavorful options. Whether you’re planning a refreshing dinner, seeking healthy salad recipes, or searching for the best salad creations, this curated list has you covered.
Indulge in the light and protein-rich healthy chicken salad or savor the zesty burst of flavors in the vegan curried broccoli chickpea salad. From the classic three bean salad, a staple for summer picnics, to the elegant seared scallop salad with grapefruit, arugula, and spinach, these recipes showcase the versatility of salads as main courses or delightful sides.
Whether you’re a salad enthusiast or looking to incorporate more greens into your lunch and dinner recipes, these hearty salads are bound to be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Explore the diverse world of salads, each a unique blend of fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and delectable flavors, offering a perfect balance of nutrition and taste.
1. Healthy Chicken Salad
This healthy chicken salad recipe offers a light and flavorful alternative to the traditional mayo-laden version. Packed with lean cooked chicken, crunchy celery, red onion, and toasted pecans, it gets its creamy texture from a blend of Greek yogurt and a touch of mayo. With only 145 calories per serving, a 2g carbs, this quick and easy salad retains all the authentic taste of classic chicken salad while being low in fat and sodium, making it a perfect choice for a healthy lunch or dinner.
2. Three Bean Salad
This three bean salad is a classic American summer picnic dish, featuring a delightful blend of cannellini beans, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans. This cholesterol-free salad is complemented by a sweet and sour dressing made with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Additional ingredients include finely chopped red onion, celery, fresh parsley, and rosemary. This refreshing salad is easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for potlucks and gatherings, and it can be customized with variations like cooked green beans, wax beans, or black beans.
3. Healthy Chicken Caesar Salad
This healthy chicken Caesar salad elevates your salad experience with a protein-rich twist. Featuring homemade croutons, juicy chicken seasoned to perfection, and a flavorful dressing made with Greek yogurt, mayo, and parmesan, this dish is a delicious and satisfying take on the classic Caesar salad. With attention to fresh, real ingredients, this recipe offers a healthier option for a filling appetizer, side dish, or main course.
4. Chopped Vegan Greek Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of a Chopped Vegan Greek Salad, a veganized rendition of a cherished family recipe, featuring Romaine lettuce, lentils, grape tomatoes, red onions, beets, chickpeas, cucumbers, artichokes, banana peppers, Kalamata olives, parsley, and optional tofu feta cheese. The oil-free Greek dressing, inspired by Grandma’s secret recipe, incorporates red wine vinegar, water, lemon juice, maple syrup, garlic, basil, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Served on a large platter, this refreshing salad is a delightful medley of Mediterranean goodness, best enjoyed with crusty bread, pita, or alongside a variety of vegan soups.
5. Vegan Curried Broccoli Chickpea Salad
This vegan curried broccoli chickpea salad is a delightful and crunchy dish perfect for spring and summer parties, barbecues, or weekday meal prep. Featuring a vibrant mix of finely chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, chickpeas, toasted sliced almonds, dried cranberries, green onions, and fresh cilantro, the salad is elevated by a flavorful tahini dressing. The dressing, with ingredients like tahini, lemon juice, garlic, maple syrup, yellow curry powder, ginger, turmeric, salt, and pepper, adds a sweet and savory dimension to the salad. This plant-based recipe is not only quick to prepare in under 20 minutes but also versatile, allowing for personalization with different veggies, proteins, or dressings. The salad keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep, and can be served on its own or as a side dish.
6. Chicken Cobb Salad
This chicken Cobb salad recipe offers a delightful and satisfying main-course salad experience that you can easily replicate at home. The salad features a delicious blend of flavors and textures, with ingredients like sliced hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, cooked chicken breast, leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and crumbled blue cheese. The homemade vinaigrette, made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, adds the perfect finishing touch. The recipe provides flexibility for variations, such as using spinach leaves, choosing different cheeses, or opting for alternative dressings. Prep some ingredients in advance for a quick assembly, and enjoy a tasty and visually appealing salad that captures the essence of a classic chicken Cobb.
7. Roasted Carrot, Kale, and Beet Salad
The roasted beet, carrot, and kale salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines roasted vegetables with hearty kale and a flavorful dressing. The salad features roasted beets and carrots, providing a rich and earthy taste, while the kale adds a hearty and nutritious element. The dressing, made with ingredients like Dijon mustard, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil, complements the vegetables with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Topped with pumpkin seeds for added crunch, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a delightful and healthy option for a satisfying meal. This salad is perfect for meal prep, gatherings, or a nutritious weeknight meal.
8. The Best Lentil Salad
This lentil salad offers a protein-packed and flavorful make-ahead meal, featuring approximately 18 grams of protein per cup of cooked lentils. With a versatile mix of vegetables and herbs, the salad is easily customizable, making it an ideal dish for meal prep or a refreshing side. The simple preparation involves cooking lentils, tossing them with a vibrant dressing, and combining them with diced vegetables, creating a delicious and nutritious option that can be enjoyed straight from the fridge for up to 5 days.
9. Herbed Quinoa and Pomegranate Salad
This herbed quinoa and pomegranate salad is a light and healthy dish featuring quinoa, fresh herbs, slivered almonds, pomegranate arils, and a zesty lemon-cinnamon dressing. The recipe is customizable, allowing for variations such as omitting olives for personal preferences or adding goat cheese for creaminess. With a focus on wellness and supported by vibrant photos from the author’s travels, this gluten-free salad serves as a flavorful addition to any holiday table, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
10. Superfood Salmon Salad
This superfood salmon salad, inspired by Bonefish Grill’s grilled superfood salmon salad, is a delightful and nutritious meal. Loaded with roasted sweet potato croutons, avocado, pickled onions, and a light lemon vinaigrette, it provides a perfect balance of protein, smart carbs, healthy fats, and veggies. The customizable nature of this salad makes it an easy go-to option for a quick weeknight dinner, and you can prep components like sweet potato croutons and pickled onions in advance for efficient assembly.
11. Caprese Pasta Salad
This delightful caprese pasta salad combines the classic flavors of caprese salad with short pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and slivered basil. The simple balsamic dressing, featuring extra virgin olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, and garlic, lightly coats the pasta for a tangy and sweet flavor in every bite. Perfect for summer, this fast and easy-to-make pasta salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses.
12. Moroccan Couscous Salad
Indulge in a flavorful and healthy experience with Moroccan couscous salad. This hearty dish combines chickpeas, almonds, and various veggies, creating a nutrient-packed meal with a burst of flavors. The zesty lemon dressing adds a tangy twist, making it a complete and satisfying option for those who enjoy robust grain-based dishes. Easy to prepare, this salad involves cooking couscous, combining it with chickpeas, parsley, red bell pepper, cucumber, almonds, and raisins, then drizzling it with a delightful homemade dressing. With its versatility and freshness, this Moroccan couscous salad is perfect for a week of nutritious and delicious meals.
13. Herbed Potato Salad (no mayo!)
This herbed potato salad offers a refreshing twist on the classic dish, opting for a mayo-free approach inspired by French potato salads. The recipe features sliced red potatoes, a herb-infused olive oil dressing with lemon juice and Dijon mustard, creating a flavorful and creamy texture without mayo. With quick preparation tips such as reserving potato cooking water and slicing before boiling, this vegan, egg-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free potato salad becomes an ideal last-minute potluck contribution, perfect for pairing with various main courses.
14. Taco Salad
This taco salad is a quick and easy recipe that takes just 20 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy days. This healthy and customizable Mexican-inspired dish features ground beef seasoned with homemade or store-bought taco seasoning, served over a bed of romaine lettuce and accompanied by grape tomatoes, cheddar cheese, avocado, green onions, salsa, and sour cream. It’s a satisfying, low-carbohydrate (4.6 net carbs), and gluten-free option, offering a delicious twist on traditional taco salads.
15. Vegan Zucchini Noodle Salad with Pesto
This vegan zucchini noodle salad with pesto is a quick and delightful dish that can be prepared in under 10 minutes. Perfect for busy schedules, this salad features zucchini noodles tossed with vegan pesto, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The vegan pesto, made without Parmesan, adds robust flavor to the dish. The recipe highlights the convenience of using store-bought pesto, making it a hassle-free yet flavorful addition to dinner parties or as a side dish. The zucchini noodles provide a crunchy texture, and the overall assembly is both fresh and healthy. Enjoy this no-cook salad as a quick and creative option for busy days.
16. Fall Farro Salad with Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprouts
This fall farro salad with butternut squash and Brussels sprouts is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for the autumn season. The recipe features roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts tossed with farro, fresh parsley, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds. The tangy apple cider vinaigrette, made with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, dijon mustard, maple syrup, and garlic, adds a delightful finishing touch. This vegan dish can also be made gluten-free by substituting farro with options like quinoa or brown rice. Enjoy it warm or chilled, making it a versatile and satisfying fall salad.
Want more recipes like this? Check out these healthy fall lunch recipes or these fall dinner recipes.
17. Easy Spinach Salad Recipe
This easy spinach salad recipe is a quick, customizable, and flavorful dish featuring baby spinach, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumber, mushrooms, and toasted sesame seeds. The salad is elevated by a simple yet delicious dressing made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce. With clear instructions, personal anecdotes, and suggestions for variations, this salad is a versatile and nutritious addition to any meal, offering both convenience and a burst of vibrant flavors.
18. Seared Scallop Salad with Grapefruit, Arugula and Spinach
This seared scallop salad with grapefruit, arugula, and spinach is a light and elegant main dish that mirrors restaurant-quality fare at a fraction of the cost. The seared scallops, complemented by pink grapefruit, sit atop a bed of arugula and spinach, creating a flavorful combination. The dish is finished with a zesty champagne vinaigrette made with olive oil, champagne vinegar, shallots, and grapefruit juice. The recipe offers variations, suggesting protein swaps like salmon or shrimp and encouraging personal adjustments to suit preferences, making it a versatile and impressive choice for a quick and delightful lunch or dinner.
19. Spicy Southwestern Salad with Avocado Dressing
This spicy southwestern salad with creamy avocado dressing is a delightful and straightforward recipe featuring roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, lettuce, and a luscious avocado dressing with cilantro and lime. It’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that can be enjoyed as a refreshing main course. The salad is easily customizable, allowing you to omit the lettuce for a different twist or add spicy chips for an extra kick. The dressing, made with avocado, Greek yogurt, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice, adds a creamy and zesty touch. Whether using fresh or canned ingredients, this salad can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it a quick and tasty option for a Southwestern-inspired meal.
20. Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad
This zesty lime shrimp and avocado salad is a quick, no-cook dish featuring jumbo cooked shrimp, avocado, tomato, jalapeño, and cilantro, dressed with a zesty mixture of red onion, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This light and refreshing salad is perfect for summer, resembling ceviche but with the convenience of precooked shrimp. It suits various diets, including whole30, paleo, keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, and pescatarian. Ideal for parties, it can be served as an appetizer or a light meal, and it’s easily customizable by adding it to a tostada for a heartier option. Preparing ahead is simple by combining all ingredients except avocado and cilantro, adding them just before serving.