21 Big Salads That Are More Than Just A Side

Salads often get stuck in side-dish limbo or treated like an afterthought at dinner time. These recipes flip the script and make salad the main event. They bring together protein-rich ingredients, crisp veggies, and bold flavors to create a complete meal. Summer hits peak flavor season and these bowls capture that freshness in every bite. With bright produce and hearty elements in the mix, these salads work perfectly for lighter, satisfying evening meals.

Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

Tofu cubes, pasta, summer vegetables, and balsamic dressing make this a plant based dinner option packed with protein. It is easy to prep and stands up well for leftovers.
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Shrimp Caesar Salad

Shrimp tossed with crisp lettuce in Caesar dressing with a kick of sriracha turns a classic salad into a full meal. It is quick to make and stays crisp even after sitting in the fridge.
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Chopped Ham Salad

Leftover ham meets colorful veggies and tangy Dijon dressing in this chopped salad. It is hearty and protein rich and works great when you are cleaning out the fridge.
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Couscous Salad with Chickpeas and Charred Corn

Couscous, chickpeas, corn, and fresh veggies in chili lime vinaigrette make this a bright vegan bowl with plenty of protein. It is hearty enough for dinner and easy to eat on the go.
Get the Recipe: Couscous Salad with Chickpeas and Charred Corn

Burger Bowl Salad

All the flavors of a burger show up in a bowl with lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, and sauce. It feels like fast food with fewer regrets. This salad heats or cools well and fills you up with flavor.
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Smoked Salmon Salad

Smoked salmon, hard boiled egg, feta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, greens, and red onion come together in Dijon mustard dressing. This is a full dinner salad thanks to protein from fish and egg. It holds up well for lunch so you do not end up scavenging for snacks later.
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Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Shredded chicken, shaved Brussels sprouts, apples, pomegranate arils and sliced almonds are tossed in honey mustard dressing. It is colorful and filling enough to stand alone as a meal. You get crunch, sweetness and enough variety without needing anything extra.
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Baby Kale Salad

Baby kale is tossed with roasted BBQ seasoned chickpeas, apple slices and tahini dressing. It comes together fast and feels substantial enough for dinner. The chickpeas add heft and the dressing holds up even when packed ahead for later.
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Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Rotisserie chicken, Tuscan kale, orange segments, pine nuts and fresh herbs are dressed in an orange Dijon vinaigrette. This salad feels lively yet hearty enough to count as dinner. It is fresh and will keep well for later meals.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Best Easy Steak Bowl with Potato

Tender sliced steak, peppery arugula and roasted potatoes are tossed in a bowl with crumbled cheese. This hits the big salad for dinner mark perfectly. It is protein packed and easy to throw together without needing a side.
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Fattoush Salad

Romaine, cucumber, tomato, parsley, mint and crispy pita chips are tossed with sumac lemon vinaigrette. It is bright crunchy and filling enough to pass as dinner. You do not need a sandwich or side to feel like you ate well.
Get the Recipe: Fattoush Salad

Grilled Shrimp Louie Salad

Grilled shrimp, avocado, hard boiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce swim in creamy Louie dressing. The shrimp and avocado pack in protein and healthy fats so it holds up past dinner and into lunch.
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Salmon Nicoise Salad

Wild salmon, boiled eggs, fingerling potatoes, olives and green beans sit on crisp greens with lemon vinaigrette. You get a full meal in one bowl and leftovers hold up well in the fridge. It is big loaded and makes you feel like you cooked without much work.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Nicoise Salad

Panzanella Toscana with Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken, crusty bread, tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, and green onions in a light vinaigrette make this a hearty dinner salad. The bread soaks up the dressing but stays just firm enough to give texture. It is easy to prep ahead for a fast meal.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Toscana with Grilled Chicken

Roasted Vegetable Salad with Quinoa

Roasted veggies join nutty quinoa and greens in a bowl with maple balsamic dressing. You get protein and veggies in one shot and it stays good in the fridge for days. It works great for lunches or a quick weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad with Quinoa

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dinner Salad

Spicy roasted buffalo chicken lands on a bed of mixed greens and veggies with a drizzle of dressing. This feels like wings without ordering takeout. It holds up for a few meals and is great when you need something bold.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dinner Salad

Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Salad

Marinated grilled chicken meets crisp veggies and lettuce with a sprinkle of herbs and feta. It is fast to grill and keeps its flavor when eaten later. This salad fills you up and keeps things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Salad

Burrata Arugula Salad

Creamy burrata, prosciutto, peaches, cherries, corn, and avocado sit on arugula with garlic herb vinaigrette. It balances cream and fresh flavors in a way that feels like dinner not just a plate of leaves. It stays great for a late snack or lunch too.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Arugula Salad

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Spinach, arugula, berries, bacon, avocado, candied pecans, and gorgonzola come together with poppyseed dressing. It is sweet salty and crunchy enough to be a meal on its own. Pack it ahead and it still holds texture and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad

Crispy chicken coated in buffalo sauce lands on greens with veggies and dressing. It feels like wings in a bowl and keeps its crunch when reheated. It is a bold meal ready in no time.
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Turkey Taco Salad

Lean taco‑seasoned turkey, romaine, tomatoes, cilantro, cheese, and creamy cilantro dressing build this bowl. You get protein and veggies in one, and it heats or chills well when you need dinner fast.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Taco Salad