15 Salads You Can Make A Meal Out Of

Salads are usually just a side dish, but we’re here to shake things up. With these recipes, salads become the main event, packed with enough hearty ingredients and bold flavors to keep you full and satisfied. No need to look for something else to eat an hour later – these salads have everything you need.

Bulgur Salad

Bulgur wheat salad dressed in a sweet and tangy dressing is hard to put down. It’s a high-protein meal that’s both filling and flavorful, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a satisfying meal salad.
Get the Recipe: Bulgur Salad

Chopped Ham Salad

Using leftover ham, this salad mixes bright vegetables and a tangy Dijon dressing for a twist on a classic. It’s easy, delicious, and a great way to make a meal out of something simple.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Ham Salad

Blueberry White Bean Salad

A creamy dressing with tahini and turmeric coats a mix of white beans, blueberries, and greens. Topped with seeds for a crunchy texture, it’s a nutrient-packed salad that makes a perfect meal on its own, especially when you’re looking for something light yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry White Bean Salad

Shrimp Avocado Mango Lime Salad

Bursting with summer flavors, this salad is a quick, 10-minute meal that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Shrimp, avocado, and mango come together with a lime dressing for a fresh taste.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Avocado Mango Lime Salad

Watermelon Feta Salad with Fried Scallops

Adding fried scallops to a watermelon and feta salad with a balsamic drizzle makes this dish a standout meal. It’s a creative mix that’s perfect for when you want a salad that’s a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Feta Salad with Fried Scallops

Sweet Corn Peach Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

This is a fresh take on chicken salad, skipping the mayo but not skimping on flavor with sweet corn, peaches, and a honey mustard dressing. It’s a light, summery meal that’s great for a quick lunch.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn Peach Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Mango Black Bean Salad

Quick to put together, this mango and black bean salad is a refreshing option for a protein-rich lunch or side. It’s the kind of meal that’s great for hot days when you want something that’s easy to make but still fills you up.
Get the Recipe: Mango Black Bean Salad

Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Featuring crispy chicken, citrus, pine nuts, and fresh herbs over Tuscan kale, this salad is tossed in an orange dijon dressing. It’s a great winter salad that’s both hearty and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Pad Thai Salad

Love Pad Thai? This salad version gives you all those favorite flavors in a veggie-packed meal. It’s great for meal prep and can easily be made vegan. A perfect pick for a filling meal that keeps things light and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Pad Thai Salad

Asian Turkey Burger Salad

Here’s a salad that packs the punch of a Thai-flavored turkey burger, complete with a creamy peanut dressing. It’s a great way to get those bold flavors in a lighter, yet still filling, meal. Perfect for lunch or dinner when you want something substantial but healthy.
Get the Recipe: Asian Turkey Burger Salad

Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad

Loaded with healthy fats from avocado, plus lentils and cranberries, this salad is tossed in a lemon dijon dressing. It’s a hearty lunch or side that brings together great flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad

Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

This pasta salad brings together tofu and fresh summer veggies with a simple balsamic dressing. It’s easy to make and loaded with protein, thanks to the tofu. If you’re after a plant-based meal that fills you up, this salad hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

Burger Bowls

This recipe takes all the good stuff from a classic burger and turns it into a big salad that feels like a complete meal. It’s got a special homemade sauce and all your favorite burger toppings, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a hearty salad option.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls

Roasted Cranberry Broccoli Salad

With roasted cranberries, butternut squash, toasted almonds, and pepitas, this broccoli salad is a fall-inspired meal that’s great on its own. It’s a hearty option that combines great tastes and textures.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cranberry Broccoli Salad

Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad

This salad brings together chicken, Brussels sprouts, apples, and pomegranates with a tasty honey mustard dressing. It’s a great choice for a meal that’s both hearty and seasonal.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad