When you’re looking to power up your meals with protein, salads might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But these protein-packed salads are here to change that! They’re not just light and refreshing, they’re also loaded with the nutrients you need to stay energized. Whether you’re craving something hearty or light, there’s a salad in here that will hit the spot and keep you fueled.

A fresh shrimp Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, shrimp, croutons, shaved parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing is served in a white bowl with black utensils on a marble table.
Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.
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Burger Bowls

Burger bowl with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and special sauce.
Burger Bowls. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This burger in a bowl recipe includes a homemade special burger sauce, capturing all the toppings and flavors of a favorite fast-food burger with a healthier spin. Packed with protein, it’s great for those looking to enjoy a filling meal without the bun.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls

Asian Turkey Burger Salad

Asian turkey burger salad on two stacked white plates.
Asian Turkey Burger Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Served with a creamy peanut dressing, this Asian turkey burger salad combines the flavors of a Thai dish in a nutritious and protein-rich salad. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Get the Recipe: Asian Turkey Burger Salad

Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

Tofu balsamic pasta salad in a glass bowl with white rubber spatula.
Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This tofu pasta salad features fresh summer vegetables and an easy balsamic dressing. A great plant-based option that ensures you’re getting plenty of protein while enjoying a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

Lobster Mango Avocado Salad

Lobster mango salad in a hot dog bun with lettuce wraps in the background.
Lobster Mango Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A tropical twist on the classic summer lobster salad, this dish combines lobster, mango, and avocado for a protein-packed delight. Serve in lettuce cups or a buttered toasted bun for a refreshing meal.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Mango Avocado Salad

Shrimp Caesar Salad

A fresh shrimp Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, shrimp, croutons, shaved parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing is served in a white bowl with black utensils on a marble table.
Shrimp Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Adding a spicy kick with sriracha in the dressing, this shrimp Caesar salad is a quick, protein-rich meal. Easy to make from scratch, it has a fun take on the classic recipe.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Caesar Salad

Shrimp Avocado Mango Lime Salad

Shrimp avocado mango salad with lime dressing in a bowl.
Shrimp Avocado Mango Lime Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bursting with light summer flavors, this shrimp avocado mango lime salad is packed with protein. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s great for an easy lunch or light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Avocado Mango Lime Salad

Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Chopped crispy chicken citrus salad on a white plate with purple kitchen towel.
Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Packed with crispy rotisserie chicken, bright citrus, toasted pine nuts, and fresh herbs, this salad on a bed of Tuscan kale is full of protein. Tossed in an orange dijon dressing for a vibrant meal.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Chopped Ham Salad

Chopped Ham Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A great way to use up leftover ham! This ham salad is loaded with bright vegetables and coated in a tangy Dijon dressing, making it a protein-rich twist on a classic recipe.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Ham Salad

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad. Photo credit: The Clean Eating Couple.

This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is easy to make and loaded with bacon, avocado, and tomatoes. Perfect for a quick lunch or meal prepping for a protein-packed dinner.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Easy Paneer Tikka Salad

Easy Paneer Tikka Salad. Photo credit: Go Healthy Ever After.

A grilled paneer salad with tandoori paneer tikka, fresh veggies, and oil-free dressing. This protein-packed salad satisfies cravings while being a healthy option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Paneer Tikka Salad

Vegan Couscous Salad with Chickpeas and Charred Corn

Vegan Couscous Salad with Chickpeas and Charred Corn. Photo credit: Chenée Today.

This bright vegan couscous salad with chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a chili-lime vinaigrette is packed with protein. A great choice for a quick and easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad with Chickpeas and Charred Corn

The Best Cowboy Caviar Recipe (Texas Caviar)

The Best Cowboy Caviar Recipe (Texas Caviar). Photo credit: Raepublic.

Paired with tortilla chips or on top of a favorite salad, this plant-based cowboy caviar is loaded with protein. It might become your new go-to vegan snack.
Get the Recipe: The Best Cowboy Caviar Recipe (Texas Caviar)

Superfood Salmon Quinoa Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Superfood Salmon Quinoa Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Sigsbee Street.

A filling and healthy option, this salmon quinoa salad is packed with protein and features a mix of veggies. A great choice for a nutritious meal.
Get the Recipe: Superfood Salmon Quinoa Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Grilled Shrimp Salad

Grilled Shrimp Salad. Photo credit: The Food Blog.

Bursting with freshness, flavor, and crunch, this grilled shrimp salad is easy to make and packed with protein. Perfect for a casual summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Salad

Chimichurri Steak Salad

Chimichurri Steak Salad. Photo credit: Flavorful Eats.

Made with crisp salad greens, creamy avocado, crunchy veggies, and marinated flank steak, this chimichurri steak salad is packed with protein. A great choice for a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Chimichurri Steak Salad

Easy Grilled Chicken Spinach Strawberry Salad

Easy Grilled Chicken Spinach Strawberry Salad. Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

Refreshing and packed with flavor, this grilled chicken strawberry salad features fresh strawberries, feta, avocado, and pecans. A protein-packed meal perfect for summer.
Get the Recipe: Easy Grilled Chicken Spinach Strawberry Salad

Chicken Shawarma Salad

Chicken Shawarma Salad. Photo credit: You Say Potatoes.

Packed with vibrant vegetables, zesty yogurt dressing, and succulent chicken, this Chicken Shawarma Salad is a protein-rich Middle Eastern-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Salad

Crunchy Thai Peanut Salad

Crunchy Thai Peanut Salad. Photo credit: Joyful Balance.

This Crunchy Thai Peanut Salad is filled with flavor and nutrients from veggies. Perfect as a side salad or on its own for a protein-packed lunch.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Thai Peanut Salad

Tuna White Bean Salad

Tuna White Bean Salad. Photo credit: Wholesome Made Easy.

Fresh, light, and loaded with protein, this Tuna White Bean Salad is a great make-ahead lunch or dinner choice.
Get the Recipe: Tuna White Bean Salad

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad. Photo credit: From Valerie’s Kitchen.

A flavorful marinade creates a delicious Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad topped with easy homemade focaccia croutons. A protein-rich salad you will crave regularly.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Easy Chickpea Salmon Salad

Easy Chickpea Salmon Salad. Photo credit: In the Kitch.

This chickpea salmon salad is filled with a range of ingredients from savory to slightly sweet. The salmon and chickpeas provide a solid protein base.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chickpea Salmon Salad

Steakhouse Wedge Salad with Homemade Ranch

Steakhouse Wedge Salad with Homemade Ranch. Photo credit: Mary’s Whole Life.

Packed with tender grilled filet, lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon, this Steakhouse Wedge Salad with Homemade Ranch is a protein-rich meal that comes together in just 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Steakhouse Wedge Salad with Homemade Ranch

Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad

Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Mary’s Whole Life.

A savory and sweet chicken salad, this Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad is low carb and packed with protein. Serve as a wrap, over lettuce, or as a sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad

Big Mac Salad

Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

Dive into this Big Mac Salad that puts a fun twist on a classic fast-food favorite at home. Packed with protein, it’s great for a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Spicy Cucumber Bean Curd Salad

Spicy Cucumber Bean Curd Salad. Photo credit: Earth to Veg.

Based on a traditional dish, this Chinese Cucumber Bean Curd Salad is highly refreshing. With tofu as the main protein, it’s a great plant-based option.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Bean Curd Salad

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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