The word ‘salad’ makes most people moan, imaginations full of the wimpy lettuce leaves, soggy tomatoes and dried out cucumbers that are served in most restaurants today. Or, if you’re someone who thinks you don’t like salads because you buy the pre-bagged kind at the store, it’s time to give salad a new try this spring and summer.
Salads can make for easy and extremely filling meals that can also be made ahead of time or put together in minutes. But, before you go grabbing the iceberg and pre-shredded carrots, give these 29 recipes below a try first. They’re not just packed with flavor for a variety of crowds and eating preferences, but they’re also filling and tasty too!
1. Greek Salad
With lean protein, healthy fats from olives, and plenty of fiber from fresh vegetables, this Greek Salad is sure to leave you full all throughout the day!
2. Turkey Avocado Cobb Salad
For a simple dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner, try this Turkey Avocado Cobb Salad. It’s a great source of lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats that will keep your hunger levels down but your taste buds happy too!
3. Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad and Mango Salsa
Tomatoes aren’t the only way to enjoy salsa; mangoes are also a great salsa ingredient and a good source of the vitamin C the body needs for repairing muscles after a hard workout, and improving immunity. Fresh greens and lean protein help round this meal out to provide plenty of fiber and amino acids to stabilize blood sugar levels. Get the recipe at CafeDelites.com
4. Skinny Chicken and Avocado Chicken Caesar Salad
Most Caesar salads you’ll find are packed with processed fats that are not good options for your heart—or waistline! But this Skinny Chicken and Avocado Chicken Caesar Salad uses real ingredients, healthy fats from the avocado, lean protein, plus fresh veggies you need to manage hunger and nourish your body.
5. Super Summer Detox Salad
If you’re considering implementing a detox for spring, that’s a great idea. However, you don’t need to starve in order to detox. Cutting processed sugars, most oils, and all forms of conventional animal products can be a simple and effective way to detox. Then add in some clean sources of protein and fresh nutrients like those found in this Super Summer Detox Salad which is full of fiber, protein, real food, and it’s bursting with nutrients to keep you energized and feeling brand new!
6. Spicy Kale and Quinoa Vegan Salad
If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you’ll love this nutrient-dense salad recipe by The Glowing Fridge that has antioxidant-rich and fiber-rich black beans that are the highest source of protein among all beans. This salad also contains the superfood kale which is a wonderful source of amino acids, iron, and vitamins A and C.
7. White Peach Salad With Creamy Cashew Carrot-Ginger Dressing
For a light salad made of all fresh ingredients, this White Peach Salad With Creamy Cashew Carrot-Ginger Dressing is a wonderful option to try! This salad is also vegan and includes protein-rich and iron-rich cashews along with fresh and juicy peaches which are a great source of vitamin C and fiber.
8. Mashed Chickpea Salad
For a plant-based alternative to tuna or chicken salad, try this Mashed Chickpea Salad instead which, surprisingly, makes a unique option that resembles the taste and texture of chicken or tuna salad. Plus, chickpeas are a great source of vegan protein, fiber, B vitamins, iron, and zinc.
9. California Sunset Salad
For a filling meal that you can enjoy for a small lunch or large dinner, make this California Sunset Salad which features antioxidant-rich black rice (that has more protein than brown rice), heart-healthy avocados, and nutrient-dense kale that also offers some protein and fiber, plus antioxidants. You’ll be full for hours and feel great too!
10. Salmon and Spinach Quinoa Salad
Salmon & Spinach Quinoa Salad is packed with veggies, leafy greens, lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and complex carbs to keep you full and satiated. For more even protein and fiber, black beans are added which increases the antioxidant content too!
11. Chickpea Shawarma Salad
Chickpeas are the star ingredient once again in this Chickpea Shawarma Salad by Minimalist Baker that also includes fresh herbs, greens, and tons of flavor from onion, paprika, garlic, and turmeric. The secret to making this recipe heart-healthy and satisfying is the use of healthy fats from olive oil and hummus!
12. Asparagus Salad
Asparagus is a wonderful spring ingredient to use and it’s also an often overlooked source of protein with 5 grams per cup, chopped. This Asparagus Salad also includes plenty more filling protein and fiber from avocado, almonds, beans, and fresh greens. The secret to making this recipe shine? Grilling the asparagus before preparing it!
13. Mexican Grilled Salmon Salad With Avocado Yogurt Ranch Dressing
Seafood enthusiasts will love this Mexican Grilled Salmon recipe that offers fish as the source of protein plus fresh summer vegetables like corn, tomatoes, and fresh greens. It also uses a Greek yogurt dressing instead of oil-based dressing, but you can opt for a dairy-free yogurt to use if you’re lactose intolerant or avoiding dairy. Either way, this salad is packed with nutrition and will keep you feeling great!
14. Spring Superfood Bowl With Blueberry Ginger Dressing
Looking to add more superfoods to your diet? This Spring Superfood Bowl With Blueberry Ginger Dressing has you covered! It includes protein and fiber-rich quinoa, mono-unsaturated fats and protein from the avocado; heart-healthy and low-sugar blueberries; chickpeas for protein and fiber; plus, ginger to aid in digestion and give you an extra pep in your step!
15. Quick and Easy Black Bean Salad
For a quick lunch or side at dinner, try this Quick and Easy Black Bean Salad that offers protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and lots of flavor from cilantro, lemon, and even a dash of mustard for a spicy kick! Add your favorite greens to make it even more filling and you’re good to go!
16. Salmon Salad Power Bowls
For another option using heart-healthy salmon, try these Salmon Salad Power Bowls. They include some heart-healthy fat, fiber, lean protein, and a host of flavors to satisfy your taste buds and keep your waistline in check!
17. Shrimp and Avocado Taco Salad
This Shrimp and Avocado Taco Salad is much healthier than those you’ll find in a restaurant. Featuring no processed dressings or oil, this salad has healthy fats, fiber, protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals to nourish your body!
18. Chicken Salad With Potatoes and Arugula
This nutritious Chicken Salad With Potatoes and Arugula is for those who like clean and simple recipes since it contains some lean, shredded chicken, boiled potatoes, and spicy, nutrient-dense arugula for a boost of greens and flavor. Make this ahead of time on Sunday and use any leftovers throughout the week for easy meals that provide protein, fiber from healthy carbs, and healthy fats.
19. Harvest Cobb Salad
Cobb salads are a great option for the summer since they’re filled with fresh ingredients. This Harvest Cobb Salad is a filling option to try since it contains protein, fiber, and healthy fats from pecans along with vitamin C and fiber from fresh greens and fruit.
20. Spring Asparagus Salad
Spring Asparagus Salad is filled with fresh ingredients perfect for an outdoor lunch or dinner that’s sure to satisfy every time. Asparagus is not only filling but also packed with fiber and protein. Also featuring feta cheese, couscous, and olives, this vegetarian salad provides lots of flavor and nutrients!
21. Chopped Kale Salad and Creamy Almond Ginger Dressing
If you’re looking for simple, satisfying, and healthy, then this recipe for Chopped Kale Salad and Creamy Almond Ginger Dressing is a fantastic option. Filled with some of the most nutrient-dense ingredients available such as avocado, kale, almonds, zucchini, quinoa and chickpeas, it will leave you satisfied for hours!
22. Herb and Rice Salad With Beet Chips
If you’re tired of your regular go-to salad ingredients, you need to try this Herb and Rice Salad With Beet Chips that contains juicy beets, sweet carrots, wholegrain rice, fresh spring herbs, and protein-rich pumpkin seeds! It even includes miso for some healthy probiotics, and it’s filled with flavor from a variety of herbs and spices.
23. Kale Coconut Detox Salad
Don’t let the name of this recipe fool you! Even though it is known as a detox salad, it’s packed with flavor and filling ingredients. Kale and Coconut Detox Salad contains almonds, edamame, coconut, kale, and a flavorful dressing from real, fresh ingredients. Give it a try for lunch or dinner for something new and different!
24. Avocado and Grilled Chicken Salad With Skinny Chipotle Lime Dressing
Here’s a great salad recipe that mixes summertime flavor with a healthy touch! Featuring spicy chipotle spices and creamy avocados paired with lean chicken, you’ll be full and satisfied for hours after making this recipe for Avocado and Grilled Chicken Salad With Skinny Chipotle Lime Dressing!
25. Butternut Squash and Quinoa Mason Jar Salad
For those that need something filling for a take-alone lunch or a portable dinner option, this Butternut Squash and Quinoa Mason Jar Salad is something you might like to try. Or, if you work at home and have a hard time finding time to make lunch, just prepare a few mason jar salads like this one so you can just grab your meal, add your dressing, shake and enjoy!
26. Caprese Chicken and Avocado Chopped Salad
Basil, tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, honey, and garlic add a pop of flavor to a typical chicken salad recipe in this Caprese Chicken and Avocado Chopped Salad. If you have your chicken made ahead of time, it should come together in minutes which makes it a great option for busy weeknights or dinner parties.
27. Five Bean Salad With Smoked Paprika Vinaigrette
For a plant-based, flavor-rich salad that fills you up and satisfies your taste buds, this Five Bean Salad With Smoked Paprika Vinaigrette is a great option. Featuring protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals from simple foods, it is also friendly for tight budgets since beans are a cheap source of protein.
28. Healthy Avocado Tuna Salad
Tuna salad is a classic recipe many people enjoy all year round for a filling option, but it’s usually packed with processed mayo. For a more heart-healthy option that’s made from real food, this Healthy Avocado Tuna Salad makes a great option but also satisfies too. Bonus? This recipe comes with three tasty options for different ways to enjoy it!
29. Summer Nicoise Salad With Grilled Fish
Halibut is one of the most heart-healthy types of white fish and one of the leanest protein options you can choose, but it’s also one of the most flavorful, making it a true treasure of the sea! Enjoy it whenever you can, and opt for using it in a healthy recipe with fresh vegetables and greens such as this Summer Nicoise Salad With Grilled Fish.
See, now … salad doesn’t have to be boring, does it? For more tasty and filling options, these summertime salads might interest you too!
Featured photo credit: Kurman Communications/Flickr via flic.kr
