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32 Main-Dish Salads That Will Leave You Feeling Full

32 Main-Dish Salads That Will Leave You Feeling Full

By Mary Beard

Updated January 25, 2021

Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Anna Hampton

There is no rule that says salads have to leave you hungry. In fact, they especially shouldn't when they're topped with a mix of the season's best vegetables and your favorite proteins. Our recipes will push you to reimagine your basic bed of greens by adding in whole grains, roasted vegetables, toasted nuts, and fruit. Think salads are only for hot summer afternoons? Think again. By introducing seasonal ingredients you can have a satisfying meal that's full of flavor year-round. Easy enough to pull together last-minute yet still impressive upon presentation, these recipes will wow your family and friends. Plus, they can make you feel like a chef extraordinaire as you experiment. You can make them your own by throwing in some pantry favorites of your choice. Whether you're looking for a hassle-free dinner or a filling weekday lunch, try one of these hearty main-dish salad recipes as your lunch or dinner.

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Steak, Sweet Potato, and Blue Cheese Salad

Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Steak, Sweet Potato, and Blue Cheese Salad

If steak sandwiches are getting old, try this sweet-and-savory steak combination for a refreshing change.

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Grilled Salmon Panzanella Salad

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Grilled Salmon Panzanella Salad

This summer salad has a delicious crunch to it from the homemade croutons. If possible, use day-old bread when making them so they are dry enough to withstand the vinaigrette dressing.

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Crunchy Chicken-Peanut Chopped Salad

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Recipe: Crunchy Chicken-Peanut Chopped Salad

When making the dressing for this salad, slowly whisk in each ingredient to make sure it doesn't break apart. This keeps the dressing smooth and creamy.

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Crispy Shrimp Salad with Avocado Dressing

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Recipe: Crispy Shrimp Salad with Avocado Dressing

Avocado dressing can be made in advance and drizzled over salad right before serving so the greens don't wilt.

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Crispy Chicken-and-Broccoli Salad

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Crispy Chicken-and-Broccoli Salad

Add the chicken right before serving to make sure these bite-size pieces keep their crispy coating.

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Chicken, White Bean, and Spinach Salad

Credit: Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Chicken, White Bean, and Spinach Salad

Make this dish even easier to assemble by preparing the chicken, beans, and dressing the day before in your slow-cooker.

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Orzo Salad with Shrimp and Lemon Dressing

Credit: Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Orzo Salad with Shrimp and Lemon Dressing

Adjust the amount of vegetables you use for this dish depending on what ratio of shrimp and orzo you want.

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Oven-Fried Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Oven-Fried Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Coat chicken with a pecan, panko, and paprika mix and grill the romaine to add smoky flavors to this easy dinner.

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Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberries, Goat Cheese, and Pickled Onion

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberries, Goat Cheese, and Pickled Onion

Add candied pecans on top for an added sweet crunch.

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Crunchy Okra-and-Corn Salad with Ranch Dressing

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Crunchy Okra and Corn Salad with Ranch Dressing

The trick when making this recipe is to have your cast-iron skillet hot so you can properly sear the okra and fresh corn kernels.

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Grilled Steak Salad with Tomato Vinaigrette

Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Anna Hampton

Recipe: Grilled Steak Salad with Tomato Vinaigrette

Tomato-lovers will be thrilled to see this recipe that incorporates different varieties. Make sure to use a not-yet-ripened red tomato for the vinaigrette to achieve the tart flavor.

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Kale-and-Chicken Salad with Jalapeño-Lime Dressing

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Recipe: Kale-and-Chicken Salad with Jalapeño-Lime Dressing

This recipe makes about 8 cups, offering a hearty salad perfect for family meals.

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Roasted Chicken Caesar Salad

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Recipe: Roasted Chicken Caesar Salad

Roast your romaine to give it a caramelized flavor in this staple dish.

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Chicken Tortellini Salad

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Salad

The toasted pecans on top of this salad add a depth of flavor that elevates the dish.

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Summer Hoppin' John Salad

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Summer Hoppin' John Salad

While Hoppin' John is usually served hot, this one is served cold over your favorite cooked whole grain.

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Fried Green Tomato Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

Recipe: Fried Green Tomato Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

Put fried tomatoes on top of salad and it gets a whole lot more enticing. The buttermilk dressing is what perfects this indulgent combination.

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Grilled Corn-and-Salmon Salad with Tomatoes

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Recipe: Grilled Corn-and-Salmon Salad with Tomatoes

Fresh corn and tomatoes bring a refreshing and sweet taste to this summer favorite.

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Steak and Bell Pepper Salad

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Recipe: Steak and Bell Pepper Salad

Homemade croutons bring a delicious crunch to this simple salad.

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Field Pea Fattoush Salad

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Recipe: Field Pea Fattoush Salad

This Middle Eastern dish is best served with toasted Pita. It's a wonderful vegetarian option, but feel free to add a protein of your choice on top.

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Clementine-and-Collard Greens Salad

Credit: Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Clementine-and-Collard Greens Salad

Clementines make this meal feel sunny, bright, and bursting with juicy flavor.

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Roasted Pumpkin-and-Baby Kale Salad

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling; Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin-and-Baby Kale Salad

Fall bounty is highlighted in this colorful dish that will be sure to keep you full and warm on the chilliest of days.

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Pork-and-Farro Bowl with Warm Brussels Sprouts-Fennel Salad

Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Pork-and-Farro Bowl with Warm Brussels Sprouts-Fennel Salad

Healthy and hearty, this bowl offers up a creative spin to your family's pork tenderloin meals.

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Grilled Steak Salad with Potatoes and Pickled Red Onion

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Grilled Steak Salad with Potatoes and Pickled Red Onion

Ground coffee and chile powder meet to make a bold rub that pairs nicely on top of a bed of greens.

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Kale and Sweet Potato Salad with Chicken

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Kale and Sweet Potato Salad with Chicken

If kale isn't a hit in your household, substitute with spinach or chopped romaine hearts for equally satisfying flavor.

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Chicken-Quinoa Salad with Green Goddess Dressing

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Chicken-Quinoa Salad with Green Goddess Dressing

Cooked quinoa bulks up this salad, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a filling weekday lunch.

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Roasted Broccoli Salad

Credit: Southern Living / Ivy Odom

Recipe: Roasted Broccoli Salad

Give your classic broccoli salad recipe a revamp with the addition of pickled onions, honey crisp apple splices, and pecans.

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Grilled Scallop-and-Mango Salad

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Grilled Scallop-and-Mango Salad

This seafood salad tastes like summer days spent at the beach.

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Southwestern Chopped Chicken Salad

Credit: Stephen DeVries

Recipe: Southwestern Chopped Chicken Salad

Spicing up your homemade tortilla strips will balance nicely with the lime vinaigrette.

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BLT Salad with Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing and Buttery Croutons

Credit: Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: BLT Salad with Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing and Buttery Croutons

Deconstruct the classic sandwich to get this easy crowd-pleaser. To get the most flavor, bake the croutons and bacon together.

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Chicken Niçoise Salad

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Chicken Niçoise Salad

Add roasted chicken and vegetables to give this cold salad a warm twist. Serve on individual plates or family style for your next dinner.

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Greek Chicken Salad Wedges

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Recipe: Greek Chicken Salad Wedges

Stir feta cheese into the chicken salad to yield a creamier result.

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32 Main-Dish Salads That Will Leave You Feeling Full

1 of 32

Steak, Sweet Potato, and Blue Cheese Salad

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Grilled Salmon Panzanella Salad

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Crunchy Chicken-Peanut Chopped Salad

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Crispy Shrimp Salad with Avocado Dressing

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Crispy Chicken-and-Broccoli Salad

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Chicken, White Bean, and Spinach Salad

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Orzo Salad with Shrimp and Lemon Dressing

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Oven-Fried Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

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Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberries, Goat Cheese, and Pickled Onion

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Crunchy Okra-and-Corn Salad with Ranch Dressing

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Grilled Steak Salad with Tomato Vinaigrette

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Kale-and-Chicken Salad with Jalapeño-Lime Dressing

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Roasted Chicken Caesar Salad

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Chicken Tortellini Salad

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Summer Hoppin' John Salad

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Fried Green Tomato Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

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Grilled Corn-and-Salmon Salad with Tomatoes

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Steak and Bell Pepper Salad

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Field Pea Fattoush Salad

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Clementine-and-Collard Greens Salad

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Roasted Pumpkin-and-Baby Kale Salad

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Pork-and-Farro Bowl with Warm Brussels Sprouts-Fennel Salad

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Grilled Steak Salad with Potatoes and Pickled Red Onion

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Kale and Sweet Potato Salad with Chicken

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Chicken-Quinoa Salad with Green Goddess Dressing

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Roasted Broccoli Salad