32 Main-Dish Salads That Will Leave You Feeling Full
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.
Steak, Sweet Potato, and Blue Cheese Salad
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Recipe: Steak and Bell Pepper Salad
Homemade croutons bring a delicious crunch to this simple salad.
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Field Pea Fattoush Salad
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Recipe: Greek Chicken Salad Wedges
Stir feta cheese into the chicken salad to yield a creamier result.