Quick-Fix Salads to Serve for Delicious Weeknight Suppers

By Southern Living
Photo: Jennifer Davick

If you think salad is just a boring side dish, let us change your mind. These hearty salads will become your family’s new favorite weeknight suppers. Lighten up your dinner, but still deliver maximum flavor, with these delicious recipes for chicken, pork, beef, and seafood salads. A bonus to serving these delicious meals to your family is that any leftover salads will also make a great lunch to pack for the next day.

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These Supper Salads Have a lot to Offer

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Crispy Chicken-and-Broccoli Salad

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

Recipe: Crispy Chicken-and-Broccoli Salad

This hearty salad will come together in just 15 minutes. 

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Grilled Salmon Panzanella Salad

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

Recipe: Grilled Salmon Panzanella Salad

In addition to pantry staples, you'll need just five ingredients for this summer salad. 
 

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Grilled Scallop-and-Mango Salad

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

Recipe: Grilled Scallop-and-Mango Salad

Use fresh scallops for the most delicious results. 
 

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Grilled Steak Salad with Green Tomato Vinaigrette

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

Recipe: Grilled Steak Salad with Green Tomato Vinaigrette

Green tomatoes are key to the tart flavor of the vinaigrette dressing.
 

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Southwestern Chopped Chicken Salad

Stephen DeVries

Recipe: Southwestern Chopped Chicken Salad

If you're tired of basic salads, this chopped salad with a Southwestern flair will change your mind about having salad for dinner. 

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Steak, Sweet Potato, and Blue Cheese Salad

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Steak, Sweet Potato, and Blue Cheese Salad

Sweet, savory, and salty come together in this flavor-packed dinner salad.

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Kale and Sweet Potato Salad with Chicken

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

Recipe: Kale and Sweet Potato Salad with Chicken

You can also substitute spinach or romaine hearts for the kale if you prefer. 
 

 

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BLT Salad with Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing and Buttery Croutons

Photo: Alison Miksch

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

Enjoy the classic sandwich reimagined into a salad 

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Chicken, White Bean, and Spinach Salad

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

Recipe: Chicken, White Bean, and Spinach Salad

If you thought you could only use your slow cooker for heavy soups and stews, think again. 
 

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Chicken Niçoise Salad

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

Recipe: Chicken Niçoise Salad

This composed salad can be served family style or on individual plates. 

 

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Spring Shrimp-and-Orzo Salad with Lemon Dressing

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

Recipe: Spring Shrimp-and-Orzo Salad with Lemon Dressing

You'll pack three cups of veggies into this fresh salad. 

 

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Chicken and White Bean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Chicken and White Bean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Homemade dressing comes together much easier than you'd think. 

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Herbed Shrimp-and-Rice Salad

Photo: Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Mary-Claire Britton;

Recipe: Herbed Shrimp-and-Rice Salad 

This no-cook recipe can be on the table in just 15 minutes. 

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Roasted Chicken Caesar Salad

Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Roasted Chicken Caesar Salad

Roasting the lettuce to caramelize it for extra flavor will instantly elevate Caesar salad. 

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Chicken-Quinoa Salad with Green Goddess Dressing

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

Recipe: Chicken-Quinoa Salad with Green Goddess Dressing

Rotisserie chicken and quinoa pack this salad with protein and flavor. 


 

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Oven-Fried Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

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

Recipe: Oven-Fried Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

A lighter version of a fried chicken dinner. 
 

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Greek Chicken Salad Wedges

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

Recipe: Greek Chicken Salad Wedges

Deli rotisserie chicken will help your dinner come together in under 30 minutes. 
 

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Sesame Chicken Garden Salad

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Sesame Chicken Garden Salad

The flavors of this salad will get even better overnight so you'll want to make sure you have leftovers for lunch. 

 

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Dixie Chicken Salad with Grapes, Honey, Almonds, and Broccoli

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Dixie Chicken Salad with Grapes, Honey, Almonds, and Broccoli

This gorgeous salad features breaded chicken tossed with lettuce, broccoli, and grapes, and topped with almonds and a honey and Dijon mustard vinaigrette.

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Grilled Chicken and Toasted Couscous Salad with Lemon-Buttermilk Dressing

Greg Dupree

Recipe: Grilled Chicken and Toasted Couscous Salad with Lemon-Buttermilk Dressing

This hearty dish can take down the biggest of appetites. It begins with tender chicken marinated in olive oil, garlic, and lemon, which is then added to a tasty medley of fresh asparagus, couscous, and red onions. All of that is covered in a rich, lemony buttermilk dressing.

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Skillet Steak and Wilted Kale

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Skillet Steak and Wilted Kale

Sprinkle this restaurant-style steak salad with crumbled blue cheese for even more flavor.

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Charred Steak Salad with Spicy Dressing

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Charred Steak Salad with Spicy Dressing

Spicy dressing is the perfect finish for this hearty salad.

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Peas and Kale Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Peas and Kale Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette

Ensure every day is a lucky and prosperous one when you serve this hearty Southern salad.

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Chicken Paillard with Citrus Salad and Couscous

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Chicken Paillard with Citrus Salad and Couscous

Israeli couscous is also sometimes labeled pearl couscous.

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Shrimp and Pesto-Rice Salad

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Shrimp and Pesto-Rice Salad

Serve this brand-new twist on the old rice salad warm, or make it ahead, chill, and serve cold.

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Romaine Salad with Country Ham and Eggs

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Romaine Salad with Country Ham and Eggs

Even small bits of ham add huge flavor.

 

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Grilled Chicken-Asparagus Salad

Photo: Jacob Snavely

Recipe: Grilled Chicken-Asparagus Salad

This hearty salad is brightened up with mint, lemon juice, and fresh dill. 

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Tomato-Chicken Salad

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Tomato-Chicken Salad

Main dish salads are a refreshing change for your easy weeknight meals. Try this Tomato-Chicken Salad and serve it with seasoned ciabatta bread.

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Flank Steak and Cucumber Salad

Photo: Jacob Snavely

Recipe: Flank Steak and Cucumber Salad

Start on the Quick-Pickled Cukes first, so they soak in flavor.

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Grain Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Sweet Peppers

Photo: Jacob Snavely

Recipe: Grain Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Sweet Peppers

If you use wooden skewers, submerge them in water for 30 minutes before threading on the shrimp.

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Spicy Pork-and-Orange Chopped Salad

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Spicy Pork-and-Orange Chopped Salad

Combining romaine and coleslaw mix makes this dish crispy and crunchy. The soy sauce-flavored almonds are a new favorite in our Test Kitchen. Find them sold in cans alongside cocktail peanuts.

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Turkey-Artichoke-Pecan Salad

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Turkey-Artichoke-Pecan Salad

Parsley and basil leaves give this salad a fresh, full flavor. Top with chopped turkey, artichoke hearts, and toasted pecans for a delicious and satisfying salad entreé.

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Farmers' Market Pasta Salad

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Farmers' Market Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta al dente (1 or 2 minutes shorter than package directions specify) so it holds its shape when tossed with the vegetables and vinaigrette. Ripe for riffs, this pasta salad recipe is also delicious with cheese-filled tortellini.

Video: Farmers' Market Pasta Salad

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Shrimp-and-Pasta Salad

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Shrimp-and-Pasta Salad

Light and lemony with a hint of honey mustard, Shrimp and Pasta Salad is easily doubled for dinner with friends.

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Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

William Dickey / Styling Cari South

Recipe: Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

Serve this tasty chicken salad with assorted crackers and grapes for a filling lunch or a delicious brunch contribution.

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Greek Chicken Salad

Recipe: Greek Chicken Salad

This robust salad is packed with our favorite easy-to-prep Greek foods―garbanzo beans, fresh tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. The short ingredient list leaves you plenty of time to whisk together fresh Lemon-Herb Dressing, but substitute a bottled Greek dressing if you prefer.

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White Bean-and-Tuna Salad

Recipe: White Bean-and-Tuna Salad

Try a refreshing spin on tuna salad with cannellini beans, lemon juice, oregano, parsley, and green onions. Serve over lettuce with crusty bread and fresh fruit for a home picnic meal.

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Chicken-and-Strawberry Salad

Photo: Charles Walton IV

Recipe: Chicken-and-Strawberry Salad

Chicken-and-Strawberry Salad is a combination of flavors and textures that complement each other perfectly.

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Lemon-Tarragon Chicken Salad

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Lemon-Tarragon Chicken Salad

A make-ahead recipe for great chicken salad is like money in the bank when it comes to easy weeknight meals – and this is one the best. A wreath of pencil-thin green beans creates a simple but striking garnish.

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Calypso Steak Salad

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Calypso Steak Salad

Serve Calypso Steak Salad on romaine lettuce leaves for an impressive (and nutritious) presentation. To make the salsa mixture ahead, just cover and chill up to 8 hours. Let stand at room temperature about 20 minutes, while steaks marinate in lime juice mixture.
 

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Warm Frisée Salad With Crispy Kosher Salami

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Warm Frisée Salad With Crispy Kosher Salami

Don't shy away from Warm Frisée Salad With Crispy Kosher Salami. The vinaigrette includes slightly sweet sherry vinegar to balance the sharp flavor of frisée. Frisée is a member of the chicory family often used in mesclun salad mixes. Buy bunches with crisp leaves and no signs of wilting. Use all of the leaves except the core.

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Smoked Salmon-Avocado Salad

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Smoked Salmon-Avocado Salad

Smoked salmon packs a great flavor punch in this salad supper. A simple dressing of Dijon mustard and lemon juice is the perfect finish. This recipe was originally intended to be served with pan-fried latkes, so the dressing is a bit tart to balance the richness. Whisk in a little extra olive oil serve with French bread for a more mellow flavor.

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