Salads don’t have to be skimpy side dishes that leave you hungry an hour later. With the right mix of protein, grains, and fresh produce, they can easily stand as full meals. These quick and healthy salad recipes prove that eating light doesn’t mean giving up on feeling full. They’re simple to put together, flexible with whatever ingredients you’ve got, and perfect for busy days. It’s all about keeping things fresh, fast, and filling.
Sushi Salad
Sushi lovers will enjoy this salad version that skips the rolling but keeps the fresh flavors. It layers crisp veggies with seasoned rice, seafood, and a tangy dressing that ties it all together. Perfect for lunch when you want something light but still filling.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Salad
Chicken Salad
This chicken salad keeps things simple yet flavorful, with tender chicken mixed into a creamy base. Add-ins like celery and grapes give it crunch and sweetness, so it feels balanced. Great for sandwiches, wraps, or scooping over greens for an easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad
Chickpea Avocado Salad
Creamy avocado blends with chickpeas for a filling salad that’s packed with fresh lime and herbs. Red bell pepper adds a nice crunch, while cilantro keeps the flavors bright. It’s a solid pick for anyone looking for quick and healthy salad recipes that work for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Avocado Salad
Brussels Sprouts Salad
Shredded Brussels sprouts and kale team up with pecans and cranberries for a salad that feels hearty but still fresh. A maple-Dijon dressing brings sweet and tangy notes that pair well with just about any main dish. It’s a smart side for holidays or weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad
4 Bean Salad
Four kinds of beans get tossed together in a punchy dressing for a dish that’s simple but always welcome at the table. It’s protein-packed and gluten-free, which makes it easy to share at gatherings. This one works well chilled and keeps nicely in the fridge for a few days.
Get the Recipe: 4 Bean Salad
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Crunchy broccoli and cauliflower florets meet sharp cheddar, bacon, and almonds in a creamy dressing. It has a little bit of everything, fresh, savory, and nutty flavors in every bite. Serve it at cookouts or family dinners, and it’ll hold its own next to grilled mains.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Big Mac Salad
All the classic burger fixings are chopped into a salad with seasoned beef, cheese, pickles, and a bold sauce. It’s fun to eat and way lighter than a drive-thru run. This is one of those quick and healthy salad recipes that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Strawberry Salad
Fresh spinach and juicy strawberries come together with a simple dressing that lets the fruit shine. Toss in a few extras like nuts or feta, and it’s even better. This is an easy pick for a light lunch or a colorful dinner side.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Salad
Quinoa Salad
Protein-rich quinoa pairs with peppery arugula and a mix of fresh and sun-dried tomatoes. The vinaigrette keeps everything bright, making it great as a meal on its own. For quick and healthy salad recipes, this one delivers on flavor and nutrition without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad
Arugula Apple Salad
Crisp apples, tender spinach, and peppery arugula get a boost from pistachios and a maple-Dijon dressing. Sun-dried tomatoes add chewiness and a little tang for balance. It’s versatile enough to serve year-round, whether as a starter or a light main.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Apple Salad
Walnut Mandarin Salad
This salad packs in fresh greens, sweet mandarin slices, and the crunch of walnuts for a mix that feels light but filling. Dates and cherry tomatoes give a little pop of sweetness, while the creamy cashew avocado dressing ties it all together. It’s quick to assemble and feels like something special without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Walnut Mandarin Salad
Cucumber Salad
Thin cucumber slices tossed in a sweet Italian-style dressing hit that balance between crisp and flavorful. The salad comes together in minutes, so it’s perfect for weeknights or last-minute sides. Serve it chilled and you’ll see how refreshing it tastes, especially on warm days.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad
Spring Roll Salad
All the flavors of a spring roll are here, just without the wrapper hassle. Crunchy greens, shrimp, and noodles sit under a peanut dressing that brings everything together. It’s light but still fills you up, which makes it an easy dinner option when you want something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Spring Roll Salad
Cobb Salad
This salad flips the classic Cobb with smoky chicken, creamy avocado, corn, and beans layered over mixed greens. The chipotle lime vinaigrette adds a little heat that balances the richness of the toppings. It’s bold, colorful, and works just as well for lunch as it does for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad
Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes team up with chickpeas for a protein boost. A lemony dressing keeps it bright and refreshing, making it a go-to side for summer meals. It’s simple, quick, and fits right into any barbecue or picnic spread.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Carrot Salad
Shredded carrots bring crunch, while chickpeas add a creamy bite that balances the texture. The citrus dressing keeps it fresh, and it’s the kind of dish that looks like you spent more time on it than you did. Serve it at a casual dinner and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Salad
Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers mix with herbs for a fresh salad that feels hearty but not heavy. It’s ready in about 10 minutes, so you can throw it together for lunch or as a side. Add a sprinkle of feta on top and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Pistachio Kale Crunch Salad
Kale, cucumber, avocado, and roasted pistachios give this salad plenty of texture. A lime vinaigrette cuts through the richness and makes each bite bright and refreshing. It’s the kind of salad that feels filling without being over the top.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Kale Crunch Salad
Corn and Tomato Salad
Sweet corn and cherry tomatoes get tossed with cucumber, onion, and a little feta for balance. Fresh basil and mint take it up a notch, giving it that summer garden flavor. It’s quick to throw together and just right for cookouts or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Corn and Tomato Salad
Salmon Salad
Flaky salmon sits on top of crunchy greens with a tangy dressing that keeps things fresh. It’s high in protein, so you can serve it as a full meal without needing anything else. Easy to prep ahead, it’s a smart choice for quick lunches during the week.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad
