Who says salads are just a side dish? When done right, salads can be the star of the dinner table—fresh, filling, and full of flavor. Whether you’re craving something light and crisp or hearty and satisfying, these salad recipes prove that a bowl of greens (and grains, proteins, or even pasta) can be a complete and delicious meal. From grilled chicken to roasted veggies and bold dressings, here are our favorite “Salad As Dinner” recipes that make healthy eating feel anything but boring.
Teriyaki Chicken
This salad is a delicious blend of tender, glazed chicken thighs and crisp sliced veggies, all tossed in a flavorful teriyaki dressing. For an extra layer of texture and flavor, you can add some crispy fried onions or shallots, which provide a satisfying crunch and a hint of sweetness. Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken
Smoked Salmon Lyonnaise
Peppery baby greens can be grown year-round, so there’s no bad time to make this classic French bistro salad featuring boiled eggs, crispy bacon, smoked salmon, and homemade garlic croutons. Caramelized shallots and Dijon mustard in the punchy dressing bring acidity that deliciously cuts the richness of the bacon, eggs, and salmon. Recipe: Smoked Salmon Lyonnaise
Cheesy Brussels Sprouts
When cheesy sautéed Brussels sprouts get together with artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and briny Castelvetrano olives, very good things happen. All in 20 minutes. Recipe: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts
Southwest Salad with Mango Salsa
Bright and breezy but with enough heft to satisfy you, these Southwest-inspired bowls feature a mouthwatering dressing made with store-bought salsa, fresh mango, and lime juice. Tri-color quinoa, black beans, and corn anchor the bowl. Kale provides leafy lushness, and crisp jicama adds crunch. If making this ahead of time, leave off the avocado until you’re ready to eat. Recipe: Southwest Salad with Mango Salsa
Orzo Salad With Shrimp And Lemon Dressing
This simple shrimp and orzo salad is tossed with seasonal veggies and a bright, tangy dressing. Delicious at room temperature or chilled, it’s a light summer dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes, and filling enough to serve all on its own. It also makes a tasty lunch the next day if you have leftovers. Recipe: Orzo Salad With Shrimp And Lemon Dressing
High-Protein Pasta Salad
Crunchy cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers and red onions are all mixed together in a heart-healthy vinaigrette for a dish that is as delicious as it is eye-catching. Chickpea pasta, whole chickpeas and fresh mozzarella pearls provide the dish’s protein. Recipe: High-Protein Pasta Salad
Italian Tuna Salad
In just 20 minutes, oil-packed jarred tuna, sun-dried tomatoes, quick-pickled red onions, briny Castelvetrano olives, and crisp celery are dressed in a lemony honey-mustard vinaigrette for a savory, satiating salad that’s perfect for dinner. Recipe: Italian Tuna Salad
Grilled Steak with Fish Sauce Vinaigrette
Grilled steak gets tossed with crunchy veggies and drizzled with a vinaigrette you’ll want to drink straight. A favorite way to grill skirt and flank steak is marinating them *after* they’re grilled in a spiky, flavorsome fish sauce vinaigrette. Not only is it a faster path than marinating before grilling, it’s a better path in terms of flavor and texture. By grilling skirt steak naked (with salt, pepper, and a little brown sugar to promote caramelization), it chars beautifully. Recipe: Grilled Steak with Fish Sauce Vinaigrette
Strawberry Pistachio Salad
Fresh strawberries and pistachios transform this simple salad into a trendy, cafe-style meal. You can use any cooked whole grain you like; just be sure to let the grains cool first before adding them to the mix, to avoid wilting the greens. Recipe: Strawberry Pistachio Salad
Chicken Tortellini
Peppery arugula teams up with cheesy tortellini and rotisserie chicken to make this salad a winner. This pasta salad with chicken and fresh vegetables makes a quick and delicious summer dinner and an even better lunch for the next day. Get a jump on meal planning and prep this recipe a day in advance. Make and refrigerate the basil vinaigrette (shake it well before dressing the salad). Recipe: Chicken Tortellini
Final Thoughts
Salads have come a long way from simple sides—they’re now bold, balanced meals that can satisfy even the hungriest appetites. Whether you’re in the mood for something fresh and crunchy or warm and comforting, the recipes above offer endless inspiration for turning your next salad into a standout dinner. Have a favorite salad recipe you swear by? I’d love to hear it! Drop it in the comments and let’s keep the dinner salad ideas flowing.