Forget leafy greens, dig into these 15 hearty salads!

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Forget what you know about salads being just a bunch of leaves. Salads can be packed with yummy stuff like veggies, grains, and all sorts of proteins that fill you up well. They can be the star of your meal, not just a sidekick. So, let’s forget leafy greens and dig into these 15 hearty salads that are sure to surprise you!

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Ham Salad with dill pickle on a plate.
Old Fashioned Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who says salads need to be green? Ditch the leaves and check out this Old Fashioned Ham Salad for a change. It’s a tasty mix with a hint of sweetness, great on a sandwich or with crackers. Forget leafy greens and embrace the hearty flavors here.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Think salads are just for greens? Think again. Mexican Street Corn Salad turns corn into a star, with a creamy and spicy flavor that’s hard to resist. It’s time to forget the leafy greens and celebrate the bold tastes of this hearty salad.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Egg Salad

The Best Egg Salad on the Planet.
Egg Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Sometimes the simplest dishes, like Egg Salad, make you question why you ever thought salads needed greens. It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and it’s perfectly satisfying on its own or as a sandwich. Forget the leafy greens and dive into the comforting embrace of this classic. It’s uncomplicated goodness at its best.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Leafy greens don’t hold a candle to the freshness of Shirazi Salad. It’s a simple yet vibrant dish from the Middle East, packed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. It proves that salads can be refreshing and hearty without a single leaf in sight. Dive in and enjoy a break from the green.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Move over, leafy greens; Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts is here. With the tartness of cranberries and the crunch of walnuts, it’s far from ordinary. This salad is a fancy twist on a classic that makes lunchtime something to look forward to. Let’s forget about greens and focus on these rich flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who knew Caesar salad could ditch the greens and go Tex-Mex? This salad is everything you love about the original but with a fun, spicy twist. It’s the perfect side that shows salads can be hearty without sticking to the usual script. Forget those leafy greens and let’s get bold with flavors.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re bored with regular chicken salad, Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins is a game changer. It brings a warm kick thanks to curry and a sweet twist with raisins. It’s far from your typical salad and perfect for a more exciting meal. So, let’s forget those leafy greens and dig into this hearty dish.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Herbed potato salad on a white platter.
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic brings a fresh twist to the table, making greens seem overrated. It’s light yet satisfying, with flavors that meld beautifully. It’s a great reminder that hearty salads don’t always need greens to shine. Let’s turn our attention to these wonderful, flavorful ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Rotisserie chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When pasta meets rotisserie chicken in a salad, magic happens. This hearty dish is a perfect blend for lunch or a light dinner. And remember, it’s okay to forget leafy greens when you have a salad that is as fulfilling as Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. It’s balanced, tasty, and super satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes is your ticket to a hearty meal without leafy greens. The chewy wheat berries, flaky tuna, and juicy tomatoes make each bite a delight. It’s a unique mix that proves salads can be hearty and satisfying. Forget the greens and enjoy this filling dish.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black bowl with forks nearby.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Salmon Pasta Salad brings a touch of elegance to the table without the need for any greens. It’s a hearty choice that’s as healthy as it is delicious, featuring omega-3 rich salmon. Forget the leafy salads and embrace the wholesome goodness of this dish. It’s a standout meal for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those times when leafy greens just won’t cut it, Pesto Orzo Salad steps in. It’s a little bowl of Mediterranean flair that’s easy to love. With its herby pesto and tiny pasta, it’s a hearty salad that brings something different to the table. So, let’s dive into something heartier and say goodbye to greens for now.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

A bowl of yellow bean and potato salad.
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With Yellow Bean & Potato Salad, who needs leafy greens? This salad is all about the comfort of potatoes mixed with the crunch of beans. It’s a hearty, homey side dish that pairs well with just about anything. Let’s forget the greens for a while and dig into something more substantial.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

Steak & Pasta Salad

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Forget leafy greens and say hello to the robust taste of Steak & Pasta Salad. It combines two favorites: juicy steak and pasta, making it a hearty meal that’s hard to forget. It’s perfect for those who love a filling salad. Trust us, you won’t miss the greens one bit.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Wave goodbye to leafy greens and say hello to Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. It’s a light yet fulfilling choice with a zesty lemon kick and tender shrimp. This salad is a clear winner for those looking to step up their salad game. It’s hearty in a way greens just can’t match.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

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