Who says salads can’t be the star of the meal? Our collection of 19 hearty salads is here to challenge that idea. These dishes are so robust and satisfying you won’t even miss the meat. Perfect for anyone looking to add more greens to their diet without sacrificing heartiness, these salads are packed with flavors and textures that satisfy. They’re ideal for weeknight dinners and special occasions, proving that salads can be nourishing and delicious.
Egg Salad
Who says you need meat to feel full? With Egg Salad, you’ve got a meal that brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s both hearty and easy to love. It’s one of those dishes that reminds you how comforting food can be without being too heavy. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, it fills you up and leaves you satisfied, making it a go-to option for anyone looking to cut down on meat.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad
Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Don’t overlook this Old Fashioned Ham Salad when you want something filling but not too heavy. It mixes the savory taste of ham with fresh crunches in every forkful, showing you that salads can indeed be the main event. It’s chock-full of flavor that can lighten up a meal but also keep you completely satisfied. Anyone looking to cut down on meat, yet keep meals hearty, should try it.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad
For a burst of flavor that fills you up, look no further than Mexican Street Corn Salad. This dish packs a punch with its bold tastes and satisfying textures, proving that salads can indeed be the main course. Great for summer bbqs or any casual dining experience, it brings the essence of street food right to your table. If you’re after something that’s both fulfilling and packed with flavor, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Here’s a Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts that stands out from the pack. It’s chunky, sweet, and savory all at once. The best part? It’s so rich in flavor and texture that after a bowl, you won’t be scavenging for more food, including meat. It’s a full meal that works perfectly as a light dinner or a power-packed lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Salmon Pasta Salad
This Salmon Pasta Salad blends the best parts of pasta dishes and the light, nutritious benefits of salmon. It’s hearty and wholesome, sure to satisfy all your cravings without making you miss meat. It’s ideal for those looking for a fulfilling meal that’s a bit on the lighter side.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Steak & Pasta Salad
Who says you need to choose between Salad and Steak for a fulfilling meal? This Steak & Pasta Salad merges the best of both worlds. It’s a robust dish with juicy steaks and al dente pasta topped with vibrant greens. Each bite offers richness and satisfaction, proving a salad can indeed fill you up properly and leave you satisfied without needing anything else on the side.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Pesto Orzo Salad
Pesto Orzo Salad is your answer to the what’s-for-dinner question, especially on those warm evenings when you want something light yet substantial. This dish blends pasta with the fresh flavors of pesto in a way that’s both invigorating and truly filling. It’s a standout choice for anyone looking for an easy, flavorful meal that moves away from meat without sacrificing satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Spice up your dinner with this Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. It’s not your standard Caesar; it’s packed with bold Southwestern flavors that make each forkful a hearty delight. This isn’t just a salad, it’s a full meal that fills up the belly without any meat insight. It’s perfect for those who want something satisfying yet light.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Mediterranean Tuna Salad is a light dish that’s full of flavor, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a meal that’s both easy and fulfilling. It offers a taste of the Mediterranean, combining elements that are both refreshing and satisfying. If you’re in search of a salad that can hold its own as the centerpiece of your meal, this dish delivers, showing off the potential of salads to be both delicious and filling.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
This satisfying Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is a superb choice for a busy night. A blend of tender chicken, pasta, and fresh veggies, it gives you the best of both worlds—comfort from the pasta and lightness from the greens. It’s filling and flavorful, making you rethink if you ever need a meat-focused meal again!
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
This Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic is a hearty twist on the traditional potato salad. With its fresh herbs and zing of green garlic, it’s not just a side dish; it’s filling enough to be the star of your meal. Who needs a burger or steak when your salad is this satisfying?
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
For a touch of something different, Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins offers a unique blend of flavors that’s both intriguing and filling. This dish mixes the warmth of curry with the sweetness of raisins, creating a meal that’s rich in taste and texture. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to branch out from traditional salads, offering a flavor-packed meal that fills you up in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Greek Salad
Here’s a classic Greek Salad that’s anything but basic. It combines crisp veggies with tangy feta cheese and olives, dressed lightly in olive oil. It’s so rich in flavor and texture that you won’t pause to think about adding meat. It’s the perfect choice for a light yet fulfilling meal, especially during those hotter days.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Check out our Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp and discover how a salad can be more than just leafy greens. It’s a delicious mix of pasta, seafood, and Mediterranean flavors that’s so rich and filling, it’s a full meal by itself. It’s perfect for seafood lovers looking to dive into something hearty yet refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Coronation Chicken Salad
Coronation Chicken Salad brings a touch of elegance to your mealtime with a mix of flavors that are both sophisticated and hearty. It’s a dish that combines elements in a way that fills you up, providing a meal that’s as satisfying as it is tasty. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this salad offers a fulfilling alternative to meat-centric dishes, showing how diverse and satisfying salads can be.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Tired of the usual greens? Try this Yellow Bean & Potato Salad. It’s a rustic mix of beans and potatoes, seasoned perfectly, to make a meal that’s both comforting and full enough to forget about meat. Great for anyone who loves a hearty dish but wants to keep things simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Shirazi Salad
Shirazi Salad is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s both refreshing and filling. It’s a dish that offers a burst of freshness with each bite, making it an excellent choice for any time you need a light yet substantial meal. With its blend of flavors, it’s a salad that stands comfortably on its own, showing just how exciting and hearty salads can be.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
If you’re after something hearty yet nutritious, this Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes is a top choice. It combines chewy wheat berries with protein-rich tuna and fresh tomatoes, making it a robust dish that fills you up nicely—no meat needed. Perfect for lunches when you need something substantial.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Southern Ham Salad
Southern Ham Salad is a comforting dish that brings a touch of Southern charm to your meal without overpowering your plate with heaviness. It’s a unique blend of flavors that manages to be both rich and light, offering a palatable option for any time of the year. Ideal for anyone looking for a meal that’s easy to love and satisfying, this salad provides a hearty experience that can make you forget about meat altogether.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad