Salads aren’t just side dishes anymore; they’re becoming the main event. With a blend of fresh veggies, they’re turning into real crowd-pleasers. They’re perfect if you want a meal that’s both tasty and healthy. In fact, there are 21 salads out there that are so good they’ll make you forget all about having a traditional dinner!
Old Fashioned Ham Salad
If you’re tired of the same old dinners, Old Fashioned Ham Salad is a throwback that never goes out of style. Chop up some ham, mix in a bit of this and that, and bam – you’ve got a dish that’s better than dinner. It’s simple, satisfying, and to be honest, it practically makes itself. This is the kind of meal that brings a little nostalgia to your table, making you forget you’re not actually sitting at grandma’s kitchen table.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Ever wish you could have street food for dinner without leaving your house? Mexican Street Corn Salad turns that wish into reality. It’s bold, it’s creamy, and it packs a flavor punch that makes you wonder why you’d ever choose a regular dinner again. The best part is, it’s filling enough to stand on its own, so you’re not left hunting for snacks an hour later.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Egg Salad
Egg Salad is a classic for a reason—it’s creamy, satisfying, and simple to make. With a hint of mustard and the richness of mayonnaise, it’s a comfort food that can easily take center stage at dinner. It’s especially great for a light, protein-packed meal that’s easy on the taste buds. If you’re in a pinch for time, it’s a quick dish that doesn’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad
Greek Salad
Bursting with the fresh flavors of cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta, Greek Salad is a refreshing choice for any meal. Dressed simply with olive oil and oregano, it lets the quality of the ingredients shine through. It’s often picked over more traditional dinners for its crisp and satisfying taste. It’s a staple for a reason, perfect for those who prefer a lighter, fresher meal.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins isn’t just another chicken salad, it’s a trip around the world without leaving your dinner table. The curry adds a warm buzz, and those raisins throw in a surprise sweetness that’s downright addictive. Seriously, after a few bites, you might start thinking this salad can replace dinner forever. It’s a bit of spice, sweetness, and everything nice mixed into one.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Southern Ham Salad
With its roots in Southern cooking, Southern Ham Salad mixes savory ham with a mix of sweet and tangy additions. It’s hearty enough to stand alone and makes a perfect quick dinner. This salad is often enjoyed as more than just a side dish; it’s filling and flavorful. It’s a versatile option that serves well on bread or by itself.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
When asparagus season hits, Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan is a must-try. It combines the fresh flavors of spring with a zesty lemon dressing and rich Parmesan cheese. It’s the kind of salad that easily steals the show at dinner with its bright flavors and elegant presentation. Enjoy it as a refreshing change from your regular meals.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
When you mix rotisserie chicken with pasta in Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad, magic happens. It’s the kind of magic that makes you seriously question why you’d ever bother with a regular dinner when this exists. It has that comforting taste of home-cooked food with half the effort. And hey, it fills you up without making you wish you wore stretchier pants.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Pesto Orzo Salad
Pesto Orzo Salad is for when you want something quick but don’t wanna skimp on taste. It’s like taking a shortcut to flavor town without having to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few bites, you realize it’s not just better than dinner, it could be the new dinner. And the pesto? It turns this from just some pasta salad into a dish you’ll dream about at night.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Salmon Pasta Salad
Salmon Pasta Salad is here to show you what happens when you mix flaky salmon with your favorite pasta. You get a meal that’s hearty enough to fill you up but light enough to keep you from feeling sluggish. It’s a dinner game-changer, making salmon not just a fish dish but a salad superstar. If you thought salads were just side dishes, this one’s here to prove you wrong.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts is not your everyday salad. It’s like someone took the crunch of walnuts, the tart sweetness of cranberries, and tender chicken, then decided it’s way better than just dinner. It’s a mix that gets you excited about eating salad again, making every bite a little celebration of flavors. This salad doesn’t just steal the dinner spotlight; it outright owns it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Steak & Pasta Salad
Steak & Pasta Salad brings the heartiness of a steak dinner and the lightness of a salad together in one dish. Suddenly, you’re looking at your dinner plate wondering how you lived without this combo. It’s savory, it’s satisfying, and oh boy, does it steal the show from any dinner. Just when you thought steak couldn’t get any better, mix it with pasta and see what happens.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Here’s the thing about Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes – it’s hearty, it’s healthy, and it’s here to rescue you from boring dinners. Mixing chewy wheat berries with tuna and tomatoes might seem simple, but the result is anything but. This is a salad that fills you up and steals the show from any dinner. Next time you’re thinking dinner, remember this salad changes the game.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Classic Low-Carb Caprese Salad
Classic Low-Carb Caprese Salad pairs juicy tomatoes with smooth mozzarella and fresh basil—a trio made in heaven. The drizzle of olive oil and balsamic brings everything together in a low-Carb-friendly package. It’s so good it often replaces dinner, proving that simple ingredients can create the most memorable meals. It’s perfect for a light yet satisfying meal that keeps carbs in check.
Get the Recipe: Classic Low-Carb Caprese Salad
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
If you love a good Caesar and spicy flavors, the Tex-Mex Caesar Salad might just become your new favorite. It combines crunchy romaine with a zesty dressing and tortilla strips for a bit of a crunch. Topped with cotija cheese, it’s a delicious twist on a classic that might just replace your usual dinner choice. It’s great when you want something familiar but with a bold new twist.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Combining yellow beans with potatoes creates a satisfying dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. The light vinaigrette dressing keeps it fresh and appealing, ideal for those evenings when a heavy meal doesn’t appeal. It’s one of those salads that steals the dinner spotlight with its simplicity and freshness. Serve it up for a light yet fulfilling meal option.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
Fresh herbs and green garlic give a new life to traditional potato salad. Each bite offers a fresh, vibrant taste, making it a go-to for a meal that’s both filling and refreshing. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying alternative to heavier dinner dishes. Bring it to your next gathering, and watch it disappear faster than the main course!
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Loaded with shrimp, orzo, and fresh veggies, the Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a colorful way to dine. It’s light enough to keep things breezy but packed with flavor to satisfy your cravings. Ideal for a dinner that fills you without weighing you down, it’s a meal in itself. Try it once, and you might find it becoming a regular on your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Coronation Chicken Salad
Coronation Chicken Salad is a delicious mix of chicken in a creamy, mildly spiced sauce that includes a sweet hint of apricots or raisins. Originating from a dish made for royalty, it brings a touch of elegance to any table. It’s often preferred over a regular dinner, thanks to its rich flavor and satisfying texture. Serve this at your next lunch, and enjoy the compliments that follow!
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad
Shirazi Salad
Have you ever had a salad that was so fresh, you felt healthier just looking at it? That’s Shirazi Salad for you. With cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions all doing a flavor dance in your mouth, it’s a side dish that boldly claims the spotlight over dinner. And let’s not forget that splash of lime dressing – it brings it all together like the best of friends. It’s refreshing in a way that keeps you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
For a lighter dinner alternative, our Mediterranean Tuna Salad is perfect with its mix of tuna, olives, and capers, all dressed in olive oil and lemon. It’s a protein-rich salad that leaves you satisfied without any heaviness. Often chosen over more substantial dinner options, it’s refreshing and very fulfilling. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad