Does a green salad need a recipe? It does when it’s turned into a meal. These dinner salad recipes are great if you’re looking for a lighter dinner, hosting friends for lunch, or just craving some greens. Hearty ingredients, filled with flavor, and a variety of types of protein, these are not your average dinner side salads.
Hawaiian Summer Grill Salad
“For a timesaver, use any type of rotisserie chicken and then slice it up into strips (or medallions).” – Amber
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
“One of my go-to recipes for covered dish dinners or a quick, light meal at home. Adjust amounts for your purpose. It’s all a matter of what you like since it’s your kitchen.” – Fran
Spinach Salad With Pan Seared Salmon
“I was trying to find something different to do with salmon and decided to make an entree salad. The Bleu cheese dressing is pretty low cal too.” – Pat
Citrus & Feta Salad, Homemade Honey-Lime Dressing
“I love a healthy salad with a kick of citrus.” – Melissa
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
“I never thought I could get my husband on board for eating a salad for dinner, but the BBQ chicken really gives this some substance. The way this salad is served is perfect for the pickiest eater because it allows the diners to pick and choose which veggies they like..” – Christine
Grilled Chicken Salad, Restaurant Style
“I used to make this in 2 different steakhouse-type restaurants I cooked in. It started out, I made them one day for myself and another worker for lunch when doing prep work one day when we weren’t open. It was so well-liked, we had people ordering it, and then at one of the restaurants, I put it on the menu.” – Peggi Anne
Tuna Steak Salad
“I love beautiful, colorful salads with a healthy dose of protein to make a perfect meal. This is one of my favorites. The salad has a just-cooked tuna steak plopped on top. I like my tuna steaks medium-rare, but you can cook yours as much or as little as you wish.” – Lynnie
Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad
“One of my favorite salads for entertaining with family and friends at the lake. Even though it’s healthy, everyone loves it! Serve it tossed in a bowl or layered on a platter. Choice of two dressings will spice it up to your liking!” – Sharyn
Dorito Taco Salad
“I had this at a potluck dinner one time, and I fell in love with it. A nice refreshing salad that fills you up. It’s also a great way to use leftover taco meat.” – Kristina
Spicy Sriracha Grilled Chicken and Watermelon Salad
“The cool sweet salad balances the saucy heat of the Sriracha to perfection. The simplicity of this marinade is matched only by its great taste. Tender, juicy and tangy…Mind the cooking time: the flattened chicken’s ready in minutes, which makes this a great dish for hungry people!” – Jess
Susan’s Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta Salad
“My family loves this yummy salad. It’s similar to La Madeleine’s Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta Salad, with the added protein of chicken. Served with a green salad, it’s a complete meal.” – Susan
Ramen Chinese Chicken Salad
“Though not a traditional dish, this Chinese chicken salad is still a fave in our family.” – Fran
Jodie’s Taco salad
“I have made this for many years. It is very popular in my family. So popular, this is my oldest son’s favorite. My mom and sister measure this against other taco salads that they have eaten.” – JoSele
Grinder Salad
“All of the flavours of a grinder in salad form!” – Kevin