Perfect for those who find typical salads too light or unsatisfying, these “un-salad” recipes offer robust ingredients and delicious combinations to keep you full and energized. Whether you’re after hearty, protein-packed meals that can stand alone or flavorful dishes to diversify your diet, salads like the Mediterranean three-bean and quinoa salad and pesto pasta salad go beyond the ‘traditional’—they’re salads that aren’t just lettuce.
When most people think of salads, they picture a small bowl of greens that’s more of a side dish than a meal. There’s a common misconception (especially among men) that salads are dainty, feminine foods that aren’t filling or satisfying—but that’s all wrong.
Salads are more than just a plate of lettuce. They can be hearty and just as filling as a big bowl of chili. So, whether you’re looking for a robust meal to fuel your day or a delicious dish to enjoy on the go, these “un-salads” offer a variety of flavors and textures that cater to even the pickiest palates.
10 delicious salads that aren’t just lettuce
1. Pesto pasta salad
Why we love it: This pesto pasta salad combines the rich flavors of pesto with the satisfying bite of pasta. The vibrant pesto sauce perfectly complements the cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, creating a refreshing yet hearty dish that will leave you wanting more. Add grilled chicken for an extra protein boost to make it a complete meal that keeps you full for hours.
2. Mediterranean three-bean and quinoa salad
Why we love it: This Mediterranean three-bean and quinoa salad is a protein-packed, fiber-rich salad that’s filling and flavorful. This dish combines chickpeas, white beans, green beans, and quinoa, tossed with fresh herbs, balsamic vinaigrette, and feta cheese. The variety of beans adds texture and depth, while the quinoa provides a hearty base that can sustain you through a busy day. If you’re prone to gas after consuming beans, we’re giving you a heads-up on this one.
3. BLT salad with avocado
Why we love it: This twist on the classic BLT offers all the flavors with the addition of creamy avocado, including crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and avocado slices on a bed of mixed greens for a satisfying meal. If you’re looking for more to sustain you, consider adding some quinoa to the mix for complex carbs and a complete source of plant-based protein.
4. Asian chicken salad
Why we love it: Grilled chicken, crunchy wontons, and colorful veggies make this Asian chicken salad nutritious and delicious. It’s also packed with vibrant flavors and a solid amount of protein to keep you fuller for longer. The tangy sesame-ginger dressing ties everything together, offering a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and savory notes.
5. Southwest quinoa salad
Why we love it: Dive into quinoa mixed with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a zesty chili-lime dressing for the perfect Southwest quinoa salad. Add some grilled steak, chicken, or shrimp for extra protein. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a filling lunch or dinner. Combining fresh vegetables and robust spices creates a dynamic and satisfying dish. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day.
6. Greek chickpea salad
Why we love it: We love a good Greek salad: cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and chickpeas tossed in a red wine vinaigrette. In this Greek chickpea salad, the classic Greek flavors get an added protein punch from chickpeas, and it’s a complete win in our books. The tanginess of the vinaigrette complements the hearty chickpeas and fresh vegetables, making it a satisfying and healthy option.
7. Roasted vegetable and farro salad
Why we love it: Farro is an ancient grain packed with fiber, vitamins, and protein. The combination of farro and roasted veggies creates a hearty, satisfying dish. Toasted pine nuts add to this dish’s nutty texture, and the tangy balsamic dressing makes this salad a perfect choice for a nutrient-rich and filling meal.
8. Strawberry chicken salad
Why we love it: Fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, and grilled chicken are a classic combo you can’t go wrong with. But this strawberry chicken salad kicks it up a notch with the addition of toasted almonds, celery, avocado, and crumbled feta, topped with a creamy poppy seed dressing for the perfect combination of sweet and savory. This salad is both light and filling—the ultimate balance of flavors.
9. Cobb salad
Why we love it: The Cobb salad is a classic recipe that combines light but hearty ingredients: romaine lettuce, hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken, avocado, blue cheese, and bacon, served with a tangy vinaigrette with a hint of mustard. This salad’s a classic, loaded with proteins and healthy fats.
10. Spicy Thai noodle salad
Why we love it: Why not try Thai? Soba noodles, shredded cabbage, and bell peppers tossed in a spicy peanut sauce blend together for bold flavor and a satisfying texture in this Spicy Thai noodle salad. Add tofu, chicken, or shrimp for extra protein. Make this the day before and let it marinate overnight for the best flavor.
Pro tips for making the perfect salad
- Prep in advance: Prepare your salad ingredients the night before and store them in separate containers. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess.
- Add protein: Boost the protein content by adding grilled chicken, tofu, beans, or quinoa. This helps keep you fuller longer.
- Incorporate whole grains: Use grains like farro, quinoa, or brown rice to up the nutrient content and make your salad more filling.
- Use a variety of textures: To create more textural variety, combine crunchy elements like nuts or seeds with softer ingredients like avocados or roasted vegetables.
- Dress it right: Make your own dressing to control the ingredients and flavors. Add dressings just before serving to keep your salad crisp and fresh.
Salads can be more than just a side dish or a bed of lettuce—and they’re most definitely not girly. With these hearty and flavorful recipes, you can enjoy satisfying meals packed with proteins, healthy fats, and a variety of delicious ingredients. These robust salads offer something for everyone, so jump in and find one right for you. Bon appetit!
