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29 Oh-So-Satisfying Salad Recipes

April 10, 2024
Amelia [Writer]

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A roundup of the ultimate oh-so satisfying salads—they're hearty, filling, healthy + downright delicious. Perfect for lunch, a main meal, or as tasty side dishes.

29 Oh-So-Satisfying Salad Recipes

Enjoying a big, colorful salad is the perfect way to savor the flavors of the season! Check out these 29 Oh-So-Satisfying Salad Recipes that I absolutely adore making over and over again. They're fantastic for quick and healthy lunches, easy dinners, or as a side dish for a backyard BBQ. These tasty + easy salads will add some excitement to your plate and your week! Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Vegan + Make Ahead Options.

Three photos of salads in a collage.

Alright, let's set the record straight y'all --- salad recipes don't have to be boring! They can be super tasty + totally filling, whether you're chowing down on them as a main meal or sharing them as a side dish. I've gathered up a bunch of salads here, covering all bases: gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian + lots with meat options like chicken + salmon. I'm all about making sure there's something for everyone to enjoy, so dig in and find your new favorite!

Salad lovers ---- let's talk about the game-changer that takes a salad from OK to AMAZING -- sauces + dressings! Scroll down to the bottom for some incredible options that will totally transform your salads. And when you're ready for that satisfying crunch, don't miss my homemade croutons and crunchy chickpeas recipes!

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Why You Will LOVE These Satisfying Salad Recipes

  • Bursting with flavor
  • SO dang filling + satisfying
  • Perfect as main meals or sides
  • Endless options for customization --- Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or a meat lover, there's a salad here to suit your preferences + dietary needs.
  • Perfect for meal prepping
  • Nutrient-packed --- not only delicious but also loaded with essential vitamins, minerals + antioxidants.
Cobb salad in a bowl with serving spoons.

1. Flavorful Buffalo Chicken Cobb Salad

Prepare for a taste sensation with our healthy Buffalo Chicken Cobb Salad! It's a delightful twist on the classic, featuring savory flavors and crunchy textures that'll keep you coming back for more. Gluten-free + Vegetarian Option.

Ingredients in a bowl with ingredients and a spoon.

2. My Fave Quinoa Salad

Indulge in my go-to Quinoa Salad recipe– a quick, simple, and versatile dish that's sure to please everyone at the table. Vibrant + refreshing, it's the perfect addition to any meal, no matter the occasion! Completely Vegan. Make Ahead + Meat Add-In Option.

Pasta salad in a bowl with a drink and croutons.

3. Caprese Pasta Cheese Tortellini Salad

Imagine tender cheese tortellini, creamy mozzarella balls, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil all mingling together in a luscious homemade creamy Caesar dressing. It's the perfect blend of flavors + textures, making it ideal for potlucks or a refreshing weeknight dinner! Vegan + Gluten-free Option.

Chicken pasta salad on a serving platter.

4. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This tasty twist on a classic combines tender chicken, fresh kale, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing. Gluten-free, Meatless, Vegan + Make-ahead Options.

Green goddess chicken salad on a platter on a brown grey-ish table.

5. Green Goddess Chicken Salad

A refreshing + satisfying dish that brings a burst of flavor and texture to your plate. It's perfect for a light yet hearty meal that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied. Dairy-free. Gluten-free + Vegan Option.

Avocado and chickpea salad in a platter on a yellow table.

6. Creamy Roasted Chickpeas and Avocado Salad

Loaded with creamy avocado, roasted chickpeas, and a hint of jalapeño for a little spice, it's the perfect side dish for any meal. Packed with flavor and texture that will keep you coming back for more. Gluten-free, Dairy-free + Vegan Options.

Up close shot of wedge salads on a white platter.

7. Best Chicken Wedge Salad

It's all about that perfect crunch you can only get from a wedge salad, complemented by tender shredded chicken, tangy blue cheese crumbles, and roasted chickpeas. It's so easy to make and utterly delicious—you'll find yourself making it on repeat! Totally Gluten-free + Meatless Option.

Coleslaw in a white bowl with a spoon on a yellow table.

8. The Best Creamy Coleslaw

A creamy homemade dressing, crisp cabbage, and sweet carrots. This classic side dish is perfectly balanced, bringing a rich, tangy flavor that’s ideal for BBQs, picnics, and everyday meals. Dairy-free + Vegan Option.

Tomato salad in a wooden serving bowl with a spoon and tomatoes on a yellow table.

9. Easy Herb Tomato Salad

Juicy heirloom tomatoes are tossed with fresh dill, parsley, and a medley of other herbs, then topped with grated Parmesan. Drizzled with a light olive oil dressing, it's a simple yet flavorful side. Vegan Option!

Salad in a white serving dish with gold spoons.

10. Spicy Watermelon Salad with Hot Honey

A burst of sweet, salty, crunchy goodness with just the right touch of heat. The feta adds a salty kick that complements the juicy watermelon, while the hot honey brings in that delightful sweet heat. Dairy-free + Vegan Option.

Cucumber salad in a black bowl with a spoon and a red napkin.

11. Ultimate Smashed Cucumber Salad

Loaded with ultra-crispy, crunchy cucumbers, bursting with refreshing goodness, topped off with a generous sprinkle of delicious Parmesan. It's the perfect side dish you didn't know you were missing out on! Vegan + Dairy-free Option.

Forks and plate of Chicken Caesar Salad with Cornbread Croutons

12. Chicken Caesar Salad with Cornbread Croutons

This Chicken Caesar Salad with Cornbread Croutons is a delicious twist and refreshing vegetable salad with traditional elements of this kind of salad: greens, chicken, croutons, + parmesan. Vegan, Gluten-Free, + Make Ahead Options.

Fully loaded Kale salad with white dressing in a large wooden serving dish with two gold spoons.

13. Best Buffalo Chickpea Kale Salad

The Best Buffalo Chickpea Kale Salad is the perfect lunch or dinner with buffalo chickpeas, brown rice, kale, and your favorite dressing and tossed in your favorite dressing. Entirely dairy-free, vegan, + gluten-free. Make ahead option.

Salad in a long white plate with a spoon on a black wood table with tortilla chips and sliced avocados.

14. Easy Loaded Corn Salad 

This Easy Loaded Corn Salad recipe is bursting with fresh flavors and is a must-have for any gathering. The ultimate crowd-pleasing summer side dish! Entirely Vegan, Gluten-free & Dairy-free!

Salad in a platter with two serving utensils and dressing.

15. Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon Salad

Savor the perfect blend of spicy and sweet in our Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon Salad—a refreshing + satisfying dish that elevates your taste buds with every bite. Totally Gluten-free + Dairy-free. Vegan Option.

Potato salad in a black bowl with a gold spoon and white plates on the side.

16. Southern Potato Salad

Indulge in the irresistible charm of Southern Potato Salad – a quintessential dish boasting creamy textures and rich flavors that steal the spotlight on any table. Completely Dairy-free + Vegan + No Boil Option.

Up close shot of chopped salad.

17. Best Lemon Pepper Chicken Chopped Salad

Enjoy the ultimate freshness with our Best Lemon Pepper Chicken Chopped Salad! Tender lemon pepper chicken, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing come together in a burst of flavor that's perfect for a satisfying meal anytime. Totally Gluten-free + Dairy-free. Vegan Option.

Overhead shot of Summer barbeque Chopped Kale Salad

18. Ultimate Summer BBQ Chopped Kale Salad

The Ultimate Summer BBQ Chopped Kale Salad is a vibrant medley that adds a burst of flavor to any feast. Refreshing + nutritious, this crowd-pleaser is the ideal choice as a main dish or side, making it the perfect addition to your summertime gatherings or weeknight meals. Entirely dairy-free. Vegan, Gluten-Free, + Make ahead options.

Full kale salad tossed in dressing with two gold serving spoons.

19. BBQ Chickpea Kale Salad

There's nothing like this BBQ Chickpea Kale Salad which comes loaded with so much bold flavor, with candied bacon and healthy ingredients. Drenched in a delicious Honey Mustard Sauce, this salad is guaranteed to be on rotation! Entirely dairy-free. Vegan, Gluten-Free, + Make ahead options.

Fall Harvest Apple Kale Salad in a decorative serving bowl

20. Apple Kale Salad

Indulge in the delicious flavors with this Apple Kale Salad--A crunchy and wholesome medley brimming with seasonal produce. The perfect hearty side dish or lunch! Entirely dairy-free. Vegan, Gluten-Free, + Make ahead options.

Bowl of Spicy Chipotle Sweet Potato Chopped Salad with utensils

21. Spicy Chipotle Sweet Potato Chopped Salad

There's nothing like this Spicy Chipotle Sweet Potato Chopped Salad which comes loaded with so much bold flavor and healthy ingredients. Entirely dairy-free. Vegan, Gluten-Free, + Make ahead options.

Salad on a white round plate with seasonings and herbs, lime wedges, dressing, and a yellow napkin.

22. Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad

Sometimes you’re just craving a healthy, jam-packed salad for lunch or dinner and this Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad recipe is just the thing that you'll need! Entirely dairy-free, vegan, + gluten-free. Make ahead option.

Overhead shot of Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Salad

23. Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Salad

Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Salad -- just the thing that you need for any season! Topped with a delicious homemade Dairy-Free BBQ Ranch Dressing. Entirely dairy-free + gluten-free. Make ahead option.

Tuna salad in a plate with a spoon and crackers.

24. The Best Tuna Salad

Indulge in the simplicity and deliciousness of The Best Tuna Salad. This timeless classic combines flaky tuna, crisp vegetables, and creamy dressing for the perfect blend of flavors + textures. Enjoy it in sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or on its own!

Overhead shot of Green Goddess Salad Dip surrounded by chips and topped with lime wedges

25. Healthy Green Goddess Salad Dip 

This Healthy Green Goddess Salad Dip is the ultimate plant-based snack or appetizer for the entire family. Jam-packed with veggies and a creamy texture from a homemade sauce----this dip is sure to be the star on any table.

Overhead shot of a plate of Vegan Roasted Potato Salad

26. Easy Vegan Roasted Potato Salad

There's no potato salad like this Easy Vegan Roasted Potato Salad when it comes to flavors and textures working together! Perfectly roasted potatoes add a beautiful crunch, especially with the crispiness of their skin. Mayo-Free option!

Bowl of Blood Orange Kale Salad

27. Quick + Easy Blood Orange Kale Salad

Make this quick and easy Blood Orange Kale Salad for a healthy, fruity lunch or side dish. It's packed with fresh and roasted vegetables and fruit and full of essential nutrients. Add your favorite dressing to make every bite to your liking!

Two bowls of salad with forks, guacamole, and tortilla chips.

28. Chicken Taco Salad

Whip up my go-to Chicken Taco Salad for the perfect healthy lunch or side dish at your next BBQ. Packed with vibrant ingredients + bursting with crunchy goodness, it's a true fiesta for your taste buds!

BBQ Chicken Peach Chopped Salad in a serving bowl with wooden serving spoons and toppings on the side.

29. BBQ Chicken Peach Chopped Salad

This is a summer dream—juicy peaches, smoky BBQ chicken, and crisp veggies all tossed together in a flavor-packed bowl. It’s perfect for potlucks or as a mouthwatering main dish that screams summer deliciousness! Gluten-free + Make-ahead Option.

Every Salad Needs A Delicious Sauce/Dressing

Salad fans, be sure to explore all my favorite sauces and dressings. They'll seriously amp up your salad game!

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried any of the 29 Oh-So-Satisfying Salad Recipes or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below or tag me on Instagram @Orchidsnsweettea_. I love hearing from you.

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