Salads So Big, They Are Dinner

Big salads aren’t just side dishes—they can be the main event. With the right mix of protein, veggies, grains, and dressings, these salads are built to be filling and flavorful. They’re a great option when you want something fresh but still hearty.

You’ll find plenty of variety, from grilled chicken and steak salads to plant-based options with beans, tofu, or roasted vegetables. Adding ingredients like quinoa, pasta, nuts, or cheese helps turn these salads into complete meals. They’re flexible and easy to make your own.

These recipes are great for busy weeknights, lunch preps, or when it’s just too hot to cook a full meal. Whether you want something light or packed with bold flavors, there’s a big salad here that works as dinner all on its own.

Cobb Salad

Packed with protein and fresh veggies, this salad layers crisp lettuce with hard-boiled eggs, bacon, avocado, and grilled chicken. It’s a great choice for a filling lunch or easy dinner. Everything is chopped for that perfect bite every time, and it comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Flaky salmon and tender pasta tossed with fresh herbs and a light dressing make this one a go-to for meal prep or summer gatherings. It’s a cool, hearty dish with just enough richness. Great warm or chilled depending on your mood.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

This bowl brings big flavor with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, and all your favorite taco toppings—minus the shells. It’s low in carbs but high in flavor and texture. Great for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

Taco Pasta Salad

A fun twist on taco night, this pasta salad mixes rotini, black beans, corn, ground beef, and a zippy dressing. It’s colorful, crowd-friendly, and super easy to throw together. Serve cold or at room temp.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Salmon Salad

Flaked cooked salmon over leafy greens with sliced cucumber, red onion, and a creamy dressing makes for a refreshing and protein-rich option. It’s quick to make and feels fresh every time. Perfect when you want something light but filling.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

This plant-based salad brings fluffy couscous, pan-seared tofu, and crisp vegetables together with a citrusy dressing. It’s balanced, bright, and easy to pack for lunches. A solid pick if you’re looking for something meatless but hearty.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

Antipasto Salad

Loaded with cured meats, cheese, olives, and marinated veggies, this one’s bold and perfect for sharing. It’s got a little bit of everything—salty, tangy, and fresh. Great as a starter or a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad

Crispy veggies, tender chicken, and crunchy noodles tossed with a sesame-ginger dressing. It hits that sweet-salty balance and comes together in no time. A nice option for something light with a bit of
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Pizza Salad

All the best parts of pizza—pepperoni, mozzarella, tomatoes—over greens with a herby Italian dressing. It’s fresh but still has that comfort food feel. Super fun for lunch or a twist on pizza night.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Crispy Chicken Salad

Crispy chicken strips over a bed of lettuce with ranch or honey mustard—simple and always a hit. It brings crunch, creaminess, and just enough indulgence. Perfect when you’re craving fast food vibes in a fresher form.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken Salad

Greek Shrimp Orzo Salad

Juicy shrimp, tender orzo, and classic Greek flavors like feta, olives, and cucumber. It’s light, refreshing, and great for warm days. Works well for lunchboxes or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Orzo Salad

Big Mac Salad

All the familiar flavors from a certain famous burger, but in salad form—ground beef, pickles, special sauce, and shredded lettuce. It’s nostalgic, fun, and surprisingly quick to whip up. No bun needed.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Wendy’s Jalapeño Popper Salad

Inspired by the fast-food version, this one combines spicy jalapeños, crispy chicken, bacon, and cheese. It’s got a kick and a nice mix of creamy and crunchy. A bold option when you want something different.
Get the Recipe: Wendy’s Jalapeño Popper Salad

Kung Pao Chicken Salad

Spicy-sweet chicken over greens with peanuts, bell peppers, and a savory soy dressing. It’s got great texture and just enough heat. Nice change of pace when you want a break from your usual lunch rotation.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad

Strawberry Chicken Salad

Sweet strawberries pair with grilled chicken, crunchy almonds, and a light vinaigrette. It’s fruity, fresh, and great when berries are in season. A good mix of sweet and savory.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Chicken Salad

Quinoa Taco Salad

Quinoa adds a nice nutty base to taco-inspired ingredients like beans, corn, salsa, and avocado. It’s filling, plant-based, and holds up well in the fridge. Ideal for make-ahead meals.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Taco Salad

Tortellini Salad

Cheese-filled tortellini tossed with cherry tomatoes, salami, and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s pasta salad, but with a little more comfort built in. Serve it chilled or room temp—it holds up great.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Salad

Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Canned tuna gets an upgrade with bold pesto and chewy sun-dried tomatoes. Tossed with greens or pasta, it’s flavorful and fast. A solid option for a no-fuss lunch.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Club Sandwich Salad

All the flavors of a classic club—turkey, bacon, tomato, and lettuce—minus the bread. Add a creamy dressing and you’re set. It’s a lighter take that still feels familiar.
Get the Recipe: Club Sandwich Salad

Cobb Salad with Buttermilk Garlic Dressing

This version of the classic has all the essentials—egg, bacon, avocado, chicken—but with a creamy, garlicky dressing that pulls it all together. It’s hearty, balanced, and super satisfying. A staple worth keeping in rotation.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad with Buttermilk Garlic Dressing

Kale Quinoa Salad

Shredded kale and cooked quinoa make a nutrient-dense base, mixed with crunchy add-ins and a lemony dressing. It’s great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day. A smart choice for something clean and filling.
Get the Recipe: Kale Quinoa Salad