Big Salads for Dinner That Make a Full Meal

Tired of the usual dinner routine? Big salads are a great way to keep things fresh while still being hearty enough to fill you up. They’re full of texture, color, and real ingredients you’ll actually want to eat.

These aren’t side salads—they’re built to stand on their own. Packed with protein, grains, roasted veggies, and bold dressings, they strike the balance between healthy and genuinely enjoyable.

Whether you’re trying to eat more greens or just want a no-fuss dinner idea, these salads are a smart, simple option. Easy to prep and even better the next day, they check all the right boxes.

Strawberry Chicken Salad

This mix of juicy strawberries, tender chicken, and crunchy greens brings a nice balance of sweet and savory to your plate. It’s a refreshing option when you’re in the mood for something light yet filling. A simple balsamic glaze or vinaigrette ties it all together without overpowering the ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Chicken Salad

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Flaky salmon tossed with pasta, crisp veggies, and a light dressing makes for a no-fuss meal that works great for lunch or dinner. It’s easy to prep ahead, and it holds up well in the fridge. Great if you want something cool and protein-packed without heating up the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Antipasto Salad

Think of your favorite deli bites all in one bowl—salami, olives, mozzarella, and artichokes paired with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s bold and flavorful without being heavy. This one’s great when you want something quick but not boring.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Greek Shrimp Orzo Salad

Shrimp pairs nicely with tender orzo, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta. It’s bright and fresh, with a light lemon-olive oil dressing that keeps everything balanced. Works well as a lunch, but you can serve it as a side too.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Orzo Salad

Quinoa Taco Salad

Hearty quinoa steps in where meat usually would, mixed with beans, corn, avocado, and taco-style toppings. It’s filling without feeling too heavy. A lime dressing brings everything together with just the right amount of tang.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Taco Salad

Crispy Chicken Salad

Crispy chicken on top of fresh greens makes for a combo that feels both hearty and crisp. It’s the kind of salad you go for when you want something that eats like a meal. Ranch or honey mustard dressing rounds it out.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad

Shredded chicken, crunchy cabbage, sliced almonds, and crispy noodles come together with a sesame-soy dressing. It’s got texture and crunch in every bite. Easy to prep ahead and even better after a short chill in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Wendy’s Jalapeño Popper Salad

This version takes all the elements of a jalapeño popper—cheese, heat, and crunch—and turns them into a hearty bowl. Crispy chicken adds bite, while the bacon and jalapeño kick things up a notch. It’s bold, but not over-the-top.
Get the Recipe: Wendy’s Jalapeño Popper Salad

Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

Couscous gives this salad a fluffy base, while marinated tofu adds a savory, protein-rich bite. Toss in chopped veggies and a lemony dressing, and it’s a solid pick for a plant-based lunch. Keeps well for a few days, too.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

Tortellini Salad

Cheese-filled tortellini gets tossed with fresh veggies and a light dressing for a twist on the usual pasta salad. It’s fun, filling, and easy to make in big batches. Great for potlucks or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Salad

Cobb Salad with Buttermilk Garlic Dressing

You’ve got the classics here—bacon, avocado, egg, and chicken—topped off with a creamy garlic dressing. It’s layered, colorful, and packed with texture. Makes a great go-to when you’re not sure what you’re craving.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad with Buttermilk Garlic Dressing

Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Tuna and pesto are a solid match, especially when paired with pasta and sundried tomatoes for a bit of depth. It’s rich without being too creamy, and it works cold straight from the fridge. Easy to make ahead, too.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Inspired by the sandwich, this salad brings together cured meats, cheese, lettuce, and a tangy dressing with short pasta. It’s got crunch, chew, and a lot of flavor in every bite. Feels like a deli lunch but way easier to prep.
Get the Recipe: Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

Ground beef seasoned with taco spices sits on a bed of lettuce, avocado, cheese, and salsa. It hits those taco night vibes without the tortilla. Quick to throw together and very meal-prep friendly.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

Kale Quinoa Salad

Earthy kale gets softened with a lemony dressing and mixed with fluffy quinoa, chickpeas, and chopped veggies. It’s a good option when you want something clean and filling. Holds up well in the fridge, so leftovers are no issue.
Get the Recipe: Kale Quinoa Salad

Kung Pao Chicken Salad

This salad brings the classic flavors of kung pao—chili, garlic, peanuts—into a fresh, crunchy bowl. Chicken adds the main bite, while chopped veggies keep things light. It’s got a bit of heat, but nothing too bold.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad

Big Mac Salad

All the elements of a drive-thru favorite—ground beef, pickles, cheese, special sauce—served up in salad form. It’s low-carb but still hits those familiar flavors. Super quick to throw together with pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Cobb Salad

Hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken, crisp bacon, and creamy avocado make this a go-to when you want something filling and no-frills. It’s layered for texture and super easy to customize. Pairs well with almost any dressing.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Pizza Salad

A fun twist that includes pepperoni, mozzarella, tomatoes, and greens tossed in Italian dressing. It gives that pizza flavor without the crust. Works great as a side or light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Salmon Salad

Grilled or baked salmon, fresh greens, avocado, and a light dressing come together in a bowl that’s rich but refreshing. It’s a solid choice when you want something light but full of healthy fats and protein. Works warm or chilled.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

Taco Pasta Salad

A mash-up of taco night and pasta salad—think seasoned beef, black beans, cheese, and tomatoes mixed with pasta and a creamy dressing. It’s a good one for potlucks or family dinners. You can serve it cold or at room temp.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad