25+ Protein-Packed Salad Recipes for Healthy & Delicious Meals
Salads don’t have to be boring or leave you feeling hungry. By adding high-protein ingredients like lean meats, legumes, nuts, seeds, and dairy, you can transform your salad into a satisfying, nutritious meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a post-workout meal, or a light yet filling dinner, these protein-packed salads are perfect for you. Here are 25+ delicious recipes to fuel your body and keep you energized throughout the day.
1. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Juicy grilled chicken breast, crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing make this a classic high-protein choice.
2. Quinoa & Black Bean Salad
Protein-packed quinoa and black beans come together with fresh veggies and a zesty lime dressing for a refreshing and nutritious meal.
3. Greek Chickpea Salad
Chickpeas, feta cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives combine with a lemon-oregano dressing for a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dish.
4. Tuna Avocado Salad
Flaky tuna, creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onions tossed in a tangy lemon dressing create a light yet protein-rich salad.
5. Steak & Arugula Salad
Tender grilled steak, peppery arugula, cherry tomatoes, and blue cheese crumbles make this a flavorful and protein-heavy option.
6. Shrimp & Mango Salad
Succulent shrimp, sweet mango, crisp bell peppers, and a citrusy dressing offer a tropical twist on a protein-packed salad.
7. Tofu & Edamame Salad
Cubed tofu, crunchy edamame, shredded carrots, and sesame dressing create a plant-based powerhouse of protein.
8. Egg & Spinach Salad
Hard-boiled eggs, fresh spinach, mushrooms, and bacon bits drizzled with a Dijon vinaigrette offer a protein-rich and flavorful meal.
9. Salmon & Kale Salad
Flaky salmon, nutrient-dense kale, sunflower seeds, and a lemony dressing make for a superfood-packed, high-protein dish.
10. Turkey & Cranberry Salad
Lean turkey breast, dried cranberries, walnuts, and mixed greens tossed in a honey mustard dressing create a sweet and savory delight.
11. Lentil & Feta Salad
Nutritious lentils, crumbled feta, diced cucumbers, and a red wine vinaigrette provide plant-based protein and fresh flavors.
12. BBQ Chicken Salad
Grilled BBQ chicken, romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, and crispy tortilla strips create a hearty, high-protein meal.
13. Peanut Chicken Salad
Shredded chicken, crunchy peanuts, cabbage, and a Thai-inspired peanut dressing bring a delicious mix of textures and flavors.
14. Smoked Salmon & Avocado Salad
Smoked salmon, creamy avocado, capers, and baby greens tossed in a dill-infused dressing make for an elegant and nutrient-dense dish.
15. Tempeh & Roasted Veggie Salad
Marinated tempeh, roasted Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, and a balsamic glaze create a protein-packed vegan delight.
16. Cottage Cheese & Berry Salad
Creamy cottage cheese, fresh berries, almonds, and spinach offer a protein-rich and refreshing option for a light meal.
17. Grilled Halloumi & Watermelon Salad
Grilled halloumi cheese, juicy watermelon, arugula, and balsamic drizzle provide a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors.
18. Pesto Chicken & Mozzarella Salad
Grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes with a pesto dressing create a caprese-inspired protein boost.
19. Spicy Chickpea & Avocado Salad
Roasted spicy chickpeas, creamy avocado, kale, and a cumin-lime dressing add a kick to your protein intake.
20. Asian Sesame Beef Salad
Thinly sliced beef, shredded cabbage, edamame, sesame seeds, and a ginger-sesame dressing make for a flavorful, protein-rich meal.
21. Ricotta & Roasted Beet Salad
Creamy ricotta cheese, roasted beets, walnuts, and arugula offer a nutritious and delicious balance of textures and flavors.
22. Almond & Blueberry Chicken Salad
Shredded chicken, almonds, blueberries, and spinach tossed in a lemon poppy seed dressing make for a refreshing, high-protein meal.
23. Balsamic Steak & Avocado Salad
Grilled steak, creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic glaze offer a rich and filling protein-packed option.
24. Curried Lentil & Quinoa Salad
Lentils, quinoa, raisins, and a spiced curry dressing provide a warm and exotic protein-packed meal.
25. Roasted Chickpea & Kale Salad
Crunchy roasted chickpeas, massaged kale, red onions, and a tahini dressing create a fiber-rich and high-protein salad.
26. Hummus & Veggie Power Bowl
Hummus, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, quinoa, and arugula offer a vibrant and delicious plant-based protein option.
These protein-packed salads are not only nutritious but also full of flavor, texture, and variety. Whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, or pescatarian, there’s a protein-rich salad here for you to enjoy!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.