As soon as the weather warms up, I start craving big, colorful salads. They’re fresh, satisfying, and best of all, they don’t require you to spend hours in a hot kitchen. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a make-ahead lunch, or something to bring to your next cookout, these 15 main dish salads have you covered.
From a creamy tuna pasta salad and a halloumi orzo salad to a spicy quinoa salad with chipotle dressing, a cauliflower rice poke bowl with salmon and avocado, and a delicious chicken satay salad, there’s something here for every taste.
Tip from Simone
A great main dish salad is one of the easiest ways to add more vegetables to your day without feeling like you’re eating “just a salad.” Add a source of protein, some grains or pasta, and a flavorful dressing, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Many of these salads taste even better the next day, making them ideal for meal prep too! Check out this salad round-up with 15 salads for hot weather too.
Prep time 30 minutes mins
Cooking time 10 minutes mins
Total time 40 minutes mins
This timeless classic potato salad strikes the perfect balance between creamy and tangy. Tender red potatoes are gently tossed with a light, flavorful dressing made from Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, offering richness without being too heavy. Thinly sliced red onion adds a crisp bite, while briny capers bring a pop of bold, savory flavor. Simple, fresh, and satisfying – this is a go-to side dish for picnics, barbecues, or any casual gathering.
Prep time 10 minutes mins
Cooking time 5 minutes mins
Total time 15 minutes mins
Perfect for warm summer days is this easy pasta salad with tuna
Prep time 10 minutes mins
Cooking time 15 minutes mins
Total time 25 minutes mins
Delicious and spicy quinoa salad. With black beans, avocado, corn and fresh herbs
Prep time 1 hour hr
Cooking time 15 minutes mins
Total time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
This delicious and easy to make chicken satay salad is pretty simple and can easily be adjusted to use different kinds of veggies. Or change the flavors in the peanut sauce too. Check the variation options below.
Prep time 10 minutes mins
Cooking time 15 minutes mins
Total time 25 minutes mins
Delicious pasta salad with beef
Prep time 10 minutes mins
Cooking time 25 minutes mins
Total time 35 minutes mins
Perfect fall salad with roasted pumpkin, lentils and arugula
Prep time 5 minutes mins
Cooking time 5 minutes mins
Total time 10 minutes mins
This salad will feed four when used as a side dish or two if it is for lunch and eaten with some toasted bread
Prep time 5 minutes mins
Cooking time 15 minutes mins
Total time 20 minutes mins
Delicious and super easy pasta salad with gorgonzola and tomatoes
Prep time 15 minutes mins
Total time 15 minutes mins
Super easy to make quinoa salad with sausages, radishes, tomatoes and much more!
Prep time 10 minutes mins
Cooking time 5 minutes mins
Total time 15 minutes mins
A nice fresh summer pasta salad with tomato pesto, halloumi, broccoli and fennel. The addition of the crunchy halloumi makes this extra delicious and easy.
Prep time 10 minutes mins
Cooking time 20 minutes mins
Total time 30 minutes mins
This delicious pasta salad can be eaten warm or cold
Prep time 10 minutes mins
Cooking time 10 minutes mins
Total time 20 minutes mins
Tasty fresh noodle salad with chicken, edamame, smoked paprika and a miso and sesame-based sauce.
Prep time 10 minutes mins
Cooking time 50 minutes mins
Total time 1 hour hr
A delicious and filling salad with lots of fresh greens
Prep time 1 hour hr
Cooking time 20 minutes mins
Total time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
This super easy Asian style flavors salads is packed with loads of colorful veggies and combined with a nice chunk of salmon it packs pretty good protein too!
Prep time 15 minutes mins
Total time 15 minutes mins
This low-carb poke bowl with cauliflower rice is one of those meals I make on repeat. It’s fresh, colorful, and feels light, but still keeps me full thanks to the healthy fats and protein. Perfect for days when I want to eat well without spending much time in the kitchen.
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