Whether you are looking for something with more vegetables or need a healthier option on your menu, this list of savory salad recipes is sure to please. These are ideal for lunches, easy meals on the go, side dishes, or even an entree. Many people think of salads as bland and uninspiring, but this could not be further from the truth.
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Savory Salad Recipes
Salads are incredibly versatile and can hit the spot with anyone, provided you get the balance of ingredients correct. While not all of these would be considered healthy for all diets, they are delicious and worth checking out.
You'll find a variety of options below including vegetarian, vegan, and a few with steak and chicken!
Need more menu inspiration? Check out these collections for more of our favorite recipes. Start with this list of healthy salad recipes we gathered before!
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Savory Vegetarian Salads
Below are some great vegan and vegetarian salad recipes to get you started. These can be a whole meal by themselves or could potentially just be a side dish for your favorite entree.
Beetroot and Feta Salad
This recipe is one that is packed with nutrients and fiber and really turns the beets into a great side dish. If you've been unsure about eating beets in the past, this is the recipe to change your mind!
Fast and Fresh Chickpea Salad
I love that this is vegetarian but loaded with protein from chickpeas. Tons of fresh cucumber, onion, tomato, and a bit of feta bring it together to create a great side dish or an entree all by itself.
Classic Caprese Salad
If you love the combination of mozzarella, tomato, and basil, then this classic dish is going to become a favorite. In the summer months, it makes a great side to protein from the grill, but could also be a meal by itself with the protein from cheese.
Savory Broccoli Apple Salad
While this does have a bit of sweetness from the apples and blueberries, it's mostly savory and chock full of nutritious and fiber-rich broccoli. I love this as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish but can also make for a nice satisfying lunch.
Creamy Corn Salad with Peppers
This savory salad is definitely a side dish only, but it's so bright and refreshing. Everyone loves corn, but this takes it up a notch! If you want something fun on the side, this is the one for you.
Vegan Kale Caesar Salad
If you love kale, then you are going to absolutely LOVE this easy recipe. Not only is it delicious, but it is plant-based and entirely vegan-friendly!
Source: Wicked Spatula
Bulgarian Shopska Salad
This is so bright and flavorful but super easy to make. I really love the combination of vegetables. It's a perfect choice for a light side dish or part of an entree with a favorite protein.
Source: Cooking the Globe
Creamy Kale Salad with Brussels Sprouts
This tasty side salad is delicious and easy to make. The perfect way to add tons of greens to your menu!
Source: You Brew My Tea
Roasted Beet and Butternut Squash Salad
What a great way to add some fiber and nutrient-rich vegetables to your menu. I love this easy salad for an entree by itself or a side to any favorite protein.
Source: Pass Me Some Tasty
Roasted Eggplant Salad
Eggplant is a great choice for a delicious salad, especially when roasting them. Combine together with a simple dressing for a perfect meal you will enjoy by itself or as a side to any meal.
Source: Valentina's Corner
Savory Apple Salad
This tasty salad has a unique combination of celery, onion, apple, and peanuts that is ideal for a side dish! Super easy with just enough sweetness from the apple to overcome the bite of the onion.
Source: With Food and Love
Savory Salads with Beef
Beef can be steak, ground beef, or shredded beef and all can go perfectly alongside your favorite salad, but below are a few that are unique and you are sure to love!
Vietnamese Steak Salad
This is one of my favorite recipes for a salad that surprises everyone. A few oodles, some fresh greens, pops of vegetables, and the perfectly cooked steak combine with the richness of classic Vietnamese flavors for a delicious bite every time.
Cheeseburger Salad with Mustard Dressing
Such a delicious and kid-friendly salad! It's a great way to have a lower-carb meal that is packed with protein and flavor.
Source: Lexi's Clean Kitchen
Taco Salad with Ground Beef
Nothing beats the classic taco salad unless it's this one! Loaded with great flavor, texture, and easy to make, it's a kid-friendly and mom-approved salad for your menu!
Source: Sweet and Savory Meals
Steak Salad
This delicious salad has great steak, greens, tomato, onion, greens, and even a bit of corn. It's truly a great savory salad recipe.
Source: Two Peas & Their Pod
Savory Salads with Chicken
Chicken is one of the most popular proteins and it pairs great with greens of all kinds. Below are some unique salad ideas that are savory, easy to make, and ideal for your healthy menu.
Chicken Salad with Avocado
This recipe is so good and super easy to make. Some chicken, avocado, greens, tomato, corn, and onion make for a delicious entree. It's a lunch entree or even a weeknight meal that makes a boring salad taste fantastic!
Buffalo Chicken Caesar Salad
Buffalo chicken is definitely a personal favorite, and this recipe is super easy to make. The creamy Caesar dressing pairs wonderfully with the spicy buffalo flavor!
Source: Wicked Spatula
Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe
Bright and spicy, this chicken salad is a great choice filled with classic Thai flavors. I love just how easy it is to make, and the fact that you can make this in no time using leftover rotisserie chicken!
Source: Cooking the Globe
Chicken Stacked Salad with Kumquat
If you want something that is tasty and presents well, then this recipe is it! I love kumquat and it definitely makes for a tasty addition to this salad. Stacking is a great presentation but this can be served however you want!
Source: Veggie Balance
Paleo Asian Chicken Salad
I am loving the flavors in this recipe and that it fits into a Paleo diet if needed. Savory, textured, and packed with protein, it's a fantastic addition to your menu.
Source: Paleo Running Momma
Savory Pasta Salad Recipes
While pasta is a bit heavy, it can still make a great salad with a few fun toppings. Below are a handful of yummy ideas that you will enjoy adding to your menu.
Couscous Salad Recipe
If you've never tried couscous, this tiny pasta is a great option to go alongside any of your favorite meals. I love the bright Mediterranean flavors of this, and while it's ideal for a side to any meal, it's satisfying enough to be a great lunch by itself.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing
A simple pasta base works great with feta, some fresh vegetables, and a light dressing. This is ideal as a side dish with some grilled fish or chicken, but it can be a nice lunch entree by itself.
Taco Pasta Salad with Black Beans
Pasta salad can be an entree when loaded with vegetables and in this case, taco flavors along with black beans for protein! A tasty and kid-friendly "salad" for your entree.
Source: Veggie Balance
Sesame Noodle Salad
Fast, easy, and flavorful, this recipe is a great choice that is sure to be a hit on your menu. It can be used as a side or a simple entree. You'll love that it is ready in such a short time!
Source: Simply Recipes
Savory Apple Broccoli Salad
This easy recipe combines veggies, fruit, and pasta together for a perfect lunch salad! Everyone will love the savory paired with the simple sweetness of the apples.
Source: My Heavenly Recipes
Pasta Salad with Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette
This simple pasta salad is loaded with flavor and packed with bits of asparagus making it more than just a simple bowl of pasta. YOu'll love this recipe!
Source: Sweet Savory and Steph
Savory Salads with Seafood and Fish
If you love seafood, then these salads will bring that to the table! So easy to make and packed with flavor and protein
Seared Ahi Tuna Seaweed Salad
This is a unique flavor combination that is a delicious meal. Make this to impress guests or just to give yourself something different on the menu. A great choice for lunch dinner.
Source: Wicked Spatula
Avocado Salmon Salad with Fennel and Grapefruit
Another show stopper, this recipe pairs the deliciousness of salmon with creamy avocado and a bit of bright citrus flavor. A delicious entree salad you are sure to love!
Source: Wicked Spatula
Grilled Asian Thai Shrimp Salad Recipe
Another great option for a salad that is simple but packed with flavor is this Thai shrimp salad. I absolutely love the flavor combination and the fact that it has lean protein like shrimp. A great entree recipe that is sure to please.
Source: Wicked Spatula
Grilled Watermelon Salmon Salad
This is a bright and refreshing salad with amazing flavors. I never imagined the sweetness of watermelon would pair so great with savory salmon!
Source: Wicked Spatula
Som Tum Thai Green Papaya Salad
A non-traditional version of the popular salad, instead of a mortar and pestle and tons of time, this can be ready for you in just 1 minute! Dried shrimp added to the dish is a great source of protein and flavor alongside the simple Thai dressing.
Source: Cooking the Globe
Big Italian Sub Salad
This salad doesn't fit into the other categories but just had to be shared. It's delicious, easy to make, and a great choice for those looking to cut back on bread and carbs in their diet.
Source: Wicked Spatula
📖 Recipe
BLT Salad + 32 Super Savory Salad Recipes
A fast and easy recipe, this BLT salad is a great dish to add to your menu!
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, diced
- 1 large tomato, diced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, black peppre, dill, and salt until well combined.
- In a large bowl toss all ingredients together coating the lettuce and tomato with dressing.
- Serve with croutons or shredded cheese if desired.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 232Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 623mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 10g
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