47 Healthy Salad Recipes That Are Seriously Delicious and Filling
Give your lunch a nutritious boost with these tasty greens.
If you're looking to incorporate more produce into your eating routine, healthy salads are here for you. "Salads can be a great vehicle for getting more vegetables in your diet," says Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab.
That said, not all salads are healthy. Sassos explains, "The healthiest salads have a base of nutrient-dense greens and a vibrant assortment of colorful and crunchy vegetables. Experiment with different types of salad greens to mix with your usual lettuce for extra nutrition (dark, leafy green vegetables — like kale, arugula and spinach — tend to be the most nutrient-rich). Don't forget to include a source of lean protein like salmon or chicken and some type of healthy fat like avocado or nuts to keep you satisfied. When it comes to dressing, don't overdo it with high-fat and high-calorie creamy options. Let the bright flavors of the veggies shine through and opt for healthy salad dressings, like a refreshing vinaigrette, instead."
Need some inspiration? We rounded up the most delicious, nutritious salad recipes created in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen. Some of these are smaller side salads, ideal for pairing with a protein or serving alongside a slice of pizza or bowl of healthy pasta — whereas others are complete meals, featuring a good balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats and fit into a variety of diets.
Getting hungry? Hit up the farmers' market (or your supermarket's produce section), grab a salad spinner and get ready to toss together something incredible.
Chickpea Salad with Smashed Cucumbers
This vegetarian salad does not skimp on flavor, thanks to a combo of briny capers, fresh and dried herbs and spicy jalapeño. (P.S. The salad actually tastes better once it sits, so it's an ideal meal prep lunch.)
Get the Chickpea Salad with Smashed Cucumbers recipe.
RELATED: 40 Easy Summer Salads That Pack in the Best Seasonal Flavors
Grilled Lemony Chicken and Kale
When we say to throw everything on the grill, we mean everything — kale leaves and lemon wedges included.
Get the Grilled Lemony Chicken and Kale recipe.
RELATED: 30 High-Protein Meals That Are Filling and Easy to Make
California Roll Salad
Sushi, but make it salad: We "unrolled" the components of a California roll and served it up on a pile of greens.
Get the California Roll Salad recipe.
Roasted Chickpea, Tomato and Chicken Bowls
Greens (baby spinach, kale, arugula, you name it) provide a healthful way to repurpose last night's dinner. Simply toss with extra cooked chicken, roast veg and cooked grains.
Get the Roasted Chickpea, Tomato and Chicken Bowls recipe.
RELATED: These Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes Are Absolutely Delicious
Snap Pea and Chicken Salad
Salads come in clutch on the nights you don't want to turn on the oven — and this no-cook recipe is proof.
Get the Snap Pea and Chicken Salad recipe.
Butter Bean Salad with Herby Vinaigrette
Looking for a healthier BBQ side to bring to a cookout? This make-ahead option delivers 8 grams of fiber and 9 grams of protein per serving.
Thai Green Papaya Salad
Our take on this Thai dish is an ode to green papaya, a mild-flavored fruit that is chock full of carotenoids, which can help protect skin cells from damage.
Get the Thai Green Papaya Salad recipe.
Italian-Marinated Chicken with Greens
Blitz together a vinegary herb mixture to use as a marinade for chicken and a dressing for your greens. (By the way, the Test Kitchen found that cooking your chicken in the air fryer lead to the juiciest results.)
Vegetarian Antipasto Salad
Prefer your salad chopped? This crowd-pleasing salad fits the bill and just happens to be loaded with everything good — tomatoes, chickpeas, cukes, parsley and extra-small, extra-fun mozzarella balls.
Get the Vegetarian Antipasto Salad recipe.
Herbed Shrimp and Watercress Salad
Poaching shrimp takes seconds, so it's an ideal protein to keep on hand for when you want to make a salad feel a little more substantial.
Roasted Beet and Orange Salad
Imagine the look on everyone's face when you bring this stunning salad to the table.
Get the Roasted Beet and Orange Salad recipe.
Asparagus and Pea Panzanella
One brilliant way to boost the delish factor of your salad (and get more plants into your everyday) involves adding a ton of fresh herbs into the equation.
Get the Asparagus and Pea Panzanella recipe.
RELATED: 33 Fresh Spring Salads That'll Make the Most of Seasonal Produce
Lemony Brussels Sprout Salad
Introducing one of our all-time favorite ways to serve up Brussels sprouts: raw, thinly sliced, and tossed in a lemony vinaigrette.
Get the Lemony Brussels Sprout Salad recipe.
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette
Ready for fall? Showcase the season's popular squash in the most delicious way possible: sweet and caramelized, courtesy of a short stint in the oven.
Get the Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette recipe.
RELATED: 32 Easy Butternut Squash Recipes Perfect for Cozy Fall Dinners
Cucumber-Melon Salad with Chile and Cilantro
This ultra-hydrating salad stars sliced cucumbers and honeydew melon tossed in a fiery sambal dressing. Serve it with your protein of choice. Grilled chicken, anyone?
Get the Cucumber-Melon Salad with Chile and Cilantro recipe.
Rhubarb and Citrus Salad with Black Pepper Vinaigrette
Rhubarb is only available for a short period of time (read: March through May), so when you see it in the supermarket, add to your cart immediately. Then, go home and make this.
Get the Rhubarb and Citrus Salad with Black Pepper Vinaigrette recipe.
Crispy Chicken Salad
Consider this the better-for-you alternative to a fried chicken salad that's laden with ranch. We DIY-ed our own buttermilk dressing and coated chicken with crushed cornflakes before baking (not frying!).
Get the Crispy Chicken Salad recipe.
Greek Salad
Omitting the optional feta cheese means you could go full vegan with this classic salad.
Get the Greek Salad recipe.
White Bean and Tuna Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
For a protein-packed salad, look to your pantry: This low-calorie dinner gets a boost of the macro from canned white beans and tuna, as well as soft-boiled eggs.
Get the White Bean and Tuna Salad with Basil Vinaigrette recipe.
Seared Steak and Rye Panzanella
For those days when you're extra hungry, but still need your greens.
Trish (she/her) is the deputy food editor at Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things food, from cooking trends and delicious recipes to top-tested kitchen products and grocery finds. She has more than a decade of experience writing about food for GH, Women’s Health, Prevention, Redbook, Woman’s Day, The Daily Meal and Food Network. When she’s not at the supermarket or trying out a new recipe, you can find her at the beach, in her backyard or on the couch — typically with a glass of wine in hand.
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