Are you tired of the same old boring salads that leave you feeling hungry an hour later? Well, you’re in luck because I’ve rounded up 15 High Protein Salad Recipes that are not only quick and easy to make, but also packed with flavor and nutrients. From classic Cobb to spicy shrimp, these salads burst with flavor, blending tender grilled chicken and succulent shrimp with bold, zesty dressings. So if you’re ready to shake up your salad game and fuel your body with some serious protein power, keep reading for some delicious inspiration!
15 High Protein Salad Recipes
1. Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad
Craving a bowl of fresh goodness? Try this Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad! Packed with flavour and protein, this salad is the perfect healthy lunch or dinner option. The star ingredients here are juicy grilled chicken slices, mixed greens, hard-boiled eggs, creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crispy bacon. Top it all off with a dairy-free blue cheese crumble if you’re feeling fancy. The real MVP, though, is the homemade Honey Dijon Dressing – a zesty and sweet combo that ties everything together perfectly. Just whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Pesto Potato Salad
Wow your guests with a refreshing twist on the classic potato salad, infused with creamy pesto goodness. This dish features new potatoes coated in a homemade vegan pesto and mayonnaise sauce that bursts with a zesty, nutty flavour. To make the pesto, simply blend fresh basil, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil until smooth. Once the potatoes are boiled and cooled, mix in the pesto, vegan mayo, lemon zest, and black pepper. Top it off with toasted pine nuts and extra basil for added crunch and freshness. Serve it up right away or save it for later – this salad will keep in the fridge for a few days.
3. Nicoise Salad
Get ready to whip up a delicious and nutritious Nicoise salad that will have you feeling like a fancy French chef in no time! Here’s what you’ll need: extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, shallot, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, petite white or red potatoes, fresh green beans, white tuna in olive oil, kalamata olives, red onion, capers, cherry tomatoes, and hard-boiled eggs. First, mix up the lemon vinaigrette by shaking up all the ingredients in a jar. Cook your potatoes and green beans until they’re tender, then assemble all the goodies on a platter.
Related: 15 High-Protein Sandwiches to Meal Prep for Lunch
4. Holiday Honeycrisp Salad
Make this Holiday Honeycrisp Salad the star of your celebration – its mix of tastes and textures will captivate any crowd. This salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive holiday gathering, a dinner party, or just a regular weeknight dinner. To whip it up, simply make the apple cider vinaigrette, layer your salad ingredients, drizzle on the dressing, and toss it all together. It’s as easy as pie! You can even prep the components in advance to save time.
5. Avocado Tuna Salad with Cucumbers
Get ready to fall in love with this Avocado Tuna Salad with Cucumbers! It’s a refreshing twist on traditional salads, bursting with flavour and texture. Simply mix tuna, avocado, cucumbers, red onions and herbs, then whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper for the dressing. Chill, toss and serve for a deliciously easy meal!
6. Beef Taco Salad
Beef taco salad is the ultimate protein-packed meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With a flavorful mix of ground beef seasoned to perfection with cumin, chilli powder, and garlic, this salad is sure to satisfy your cravings in just 20 minutes. Simply brown the beef, season it up, and simmer it in a savoury tomato paste and beef broth mixture until it’s nice and thick. Then, assemble your salad with romaine lettuce, juicy grape tomatoes, creamy avocado, sweet corn, sharp cheddar cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips. Don’t forget to drizzle it all with a tangy lime and Greek yoghurt dressing for the perfect finishing touch.
7. Mediterranean Delight: Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Tired of the same old boring salads? Well, say hello to your new favorite lunchtime savior – the Mediterranean Delight: Tzatziki Chicken Salad! Packed with protein and bursting with fresh flavors, this salad is sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. With ingredients like juicy chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, tangy feta cheese, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, you’ll be drooling just thinking about it. And the best part? It’s super easy to make! Just whip up the tzatziki, toss together the salad base, add the chicken, dollop on the tzatziki sauce, sprinkle on some feta, and voila – lunch is served.
8. Broccoli Salad
Time to rock your kitchen! Introducing the ultimate broccoli salad: a flavour explosion of tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, sweet cranberries, crispy bacon, crunchy sunflower seeds and zesty red onion! Simply toss all the ingredients together, whisk up a creamy mayo-sour cream dressing, pour, mix and chill for an hour. The perfect side dish or solo lunch is just a mix away!
Related: 15 High Protein Lunch Ideas to Meal Prep on Sunday
9. BLTA Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Looking to up your salad game? You’ve got to try these mouthwatering BLTA chicken salad lettuce wraps. Picture juicy diced chicken mixed with crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and bursts of grape tomatoes all wrapped up in fresh romaine lettuce leaves. The secret sauce? A tangy blend of Greek yoghurt, mayo, and zesty lemon juice. It’s the perfect balance of flavours and textures. And the best part? It’s quick and easy to whip up, making it a perfect protein-packed meal for busy days when you need something delicious and satisfying.
10. Spicy Grilled Shrimp Salad with Jalapeño Lime Vinaigrette
Craving spicy food with a nutritional boost? Get ready to spice up your journey with this fiery and flavorful spicy grilled shrimp salad! Made of juicy shrimp marinated in a chile spice blend, grilled until charred and tender, then mixed with sweet grilled pineapple, creamy avocado, refreshing arugula, cherry tomatoes, and shaved radishes, all drizzled with a zesty jalapeño lime vinaigrette. It’s a party in your mouth with a little kick and a whole lot of fresh ingredients. To make this delicious dish, simply marinate your shrimp in oil, salt, and chile spice blend, then grill until pink and charred.
11. Greek Chickpea Salad
Picture a light and tangy Greek chickpea salad that’s perfect for a quick and nutritious meal. This recipe is packed with classic Mediterranean flavors like fresh veggies, heart-healthy fats, and zesty herbs. Grab a can of garbanzo beans, an English cucumber, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onion, feta cheese, and fresh dill. Mix everything together in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, sprinkle with oregano, salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar. Give it a gentle toss, add more feta cheese, adjust the seasoning, and let it chill in the fridge for extra flavor.
12. Shrimp Avocado Salad
Get ready to elevate your salad game with this mouthwatering Shrimp Avocado Salad recipe. Savor the flavors: shrimp, avocado, lettuce, and a hint of lime, all blended in a rich olive oil dressing. It’s a high protein, low carb dish that’s perfect for those looking for a fresh and flavorful meal. To whip up this salad, start by steaming some large shrimp until they turn bright pink. Then, mix some extra-virgin olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper to create a tangy dressing. Toss the shrimp with shredded lettuce, diced red onions, and creamy avocado slices. Top it all off with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for the finishing touch.
13. Keto Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad
Prepare to be blown away by this fresh and flavorful keto jalapeno popper chicken salad! Imagine the crispy bacon, diced jalapenos, green onions, shredded chicken, and cheddar cheese all coming together in perfect harmony. But wait, it gets even better! Mix in some cream cheese, and mayo, and season with salt and pepper for a creamy, spicy kick that you’ll gonna love. Simply stir everything together, refrigerate until you’re ready to dig in, and feel free to top it off with extra bacon or green onions for an added punch. Trust me, a drizzle of hot sauce will take this salad to a whole new level of deliciousness. Say goodbye to your boring salads!
Related: 15 High-Protein Bowls You Can Make in Under 30 Minutes
14. Crispy Baked Peanut Tofu Bowl
Dive into a flavour explosion with this mouthwatering baked peanut tofu Buddha bowl! This protein-packed masterpiece is a weeknight dinner superstar, delighting kids and adults alike. Simply marinate tofu in tamari, sesame oil and maple syrup, coat in cornstarch and breadcrumbs, and bake until crispy. While that’s cooking, sauté red peppers and kale for a nutritious base. Finish with creamy homemade peanut sauce, fluffy rice, avocado and scallions – dinner perfection!
15. Thai Beef Salad
Need a protein-packed salad that’s bursting with flavour? Pair that with crunchy romaine lettuce, English cucumber, grape tomatoes, cilantro, and fresh mint. Top it all off with a tangy dressing made with lime juice, brown sugar, and fish sauce. With just a few simple steps, like marinating the steak, searing it to perfection, and tossing everything together, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, folks! 15 High Protein Salad Recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day. Whether you’re a meat lover, a seafood enthusiast, or a vegetarian at heart, there’s a salad recipe on this list that will tickle your fancy. So go ahead, whip up one of these delicious creations in no time and bask in the glory of a healthy and satisfying meal.
