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A good dinner salad should leave you feeling energized and satisfied—not hungry an hour later. The secret is combining lean protein, healthy fats, fiber-rich vegetables, and wholesome ingredients that naturally support your body’s overall wellness. These anti-inflammatory dinner salads are designed to be hearty enough for dinner while staying fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor.
From grilled salmon and chicken to shrimp, turkey, tofu, quinoa, and nutrient-rich greens, each recipe is loaded with ingredients like olive oil, avocado, berries, walnuts, leafy greens, turmeric, ginger, and fresh herbs. They’re easy enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough to serve to guests.
1. 38g Protein Grilled Salmon and Blueberry Spinach Salad
This hearty salad combines omega-3-rich salmon with antioxidant-packed blueberries, creamy avocado, crunchy walnuts, and fresh spinach for a satisfying dinner that keeps you full for hours.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- ½ English cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Lemon Dijon Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Pat the salmon dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Grill the salmon for 5–6 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before breaking it into large pieces.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, blueberries, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, walnuts, feta, and parsley.
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Place the grilled salmon over the salad.
- Drizzle with the dressing just before serving and toss gently.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 2
Nutrition (Approx.): 495 Calories | 38g Protein | 18g Carbs | 30g Fat
2. 36g Protein Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad
Loaded with grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, olives, chickpeas, and feta, this colorful Mediterranean-inspired salad is packed with protein and healthy fats.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- ¼ cup sliced Kalamata olives
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Lemon Herb Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a little dried oregano.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the romaine, cucumber, tomatoes, chickpeas, olives, feta, onion, and parsley.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Arrange the sliced chicken over the salad.
- Drizzle with the dressing and gently toss before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Nutrition (Approx.): 485 Calories | 36g Protein | 20g Carbs | 25g Fat
3. 33g Protein Garlic Shrimp Avocado Salad
Juicy garlic shrimp, creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and a bright lime dressing create a refreshing dinner that’s surprisingly filling.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- ¼ cup sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Lime Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, half of the garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1 teaspoon olive oil.
- Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- In a large bowl, combine the greens, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, cabbage, onion, and cilantro.
- Whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, remaining garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add the warm shrimp to the salad.
- Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition (Approx.): 420 Calories | 33g Protein | 14g Carbs | 22g Fat
4. 35g Protein Turkey Taco Dinner Salad
This taco-inspired salad delivers all the flavors of taco night without the heavy shell, making it a filling and nutritious dinner.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% lean)
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium avocado, diced
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Taco Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Lime Dressing
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground turkey and cook for 7–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in all of the taco seasoning and cook for another 2 minutes.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine, tomatoes, corn, black beans, avocado, onion, and cilantro.
- Whisk together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, and honey.
- Spoon the warm turkey over the salad.
- Drizzle with the dressing and toss before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition (Approx.): 470 Calories | 35g Protein | 24g Carbs | 24g Fat
5. 34g Protein Asian Chicken Cabbage Salad
Crunchy cabbage, grilled chicken, carrots, almonds, and edamame come together with a light sesame ginger dressing for an incredibly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shelled edamame
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Sesame Ginger Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Grill the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, edamame, almonds, green onions, and cilantro.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Add the sliced chicken to the salad.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Nutrition (Approx.): 490 Calories | 34g Protein | 21g Carbs | 26g Fat
6. 32g Protein Quinoa Chicken Power Salad
Packed with lean chicken, quinoa, roasted vegetables, spinach, and pumpkin seeds, this nutrient-dense salad provides lasting energy and plenty of protein.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup roasted broccoli florets
- 1 roasted red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ avocado, sliced
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese
Lemon Garlic Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Grill the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Arrange the spinach in a large serving bowl.
- Top with quinoa, broccoli, roasted pepper, avocado, pumpkin seeds, and goat cheese.
- Add the sliced chicken on top.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients until emulsified.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Nutrition (Approx.): 498 Calories | 32g Protein | 24g Carbs | 27g Fat
7. 34g Protein Mediterranean Salmon Quinoa Salad
This hearty salad combines flaky salmon, protein-rich quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a lemon herb dressing for a satisfying dinner that’s loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup sliced Kalamata olives
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Lemon Herb Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Pat the salmon dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Grill for 5–6 minutes per side until the salmon flakes easily and reaches 145°F internally.
- Allow the salmon to rest for 5 minutes before breaking it into large chunks.
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta, onion, and parsley.
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the grilled salmon to the salad.
- Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 2
Nutrition (Approx.): 520 Calories | 34g Protein | 25g Carbs | 30g Fat
8. 36g Protein Grilled Chicken Strawberry Walnut Salad
Sweet strawberries, crunchy walnuts, grilled chicken, and mixed greens create a refreshing salad that’s surprisingly filling.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1½ cups sliced fresh strawberries
- ½ avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
Balsamic Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Arrange the salad greens in a large bowl.
- Add the strawberries, avocado, walnuts, goat cheese, and onion.
- Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Top the salad with sliced chicken.
- Drizzle with the dressing just before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Nutrition (Approx.): 510 Calories | 36g Protein | 22g Carbs | 29g Fat
9. 35g Protein Garlic Shrimp Kale Power Salad
Massaged kale becomes tender and delicious when paired with juicy shrimp, roasted sweet potatoes, pumpkin seeds, and avocado.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 cups chopped kale
- 1½ cups roasted sweet potato cubes
- 1 medium avocado, diced
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Lemon Garlic Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Toss the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1 teaspoon olive oil.
- Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
- Place the chopped kale into a large bowl.
- Add one tablespoon of the dressing and massage the kale for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the sweet potatoes, avocado, cucumber, onion, and pumpkin seeds.
- Top with the warm shrimp.
- Drizzle with the remaining dressing before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition (Approx.): 475 Calories | 35g Protein | 24g Carbs | 22g Fat
10. 33g Protein Southwest Turkey Taco Salad
This colorful dinner salad features seasoned lean turkey, black beans, avocado, vegetables, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% lean)
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Dressing
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Brown the turkey in a skillet over medium heat for 7–8 minutes.
- Stir in all the seasonings and cook for another 2 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, onion, and cilantro.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Spoon the warm turkey over the salad.
- Drizzle with the dressing.
- Toss gently and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition (Approx.): 490 Calories | 33g Protein | 28g Carbs | 23g Fat
11. 31g Protein Asian Sesame Tofu Salad
Extra-firm tofu, crunchy vegetables, edamame, almonds, and a homemade sesame ginger dressing create a protein-packed vegetarian dinner.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 (14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 6 cups shredded cabbage mix
- 1 cup shelled edamame
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Sesame Ginger Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Press the tofu for 30 minutes and pat dry.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the tofu for 8–10 minutes, turning until golden on all sides.
- Combine the cabbage, carrots, cucumber, edamame, almonds, green onions, and cilantro in a large serving bowl.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients.
- Add the warm tofu to the salad.
- Pour the dressing over everything and toss well before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition (Approx.): 445 Calories | 31g Protein | 21g Carbs | 23g Fat
12. 37g Protein Grilled Steak Arugula Salad
Lean grilled sirloin steak, peppery arugula, roasted vegetables, walnuts, and Parmesan create a restaurant-quality dinner salad that’s both filling and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 pound lean sirloin steak
- 5 cups baby arugula
- 1 cup roasted asparagus pieces
- 1 cup roasted cherry tomatoes
- ½ avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons shaved Parmesan cheese
Balsamic Dijon Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the steak with salt and pepper.
- Grill for about 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or cook to your preferred doneness.
- Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Arrange the arugula, roasted asparagus, roasted tomatoes, avocado, walnuts, and Parmesan in a large serving bowl.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Top the salad with sliced steak.
- Drizzle with the dressing and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition (Approx.): 495 Calories | 37g Protein | 14g Carbs | 30g Fat
13. 35g Protein Mediterranean Chickpea Chicken Salad
This hearty Mediterranean-inspired salad combines grilled chicken, fiber-rich chickpeas, crisp vegetables, and creamy feta for a satisfying dinner packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 5 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup sliced Kalamata olives
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Lemon Oregano Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine, chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta, onion, and parsley.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Arrange the sliced chicken over the salad.
- Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Nutrition (Approx.): 505 Calories | 35g Protein | 24g Carbs | 27g Fat
14. 34g Protein Garlic Lime Shrimp Mango Salad
Sweet mango, grilled shrimp, creamy avocado, and crisp greens make this refreshing salad both filling and full of vibrant flavor.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Lime Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Toss the shrimp with half of the garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the salad greens, mango, avocado, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro.
- Whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, remaining garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Top the salad with the warm shrimp.
- Drizzle with the dressing just before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition (Approx.): 445 Calories | 34g Protein | 22g Carbs | 21g Fat
15. 33g Protein Roasted Turkey Sweet Potato Salad
Lean roasted turkey pairs beautifully with roasted sweet potatoes, spinach, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds for a satisfying dinner salad.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 pound cooked turkey breast, sliced
- 2 cups roasted sweet potato cubes
- 5 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- ½ cup cucumber slices
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese
Maple Dijon Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Roast the sweet potato cubes at 400°F for 25 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
- Arrange the spinach in a large serving bowl.
- Add the roasted sweet potatoes, turkey, cucumber, onion, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and goat cheese.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients until well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition (Approx.): 485 Calories | 33g Protein | 28g Carbs | 22g Fat
16. 36g Protein Grilled Salmon Kale Power Salad
Tender grilled salmon, massaged kale, roasted vegetables, quinoa, and walnuts create a nutrient-dense salad that’s hearty enough for dinner.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- 5 cups chopped kale
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup roasted broccoli florets
- ½ avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Lemon Garlic Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Grill the salmon for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Allow the salmon to rest before flaking into large pieces.
- Massage the chopped kale with one tablespoon of the dressing for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the quinoa, broccoli, carrots, avocado, and walnuts.
- Place the salmon on top.
- Drizzle with the remaining dressing and toss gently before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Nutrition (Approx.): 515 Calories | 36g Protein | 24g Carbs | 31g Fat
17. 32g Protein Grilled Chicken Avocado Cobb Salad
This healthier Cobb salad swaps bacon for extra grilled chicken while keeping creamy avocado, eggs, vegetables, and a homemade vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
Red Wine Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Arrange the lettuce in a large serving bowl.
- Add the eggs, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, blue cheese, and chives.
- Place the sliced chicken over the top.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients.
- Drizzle over the salad and toss gently before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Nutrition (Approx.): 495 Calories | 32g Protein | 14g Carbs | 31g Fat
18. 31g Protein Asian Sesame Tuna Salad
Seared tuna, crunchy cabbage, edamame, carrots, and cucumbers come together with a homemade sesame ginger dressing for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 fresh tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shelled edamame
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Sesame Ginger Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over high heat.
- Sear the tuna for 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare or cook longer if desired.
- Rest the tuna for 3 minutes before slicing thinly.
- Combine the cabbage, edamame, carrots, cucumber, onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro in a large bowl.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients.
- Top the salad with sliced tuna.
- Drizzle with the dressing before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Servings: 2
Nutrition (Approx.): 465 Calories | 31g Protein | 20g Carbs | 24g Fat
19. 30g Protein Roasted Vegetable Lentil Salad
Protein-rich lentils, roasted vegetables, spinach, and pumpkin seeds create a hearty vegetarian dinner that’s rich in fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups cooked green lentils
- 2 cups roasted cauliflower florets
- 1 cup roasted Brussels sprouts, halved
- 4 cups baby spinach
- ½ avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Lemon Herb Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Roast the cauliflower and Brussels sprouts at 425°F for 25 minutes until browned.
- Arrange the spinach in a large serving bowl.
- Add the cooked lentils, roasted vegetables, avocado, pumpkin seeds, feta, and parsley.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition (Approx.): 430 Calories | 30g Protein | 31g Carbs | 18g Fat
20. 37g Protein Grilled Chicken Harvest Salad
This colorful dinner salad combines grilled chicken with roasted butternut squash, apples, pecans, spinach, cranberries, and goat cheese for the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
- 5 cups baby spinach
- 2 cups roasted butternut squash cubes
- 1 Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Grill the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Arrange the spinach in a large serving bowl.
- Add the roasted butternut squash, apple slices, cranberries, pecans, goat cheese, and onion.
- Place the sliced chicken on top.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 2
Nutrition (Approx.): 510 Calories | 37g Protein | 26g Carbs | 28g Fat
Conclusion
A dinner salad should be more than just leafy greens—it should be satisfying enough to keep you full while delivering the nutrients your body needs. These 20 Anti-Inflammatory Dinner Salads That Actually Fill You Up combine lean proteins, healthy fats, fiber-rich vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and flavorful homemade dressings to create complete meals you’ll actually look forward to eating. Whether you’re craving grilled salmon, juicy chicken, shrimp, tuna, or a hearty vegetarian option, these filling salads make healthy eating both delicious and effortless.









