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Healthy dinner salads are a great way to enjoy a filling, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. These 15 healthy dinner salad recipes are packed with fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and flavorful dressings to satisfy your hunger while keeping things light.

Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed salad, a plant-based option, or something hearty and wholesome, these recipes have you covered.
Try them out for a delicious and healthy dinner option!
1. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

This Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a protein-rich and satisfying meal with a creamy homemade dressing.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup whole wheat croutons
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- In a bowl, combine lettuce, chicken, croutons, and parmesan cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve fresh and enjoy.
2. Quinoa and Avocado Salad

This Quinoa and Avocado Salad is a hearty and nutrient-packed meal with a refreshing lemon dressing.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- In a bowl, combine quinoa, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve fresh.
3. Lentil and Spinach Salad

This Lentil and Spinach Salad is a protein-rich, fiber-packed meal with a light balsamic vinaigrette.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked lentils, cooled
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- In a bowl, combine lentils, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well.
- Serve fresh or chilled.
4. Thai Peanut Chicken Salad

This Thai Peanut Chicken Salad is a flavorful and satisfying meal with a creamy peanut dressing.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Recipe Steps:
- In a bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, peanuts, cilantro, and chicken.
- In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and ginger.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well.
- Serve fresh and enjoy.
5. Chickpea and Kale Salad

This Chickpea and Kale Salad is a nutrient-dense plant-based dinner option with a lemon tahini dressing.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chopped kale
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- Massage kale with lemon juice to soften.
- Add chickpeas, carrots, and almonds to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve fresh.
6. Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad

This Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad is a fiber-rich and satisfying meal with a touch of spice.
Recipe Metadata
- Time to Make: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 cups roasted sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast diced sweet potatoes until tender.
- In a bowl, combine roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, red bell pepper, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve warm or chilled.
7. Avocado and Spinach Salad with Quinoa

This Avocado and Spinach Salad with Quinoa is a protein-packed meal loaded with heart-healthy fats.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
In a bowl, combine quinoa, spinach, avocado, feta cheese, and almonds.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
Serve fresh.
8. Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Salad
This Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Salad is a light yet filling option with a tangy citrus dressing.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb grilled shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- Grill shrimp until cooked through.
- In a bowl, combine mixed greens, avocado, tomatoes, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Add grilled shrimp to the salad and drizzle with dressing.
- Serve fresh.
9. Turkey and Cranberry Salad

This Turkey and Cranberry Salad is a perfect way to enjoy lean protein with a hint of sweetness.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey breast, diced
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- In a bowl, combine turkey, mixed greens, cranberries, goat cheese, and pecans.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve fresh or chilled.
10. Roasted Chickpea and Kale Salad

This Roasted Chickpea and Kale Salad is a crunchy and satisfying plant-based dinner option.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chopped kale
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- Roast chickpeas in olive oil and paprika at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until crispy.
- Massage kale with lemon juice to soften.
- Add roasted chickpeas, carrots, and almonds to the bowl.
- Toss with salt and pepper and serve fresh.
11. Grilled Salmon and Arugula Salad

This Grilled Salmon and Arugula Salad is a light yet protein-rich dish with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 grilled salmon fillets, flaked
- 4 cups arugula
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- In a bowl, combine arugula, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Add flaked salmon to the salad.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
- Serve fresh.
12. Mediterranean Orzo Salad

This Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a flavorful and filling dish packed with fresh veggies and a light dressing.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked orzo pasta, cooled
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- In a bowl, combine orzo, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
13. Vegan Buddha Bowl Salad

This Vegan Buddha Bowl Salad is a colorful and nutrient-packed meal with a creamy tahini dressing.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup roasted sweet potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup steamed broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chickpeas, roasted
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- In a bowl, arrange quinoa, sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, and chickpeas.
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve fresh and enjoy.
14. Spinach and Strawberry Chicken Salad

This Spinach and Strawberry Chicken Salad is a sweet and savory dish perfect for a light yet filling dinner.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- In a bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, almonds, goat cheese, and chicken.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve immediately.
15. Roasted Veggie and Hummus Salad

This Roasted Veggie and Hummus Salad is a delicious plant-based option packed with flavor and nutrients.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup hummus
- 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast vegetables until tender.
- In a bowl, combine mixed greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and roasted vegetables.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well.
- Serve with a dollop of hummus on top.