These Hearty Dinner Salads Are Anything But Boring

Salads get a bad rap for being light, boring, and totally unsatisfying—but not these. Packed with protein, fiber, and bold flavors, these hearty dinner salads will actually fill you up and keep you feeling good. Crunchy veggies, creamy dressings, and satisfying toppings come together in the best way, proving that a salad can be just as satisfying as any other meal on the table.

Couscous Halloumi Salad

Couscous and vegetable salad in a bowl topped with cheese, nuts, and herbs. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This couscous halloumi salad combines lemony couscous, za’atar-spiced lentils, and grilled halloumi with fresh oregano for a bright, savory bite. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that works for lunch or a light dinner alongside garlic toast or roasted veggies.

Get the recipe: Couscous Halloumi Salad

Carrot Black Lentil Salad

Shredded carrot salad on a plate with black lentils, green onion, and red onion. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Carrot lentil salad is a colorful, nutrient-packed dish that balances hearty lentils with naturally sweet carrots. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for meal prep or a light, satisfying meal.

Get the recipe: Carrot Black Lentil Salad

Greek Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with feta, cucumbers, and oregano. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Greek pasta salad is a fresh, flavorful mix of Mediterranean ingredients and hearty pasta. Al dente pasta is tossed with crisp veggies, tangy feta, olives, and a homemade zesty Greek dressing.

Get the recipe: Greek Pasta Salad

Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with kale and croutons. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Give your pasta salad an upgrade with this Kale Caesar Pasta Salad, a fresh take on the classic Caesar. Crisp kale, navy beans, homemade everything bagel croutons, Parmesan, and tangy Caesar dressing.

Get the recipe: Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

Cabbage Crunch Salad

Cabbage salad in a bowl topped with fresh herbs. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This cabbage crunch salad is ready in 20-minutes, loaded with crispy veggies, a creamy peanut butter dressing, and topped with sliced green onions, cilantro, and chopped peanuts.

Get the recipe: Cabbage Crunch Salad

Southwest Corn Salad

Chopped salad in bowls with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and corn. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Grilled sweet corn on the cob steals the spotlight in this fresh, summery salad, bursting with vibrant southwestern flavors. Charred corn, tomato, jalapeño, bell pepper, cucumber, and creamy avocado, all tossed with chopped romaine for a refreshing, flavorful dish.

Get the recipe: Southwest Corn Salad

Broccoli Crunch Salad

Broccoli salad in a bowl topped with pumpkin seeds. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This broccoli crunch salad is bursting with vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser at any meal. Crispy broccoli, crunchy pepitas, and a smoky chipotle mayo dressing come together for a satisfying, easy way to enjoy your greens!

Get the recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad

Spinach Salad with Apples

Salad in a bowl with greens, sliced apples, pecans, and feta cheese. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Spinach, arugula, and romaine are topped with sweet apple slices, tangy feta, and crunchy pecans. Finished with sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and tossed in a honey balsamic vinaigrette for the perfect bite.

Get the recipe: Spinach Salad with Apples

Pearl Couscous Salad

Salad in a bowl with pearl couscous, tomatoes and herbs. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This pearl couscous salad is made with nutty, chewy couscous, fresh diced vegetables, vibrant herbs, and a zesty squeeze of lemon juice for a light, refreshing dish.

Get the recipe: Pearl Couscous Salad

Kale Chicken Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing

Salad in a bowl with greens, cucumber, herbs, and sliced chicken. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This chicken kale salad is packed with flavor, featuring savory air-fried cumin chicken, crisp cucumbers, kale, and romaine, all tossed in a creamy avocado cilantro dressing. It’s a fresh, satisfying meal that’s perfect for dinner.

Get the recipe: Kale Chicken Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing