Nothing hits the spot like a fresh, crunchy healthy dinner salad on a warm summer evening. But, you don’t want to keep serving up the same boring lettuce and tomato routine.

That’s why I’ve gathered together a list of all my fave healthy dinner salad recipes, so you can pick and choose and keep the family happy, full, and feeling great.

Healthy doesn’t mean bland, and you’ll find tempting choices that are inspired by the flavors of Italy, Mexico, the Southwest, the Middle-East, and Greece. I’ve even got a Big Mac salad and a pizza salad – because who says you can’t trick your taste buds into thinking you ordered takeout while actually eating a salad?

So, let’s ditch the not-so-healthy stuff and toss together a salad that’s full of goodness.

1. Southwest Chicken Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

​To start – you’ll have to forgive this European gal for not knowing how absolutely delish Southwestern food is! After spending time in Texas, I had to make a recipe to remind me of the flavors.

So, here’s my Southwest chicken salad that combines smoky, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors with just the right hint of citrus. It’s perfect for a healthy family dinner on the patio under the stars.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 354
• Fats: 7.2g
• Protein: 33g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fiber: 9.5g
• Sugar: 6.2g

2. Italian Chicken Pasta Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

While pasta salads are great, they sometimes lack flavor and aren’t as nutritious as they should be.

This Italian chicken pasta salad is a winner, packed with vibrant veggies, tender rotisserie chicken, and authentic Italian flavors. And, it takes only 30 minutes to prep and cook – perfect for a busy weeknight.

Check out these other fresh and light summer meals!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 456
• Fats: 19g
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 49g
• Fiber: 3.6g
• Sugar: 4.5g

3. Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese

Source: allnutritious.com

Can I tempt you with a salad packed with colorful vegetables, creamy salty feta cheese, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and a sweet tangy dressing?

It’s delicious and healthy and you’ll want to put it on repeat.

Serve it as a main dish or as a side dish with seared chicken breasts, grilled shrimp skewers,

sliced flank steak, steamed fish with lemon, or pan-fried tofu.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 315
• Fats: 27g
• Protein: 5.8g
• Carbs: 13g
• Fiber: 2.7g
• Sugar: 7.9g

4. Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

Imagine – the tang of banana peppers, the crunch of celery, and mild oniony notes in a salad that’s also healthy and delicious.

This healthy summer dinner is a really simple dish that takes only 15 minutes to prepare. It’s packed with protein and low in carbs, so you get the best of both worlds – big flavor and feel-good nutrition.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 316
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 9.1g
• Fiber: 2.2g
• Sugar: 4.1g

5. Mexican Bean Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

Not all salads have to be filled with greens, and here’s a fab recipe for a Mexican-inspired salad that includes black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell peppers, and no lettuce!

This one’s always a crowd-pleaser – I love making it when guests come over. It also makes a great vegetarian taco filling or a spicy dip for tortilla chips.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 287
• Fats: 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 39g
• Fiber: 13g
• Sugar: 4.7g

6. Chipotle Chicken Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

This salad combines chipotle chicken on a bed of fresh greens, vegetables, avocado, and cheddar cheese, drizzled with the most delicious honey mango dressing. It’s fruity, refreshing, filling, and a little spicy.

Who can resist these awesome Mexican flavors, knowing that it’s also super-healthy and so easy to make?

Per Serving:

• Calories: 596
• Fats: 25g
• Protein: 39g
• Carbs: 61g
• Fiber: 15g
• Sugar: 28g

7. Black Bean Corn Avocado Salad

Source: saltandlavender.com

Black beans, corn, and avocado are the perfect trio, and paired with a lime vinaigrette, you have a delectable Southwestern dream.

Natasha from Salt & Lavender provides the recipe for this hearty, bright, and zesty salad. It’s perfect to take along to a BBQ or potluck and show off your kitchen skills.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 338
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 10g
• Carbs: 44g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 4g

8. Blackened Shrimp Salad

Source: chefsavvy.com

Surprise the family with a tasty, healthy meal – I LUV this recipe from Kelley at Chef Savvy.

Imagine – a blackened shrimp salad loaded with tons of flavor and piled high with fresh ingredients like salsa, corn, black beans, avocado, and spicy blackened shrimp. It’s served with a honey jalapeño dressing that’s sweet, tart, and super creamy.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 167
• Fats: 8g
• Protein: 11.4g
• Carbs: 13.9g
• Fiber: 2.9g
• Sugar: 2.1g

9. Chicken Taco Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

Source: theroastedroot.net

Everyone loves a taco, but they can be greasy, unhealthy, and time-consuming to make.

This great recipe brings all the classic taco flavors in a healthy bowl that features marinated baked chicken, fresh veggies, and a delicious homemade cilantro lime dressing.

This power bowl is filling and nourishing, and the kids will love it.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 855
• Fats: 56g
• Protein: 48g
• Carbs: 44g
• Fiber: 18g
• Sugar: 8g

10. Easy Spinach Salad

Source: ifoodreal.com

Next up, a great spinach salad with eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms, sesame seeds, and a healthy salad dressing.

It’s so easy to put together and also versatile. You can vary it by adding chopped apples and dried cranberries, or make it tangy by adding feta cheese, goat cheese, or grated Parmesan cheese.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 158
• Fats: 13g
• Protein: 6g
• Carbs: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

11. Grilled Chicken Salad

Source: dinneratthezoo.com

Don’t think that this is another boring chicken salad – it’s not.

This grilled chicken salad delivers tender marinated chicken that’s grilled to perfection, served over lettuce with bacon, avocado, corn, blue cheese, and tomatoes.

It’s the perfect dinner for a warm summer evening when you want something fresh, nutritious, light, and ultra-tasty.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 480
• Fats: 23g
• Protein: 23g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g

12. Easy Tuna Salad

Source: scrummylane.com

Dinner is ready in 10 minutes?

Just grab a can of tuna, then add tangy cheese and chopped onion, crisp and juicy lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes, creamy avocado, pickled beetroot and some crunchy nuts or seeds on top.

This recipe from Helen at Scrummy Lane is my go-to at least once a week.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 546
• Fats: 42g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 22g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 9g

13. Big Mac Salad

Source: wholesomeyum.com

How do you serve up the flavors of a drive-thru in a salad and get the kids to love it? Try this amazing recipe from Maya at Wholesome Yum.

It tastes like a Big Mac with a crispy salad and a sweet, creamy, copycat Big Mac sauce. Best of all, it’s healthy, clean-eating, low-carb, and packed with protein.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 368
• Fats: 31g
• Protein: 18g
• Carbs: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

14. Balsamic Steak Salad

Source: mykitchenlove.com

Juicy steak slices, grilled vegetables, crumbled blue cheese, and a balsamic reduction drizzle make this steak salad recipe perfect for summer.

Meat lovers will be thrilled to dig into this hearty, flavor-packed salad. Serve it with a side of lightly seasoned potatoes or grilled asparagus.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 599
• Fats: 25g
• Protein: 41g
• Carbs: 56g
• Fiber: 9g
• Sugar: 9g

15. Tzatziki Salmon Salad

Source: theroastedroot.net

Salmon always adds a fancy vibe to a meal – that’s why I love to make this salad when guests come over.

This healthy salmon salad features delicious baked salmon over fresh greens, creamy avocado, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a homemade tzatziki sauce for the dressing.

It’s refreshing, zesty, tangy, creamy, full of energizing nutrients, and … stylish!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 503
• Fats: 29g
• Protein: 43g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 6g

16. Avocado Corn Salad

Source: saltandlavender.com

Sweet corn goes perfectly with creamy avocado and garden tomatoes in this simple summer salad. Topped with a honey-lime dressing that’s both zesty and bright with a hint of sweetness, it’s a winner.

I make this for BBQs and cookouts and guests always ask for seconds and the recipe.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 314
• Fats: 23g
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 29g
• Fiber: 9g
• Sugar: 7g

17. Steak Salad with Berries, Avocado, and Goddess Dressing

Source: theroastedroot.net

Swoon-worthy and delish – this exotic salad combines strawberries, blueberries, avocado, feta cheese, pumpkin seeds, onion, and a creamy herby dressing.

I use grilled or smoked beef to add that amazing smoky charred flavor. I also toast the pumpkin seeds for extra rich flavor and deliciousness. Give it a try.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 862
• Fats: 59g
• Protein: 47g
• Carbs: 39g
• Fiber: 18g
• Sugar: 18g

18. Maple Swiss Chard Salad

Source: itsavegworldafterall.com

Wondering what to do with leftover holiday turkey?

Lizzie from It’s a Veg World After All, has a scrumptious salad idea that combines turkey with apples, pecans, and dried cranberries, all finished in an irresistible sweet and tangy maple dressing.

She uses rainbow Swiss chard, which has deep green leaves, bright multicolored stems and veins, and a uniquely rich, earthy flavor.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 346
• Fats: 17g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 15g

19. Crunchy Taco Salad with Spiced Ground Turkey

Source: theroastedroot.net

When you need a well-rounded, super easy meal to throw together in the week, take a look at this crunchy taco salad with spiced ground turkey.

It’s packed with tender ground turkey and includes two great root veggies – radishes and jicama. The dressing is a sweet, garlicky, fresh cilantro-lime vinaigrette.

This is no ordinary salad – it’s a flavor-packed bowl that’ll leave you wondering why all dinners aren’t this fun.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 764
• Fats: 50g
• Protein: 49g
• Carbs: 39g
• Fiber: 12g
• Sugar: 18g

20. Steak Salad with Orange Honey Dressing

Source: rachelcooks.com

In a rush? In just 16 minutes you can make this fabulous steak salad with crisp romaine, carrots, celery, and juicy orange sections, dressed with a tangy orange honey vinaigrette.

The family will think you ordered out from a fancy restaurant.

Serve it with crusty whole grain rolls and a glass of rosé or sangria for the adults.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 538
• Fats: 17g
• Protein: 54g
• Carbs: 43g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 34g

21. Strawberry Chicken Salad

Source: deliciousonadime.com

Think – savory tender chicken, juicy summer strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and earthy walnuts, all in a creamy, sweet maple dressing.

It’s the perfect dinner salad that’s healthy, delicious, and filling. You can serve the chicken pieces hot so they melt the cheese, or let them cool to room temp. You decide!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 336
• Fats: 23g
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 13g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g

22. Kale Salad with Grilled Chicken

Source: simply2moms.com

When my family refused to eat kale, I made this salad and watched them polish it off with relish – before they even realized what was in it!

It’s a delicious combo of grilled chicken pieces and fresh kale, tossed in a dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. To finish – topped with optional sprouted grain croutons or smokey pork rind.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 672
• Fats: 41g
• Protein: 55g
• Carbs: 26g
• Fiber: 9g
• Sugar: 1g

23. Shrimp Salad

Source: saltandlavender.com

Here’s another warm-weather seafood dish that’s healthy, tasty, refreshing, and delightful to eat outdoors on a lazy weekend.

The secret is in the sauce – Natasha from Salt & Lavender uses horseradish and Worcestershire sauce to amp up the savory flavor even more.

To make a classy party ice-breaker – spoon the shrimp salad into avocado halves and offer them to guests as they arrive.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 316
• Fats: 23g
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

24. Crispy Chicken Salad

Source: thecozycook.com

Crispy chicken strips served with homemade honey mustard over a bed of lettuce with tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips – Yes Please.

If you’re craving the Crispy Chicken Salad from Friendly’s, this is a healthy, homemade version that’s just as tempting.

To make it even better, you can add additional ingredients like avocado, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, olives, parmesan cheese, bacon, or homemade croutons.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 691
• Fats: 39g
• Protein: 51g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

25. Easy Halloumi Salad

Source: iheartvegetables.com

I had to include a Middle-Eastern-inspired dish, and halloumi is the perfect choice.

This salad serves up cold, crunchy veggies – cucumber, romaine, red onion, bell peppers, – with crispy creamy grilled halloumi, and a fabulous za’atar seasoning.

If you haven’t come across za’atar seasoning, it’s a blend of dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, sesame seeds, and salt. Give it a go.

Per Serving

• Calories: 238
• Fats: 19.4g
• Protein: 9g
• Carbs: 7.9g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Sugar: 5.1g

26. BBQ Chicken Salad

Source: jenniferbanz.com

This salad will not leave you feeling hungry an hour after eating – it’s a filling bowl of healthy veggies, topped with cheese, tangy BBQ chicken, and creamy ranch.

I love this recipe because it’s perfect for meal prep – I can whip it up ahead of time and breeze through a busy week without the dinner stress.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 330
• Fats: 16g
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fiber: 5g

27. Pizza Salad

Source: iheartvegetables.com

As I promised – for the kids who can’t do with takeout – a pizza salad that includes all their favorite toppings, served on a bed of lettuce.

The recipe uses flatbread as the pizza crust and includes all the classic pizza ingredients. It’s super easy to make and always manages to wow the family.

It’s a great way to eat healthy while enjoying the satisfying flavors of a tasty pizza.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 246
• Fats: 13.1g
• Protein: 13.9g
• Carbs: 19.2g
• Fiber: 4.1g
• Sugar: 4.1g