20 High Protein Salads You're Going to Love

Need to increase your protein intake? Give these high-protein salads a try. They’re refreshing, full of nutrition, and extra yummy!

Let’s face it: we could all add a few more greens to our diet. And salads are a terrific way to do this.

But usually, salads are lacking a little something. And that something is protein.

Of all the macros, protein fills you up the most. So it’s no wonder that your typical Salad leaves you craving a little something more.

So, today I’m sharing 20 High Protein Salads. They’re not only filling but are delicious too.

So, get out your forks, and let’s start eating.

1. Mexican Coleslaw Salad

Source: kiipfit.com

Tired of traditional Coleslaw Salad? Change it up with this Mexican Coleslaw Salad.

This Salad is a fiesta in your mouth. It’s brimming with Mexican flavors: bell peppers, avocado, jalapeno peppers, and black beans.

After eating this Salad, you may never go back to regular coleslaw. Just saying.

You’ll love the dressing too. It’s creamy, spicy, tangy, and cheesy.

Yet, it’s completely dairy-free. To give it a cheesy taste, you’ll be using nutritional yeast.

Besides adding cheesy flavors, nutritional yeast is good for you too. It is an excellent source of plant-based protein.

And it is rich in B vitamins which you need for brain health. It may even boost your immune system.

Besides using it in salad dressings, you can use it in sauces or even soups. If you’d like to try it, you can get some here.

Per Serving:

Calories: 249
Fats: 10g
Protein: 11g
Carbs: 29g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g

2. Kidney Beans Salad with Cheese Avocado Dressing

Source: kiipfit.com

Summer is a great time to lie in your hammock. It’s also a great time to fire up the grill.

But sometimes it’s so hot that you want to skip the grill entirely. This Salad is for days like that.

This Salad is simple yet tasty. The cherry tomatoes add sweetness, while the walnuts add some crunch.

Meanwhile, the lettuce adds freshness, and the kidney beans make it very filling.

Besides being rich in plant-based protein, kidney beans are pretty nutritious. They are rich in fiber which promotes healthy digestion.

They are also excellent sources of folate, which you need to make DNA. So, eat up those kidney beans!

Per Serving:

Calories: 430
Fats: 19g
Protein: 23g
Carbs: 44g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g

3. Meal Prep High Protein Chicken Salad

Source: skinnyfitalicious.com

Are you trying to lose weight? Then eating low-calorie meals is critical.

But many low-calorie meals can taste quite bland. And no one wants to eat boring food – despite how much weight one can lose.

This Chicken Salad contains only 129 calories. And it tastes great too.

The red grapes add a delightful sweetness, while the green bell peppers add some crunch. Meanwhile, the sage and thyme add freshness.

Who knew a low-calorie meal could taste this good?

Instead of adding mayo to your chicken salad, you will be adding Greek yogurt. Besides being rich in protein, Greek yogurt is also rich in calcium.

So, it’s good for your bones. It also contains probiotics that keep your gut bacteria healthy.

What I love most about this Salad is that it takes only 10 minutes to prepare. So you can be in and out of the kitchen in no time at all.

This is a great healthy lunch recipe.

Per Serving:

Calories: 129
Fats: 2g
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 5g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 4g

4. High Protein Fresh Vegan Salad with Hummus

Source: theliveinkitchen.com

More of us are adding more plant-based dishes to our meal plans. And for a good reason – adding more plant-based meals has benefits.

Eating plant-based meals improves your gut health. This, in turn, can reduce inflammation.

Eating plant-based meals can also help you maintain a healthy weight.

But often, people are concerned about the amount of protein in plant-based dishes. With this Vegan Salad with Hummus, you are getting boatloads of protein.

In fact, you’re getting a whopping 31 grams of protein. So, this Salad is very filling.

This Salad looks and tastes good. The carrots add sweetness, while the radishes add spiciness.

Meanwhile, the sun-dried tomatoes add tanginess, and the leafy greens add some bitterness.

And the hummus, pepitas, and hemp hearts add tons of plant-based protein. Besides being rich in protein, hemp hearts are also rich in heart-healthy omega-3s.

They also contain calcium which is essential for healthy bones. Besides adding them to your salads, you can also add them to your cereal or yogurt.

You can even use them in your smoothies. If you’d like to try some, you can get some here.

Check out more high protein vegan meals here.

Per Serving:

Calories: 629
Fats: 33g
Protein: 31g
Carbs: 63
Fiber: 17g
Sugar: 10g

5. Thai Salad with Sesame Crusted Tofu

Source: nosweatvegan.com

Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein. That’s because it’s a complete protein, a protein that contains all the essential amino acids.

But let’s face it: tofu can be downright horrible. That’s because it’s pretty tasteless on its own.

However, when you season it well, it can be so yummy – just like the tofu in this Salad.

It’s crispy and has umami and sweet notes. The addition of sesame seeds gives it some Asian flair.

And the tofu sits amid a bed of veggies. There’s mixed green, red cabbage, white cabbage, carrots, and red bell peppers.

So, you’re getting tons of antioxidants. The addition of the mandarin oranges adds even more sweetness, while the raw cashews add crunch. You’ll be coming back for more

To ensure your tofu gets nice and crispy, make sure you press your tofu well. You can do this by wrapping your tofu in a clean towel and placing a heavy book on it.

Or, to make things easier, you can use a tofu press instead. This one here is dishwasher-safe and doesn’t contain BPA plastic.

Per Serving:

Calories: 375
Fats: 21g
Protein: 18g
Carbs: 33g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 15g

6. Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

Source: slowthecookdown.com

Are you more of a meat-and-potatoes person? I have just the Salad for you.

This Salad is all about the steak. The flank steak is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

And it is flanked – pardon the pun – by colorful veggies. Then it’s all topped by a rich blue cheese dressing.

Your tastebuds will be so delighted.

Besides being rich in protein, this Salad is also rich in immune-boosting Vitamin A. It even contains potassium which promotes healthy blood pressure.

Now keep in mind that this dish contains beef, which is not great for the environment. So it’s more of a “sometimes” salad.

Per Serving:

Calories: 463
Fats: 31g
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 18g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 7g

7. Salmon Kale Salad

Source: champagne-tastes.com

Are you more of a seafood lover? Then give this Salmon Kale Salad a try.

This Salad is full of yummy flavors and textures. The salmon and potatoes make this Salad pretty hearty.

Meanwhile, the sweetness of the apples is complemented by the bitterness of the kale. And there’s cheesy goodness from the Parmesan cheese.

Everything is topped with a delightful creamy Tahini dressing.

Besides being rich in protein, salmon is good for you too. It’s an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3s.

It even contains brain-boosting B vitamins. So, that’s another good excuse to eat more salmon.

Per Serving:

Calories: 721
Fats: 41g
Protein: 38g
Carbs: 55g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 14g

8. Mexican Bean Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

Are you tired of salad greens in your salads? This Mexican Bean Salad provides a welcome change.

It’s full of Mexican Flava, from the creamy black beans, juicy tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, sweet corn, and cilantro.

And there’s not a leafy green in sight. So, it holds pretty well with the dressing already on it.

In fact, it will last up to 4 days in the fridge. To keep your Salad tasting fresh longer, just place it in airtight food storage containers.

Personally, I prefer glass containers like this because they do a better job of locking in freshness.

However, if you prefer plastic containers, these BPA-free containers are also a good choice.

Per Serving:

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

9. Cobb Salad with Cilantro

Source: razzledazzlelife.com

Do you like classics with a spin? Then you’ll love this Cobb Salad with Cilantro.

It has all the usual goodies, like lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, and avocado. But it also has some unexpected additions – like shrimp and blue cheese.

And it totally works. The addition of the shrimp and blue cheese take this Salad from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll definitely want this Salad on your weekly menu rotation.

Besides being rich in protein, shrimp is also low in calories. So, it’s the perfect “diet” food.

It’s also rich in selenium, a potent antioxidant. So go ahead, and eat that shrimp.

Per Serving:

Calories: 217
Fats: 13g
Protein: 18g
Carbs: 7g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g

10. Summer Strawberry Chicken Salad

Source: bucketlisttummy.com

Looking for a good excuse to fire up the grill? Then make this Summer Strawberry Chicken Salad.

This isn’t your token Salad that goes with hamburgers and hot dogs. That’s because it has a ton of protein from the chicken.

So you can eat it on its own. And the balance of chicken and leafy greens is spot on.

And the strawberries and strawberry marinade complements the bitter salad greens.

With a salad like this, who needs hamburgers or hot dogs?

Per Serving:

Calories: 587
Fats: 31g
Protein: 39g
Carbs: 43g
Fiber: 11g
Sugar: 26g

11. Oven Roasted Shrimp & Cauliflower Salad

Source: ketocookingwins.com

Are you looking for a low-carb salad option for your backyard barbecue? This Oven Roasted Shrimp & Cauliflower Salad is a great choice.

It’s full of succulent shrimp, sweet red onions, creamy feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, cauliflower, and crispy bell peppers.

But the best thing is that it only contains 3 grams of net carbs. So, it won’t ruin your ketosis.

Not serving this right away? Add some lemon juice to add a burst of freshness.

Per Serving:

Calories: 171
Fats: 11g
Protein: 13g
Carbs: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

12. Moroccan Inspired Quinoa

Source: occasionallyeggs.com

Looking to add a Mediterranean twist to your salads? Give this Moroccan Inspired Quinoa Carrot Salad a try.

It’s full of Moroccan influences: from the sweet dates, fluffy quinoa, creamy chickpeas, and crunchy sunflower seeds.

The baby greens and parsley add freshness. And the lemon-ginger vinaigrette is the icing on top of the cake, ahem, Salad.

It’s spicy, tangy, and sweet. So it complements the Salad nicely.

Besides adding protein, quinoa is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s chock full of manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus, which is essential for healthy bones.

It even contains iron which boosts your energy levels. As an added bonus, it’s gluten-free.

So it’s the perfect grain if you have gluten allergies. If you’d like to stock up on it, you can get some here.

Per Serving:

Calories: 434
Fats: 6g
Protein: 17g
Carbs: 31g
Fiber: 19g
Sugar: 5g

13. Shredded Beef & Mint Salad

Source: atastefortravel.ca

Ready for some Latin-American-inspired cuisine? I’ve got you covered.

On the menu is Salpicón de Res, also known as Shredded Beef & Mint Salad. It is popular in Latin American countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

This Salad is full of delicious flavors, from the beef’s savory, sweetness of the oranges, the heat of the jalapeno peppers, and tanginess of the lime.

Best of all, this Salad makes 6 servings. So, it’s perfect for serving a crowd.

Per Serving:

Calories: 341
Fats: 17g
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g

14. Tuna Asparagus Salad

Source: masalaherb.com

Need your Salad ready in 1, 2, 3? This is the Salad for you.

It takes only 10 minutes to make. So, it’s ready in a jiffy.

And it’s simple yet tasty. There’s flaky tuna, creamy hard-boiled eggs, crispy asparagus, and fresh salad greens.

All topped with a simple homemade vinaigrette dressing.

Making the eggs will take the most time. So start with that first.

You can boil them on the stove-top. Or, to make it even easier, you can use an egg maker like this. This will ensure that your boiled eggs will always come out perfect.

Bon appetit!

Per Serving:

Calories: 286
Fats: 23g
Protein: 15g
Carbs: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

15. Blueberry Gorgonzola Farmers Salad

Source: flavormosaic.com

I enjoy summer, as I’m sure many of you do too. It’s the time for picnics and barbecues – and spending weekends by the lake.

It’s also the season to enjoy fresh summer produce, like watermelons, corn on the cob, and blueberries.

This Farmer’s Salad helps you enjoy the bounties of summer. Fresh corn on the cob is combined with blueberries, tomatoes, lettuce, and grilled chicken.

And the Salad is topped with crumbled gorgonzola cheese. Yum!

Serve with your favorite salad dressing.

Per Serving:

Calories: 260
Fats: 8g
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g

16. Chicken Salad with Apples

Source: allnutritious.com

Want to take your Chicken Salad up a notch? Try my Chicken Salad with Apples.

It’s full of yummy flavors. The dried cranberries add tartness, while the apples add sweetness.

Meanwhile, the cashew nuts add a nice crunch. This balances the creaminess of the Greek yogurt – this ain’t your regular Chicken Salad.

Besides being tasty, dried cranberries are good for you too. They are rich in manganese which supports bone health.

On top of it, they are also rich in Vitamin E, which is essential for healthy skin. They also contain flavonol antioxidants which have health benefits.

Per Serving:

Calories: 316
Fats: 9.5g
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 36g
Fiber: 4.5g
Sugar: 26g

17. Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Source: veganhuggs.com

Were you assigned to bring a salad for your next potluck? Oh no!

We all know what happens to the token Salad. People take a spoon or two and don’t end up finishing it.

So, you’re left taking much of it home after your potluck.

This Cucumber & Tomato Salad is sure to be a hit at your next potluck. It’s refreshing, light, and full of vibrant colors.

So people are bound to take notice and give it a try. And once they do, they’ll be coming back for more.

Now that’s a winning salad!

Per Serving:

Calories: 185
Fats: 8g
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 25g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 7g

18. Shrimp Avocado Mango Lime Salad

Source: runningtothekitchen.com

After slaving at the office, you just want to veg out with some ice cream. And, of course, watch your shows on Netflix.

The last thing you want to do is spend time in the kitchen. This Shrimp Avocado Mango Lime Salad is for times like this.

It takes only 10 minutes to assemble – no cooking required. And it tastes divine.

That’s because it has a ton of vibrant summer flavors. You’ve got succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, sweet mangos, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp watercress, and red onions.

And it is topped with a simple vinaigrette. So, the flavors of the Salad shine through.

Per Serving: