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Protein is required for the body’s healthy functioning. A high protein diet is essential for athletes since it aids in the development and maintenance of muscle mass, as well as the recovery of the body after activity. It also helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels and can assist to avoid weight gain.
High protein Salads are an excellent method to meet your daily protein requirements. Because they are low in calories, they are also excellent for weight loss. They’re also high in nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
So, if you’re looking for some quick and easy protein salad ideas, you’ve come to the perfect place!
Whether you’re looking to cut down on your caloric intake or just want to add some extra protein to your diet, high protein salads are a great way to go. Not only are they filling and satisfying, but they’re also low in calories and fat.
So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking. We have compiled a list of 27 high protein salad recipes that will help you feel and look fantastic, which you can cook in the privacy of your own home.
BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe
This nutritious BBQ chicken salad rivals the restaurant! It comes with standard southwest toppings and a 5-minute creamy (dairy-free) cilantro lime ranch.
Begin by preparing the shredded BBQ chicken. Rub the spice combination over the chicken and place it in the slow cooker with the BBQ sauce components (or pre-made BBQ sauce).
Cook for 6-7 hours on low or 3 hours on high. When it’s done, shred it with two forks and serve it over romaine lettuce. And don’t forget to top it with the remaining ingredients and lime ranch.
Ingredient
- 1/2″ paleo mayo
- 1/2 cup canned full-fat coconut milk, shaken to blend cream and liquid
- 1/2 cup cilantro
- 1/2 bunch
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2-lime juice
- chives, 2 tsp
- dill, 1/2 tsp
- smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp
Get the recipe here.
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Spinach & Artichoke Salad With Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe
Try this high protein salad with eggs and spinach, inspired by the classic warm party dip. It’s quick, tasty, and takes no effort.
Start with draining the artichokes in a wire-mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly with cold water before draining again. Arrange the artichokes in a single layer and place the vinaigrette in the serving container. Top it with spinach, and hard-boiled eggs, and drizzle it with the vinaigrette.
You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days and have yourself a ready-to-go salad.
Ingredient
- 15-ounce can quarter artichoke hearts
- Parmesan Vinaigrette
- 5 oz. baby spinach
- 6 eggshells
- 1/4 cup pistachios, unsalted
Get the recipe here.
Cranberry Broccoli Salad Recipe
This tasty cranberry broccoli salad is the ultimate dish to make when you’re desiring a full protein dish. It has crunchy almonds, bacon, sunflower seeds, tart cranberries, and a creamy citrus poppy seed dressing; making it the perfect broccoli salad.
begin with Broccoli florets are briefly boiled and then cooled in an ice bath. While the broccoli is drying, soak the red onion in cold water for 5 minutes. After draining, pat dry. Make the dressing. After refrigerating for at least 30 minutes, combine all of the ingredients.
Ingredient
- 4 1/2 cup broccoli florets
- 5 slices of fried bacon
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1/3 cup cranberries
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 3 tablespoons toasted sunflower seeds
- 1 cup cubed sharp cheddar
Get the recipe here.
Mediterranean Bean Salad Recipe
Try this recipe for Mediterranean bean salad if you want a vibrant and crunchy salad. You can make it in time for your upcoming barbecue or picnic. You can also keep it in the refrigerator to have it on hand when you need it.
Start by preparing the dressing for the salad by mixing olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian herbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Then, in a large bowl, place the beans and the rest of the vegetables. Add the dressing to the bowl and mix well. You can store the leftovers for the next day in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
Ingredient
- 15 oz drained, washed cannellini beans
- 15 oz. drained and washed garbanzo beans
- half-cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 finely sliced Persian cucumbers
- 1/4 sliced onion
- 1/2 cup chopped peppadews
Get the recipe here.
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Healthy Tuna Salad Recipe
This healthy tuna salad is full of protein, delicious and simple to make. It’s a classic dish that you can serve in a sandwich, wrap in lettuce, or tuck into avocado halves for a nutritious snack.
To begin, you’ll need to drain your tuna. Then stir in the mayonnaise, celery, red onion, parsley, and dijon mustard. Mix everything with a fork, breaking up any large pieces of tuna. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and that’s all there is to it!
Ingredient
- 2 tuna cans
- 1/4-cup mayo
- chopped celery
- chopped red onion
- 1-2 teaspoons chopped herbs
- 1/2 TB Dijon
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Get the recipe here.
Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad With Chicken Recipe
Strawberry Salad with Chicken and Poppy Seed Dressing is a refreshing main course salad with an excellent blend of flavors.
To prepare the dressing Puree the cut strawberries in a blender or food processor. Combine the red wine vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Blend until completely smooth. Blend in the Canola oil until creamy. Taste for seasoning and add more pepper if necessary. Add the toasted poppy seeds and mix well. Set aside the salad dressing.
Add all the ingredients together with the dressing and mix well.
Ingredient
- 1/2 tablespoon toasted poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 teaspoon Dijon
- 2 tablespoons wine or balsamic
- sugar (1 teaspoon)
- S&P
- 1/2 cup canola
Get the recipe here.
Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe
Chicken salad with Grapes is a delightful recipe for quick meal-ready lunches, but it’s also great for picnics and potlucks. You can eat it on top of lettuce, in a toasted roll, or with chips, crackers, celery, or a spoon. You’ll enjoy it regardless of how it’s presented.
Start with toasting the almonds in a nonstick pan until light golden brown. Then, mix mayo, greek yogurt, honey, dried chopped onion, celery salt, and apple cider vinegar. Cover and place the dressing in the refrigerator for 25 minutes. Serve with lettuce, toasty bread, crackers, chips, or celery.
Ingredient
- chopped celery
- 1/2 cup quartered or halved red seedless grapes
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup nonfat yogurt
- 1 tablespoon dry minced onion
- 1/4-tsp celery salt
- honey 1 tsp
Get the recipe here.
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Egg And Bean Salad Recipe
If you could only make one salad for the rest of your life, what would it be? Our choice would be this egg and beans salad. It’s a fairly simple salad that contains green beans, eggs, bacon, and garlic parmesan vinaigrette.
Begin by boiling the green beans in a big pot of water for 3 minutes. Drain and rinse the beans with cool water. Place the lettuce, beans, sliced eggs, crumbled bacon, sliced onions, and croutons in a mixing dish.
For the dressing, mix the parmesan cheese, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the sauce to the eggs and beans mix, and combine well. Enjoy.
Ingredient
- Spring Mix, 6 cups Lettuce
- 1/2-pound trimmed green beans
- 6 sliced hard-boiled eggs
- 6 cooked, crumbled bacon pieces
- 1 thinly-sliced red onion
- croutons
Get the recipe here.
Spring Roll Salad Recipe
This colorful salad recipe comprises ample amounts of fresh vegetables, shrimp, and whole grains, all topped with a peanut dressing for the ultimate fulfilling meal.
Start with the dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, tamari (or soy sauce), water, garlic, and crushed red pepper.
Combine the lettuce, shrimp, rice, cabbage, bell pepper, carrot, cucumber, and avocado. Toss in the dressing to mix. If desired, garnish with mint and sesame seeds.
Ingredient
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 1/2-tsp sesame oil
- rice vinegar 1 1/2 tsp
- 1 tsp syrup
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce/tamari
- 1tsp water
- 1/2 tsp garlic
Get the recipe here.
Skinny Lemon Garlic Shrimp Caesar Salad Recipe
This modern take on a classic Caesar salad recipe is a light and healthy way to start your day! A delicious and irresistible salad that will not leave you hungry and craving more food at midnight raiding the refrigerator.
To make the caesar dressing, in a magic bullet blender, mini blender, or small food processor, combine the yogurt, mayo, oil, garlic, anchovies, lemon juice, and parmesan. Blend until well incorporated; season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix.
Combine the other ingredients with the dressing and mix well.
Ingredient
- 1/4 cup sourdough or ciabatta
- 1 lb | 500 g peeled, deveined, tail-on raw shrimp
- 1/2 lemon
- garlic 1 tablespoon
- Saltshaker
- To taste, cracked pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped nonfat bacon
Get the recipe here.
Learn More:
Chickpea Salad With Cucumber and Tomato Recipe
For a great healthy salad recipe, try this chickpea salad. This recipe is simpler than it appears, requiring only slicing the vegetables and throwing everything into a bowl.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, and chives. To make the dressing, mix all of the ingredients in a container and shake to blend. Keep refrigerated for up to one week. Toss the vegetables gently with the dressing to coat. If preferred, garnish with more feta and chives before serving.
Ingredient
- 2 cups drained chickpeas
- 1 chopped, peeled avocado
- half-cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup feta
- sliced chives
- Optional garnishes: chives and feta
Get the recipe here.
Fresh Vegan Salad With Hummus Recipe
These delectable Mediterranean hummus bowls, created with fresh and vivid ingredients, are a terrific nutritious lunch or supper choice. These gluten-free bowls are simple to create.
To peel the skin from chickpeas, place them in a bowl of water and rub them together. Drain and place the garbanzo beans in a food processor. Blend them on their own until they’re powdery, scraping down the sides as needed.
Blend in the lemon juice, tahini, garlic cloves, salt, and ice cubes until smooth. Taste and adjust with extra lemon juice or salt as needed. As desired, arrange the other ingredients on top of the hummus.
Ingredient
- 2 cups leafy greens
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 1/3 julienned or diced cucumber
- thinly-sliced watermelon radish
- half-cup hummus
- 1tbsp hemp hearts
- Optional microgreens
Get the recipe here.
Quinoa Chickpea Salad With Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Dressing Recipe
Chickpeas, quinoa, and hummus are all plant-based powerhouses in this hearty vegan salad. The sunflower seeds crunch and the roasted peppers’ surprising flavor are both delicious.
On a small plate, combine the hummus, lemon juice, and red peppers. Thin with water to achieve the required dressing consistency. Then in a large mixing basin, combine the greens, quinoa, and chickpeas. Sunflower seeds, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. Add everything together with the dressing and serve.
Ingredient
- lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red pepper
- 2 cups lettuce
- quinoa, 1/2 cup
- rinsed chickpeas
- 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- Saltshaker
Get the recipe here.
Learn More:
Cobb Salad Recipe
This low carb, high protein keto cobb salad is one of the simplest and easiest salads you can prepare at home. It has chopped romaine lettuce, crisp bacon, roasted chicken breast, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, and Roquefort cheese.
Start with cooking the chicken, and bacon and boiling the eggs. Then, start chopping the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and chives. Finally, in a big mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients in this order: chopped lettuce, tomatoes, sliced onion, avocado, grilled chicken pieces, diced crispy bacon, sliced boiled eggs, and chives.
You can keep this Keto Cobb Salad in the fridge for up to 24 hours in an airtight container.
Ingredient
- 6 ounces bacon, 6 slices
- 2 rotisserie breasts
- 3 boiled eggs
- 1 big, peeled, cored avocado
- 6 cups chopped, washed Romaine Lettuce
- 1/3 cup halved cherries
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 4 oz Crumbled Blue Roquefort
Get the recipe here.
Black Bean and Corn Salad Recipe
This salad with Black Beans and Corn is both healthy and delicious! It’s a simple salad with nourishing black beans, fresh veggies like corn, avocado, and bell pepper, and a colorful cilantro lime vinaigrette. Everyone will love this wonderful Mexican-style salad!
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients; season with salt and pepper to taste. In a large mixing bowl, combine black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, avocado, and jalapeno. Pour dressing over salad and gently toss to coat. For a completely healthy meal, serve it next to your favorite grilled chicken dish.
Ingredient
- 1 (14.5 oz) can of well-rinsed black beans
- 1 cup thawed fresh or frozen corn
- tomato
- 1 cup chopped orange pepper
- 1/3 cup washed, drained red onion
- chopped avocado
- 1 seeded, minced jalapeno
Get the recipe here.
Chopped Salad With Sriracha Tofu & Peanut Dressing Recipe
With only four ingredients, you would want to try this chopped salad with sriracha tofu and peanut dressing. It only takes 10 minutes to prepare, and you can store it for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Fill a bowl halfway with salad mix and top with edamame and tofu. Then, pour in 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Dress the salad with the vinaigrette up to 1 day ahead of time. Serve this salad with your favorite pasta or chicken entrée.
Ingredient
- 10 oz. kale, Brussels sprout, broccoli, cabbage salad mix
- 1 pound thawed frozen shelled edamame
- 2 diced 7-ounce Sriracha-flavored baked tofu
- 1/2 cup peanut dressing
Get the recipe here.
Learn More:
Curry Chicken Salad Recipe
Try this curry chicken salad recipe for a wonderful and healthful chicken salad. It can be served as a main course or as a side dish. It’s ideal for busy nights when you need something to fill you up.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and curry powder and place on the baking sheet. Bake until thoroughly cooked.
Once the chicken has been cooked and cooled, cut it and combine it with the remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together and season to taste. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve on its own or with fresh greens!
Ingredient
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 3 tablespoons curry powder
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- Cayenne
- 1 diced Granny Smith
Get the recipe here.
Lentil Salad Recipe
Lentil salad is a light and tasty way to get plenty of protein and vegetables.
This salad is high in protein because of the lentils. Fresh vegetables and herbs give color and flavor. While the dressing’s citrusy flavor is enhanced by the use of lemon, honey, and mustard.
In a large salad dish, combine cooked drained lentils, chopped veggies, herbs, and crumbled feta. Try the salad to determine if it needs salt and pepper, and if so, add it now, then give it another toss.
Ingredient
- 1 cup dry or 1 can of cooked green lentils
- 1 English cucumber
- 1/3 cup minced red onion
- tomato
- 1/2 bunch parsley
- 6-mint-leaves
- 1/3 cup feta
- 1/4 cup oil
Get the recipe here.
Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe
It’s simple to prepare and requires very little cooking! This salad’s base includes crunchy vegetables, creamy avocado, and juicy chicken on a bed of healthful salad greens. A perfect supper for lazy summer evenings. It’s not just quick, but you’ll be eating one of the most nutritious berries available.
Prepare the salad ingredients in two shallow bowls while the chicken breasts are cooking. Then add the cooked chicken to the veggies and drizzle generously with the Blackberry Balsamic Dressing before serving.
Ingredient
- 4 cups greens
- 1/2 cup broccoli
- 1/2 cup cauliflower
- 1 peeled, pitted, sliced avocado
- 25% pecans
- half-cup blackberries
Get the recipe here.
Learn More:
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Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Bowls Recipe
Pasta salad is a traditional summer side dish, but adding protein with leftover grilled chicken and extra greens makes it a filling lunch.
Cook the rotini according to the package instructions and set it aside.
Put the spinach in a jar with a lid. Cooked pasta, tomatoes, chicken, and one-fourth of the mozzarella balls go on top of each. Refrigerate the salad containers for up to 4 days. Just before serving, drizzle with the vinaigrette.
Combine this salad with your favorite meal.
Ingredient
- 8oz whole-grain rotini
- 5 oz. baby spinach
- half-pint cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- Basil Vinaigrette, 1/2 cup
Get the recipe here.
Cranberry Apple Chicken Salad Recipe
This creamy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is created without mayo and has the ideal balance of sweetness, flavor, and crunch! For a complete and fulfilling lunch or snack, serve it on a lettuce wrap, whole-grain crackers, a sandwich, or a wrap.
In a strong blender, combine all of the sauce components.
In a medium-mixing dish, combine the chicken, dried cranberries, apple, pecans, and green onion. Toss the ingredients with the creamy sauce until everything is well coated. Season to taste with salt and pepper. You can refrigerate for later use or serve immediately.
Ingredient
Get the recipe here.
Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe
This shrimp pasta salad combines fresh shrimp, sweet garden peas, boiled eggs, and onion in a chilled, creamy mayonnaise-based pasta salad. It’s the perfect salad to prepare when looking for a healthy and simple dish.
Begin by cooking the shrimp and shell pasta. Dice the boiled eggs and chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, and celery salt to make the dressing.
Mix spaghetti, diced onion, diced boiled eggs, chopped shrimp, and cup peas in a large mixing basin. The dressing should be added last. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy next to your main dish or as a stand-alone dinner.
Ingredient
- 16-ounce shell pasta
- 1 1/2 cup frozen peas
- boiled eggs
- diced onion
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1tsp lemon juice
- half-teaspoon celery salt
Get the recipe here.
Learn More:
Vegan Crispy Tofu Kale Salad Recipe
This crispy tofu kale salad with broccoli and creamy coconut peanut sauce takes around 40 minutes to prepare and serves as a light and healthful plant-based supper.
Begin by browning and crispy the tofu in a nonstick skillet with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Steam the chopped broccoli in a steamer basket for 5 minutes, or until bright green and soft but still crisp.
In a blender, combine all of the sauce ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy. The sauce should be thick and creamy, but not too thick to pour. Tear the kale leaves from the thick stems and coarsely chop them. Grate the carrot and chop the bell peppers. Divide the tofu and vegetables among the servings. Finish with the sauce and any garnishes and serve immediately.
Ingredient
- Light coconut milk, 1/2 cup
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2.5 tbsp tamari
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
- 2 tsp vinegar
- 1 TB syrup
- 5-garlic-cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Get the recipe here.
Middle Eastern Salad Bowls With Farro & Chicken Recipe
To add protein, fiber, and satisfying texture to these high-protein lunch bowls, this recipe has combined two quick products you’re likely to find at your local specialty grocery store: Middle Eastern bean salad and microwaveable farro.
Start with preparing the farro in the microwave according to the package. Place the spinach in the serving container and top it with farro-bean salad mixture, sliced chicken breast, and feta. You can place the mix in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and dress with vinaigrette before serving.
Ingredient
- 1/2 cup farro
- 8-ounce Middle Eastern bean salad
- half-cup balsamic vinaigrette
- 5 oz. baby spinach
- 1 (12-ounce) lemon-pepper chicken breast, sliced
- 1/4 cup Mediterranean-herb feta
Get the recipe here.
Greek Kale Salad With Quinoa & Chicken Recipe
For a tasty salad that will fill you up, try this greek kale salad with quinoa and chicken. This recipe is quick, dairy, and gluten-free. All you’ll need is kale, shredded cooked chicken, quinoa, roasted red pepper, greek salad dressing, and feta cheese.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the greens, chicken, quinoa, and roasted peppers. Toss in the dressing to coat. If preferred, top with feta. To prepare a completely healthy meal, serve this salad next to baked chicken.
Ingredient
- kale, 4 cups
- 1.5 cups cooked chicken shreds
- quinoa
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers
- Greek salad dressing
- 1oz Crumbled feta
Get the recipe here.
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Shredded Kale & Cranberry Salad With Crispy Tofu Recipe
Try this tasty shredded kale and cranberry salad with a crispy tofu recipe for a healthy, delicious, high-protein side dish.
Begin by blending all of the dressing ingredients in a blender. And for at least 30 minutes, press the tofu with whatever weights you have available.
In the meantime, prepare the kale by removing its leaves. Then, using your hands, massage the kale. Prepare the cranberries while the tofu is cooking. Finally, combine all of the ingredients. Toss everything together until everything is coated with dressing and season with kosher salt and pepper to taste.
Ingredient
- Extra-firm tofu
- kale head
- 1 cup chopped herbs
- sliced green onions
- sliced seedless cucumber
- 1/2 cup cranberries
- 1/2 cup peanuts
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Get the recipe here.
Lentil, Kale, and White Bean Salad Recipe
This lentil, kale, and white bean salad is a tasty and easy-to-make side dish, which you can prepare any time of the day.
Cook the lentils in boiling water for 25 minutes. Remove any surplus water.
Whisk together the oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large salad bowl. Combine the lentils, kale, beans, red onion, pecans, lemon zest, and parsley in a mixing bowl. To mix, toss everything together. Taste and adjust with additional salt and lemon if necessary!
Ingredient
- 1 cup green lentils
- 2-3 cups of kale
- 1 (15 oz) can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/3 cup red onion slices
- 1/3 cup honey-roasted pecans
- 1/3 cup parsley
- 3 TB olive oil
Get the recipe here.
Conclusion
These recipes provide a surprising amount of protein per serving. Some people may not recognize the salad ingredients as “high protein” at all! With protein-packed meals, the standard salad ingredients must be avoided and substituted with high protein salad items that are frequently used in other dishes but are overlooked in salads.
So, go out there and eat healthily. And don’t forget to share these recipes with your friends!
