10 Easy High-Protein Salads to Make for Dinner Tonight

Reviewed by Dietitian Madeline Peck, RDN, CDN

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Enjoy a refreshing, satisfying dinner with one of these simple high-protein salad recipes. Each recipe only requires just 15 minutes or less of active prep time to get in and out of the kitchen in record time. Recipes like our Chopped Italian Chickpea Salad and our Chopped Chicken & Sweet Potato Salad contain at least 15 grams of protein per serving, so you can enjoy a healthy, filling supper at the end of the day.

01 of 10

Chopped Italian Chickpea Salad

Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist Phoebe Hauser.
Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist Phoebe Hauser.

This chopped Italian-inspired salad combines crisp lettuce, creamy chickpeas, juicy tomatoes and sharp provolone in a zesty red-wine vinaigrette. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own for lunch yet versatile enough to serve alongside grilled chicken or fish.

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02 of 10

Chopped Chicken & Sweet Potato Salad

This easy salad recipe allows for a wonderful use of leftover cooked chicken. Look for escarole in the produce section near the leafy greens; if you can’t find it, you can use romaine instead.

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03 of 10

High-Protein Caprese Chickpea Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

This caprese chickpea salad is a fresh, protein- and fiber-packed, plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite. It combines creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil with hearty chickpeas for a satisfying dish. A simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish. It’s quick to prepare, colorful and bursting with summery flavor.

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04 of 10

Marry Me White Bean Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

This Marry Me White Bean Salad is a bright, flavor-packed dish that’s hard not to fall for and pulls inspiration from Marry Me Chicken. Tender white beans are tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil and a creamy dressing that soaks into every bite. It’s quick to throw together and perfect for meal prep, picnics or pairing with grilled meats.

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05 of 10

Avocado Tuna Spinach Salad

Credit: Greg DuPree
Credit: Greg DuPree

Avocado adds creaminess while sunflower seeds provide texture and crunch in this easy tuna-spinach salad.

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06 of 10

Chicken & Cabbage Salad with Nuoc Cham Dressing

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Best known as a Vietnamese dipping sauce, nước chấm typically combines sugar, lime juice and fish sauce, striking the perfect balance between sweet, sour and salty. Here it ties together crunchy vegetables, tons of fresh herbs and cooked chicken breast for a refreshing chicken salad. Serve combined with glass noodles or inside a lettuce leaf. For a slightly different take, swap out the cooked chicken for thin slices of grilled steak.

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07 of 10

Anti-Inflammatory Chicken & Beet Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Tart cherry juice concentrate adds flavor and helps fight inflammation when teamed up with other anti-inflammatory foods like beets and walnuts in this quick salad. Buying packaged cooked beets cuts down on time (and mess!). Look for them in the produce section where other prepared vegetables are sold.

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08 of 10

Spinach Salad with Quinoa, Chicken & Fresh Berries

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickeyt, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickeyt, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

If you’re packing this grain bowl for work, combine the dressing ingredients in a small container. When you’re ready to eat, shake the dressing well, add it to the salad and toss. If you don’t have time to make a homemade dressing, use 3 tablespoons of store-bought olive oil vinaigrette. Keep prep time short by using rotisserie chicken (or leftover chicken) and a pouch of microwavable quinoa.

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09 of 10

Sweet Potato, Kale & Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

These hearty kale salads hold up well for 4 days, making them perfect for meal-prep lunches. To keep the ingredients from getting soggy, wait to dress this salad and top it with peanuts until just before serving. For a delicious vegan option, swap in roasted tofu for the chicken breast (see Associated Recipes).

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10 of 10

Chicken Caesar Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

This timeless chicken Caesar salad features a zesty dressing made with Greek-style yogurt. Our dressing calls for anchovy paste, which adds that signature savory flavor Caesar salad is known for. Any leftover anchovy paste can be used to enhance vinaigrettes, dips or sauces. You can use whole anchovies, if you prefer, but you’ll need to blend them or mash them with the flat side of a large chef’s knife before adding them to the dressing.

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