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8 Tasty Salads That Eat Like a Meal

For a while now, we’ve known that salad wasn’t a mere leafy side dish, but rather a star player in its own right. Boosted with protein and loaded up with various ingredients from nuts and cheeses to dried fruit, salads have become a meal that can be satiating and exciting. Check out these eight recipes that will have you switching the plate for a bowl.

1. Chopped Italian-Style Salad

All the flavours of an Italian deli sandwich, but in a salad? Yes! You’ll love the simplicity of this recipe, where all the ingredients (lettuce, salami, provolone cheese, etc.) are finely chopped and then tossed in a zingy balsamic vinegar dressing. Perfect for a picnic or potluck!

2. Thai Pork Salad

Pork tenderloin served in salad is always a safe bet and this Asian-flavoured dish is just perfect. Add the slices of meat to a mixture of vegetables and mango and then top with a zingy sweet and sour dressing. For a fresh final touch, garnish with Thai basil and coconut flakes.

3. Air Fryer Hearty Chicken Salad

Coat some chicken breasts in a mayonnaise-lemon sauce and place them in the air fryer, making the meat tender and juicy. Serve along with romaine lettuce, avocado, cheese curds and the leftover sauce, which also doubles as a dressing, and you’ve got a hearty and refreshing salad that’s fit for dinner.

4. Kale and Crispy Lentil Salad

Brighten up your lunch or dinner with this vibrant mix of kale, lentils, dried apricots, green olives, feta cheese and walnuts. Absolutely flavourful and filling, you’ll want to add this vegetarian recipe to your regular rotation.

5. Crunchy Asparagus Salad with Tuna and Eggs

If you want to get out of that tuna salad sandwich rut, try using canned tuna differently, like in a weeknight-friendly salad. Along with crisp asparagus and a jammy egg, this satiating meal is reason enough to always have a can or two at-the-ready in your pantry.

6. Sheet-Pan Panzanella Salad with Redfish

Turn the classic panzanella salad on its head by adding fish for protein. Brush the redfish with sun-dried tomato pesto dressing and then roast it alongside the croutons. Add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, cucumber, shallots and capers, and this colourful dish is the kind to brighten up mealtime.

7. Steak Taco Salad

Taco ingredients come together in this fresh and satisfying salad. Juicy beef, crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, zesty lime and crunchy corn chips create a perfect balance, while a tangy sour cream, feta and lime dressing takes it to the next level. It’s a refreshing twist on a classic favourite!

8. Crunchy Vegan Salad

Look at tofu in a new light by grating it and then roasting it with spices and maple syrup for a protein-rich salad topping. Toss it with some dried ramen noodles for saltiness and crunch before adding it to a salad base consisting of sugar snap peas, red cabbage, carrots and cucumber.

For more tasty and filling salads that eat like a meal, be sure to consult our selection of recipes: