13 Salads So Good Even Your Meat-Loving Friends Will Love Them

Finding a salad that satisfies even the most dedicated meat eaters can be tough. These 13 salads are hearty, flavorful, and filling, making them perfect for everyone at the table. Packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, they show that salads don’t have to be boring. Whether you’re looking for a side or a main, these salads are sure to impress.

Bowl of crisp cucumber salad with sliced radishes, coated in creamy dressing, garnished with fresh dill, perfect for those seeking healthy recipes. A delightful dish served with a wooden spoon that even your meat-loving friends will enjoy. — Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Plate with sliced avocado, halved boiled eggs, and a salad of shredded greens, cranberries, and diced nuts. — Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Shaved Brussels sprouts salad is a fresh, crunchy dish with thinly sliced Brussels sprouts and a light dressing. The tang of the dressing balances the slight bitterness of the sprouts. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, making it a quick side. The flavor combination makes it satisfying even for non-vegetarians.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Veggie Couscous Salad

A white bowl filled with couscous salad, containing diced tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and garnished with herbs. A spoon is placed in the bowl. — Veggie Couscous Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Veggie couscous salad is a colorful, hearty dish with tender couscous and a variety of fresh vegetables. The lemony dressing adds brightness, while the vegetables bring a crunch. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it a great option for meal prep. The mix of textures and flavors is both filling and light.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato burrata salad is a simple yet flavorful dish with juicy tomatoes and creamy burrata cheese. The fresh basil and olive oil add a fragrant touch to the dish. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble. The rich, creamy cheese complements the sweet tomatoes perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus asparagus couscous is a fresh, zesty salad with couscous, crisp asparagus and bright citrus flavors. The light lemon dressing adds a refreshing tang to the dish. It takes about 30 minutes to make, making it an excellent side for any meal. The balance of savory and citrus makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad

Hot and sour shredded Napa cabbage salad is a flavorful, tangy dish with a mix of crunchy cabbage and a spicy dressing. The heat from the chili oil pairs perfectly with the tartness of vinegar. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and is perfect for a light yet satisfying dish. The bold flavors will please even meat lovers.
Get the Recipe: Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad

Quinoa Salad

A bowl of couscous salad with avocado and chickpeas sits on a marble surface, surrounded by love in the form of lemon, parsley, half a red onion, and stacked bowls. Perfect for sharing with salads or even meat-loving friends. — Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Sage Alpha Gal.

Quinoa salad is a nutritious, protein-packed dish with fluffy quinoa and various fresh vegetables. The tangy dressing enhances the flavors, making it both refreshing and filling. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and works well as a main or side. The hearty quinoa and crisp veggies make it a satisfying salad.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad

Purple cabbage and pickled mushroom salad is a unique dish with crunchy cabbage and tangy pickled mushrooms. The combination of textures and sharp flavors makes it an interesting and satisfying salad. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare. The bold flavors make it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad

Bulgur Salad With Roasted Butternut Squash And Leeks

Bulgur salad with roasted butternut squash and leeks is a hearty, earthy dish with tender bulgur and caramelized vegetables. The roasted squash adds a natural sweetness, while the leeks bring a savory flavor. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and roast. The mix of grains and vegetables makes it a comforting, filling salad.
Get the Recipe: Bulgur Salad With Roasted Butternut Squash And Leeks

Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

A white dish filled with kale leaves topped with slices of cheese. A glass of water, a fork, and a napkin are in the background on a dark wooden table. — Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Rubbed kale salad with Parmesan is a simple, flavorful salad with fresh kale and grated Parmesan. The rubbing process helps tenderize the kale, making eating more enjoyable. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and works well as a side dish. The combination of savory cheese and earthy kale is always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

Zucchini Noodle Salad

A plate of zucchini noodles with cherry tomatoes and diced yellow bell peppers, served in front of a glass bowl with more salad. A folded napkin and forks are in the background. — Zucchini Noodle Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Zucchini noodle salad is a light, refreshing dish with spiralized zucchini and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The zucchini noodles have a delicate texture that soaks up the flavorful dressing. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, making it a great quick meal. The freshness of the zucchini makes it a healthy alternative to pasta.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

Summer Orzo Salad

Oval dish of orzo salad with cherry tomatoes, zucchini slices, and herbs, surrounded by cucumber slices, on a wooden table. Green beans are nearby. — Summer Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Summer orzo salad is a bright, fresh salad with tender orzo pasta, cucumbers, and tomatoes. The simple dressing adds a light tang, making it perfect for warm weather. It takes about 30 minutes to make, making it a great dish for picnics or gatherings. The mix of pasta and veggies makes it both filling and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Greek Quinoa Salad

A bowl of quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and leafy greens, topped with a piece of flatbread. — Greek Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Greek quinoa salad is a Mediterranean-inspired dish with quinoa, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. The zesty lemon dressing ties all the flavors together. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it a great side or light main. The combination of quinoa and Mediterranean ingredients makes it a satisfying, fresh dish.
Get the Recipe: Greek Quinoa Salad

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Creamy dill cucumber onion salad is a cool, tangy salad with fresh cucumbers and onions in a creamy dill dressing. The crunch of the cucumbers complements the smooth dressing. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and is perfect for a light side dish. The refreshing flavor of dill adds a unique touch to the salad.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad