13 Salads That Even Your Inner Carnivore Will Approve Of

Salads don’t have to be boring or leave you feeling hungry. These 13 recipes are packed with hearty ingredients, bold flavors, and satisfying textures. Fresh vegetables, grains, and flavorful dressings make each one a complete meal, not just a side dish. Even the most devoted meat lovers will find these salads filling and worth making again.

Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad recipe — Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

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 fresh, crisp alternative to traditional pasta salads. Made with spiralized zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette, it offers a light yet filling dish. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and is packed with natural flavor. The combination of crunchy zucchini and tangy dressing makes it a great option for any meal.
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Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato burrata salad is creamy, fresh, and full of rich flavors. Made with ripe tomatoes, burrata cheese, olive oil, and fresh basil, it has a mix of soft and juicy textures. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and works well as a starter or side. The combination of creamy cheese and sweet tomatoes makes it a simple but satisfying choice.
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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 crisp, slightly tangy, and full of bold flavors. Made with fresh kale, lemon juice, olive oil, and parmesan cheese, it has a satisfying mix of textures. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and holds up well for meal prep. The tender kale and salty parmesan create a balanced and flavorful dish.
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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 crunchy, savory, and full of fresh ingredients. Made with thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, nuts, cheese, and a tangy dressing, it brings a mix of textures. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and holds up well for meal prep. The combination of crisp vegetables and rich flavors makes it a great side.
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Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus asparagus couscous is light, refreshing, and packed with fresh vegetables. Made with couscous, asparagus, citrus juice, and herbs, it offers a bright and slightly tangy flavor. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare and works well as a side or a meal on its own. The balance of citrus and crisp asparagus makes it fresh and satisfying.
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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 light, fresh, and filled with colorful vegetables. Made with couscous, bell peppers, cucumbers, and a simple dressing, it has a balance of softness and crunch. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and works well for meal prep. The combination of tender couscous and crisp veggies makes every bite satisfying.
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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 fresh, tangy, and packed with Mediterranean flavors. Made with quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a light dressing, it brings a mix of textures and flavors. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare and works well as a make-ahead meal. The balance of fluffy quinoa and crisp vegetables makes it both filling and refreshing.
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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 light, refreshing, and full of bright flavors. Made with orzo pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette, it has a balance of soft and crisp textures. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and is great for warm-weather meals. The mix of fresh vegetables and tender pasta makes it a simple but flavorful dish.
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Brussels Sprouts Salad

Brussels sprouts salad is crisp, flavorful, and packed with fresh ingredients. Made with thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, nuts, cheese, and a tangy dressing, it brings a mix of textures. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and holds up well for meal prep. The combination of crunch and bold flavor makes it a satisfying dish.
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Pea Salad

Pea salad is creamy, slightly sweet, and full of crunchy textures. Made with fresh peas, cheese, bacon, and a simple dressing, it brings a mix of flavors in every bite. It takes about 15 minutes to put together and is best served chilled. The contrast of creamy dressing and crisp peas makes it a classic favorite.
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Bulgur Salad With Roasted Butternut Squash And Leeks

Bulgur salad with roasted butternut squash and leeks is hearty, slightly nutty, and full of warm flavors. Made with bulgur wheat, caramelized squash, leeks, and spices, it has a mix of soft and roasted textures. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and is filling enough for a main dish. The deep, roasted flavor makes it a great option for any season.
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Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad

Hot and sour shredded Napa cabbage salad is crisp, tangy, and slightly spicy. Made with Napa cabbage, vinegar, chili flakes, and sesame oil, it has a bold mix of flavors. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and is best served fresh. The balance of heat and acidity makes it a great contrast to any meal.
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Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad

Purple cabbage and pickled mushroom salad is bold, tangy, and full of texture. Made with shredded cabbage, marinated mushrooms, and a vinegar-based dressing, it has a slightly crunchy bite. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare and can be served chilled or at room temperature. The mix of pickled flavors and fresh cabbage makes it stand out.
Get the Recipe: Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad