Salads can often get a bad rep for being too light and unsatisfying...
But one of the quickest ways to make them more filling is to add a source of protein. Below are lots of ideas on how to do that — using both meat-based proteins like salmon and chicken, and plant-based proteins like chickpeas and edamame.
So here are 14 high-protein salads that'll actually keep you full:
1. Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad
Roasted chickpeas not only give this salad a pop of crunchy texture, but a ton of added protein.
Protein per serving: 25 grams.
Get the recipe here.
2. BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad
This cobb salad is totally customizable. Don't like tomatoes? Leave them out and throw in whatever veggie you have on hand!
Protein per serving: 35 grams.
Get the recipe here.
3. Three Bean Salad
Chickpeas, kidney beans, and cannellini beans give this simple salad a boost of plant-based protein.
Protein per serving: 56 grams.
Get the recipe here.
4. Chicken Chickpea Chopped Salad
Feel free to use store-bought rotisserie chicken to make this protein-packed salad even easier to make.
Protein per serving (for 4 servings): 38 grams.
Get the recipe here.
5. Quinoa and Kale Protein Power Salad
This hearty salad is dressed in a tangy vinaigrette made with sumac — which is a citrusy spice with a bright pink color.
Protein per serving: 24 grams.
Get the recipe here.
6. Edamame Chickpea Power Salad With Avocado-Lime Dressing
Toasted chickpeas, edamame, and cashews give this salad a triple hit of protein.
Protein per serving: 33 grams.
Get the recipe here.
7. Chicken, Bacon, and Strawberry Salad With Orange Balsamic Vinaigrette
This high-protein salad is loaded with fresh strawberries and crunchy walnuts — and it just happens to be paleo-friendly.
Protein per serving: 74 grams.
Get the recipe here.
8. Garlicky Kale Salad With Crispy Chickpeas
Crispy chickpeas roasted with warm tandoori spices take this savory kale salad to the next level.
Protein per serving: 17 grams.
Get the recipe here.
9. Shrimp and Black Bean Salad With Cilantro, Cumin, and Lime
Black beans and shrimp give this salad a double hit of protein that'll keep you full.
Protein per serving: 39 grams.
Get the recipe here.
10. Salmon Caesar Salad
Protein-packed salmon on top of a bed of hearty chickpeas and crisp lettuce — what could be better?
Protein per serving: 73 grams.
Get the recipe here.
11. Shrimp Avocado Tomato Salad
This festive salad loaded with avocado, egg, and shrimp will keep you full all throughout the day.
Protein per serving: 15.2 grams.
Get the recipe here.
12. Turkey Nachos Salad
Part salad, part nachos — what more could you want?
Protein per serving: 28 grams.
Get the recipe here.
13. Roasted Fennel, Asparagus, and Red Onions With Parmesan and Hard-Boiled Eggs
This salad filled with eggs and roasted veggies is so hearty it'll feel like you're not even eating a salad.
Protein per serving: 33 grams.
Get the recipe here.
14. Spicy Roasted Tofu and Portobello Mushroom Bowl
This salad-ish bowl of roasted mushrooms and tofu will fill you up and make your tastebuds very happy.
Protein per serving: 36 grams.
Get the recipe here.
All nutritional info provided by the recipe authors or roughly calculated on Verywell.com