12 Satisfying Main Dish Salads That Do Healthy Right

Saigon Noodle Salad

There's a whole lot of crisp veg going on underneath those rice noodles and grilled shrimp. Fresh herbs and a ginger/garlic/Sriracha sauce liven things up, and peanuts add a satisfying crunch.

Caprese Salad with Grilled Flank Steak

You can fool your mouth into eating less meat when it's presented on a big pile of dark greens, fresh basil, and juicy tomatoes. Cut the mozzarella cheese into small pieces to keep calories in check.

Grilled Chicken Taco Salad

Beans add extra protein and fiber, and a spicy rub amps up the flavor of the grilled chicken in this healthy taco salad recipe. Go easy on the sour cream or substitute yogurt for a creamy, tangy finish.

Chicken Mango Salsa Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette

Here's a healthy chicken salad with crisp greens and crunchy vegetables playing off luscious mango for a textural win-win. Tropical dressing cheers things on from the sidelines where it belongs.

Tropical Turkey Salad

When dressing on the side doesn't make sense, just make sure it doesn't smother your salad with fat. Low-fat sour cream or yogurt gives this curry dressing just the right creaminess to lightly hug everything together.

Authentic Lebanese Fattoush

Cucumber, tomato, mint, and arugula meet a surprise guest in lemony purslane. An unusual sumac-laced dressing gives a hit of fruity, astringent flavor for a "wow, what's that?" experience. Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein.

Blackberry Spinach Salad

Fresh seasonal berries are naturally low-carb and packed with nutrients. Toss them in by the generous handful; they play well with whatever healthy protein you've got going, and their juiciness can take the place of salad dressing.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Hello, healthy grain salad. Quinoa's been called one of the best plant-based protein sources out there. And it's gluten-free, easy to digest, and soaks up flavors like a sponge. So, into the salad it goes.

Want a super-quick healthy salad dressing? Simply shake together 1 part lemon juice with 3 parts olive oil and a pinch of salt.

Avocado and Tuna Tapas

Avocados fall squarely into the good-for-you column, and they seem to keep you fuller, longer. Instead of serving the avocado on the side, go on and make it the bowl with this healthy tuna salad recipe.

Chicken Chow Mein Salad

Here's a healthy salad that's loaded with superfoods -- fresh spinach, red cabbage, pecans, mandarin oranges, leeks, and dried cranberries. It's also a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken. "Hearty, delicious super-easy healthy green salad reminiscent of traditional chicken chow mein," says TheRecycleChef. "Add a splash of your favorite Asian dressing and you have a complete meal."

Za'atar Chicken Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

Grilled za'atar-marinated chicken tenders are served over a romaine salad loaded with veggies and drizzled with a lemon-tahini dressing. "Experiment with Middle Eastern flavors in this nutritious dinner salad," says Bibi. "Use purchased za'atar seasoning blend or use your own."

Quinoa Salad with Crispy Tofu Cubes and Lime Vinaigrette

Crispy tofu cubes combine with roasted sweet potato chunks and more vegetables, are then tossed in a lime vinaigrette, and served over quinoa. "Had this salad at a restaurant in Minneapolis and had to make it the second I got home," says paralee. "It takes a bit of prep work, but definitely worth it!"