If your friends still think salads are for rabbits, it’s time to introduce them to these robust options. Bringing boldness back to the world of fresh leaves and crisp veggies – these dishes have something to prove. Get ready to see some surprised faces around the table because salad night is about to become synonymous with “heck yes” rather than “heck no.” These salads are coming in with backup, proving once and for all that greens can be just as good as a steak.

A black bowl filled with rotisserie chicken pasta salad.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Who said salads are just greens and dressing? In this option, carnivores can relish the refreshing crunch with a twist. Bold Cucumber Salad with Feta brings a harmony of textures, making it a robust choice for anyone seeking something hearty yet cool. Adding salty cheese complements the dish, ensuring full flavors in every forkful. It’s a no-fuss alternative, proving salads can be a main attraction.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Ham Salad with dill pickle on a plate.
Old Fashioned Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want a nostalgic twist on your meal? Try a hearty scoop of Old Fashioned Ham Salad, which combines a meat lover’s staple with the crispness of a salad. Perfect for sandwiches or on top of fresh lettuce, this salad offers a versatile experience. It’s suitable for any time of the year and balances heartiness with simplicity. You’ll get more than what you’d expect from an ordinary salad.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

From the bustling streets straight to your plate, a salad with a punch of bold flavors awaits. Mexican Street Corn Salad is a feast for those who love a bit of a kick in their meal. It creatively borrows from a beloved street food to deliver a pleasing and unique mix. This combination is a testament to how salads can be as robust as any meat dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to resist, even for the devout meat lover.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Combine two comfort foods, and what do you get? A Pizza Pasta Salad that’s perfect for when you can’t decide between your favorites. It’s a blend that captures the essence of a classic pizza in a chilled, pasta-driven ensemble. This dish invites a new interpretation of what constitutes a meaty salad. It’s as fulfilling as a slice of your go-to pie but served up in a refreshing new way.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Step aside traditional sides; there’s a newcomer ready to take center stage. Shirazi Salad infuses international flavors that upgrade a meat-centric meal without overpowering it. This dish provides an experience that straddles the line between zingy and delicious while maintaining a hearty feel. It’s a smart choice for those looking to broaden their salad horizons. Trust this one to hold its own alongside any meaty main course.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A classic combination is sometimes all it takes to create a fulfilling meal. Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts is one such dish that pairs lean protein-packed poultry with the richness of nuts and the tartness of dried fruits. This is one hearty contender that commands attention in the salad arena. It’s suited for everything from a lunch box treat to a dinner side. Carnivores, don’t underestimate this one; it’s got the bulk to back up its greens.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Egg Salad

The Best Egg Salad on the Planet.
Egg Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Here’s a comfort classic that’s both versatile and packed with protein. Egg Salad can be enjoyed in various ways – on toast, as a dip, or with a bundle of crisp lettuce. Its creamy texture and delicious nature make it a go-to choice for anyone craving something filling yet simple. This tried-and-true staple shows that even the simplest salads can be a hearty option. It’s a reliable pick for any meal with a desired meaty flavor.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad

Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

A plate with Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes.
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For those who think fruits don’t belong in delicious dishes, this combo is ready to change your mind. Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes blends the smoky sweetness of fruit with robust garden flavors. It’s a summery selection that provides a playful variety of meat and greens. This option proves that even salads with a sweet note can satisfy a carnivorous craving. It’s unique, it’s bold, and it’s surprisingly fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Meat lovers, rejoice! Here’s an option crafted just for you. Steak & Pasta Salad is not your typical light lunch fare; it’s a substantial dish to fuel your day. Featuring succulent pieces of meat combined with pasta, it breaks all the rules of a conventional salad. It’s ideal for folks looking for the comfort of pasta and a hearty bite of steak in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A black bowl filled with tabbouleh salad with smoked tomatoes.
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Venture into a world where wholesome meets hearty. Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes offers a flavorful twist on a traditionally light dish. The smoky addition upgrades it to a level that will satisfy even the staunchest meat lovers. It’s a salad that stands up to any main dish but is bold enough to be enjoyed independently. This is proof that creative blends can create fulfilling results.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Introducing a salad that introduces an Italian staple in a refreshing light. Pesto Orzo Salad is a hearty dish that combines pasta with flavors one may not usually expect from a green plate. It’s perfect for those seeking a substantial but not heavy option. This choice brings a flavorful life to the salad course, creating a fulfilling meal that’s big on taste. This is your pick for the carnivore looking for a break from the grill.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Here’s something for those who prize texture and substance in their salads. The chewy grains in Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes pair up with the fish’s meatiness, creating a substantial mouthfeel. It’s a power-packed choice that’s as appropriate for a post-workout meal as a family dinner. This dish can hold against any meat dish, providing a hearty alternative. It’s big on nutrition and flavor without skimping on satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Look no further if you’re looking for something that hits all the right spots. Easy Salmon Pasta Salad brings flaky fish and pasta together in a dish that will keep you coming back for more. It’s casual yet indulgent, proving that salads can be a meal’s centerpiece. It covers all bases and is suitable for quick lunches and impressive dinner spreads. This salad will convert even dedicated meat-eaters with its ample heartiness.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

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