15 Salad Dinners That Don’t Get Pushed Aside

Tired of those sad little salads that get left behind while everyone devours the main dish? These 15 dinner salads are here to flip the script. Packed with all the good stuff, they’re hearty enough to fulfill even the hungriest eater. Think of it as giving your salad the starring role it deserves.

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.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

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

If you’re craving something fresh with a hint of excitement, this salad is a twist that brings vibrancy to your dinner table. Bold flavors make it a dish that holds its own, proving that salads are more than just a side act. It’s the perfect option for those who want a flavorful meal without it getting pushed to the side. With Mexican Street Corn Salad, every bite is filled with a robust character that begs to be the center of attention.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Shirazi Salad

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

Freshness is the hero in a bowl of Shirazi Salad, where simplicity refreshingly meets flavor. It’s able to stand proud among more substantial dinners, offering a crisp experience that isn’t easily overshadowed. Ideal for those who love a lighter touch to their meals, it mixes health and taste in one go. This salad effortlessly stakes its claim on the dinner table, demonstrating that light options have ample power.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Cucumber Salad With Feta

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

When Cucumber Salad with Feta rolls onto the plate, you’re met with a dish that’s both light and rewarding. It carries a coolness that complements any meal, especially during warmer seasons or as a counter to heavier counterparts. It’s a testament to how salads can be both filling and refreshing without any heaviness. Don’t let this fool you; every forkful is a statement that it belongs right in the mix of dinner choices.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad With Feta

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.

Think about a salad that’s bold enough to stand up to any main course, and you’ve got Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. This dish brings a smoky depth that anchors it firmly as a dinner favorite. Despite being packed with greens, it carries a weight that ensures it’s taken seriously at any meal. This is a salad that doesn’t get overlooked—it’s a fixture on a table that values depth and substance.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad With Smoked Tomatoes

Pizza Pasta Salad

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

It’s not often you find salads that can make you rethink dinner choices, but Pizza Pasta Salad does just that. A playful twist on classic flavors, it’s a combination that holds its own without needing any accompaniments. This is a meal that boldly takes center stage, showing salads can be both fun and filling. It’s the kind of dish you turn to when you want something different yet rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Couscous Salad With Smoked Tomatoes

A plate of Mediterranean Couscous Salad With Smoked Tomatoes topped with parsley.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad With Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Offering a vibrant mix, Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes promises a hearty and enjoyable eating experience. It has a way of capturing attention, championing the idea that salads can indeed be the main course. Its hearty nature ensures no one is left questioning its place at the dinner table. This salad is for anyone looking for a meal that’s both nutritious and substantial.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad With Smoked Tomatoes

Grilled Asparagus And Potato Salad

Close-up shot of Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad on a white plate.
Grilled Asparagus And Potato Salad. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

With a nod to traditional cooking, Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad comes through as a substantial and comforting option. A smoky char adds depth, ensuring it’s a salad that gets the attention it deserves. It’s the ideal choice for those who believe salads can be both comforting and delicious. The robust nature of this dish firmly plants it as a dinner staple that isn’t pushed aside.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus And Potato Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For something with a decidedly Asian flair, Chinese Chicken Salad is a vibrant entry at the table. It’s a staple for anyone who appreciates a salad that packs both protein and punch. This dish is an assertive choice, designed to stand out with its bold flavors and satiating elements. It’s the kind of salad that asserts itself as an essential part of meal times.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Potato Salad With Herbs & Green Garlic

Herbed potato salad on a white platter.
Potato Salad With Herbs & Green Garlic. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you serve up Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic, it carries an aromatic confidence that holds its ground. This dish is a classic reinvented, demonstrating that hearty ingredients can transform a salad into a substantial meal. It gives off a rustic vibe that goes well with almost anything, proving its versatility. Above all, it showcases that a well-crafted salad has the power to be a dinner’s star.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad With Herbs & Green Garlic

Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dishing out Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp means serving a meal that’s as rewarding as it is delicious. The inclusion of seafood adds an extra dimension that upgrades it from a plain salad to a complete dinner. It strikes a balance of being both nutritious and indulgent, with a placement on the table that’s undeniably central. This salad ensures diversity in your dinner options with its refreshing yet hearty simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Shrimp

Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

A bowl of yellow bean and potato salad.
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for something that combines tradition with a twist, Yellow Bean & Potato Salad hits the mark. This hearty mix stands its ground as a main meal, challenging the notion that salads are just an accompaniment. The earthiness resonates well with those who appreciate meals that are rooted in simplicity. It’s a definitive option for anyone wanting a substantial and welcoming salad at their dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice salad served on a white rectangular plate.
Wild Rice Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a heartier grain-based option, Wild Rice Salad steps up with a texture that’s every bit as rewarding as it is unique. This choice is a testament to the versatility and fullness that salads can offer. It pairs the wholesome goodness of grains with a robust profile that demands attention. If you’re in the market for a filling and nutritious option, this salad won’t be sidelined.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

With a name like Mediterranean Chopped Salad, you’re getting a dish that’s diced with determination and ready to take on hunger. It’s a robust palate pleaser that’s both invigorating and substantial. This particular mix appeals to those who look for zing without compromising on fullness. It’s a perfect example of how a salad can hold its own and add vibrance to your dinner repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Spring Salad With Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Spring salad with asparagus and potatoes on a white plate.
Spring Salad With Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes ushers in a taste of the season with every forkful. It’s a blend that’s hearty enough to compete with warmer, heavier dishes while still bringing a touch of freshness. This is one of those salads that’s redefining the dinner game, embracing both nourishment and substance. It’s a prime candidate for those who want their salads to be lively and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad With Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

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.

Introducing Easy Salmon Pasta Salad, a fusion that’s especially tempting for those who enjoy a touch of the sea with their greens. The addition of pasta provides a backbone that anchors the dish as a dinner-worthy contender. It is a confident choice for an easy yet impressive meal. Ready to take on the role of dinner heavyweight, it promises a meal that’s both straightforward and elegant.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

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