Think eating healthier has to be boring? These green salad ideas for summer showcase how you can eat lighter without sacrificing flavor. Adding proteins such as pieces of tuna, grilled chicken, or steak turn a green salad into a complete meal. Main dish salad ideas are perfect for lunch, a picnic in the park, or an al fresco summer dinner. Your friends and family will be excited to eat their greens when they try these delicious salads filled with fresh ingredients.
Citrus & Feta Salad, Homemade Honey-Lime Dressing
“I love a healthy salad with a kick of citrus.” – Melissa
Grilled Chicken Salad, Restaurant Style
“I used to make this in 2 different steakhouse-type restaurants I cooked in. It started out, I made them one day for myself and another worker for lunch when doing prep work one day when we weren’t open. It was so well-liked, we had people ordering it, and then at one of the restaurants, I put it on the menu.” – Peggi Anne
Cider House Steak Salad
“I love this salad. It really is my favorite.” – Gwendolyn
Hawaiian Summer Grill Salad
“For a time-saver, you can use any type of rotisserie chicken then slice it up into strips (or medallions).” – Amber
Spicy Sriracha Grilled Chicken and Watermelon Salad
“At a family celebration recently, my brother ordered a special that came with a watermelon salad. He was seated far from me, so I didn’t get a bite, and I’ve been wondering about that salad ever since. Here’s my attempt to recreate it as a bed for my favorite fast chicken. The cool sweet salad balances the saucy heat of the Sriracha to perfection. The simplicity of this marinade is matched only by its great taste.” – Jess
Mandarin Orange Strawberry Spinach Salad
“This is a true crowd-pleaser!” – Marie
Tijuana Caesar Salad
“This has a fun twist for a Caesar salad. I used the root vegetable jicama that has the texture of a potato and the sweet taste of coconut.” – Kathy
Mandarin Salad
“This is one of my favorite salads. It is refreshingly different than your typical salad.” – Cyndi
Tuna Steak Salad
“I love beautiful, colorful salads with a healthy dose of protein to make a perfect meal. This is one of my favorites. Double or triple the recipe for your family and serve it up with a warm, toasty baguette to make it a meal.” – Lynnie
Strawberry and Bacon Salad
“A really good salad.” – Joanne
Greek Style Grilled Chicken Salad
“A Greek style salad with tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, Feta and Greek dressing with grilled chicken!” – Kevin
Avocado Citrus Salad
“I love avocados!!! So why not have a nice refreshing avocado salad? You can also use tomatoes.” – Nikki
Spring Salad With Orange Dressing
“This delightful salad is excellent for large gatherings.” – Tammi
Fruit, Nut, and Seed Salad
“Good for you and endlessly adaptable! I love having a salad like this for lunch… it’s satisfying all on its own.” – Cindy