13 Salads That Won’t Make You Miss the Main Dish

When I want something quick, fresh, and filling, a good salad always hits the mark—especially the kind that doesn’t leave me reaching for a snack an hour later. These are the ones I rely on when I don’t feel like cooking a big meal but still want something that feels complete. They’re simple to prep, easy to store, and actually hold their own on the dinner table.

Easy Radish Salad

This salad keeps things simple with a crisp bite that works well for lunch or a light dinner. It’s quick to put together and holds up well if made in advance. The ingredients are easy to find, and the whole thing comes together in minutes. It’s a smart pick when you want something fresh that still feels like a real meal. This one proves that salads can stand on their own without needing anything else beside them.
Get the Recipe: Easy Radish Salad

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

With crunchy broccoli and bits of bacon, this salad has a hearty feel that makes it more than just a side. It’s easy to prep and doesn’t take long to chill in the fridge. The mix of textures and familiar flavors gives it a solid place at the table. You can pack it for lunch or serve it up at dinner without needing another dish. It’s the kind of salad that holds its own and doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

This is one of those salads that feels like a full meal thanks to the shrimp and pasta combo. It works well for a quick dinner or to bring along to a gathering. The prep is straightforward and the ingredients are easy to work with. It’s filling without being too heavy and keeps well in the fridge. When you want a salad that doesn’t need anything else added, this one fits the bill.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Chopped Greek Salad

Packed with chopped vegetables and a few bold flavors, this salad brings a lot to the table. It comes together quickly and makes a great lunch or side for dinner. There’s enough going on that you don’t feel like you’re missing anything. It works especially well for warmer days when you want something cool but still filling. This is the kind of salad that proves you don’t need a main course.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

This salad keeps things light but still offers enough to make a full plate. The fruit adds a sweet contrast without feeling like dessert. It’s easy to prep ahead and makes a great lunch during busy weeks. The blueberry dressing ties everything together in a way that feels complete. You won’t be left wanting more after a bowl of this.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Broccoli Slaw Salad

This slaw-style salad adds crunch and color without needing much effort. It’s a good option for lunchboxes or quick dinners. The mix of ingredients keeps things interesting and filling. It lasts well in the fridge, making it easy to prep ahead. If you’re after a salad that holds its own, this one does the trick.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Seafood Pasta Salad

This one’s hearty enough to pass for a full meal, especially when served cold on a busy day. The mix of seafood and pasta keeps it filling without needing anything extra on the side. It’s easy to throw together with pantry staples and some fresh ingredients. Whether for lunch or dinner, it covers all the bases. You won’t miss the main course when this is what’s on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Green Bean Tomato Salad

With green beans and juicy tomatoes, this salad brings both crunch and flavor. It’s simple to put together and makes a great option for lunch or a light dinner. Everything in it feels fresh but still substantial. It’s easy to double if you’re feeding more than one person. You won’t feel like you’re just picking at a side dish with this one.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Red Skin Potato Salad

This potato salad is hearty enough to stand in for a full meal, especially when served chilled. The red skin potatoes give it a bit of extra texture, and it holds up well over time. It’s simple to make and easy to portion for lunches or quick dinners. The familiar flavors make it one of those salads you keep coming back to. You won’t feel like anything’s missing once this is on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

Santa Fe Salad

This salad is packed with bold flavors and filling ingredients that make it work well as the main event. It’s easy to prep with pantry basics and keeps well in the fridge. The mix of textures makes every bite feel like more than just lettuce. It’s great for lunch or a light dinner without having to add anything on the side. If you want a salad that can hold its own, this one delivers.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

Salmon Salad

With the salmon as the star, this salad brings plenty of protein to the table. It’s simple, fast, and works great for lunch or a lighter dinner. The flavors are balanced, and you don’t need to pair it with anything else. It keeps well if prepped ahead, which makes it practical for busy days. When you're after something light that still feels like a full meal, this is a great choice.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

Apple Salad

This salad balances sweet and crisp with a bit of crunch, making it more than just a side. It’s easy to put together and works for both lunch and dinner. It holds up well if prepped ahead, especially with a sturdy dressing. The ingredients are familiar and easy to find. When you want something fresh but still filling, this salad covers it.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

Spinach Bacon Salad

Bacon adds a hearty bite to the spinach, making this more than just a pile of greens. It’s easy to prep and comes together quickly for a reliable lunch or dinner. The balance of smoky and fresh works well in one bowl. It’s light enough to not weigh you down but full enough to stand alone. This is the kind of salad that doesn’t need anything extra on the side.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Bacon Salad