We are always on the search for easy, quick, and filling lunch salad recipes! These are our go-to’s that we enjoy again and again, with everything from light vegetarian salads to recipes that are more filling and protein-packed.
You’ll love these salad ideas for lunch which are perfect for meal prepping on a weekend. Be sure to check out our list of homemade salad dressing at the bottom of the post so you can mix and match according to your specific tastes!
Pecan Chicken Salad
If you’ve been searching for the absolute best chicken salad recipe, look no further than pecan chicken salad! It’s loaded with sweet, juicy grapes, crunchy pecans, poppy seeds, and lots of fresh herbs. The dressing is made from a mix of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, making it a healthier twist on the classic. Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to make this quickly and no-cook. You’ll serve this at every summer cookout or barbecue!
Also check out: Pecan Crusted Chicken
Goat Cheese Salad
Phyllo wrapped goat cheese is a simple and elegant way to instantly dress up an already flavorful salad kit. Strawberry infused cranberries add sweetness, while almonds add a much needed crunch. This goat cheese salad is creamy, a little tangy, and just sweet enough from the rosé berry vinaigrette. An easy lunch any day of the week!
Also check out: Fried Goat Cheese Balls
Peach Burrata Salad
This peach burrata salad tastes like summer! Fresh peaches are thinly sliced then plated with creamy burrata cheese, silky prosciutto, and fresh basil. Drizzle lightly with truffle oil, then season with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. A perfect lunch plate or side salad for any summer meal! GF
Also check out: Sheet pan pork with red onions and peaches
Everything Chopped Salad with Shrimp and Halloumi
This everything chopped salad tastes like summer! It’s loaded with mini bagel toasts, everything bagel seasoning, roasted shrimp, pan fried halloumi cheese and creamy ranch dressing! (pescaterian)
Also check out: Lemon Garlic Pasta with Shrimp and Scallops
White Bean Salad with Tuna
https://www.wellseasonedstudio.com/white-bean-salad/Marinated white bean salad is the quick, simple lunch of our dreams. It comes together with a few pantry staples — canned beans! — but gets jazzed up with lots of fresh herbs, high quality olive oil, vinegar, and really good jarred tuna. Creamy, healthy, and filling. You will eat this on repeat, both for lunch and dinner!
Also check out: Skillet Chicken with White Beans and Kale
Spicy Kani Salad
Spicy kani salad is a refreshing, creamy dish made from crab sticks and cucumber that we enjoy every time we order sushi. This kani salad recipe is ready in less than 10 minutes, is inexpensive to make, and is both sweet and spicy from the dressing. Add deep fried tempura bits for crunch and tobiko for a pop of texture!
Also check out: Ahi Tuna Poké Bowls
Well Seasoned House Salad
This is our go-to house salad recipe, which we serve almost weekly (and is infinitely adaptable)! It features baby arugula, fresh summer raspberries, creamy goat cheese, marcona almonds, and a sprinkle of fresh dill. Toss with rich, sweet balsamic vinegar then serve. A perfect side salad to accompany any lunch or dinner entrée!
Also check out: Weeknight Chicken Milanese with Fennel Salad
Tuna Pasta Salad
We love this easy tuna pasta salad! It’s inexpensive to make, tastes delicious, has no mayonnaise to be found (instead, we’re using a homemade balsamic vinaigrette to dress the salad!), and features our favorite pantry staple: jarred tuna fish! It’s sure to elevate any summer picnics or cookouts. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead! DF
Also check out: Cherry Tomato Confit with Garlic and Shallots
Grilled Peach Salad
Simple food is always best, and this grilled peach salad is the perfect example! Top fresh baby arugula with grilled peaches, crunchy pecans, and crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola. Toss lightly with homemade honey mustard vinaigrette for a light lunch or side salad that is healthy and tastes amazing! GF, Vegetarian
Also check out: Grilled Spatchcock Chicken
Greek Salad
This classic Greek salad is loaded with salty feta, briny Kalamata olives, crunchy cucumbers and tomatoes, then tossed with a vibrant Greek vinaigrette. Romaine is totally optional! A healthy, light salad that everyone will love!
Also check out: Greek Turkey Meatballs
Avocado Tomato Salad
This avocado tomato salad is a game changer! Three simple ingredients get tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, making this a quick, healthy summer recipe! This summer avocado salad is Whole30, gluten free, and totally healthy. You’ll make it every single week!
Also check out: Tomato And Onion Salad
Tips For Variations For Lunch Salad Recipes
- Looking to get in more protein? You can add chicken, salmon, shrimp, steak, or even deli meat to most salads to bulk them up a bit!
- Salads with greens will wilt if dressed too early. Make sure not to toss any leafy green salads with dressing until just before serving.
- If looking to store any of these salads in a mason jar for easy transport, make sure the salad dressing is poured into the jar first, layering any additional wet ingredients in the bottom of the jar, ending with lettuces or greens on top. When ready to eat, simply shake it all together, then pour into a bowl (if desired) and dig in!
- Make salad dressings in mason jars, then keep tightly sealed (and labeled!) in a refrigerator — they’ll last for weeks, making easy, homemade salad dressings readily accessible at all times!
If you make any of these lunch salad recipes, please let us know by leaving a review below or on the specific blog post!
Looking for dinner inspiration? Check out these Healthy Weeknight Meals!
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