You may agree that eating healthy can be a chore!
When you hear the word ‘salad’ do you sigh in disappointment?
It doesn’t have to be that way… just by having a simple collection of some of the best salad recipes on hand can save you the hassle of working out how to prepare and make delicious salads.
You have come to the right place!
When you are finished reading this post you will have a new outlook on salad and be ready to tackle that healthy eating with a wealth of delicious and dare I say… exciting best salad recipes to lose weight!
1. Herb and Chickpea Chopped Salad
The colours and flavours in this salad will really get your tastebuds tingling! There is an amazing variety of ingredients in this salad to satisfy your hunger. The chickpeas and nuts are a great source of protein, while the fruits and veggies provide you with all the vitamins you need.
How long will it take? 15 mins
How many calories? 450 per serving
What will you need?
- Butter lettuce
- Corn
- Tomato
- Red pepper
- Blackberries or blueberries
- Peach
- Jalapeño
- Chickpeas
- Pumpkin seeds
- Walnuts and pistachios
- Avocado
- Goat cheese
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
Find the full recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
2. Greek Salad
The olives in this salad provide you with all those good fats your body needs to stay full. The delicious Mediterranean flavours in this salad will make you feel like you are having lunch among the beautiful white buildings of Santorini! The best salad recipes are sometimes the most obvious.
How long will it take? 18 mins
How many calories? 395 per serving
What will you need?
- Romaine lettuce
- Green pepper
- Tomato
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Kalamata olive
- Pine nuts
- Feta cheese
- Skinless chicken or fish
Find the full recipe at Prevention.
3. Chicken Salad with Carrots and Pistachios
The combination of sweet and savoury fruit and vegetables is what really makes this salad exciting. It is full of flavour. The chicken provides you with all the protein you need in a healthy meal.
How long will it take? 45 mins
How many calories? 307 per serving
What will you need?
- Arugula
- Carrots
- Shallots
- Scallions
- Watercress
- Grape tomato
- Pistachio
- Skinless chicken breast
- Extra-virgin olive oil
Find the full recipe at Prevention.
4. Basil Balsamic Tuna Salad
A quick, easy, tasty salad that can be prepared in just 10 minutes! Canned tuna is so easy and full of goodness making it perfect as a quick addition to any salad. The veggies and seasoning in this salad complement the tuna perfectly.
How long will it take? 10 mins (+30 mins refrigerate)
How many calories? 350 per serving
What will you need?
- Canned tuna
- Roma tomato
- Red onion
- Yellow bell pepper
- Zucchini
- Balsamic vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Basil
- Garlic
Find the full recipe at The Secret Ingredient.
5. Detox Rainbow Salad
Eat a rainbow with this delicious salad. Sometimes the best salad recipes are just great to look at. The more colours there are, the more nutrients and goodness you are getting! Super simple and super tasty, what’s not to love?
How long will it take? 15 mins
How many calories? 300 per serving
What will you need?
- Broccoli
- Red cabbage
- Red onion
- Avocado
- Almonds
- Chia seeds
- Yogurt
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Lemon juice
Find the full recipe at DetoxDIY.
6. BBQ Chicken Salad
This is a great healthier alternative to many salads you can get straight from a takeaway restaurant. The delicious ingredients will keep you fuller for longer!
How long will it take? 25 mins
How many calories? 396 per serving
What will you need?
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- BBQ sauce
- Romaine lettuce
- Cherry tomatoes
- Black beans
- Mexicorn
- Red onion
- Tortilla chips
- Cilantro
- Ranch dressing
Find the full recipe at Well Plated.
7. Chicken Waldorf Salad
This is a low-calorie take on the classic Waldorf salad. The spice of the mustard perfectly compliments the sweetness of the apples and grapes. Deliciously tasty and packed with goodness, this salad won’t disappoint.
How long will it take? 15 mins
How many calories? 248 per serving
What will you need?
- Chicken breasts
- Apple
- Grapes
- Celery
- Pistachios
- Lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lettuce or bread for serving
- Greek yogurt
- Chives
- Dijon mustard
Find the full recipe at Recipe Runner.
8. Brussels Sprout Salmon Salad
Who said Brussel sprouts were only for Christmas? Brussel sprouts are rich in nutrients, antioxidants and fibre, which makes them a perfect ingredient for a healthy salad. Salmon is of course a great source of protein and Omega 3. The perfect combo!
How long will it take? 25 mins
How many calories? 481 per serving
What will you need?
- Brussels sprouts
- Quinoa
- Apple
- Walnuts or pecans
- Pomegranate seeds arils or dried craisins
- Salmon fillets
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- Balsamic vinegar
- Maple syrup
- Dijon mustard
Find the full recipe at Kim’s Cravings.
9. Mango Shrimp Salad
A perfect summer salad recipe! The zesty flavours in this salad make it very tasty, not to mention its is SO easy to make. Shrimp AND mango in the same dish? What’s not to love?!
How long will it take? 25 mins
How many calories? 340 per serving
What will you need?
- Shrimp
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lime
- Mango
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Garlic
- Cilantro
- Lettuce leaves
Find the full recipe at Diethood.
10. Salmon Salad Veggie Power Bowl
The name says it all. This power bowl packs a punch! Full of good fats, nutrients and vitamins. The ingredients in this salad work so well together to provide you with a nutritionally balanced, delicious salad.
How long will it take? 15 mins
How many calories? 252 per serving
What will you need?
- Salmon
- Seasonal greens
- Zucchini and squash
- Raspberries
- Balsamic glaze
- Avocado or olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- Thyme sprigs
- Parmesan crumbles (optional)
- Lemon juice
Find the full recipe at Cotter Crunch.
11. Ahi Tuna Poke and Mango Salad
Love sushi but looking for a slightly healthier/ less calorific option? Look no further than this Ahi Tuna Poke and Mango Salad. This is more of a ‘treat night’ recipe due to the fact that you need to hunt down sushi-grade tuna but still very easy to make and super delicious! If you’re like me, then this will be one of the best salad recipes to lose weight for you!
How long will it take? 15 mins
How many calories? 391 per serving
What will you need?
- Vegetable oil
- Ponzu sauce
- Wasabi
- Sushi grade tuna
- Mango
- Seaweed salad
- Sesame seeds
- Spring lettuce mix
- Avocado sliced
- Salt
Find the full recipe at Foodie Crush.
12. Winter Fruit and Shrimp Salad
Salads don’t just have to be a summer dish. This recipe utilises delicious winter fruits and the flavours will brighten up any winter day. Easily up there with some of the best salad recipes to lose weight.
How long will it take? 10 mins
How many calories? 340 per serving
What will you need?
- Shrimp cooked
- Orange segments
- Pomegranate seeds
- Goat cheese soft type
- Mixed greens
- Balsamic dressing
Find the full recipe at The Creative Bite.
13. Got-To Salad
This one is super simple and super filling. It is the perfect recipe for those times when you need to rustle up something quick.
How long will it take? 75 mins
How many calories? 531 per serving
What will you need?
- Greens (baby spinach used)
- Sweet onion
- Tomato
- Avocado
- Walnuts
- Sweet potato
- Hummus or 1/2 cup beans (optionall)
- Maple syrup
- Tahini
- Orange
Find the full recipe at Kathy Patalsky.
14. Tomato Basil Abundance Salad
This Italian inspired salad is the perfect way to use your overripe tomatoes! Insanely easy with just a few ingredients, this is perfect for a quick dinner or quick lunch during the week. The combination of fresh basil and tomatoes is AMAZING!
How long will it take? 15 mins
How many calories? 582 per serving
What will you need?
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Basil leaves
- Sea salt & pepper to taste
- Arugula
- Heirloom tomatoes
- Cannellini beans
- Basil leaves
Find the full recipe at VeguKate.
15. Vegan Cobb Salad
Love at Cobb salad? Trying to reduce your meat intake? Then this one is for you! Vegan ingredients are used to recreate the boiled egg, chicken and bacon. Whilst it may be meat free it is certainly not flavour free!
How long will it take? 80 mins
How many calories? 584 per serving
What will you need?
- Extra-firm tofu
- Soy milk
- Cornmeal
- Garlic powder
- Salt & pepper
- Nutritional yeast
- Cashews
- Oyster mushrooms
- Soy sauce
- Tomato
- Avocado
- Spinach (or other greens)
- Red wine vinegar
- Olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
Find the full recipe at One Ingredient Chef.
16. Purple Potato and Quinoa Salad
Another great one for those cooler, darker nights. This winter bowl is packed full of nutritional goodness. The avocado provides natural fats while the quinoa is a great source of protein and fibre.
How long will it take? 40 mins
How many calories? 578 per serving
What will you need?
- Purple potatoes
- Olive oil
- Shiitake or maitake mushrooms
- Leafy greens (baby greens or winter greens like kale)
- Quinoa
- Nutritional yeast
- Avocado
- Lemon
- Beets
- Tahini or vegan mayo
- Maple syrup
- salt and pepper to taste
Find the full recipe at Kathy Patalsky.
17. Tempeh Tuna Salad
This is a plant-based take on your traditional tuna salad. The tempeh in this recipe is a great source of protein and fibre, filled with probiotics and contains many important vitamins such as B12. You can even use this salad as a sandwich filler!
How long will it take? 20 mins
How many calories? 141 per serving
What will you need?
- Tempeh
- White onions
- Celery
- Dill pickle
- Fresh dill
- Capers
- Vegan mayo
- Mustard
- Lemon juice
- Cayenne
- salt and pepper, to taste
Find the full recipe at My Darling Vegan.
18. Autumn Glow Salad
The variety of colours in this salad are what first attracted me to it! Not only does it look fabulous, it also tastes it! The butternut squash will satisfy your hunger pangs and carb cravings. On a particularly cool night, you can also serve this salad warm.
How long will it take? 45 mins
How many calories? 374 per serving
What will you need?
- Kale
- Red cabbage
- Butternut squash
- Pomegranate
- Persimmons
- Orange
- Garlic
- Hemp seeds
- Olive oil
- Tahini
- Apple cider vinegar
- Maple syrup
- Cumin
- Sea salt & pepper to taste
Find the full recipe at VeguKate.
19. Kale and Delicata Squash Salad
A similar recipe to the ‘Autumn Glow Salad’ above but the citrus- maple vinaigrette dressing is what sets the two apart. The combination of flavours in this dish is really special. Another one of the best salad recipes to lose weight. You won’t be disappointed!
How long will it take? 40 mins
How many calories? 265 per serving
What will you need?
- Delicata squash
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Orange
- White wine vinegar
- Maple syrup
- Cayenne pepper
- Kale leaves
- Pomegranate seeds
- Wheat berries
- Pepitas
Find the full recipe at Oh My Veggies.
20. Roasted Pumpkin Quinoa Salad
The yoghurt dressing in this salad is to die for! It works perfectly with the hearty flavours of the roasted pumpkin. This is a perfect go-to salad for those Autumn nights when you want to eat something comforting.
How long will it take? 80 mins
How many calories? 483 per serving
What will you need?
- Butternut pumpkin
- Coconut oil
- Cinnamon
- sea salt & black pepper, to taste
- Quinoa
- Pumpkin seeds
- Salad greens
- Cashews
- Tahini
- Lemon
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Chilli sauce
- Olive oil
- Coriander, leaves and stems
- Garlic clove
Find the full recipe at Tales of a Kitchen.
21. The Summer Glow Salad
This salad will leave you feeling glowing from the inside out. The berries and spinach are packed full of antioxidants and vitamins. All the other ingredients are additional nutritional extras!
How long will it take? 30 mins
How many calories? 441 per serving
What will you need?
- Baby spinach
- Berries (strawberries, blackberries, blueberries…)
- Pumpkin seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Hazelnuts
- Fennel
- Avocado
- Lemon
- Tahini
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Sea salt & pepper
Find the full recipe at VeguKate.
22. Mango Chipotle Chicken Salad
Simply delicious! Mango in a salad is always a good idea and in this recipe, it complements the chipotle chicken perfectly.
How long will it take? 30 mins
How many calories? 565 per serving
What will you need?
- Chicken breasts
- Romaine lettuce
- Oil
- Chipotle pepper
- Lime juice
- Salt
- Garlic
- Red onion
- Red bell pepper
- Mangoes
- Black beans
- Queso fresco
- BBQ sauce
- Cilantro
Find the full recipe at Creme De La Crumb.
23. Elevate-Your-Senses Power Bowl
This power bowl is absolutely bursting with an amazing array of flavours, colours and textures! The nutritional benefits of this salad are off the charts. It is deliciously tasty and extremely filling making it a perfect go-to dinner.
How long will it take? 32 mins
How many calories? 579 per serving
What will you need?
- Kale
- Coconut oil
- Paprika
- Quinoa
- Sea salt
- Chives
- Radishes
- Beet
- Avocado
- Lime
- Carrots
- Optional garnishes: pepitas + two-seeded dressing
Find the full recipe at Blissful Basil.
24. French Bean Salad
Beans are a great source of protein AND keep you fuller for longer, making them a great staple ingredient for healthy meals. This is one of the best salad recipes as it is super easy to make and uses many ‘traditional’ salad ingredients which keeps it simple but effective.
How long will it take? 20 mins
How many calories? 400 per serving
What will you need?
- Eggs
- Green beans
- Mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Black olives
- White beans
- Flat-leaf
- Salt & Pepper
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Shallot
- Olive oil
Find the full recipe at Well Plated.
25. Hearty Detox Salad
This vegan salad is full of detoxifying ingredients such as tahini, kale and apple cider vinegar. The portobello mushrooms add a healthy ‘meaty’ texture to this wonderful dish.
How long will it take? 5 hours 20 mins
How many calories? 382 per serving
What will you need?
- Red onion
- Apple cider vinegar
- Farro
- Portobello mushrooms
- Kale
- Cherry tomatoes
- Shallots
- Lemon juice
- White wine vinegar
- Tahini
- Olive oil
- Sea salt & pepper
- Soy sauce
Find the full recipe at Blissful Basil.
26. Grilled Lamb Salad Bowl
This Mediterranean salad bowl is absolutely delicious. The tzatziki complements the lamb perfectly. This is a hearty, healthy dish which certainly won’t disappoint!
How long will it take? 30 mins (+ marinade meat 3 hours before)
How many calories? 474 per serving
What will you need?
Salt and pepper
- Leg of lamb
- Olive oil
- Lemons
- Red wine vinegar
- Rosemary
- Oregano
- Garlic
- Salt
- Tzatziki Sauce
- Mixed greens bag
- Tortilla chip strips
- Tomatoes
Find the full recipe at Real Food by Dad.
27. Wild Rice Salad
The sweet and citrus flavours in this salad make it a favourite of ours. The rice will keep you fuller for longer while the fruits and veggies provide you with those essential vitamins your body needs to keep healthy.
How long will it take? 10 mins
How many calories? 307 per serving
What will you need?
- Orange
- Lemon
- Olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- Honey to taste (optional)
- Spinach
- Rice
- Mangos
- Cashews
- Dried cranberries
- Red onions
- Parsley (optional)
Find the full recipe at Pinch of Yum.
Best Salad Recipes to Lose Weight Summary
So, there you have it… 27 of the best salad recipes to help you lose weight!
Hopefully, we have changed your mind about salads. Give them a try and drop a comment below to let us know your favourites and what you will try this week.
If you are looking for more ways to eat healthily and lose weight take a look at these posts…