28 hearty salad recipes that actually count as a full meal - satisfying lunch or dinner ideas to try

Rice salad is the perfect recipe to take on a picnic! Very easy to make, it will be just as simple to slip it into a Tupperware to take anywhere with you. A perfect idea to keep in mind when you're short on inspiration for your packed lunches at...

Rice salad is a staple in spring and summer: light yet nutritious , tasty, fresh and colorful . None of the ingredients we use need to be cooked (except the rice, of course), so you won't need to spend much time at the stove —and that's great news...

Today we’re sharing a delicious variation on rice salad with chicken, zucchini, pine nuts, and balsamic glaze: a gluten-free and lactose-free version to serve for lunch or dinner in both spring and summer. You can enjoy it as soon as it’s ready, or...

Rice salad with prawns, zucchini and ginger is a light and nutritious dish, ideal for summer: carbohydrates, protein and vegetables all in one fresh, flavorful recipe. You can eat it as soon as it is ready if you are at home, or keep it in the...

Fresh and fragrant , with Mediterranean flavors. Many people also call it Sicilian rice salad , because of the ingredients used to make it: tuna, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon, black olives and extra-virgin olive oil (some people also add almonds )....

The first time I tried this cold pasta with arugula pesto, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella was during an impromptu lunch on the terrace with friends in the middle of summer. Just a few ingredients , no desire to cook and a craving for something...

This classic pasta salad gets an extra-creamy, delicious touch from the addition of cream cheese: it’s one of Italians’ favorite summer cold dishes. The ingredients used in this recipe don’t need to be cooked (apart from the pasta, of course), so...

An interesting combination that makes for a delicious cold dish. Our creamy pasta salad with zucchini pesto, buffalo mozzarella (though regular cow’s-milk mozzarella works too) and sun-dried tomatoes is a balanced summer main course that’s easy to...

Are you used to enjoying tortellini hot? Now try them in a cold salad! What could be better than a pasta salad when the sun is shining? Add color and flavor to your dish by pairing tortellini with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and...

See the rice? Now imagine it... in pasta form! Orzo is perfect for complete salads that are both light and satisfying. Here, it is combined with tender, melt-in-your-mouth salmon , tender zucchini and a handful of arugula for a touch of freshness....

Choose this chickpea and cod salad for a light, nutritious, complete, and fragrant meal. It’s also a great option to take along on a picnic or to work. Easy and delicious, this dish comes together in just minutes. Mix everything together and it’s...

This cowpea salad with tuna is a traditional Portuguese recipe that is fresh, nutritious and very easy to prepare. Along with the main ingredients, it includes hard-boiled eggs , tomato, onion, olives and a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing....

For a hearty salad packed with plant-based protein, nothing beats lentils! Combine these legumes with roasted sweet potatoes, tomatoes, arugula, and red onion for a complete and colorful dish.\r\nGet started with our step-by-step instructions in both...

If you're looking for a healthy, protein-rich diet, try this lentil salad with queijo coalho. Easy to prepare, it can be served as a starter or as a light meal on warmer days. Don't forget to add your own special touch—the more colorful it is, the...

We love salads so much at Ptitchef that there’s no way we’re giving them up in fall and winter. So we swap raw vegetables for seasonal vegetables , combining red cabbage, beet and butternut squash with lentils and parsley. An easy, quick and...

Want to try a salad that's a little different? Try our combination of salmon + chickpeas + orange with a touch of fresh dill! It's a protein-rich dish we love to take to work for a healthy, balanced lunch. And you'll love our sweet-and-savory...

Fresh, colorful and full of sunshine, this mango shrimp salad is perfect for a light summer meal. The slightly spicy shrimp, cooked in a skillet or air fryer, pair beautifully with sweet mango, creamy avocado and a bright touch of lime. Quick,...

Looking for a fresh, colorful salad with a difference? This rice vermicelli and shrimp spring roll salad is perfect: light yet filling, with a mix of crunchy vegetables (carrot, red cabbage, cucumber, lettuce...) that add texture to every bite! And...

This salad of pearl couscous with surimi is a fresh, colorful recipe, perfect for anyone looking for a light, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare meal. Pearl couscous, known for its firm texture, pairs with surimi and fresh vegetables to create a...

The salad that saves summer lunches! With tender wheat, tuna, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and grilled zucchini, this salad ticks all the boxes: fresh, colorful, filling, and full of flavor ;) A drizzle of olive oil, a little...

This potato salad combines simple, flavorful ingredients such as feta cheese , eggs, cherry tomatoes, olives, and fresh parsley. Dressed with olive oil and vinegar, this colorful, light recipe is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. It’s perfect...

A simple, reliable recipe for enjoying seasonal figs :-) Quinoa for carbohydrates, fresh vegetables for fiber and vitamins, figs for a sweet, colorful touch, cheese for creaminess, and toasted almonds for an irresistible crunch. Give it a try!

In winter, there’s no need to let your meals get you down! Make yourself a colorful salad. To do so, highlight the orange of the butternut squash, the yellow of the potato, the green of the lettuce, and the pink of the radishes. Top it all with cubes...

Fancy a hearty salad that's a little different from the classics? This version ticks all the boxes! Between the crunch of the cucumber, the creaminess of the avocado and the crisp, spicy chickpeas, every bite is full of texture and flavor. The...

Perfect for the warmer months, this farro salad with zucchini , eggplant and roasted cherry tomatoes wins you over at the first bite with its extraordinary balance of flavors. The sweetness of the oven-roasted vegetables meets the freshness of...

Planning a picnic? Enjoy our salad jar with delightful Mexican flavors! This recipe is also perfect for a lunch to take to the office. A colorful salad topped with an irresistible dressing! We share our secret in the preparation steps below ↓

Hotter days call for refreshing and nutritious salads like this potato and tuna salad. Easy to prepare, it is ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for making an appetizer before the meal. Check out our recipe below:

Farro and tuna salad is a fresh, balanced dish that's perfect for any occasion. Great as a light lunch, a meal to take to work or a quick dinner, it's an ideal choice for those who want to eat healthy without sacrificing taste. In our version,...