15 Ways To Make Your Salad The Main Event (Sorry, Steak!)

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15 Ways To Make Your Salad The Main Event (Sorry, Steak!)

Who says salads have to play second fiddle to steak? It’s time to let salads shine as the star of your meal. Turn simple greens into a feast so delicious that you won’t even miss the steak. These 15 ideas will transform your salads into the main event, packed with flavor and excitement. With these creative twists, your salads will be bursting with colors, textures, and tastes that will have everyone coming back for more.

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Egg Salad

The Best Egg Salad on the Planet.
Egg Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Egg Salad isn’t just for picnics and lunchboxes; it can command a place at the dinner table too. This dish proves that simplicity can shine, offering a creamy texture that pairs well with a variety of sides. It’s the perfect choice for a light, yet fulfilling meal. It has a comforting presence, making it a dependable and beloved dish.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Ham Salad with dill pickle on a plate.
Old Fashioned Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you want to throw back to a classic, Old Fashioned Ham Salad is the way to go. This salad has a nostalgic flavor that brings memories of family gatherings. It’s hearty enough to stand alone and versatile enough to serve in various ways. Ideal for a casual weekend lunch or as part of a larger spread, this dish is a beloved classic.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

A plate with Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes.
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

As summer approaches, Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes becomes a seasonal star. This dish offers a blend of sweetness and freshness, making it a popular choice in warmer weather. It’s perfect for those who love a little char on their fruit, bringing out a robust flavor profile. This salad can easily steal the spotlight from any traditional main course.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Shirazi Salad is a refreshing choice that brings a burst of freshness to any meal. Originating from a region known for its vibrant cuisine, this salad is as colorful as it is flavorful. It’s perfect for cleansing the palate or as a light stand-alone meal. It’s particularly popular on hot days when appetites are swayed by the temperature.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turning a simple dish into a gourmet treat, Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts is perfect for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness and crunch. This salad is hearty and can easily become the centerpiece of a lunch or dinner. It’s particularly good for gatherings where you want to impress without too much fuss. It’s a sophisticated twist on a traditional favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black dish.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a more substantial salad that eats like a meal, Salmon Pasta Salad is a top contender. This dish combines the heartiness of pasta with the rich flavors of salmon, making it a perfect main course. It’s ideal for those who want something filling yet refreshing. Whether it’s served at a summer barbecue or as a quick weeknight dinner, it stands out for its flavor and ease of preparation.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

A bowl of yellow bean and potato salad.
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Yellow Bean & Potato Salad brings a hearty, comforting element to the salad course. This dish is a wonderful option for those who prefer their salads with a bit more substance. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any meal where you want a side that can hold its own. The combination of textures and mild flavors appeals to a wide array of palates.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This salad is perfect for those looking for something different in their meal rotation. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a light yet filling dish that embodies the flavors of the Mediterranean. It’s colorful, packed with flavor, and enough to serve as a main dish. The inclusion of shrimp makes it a protein-rich option.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Classic Caprese Salad

A top-down shot of a classic caprese salad in a black dish.
Classic Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This dish is a testament to simplicity, showcasing a blend of textures and flavors that delight the senses. Classic Caprese Salad has a charm that competes with any main dish. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a meal that highlights quality and tradition. This salad brings a touch of elegance to any table, making it a reliable choice for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Adding a twist to a traditional favorite, this salad infuses a beloved classic with bold flavors. Tex-Mex Caesar Salad is a vibrant choice for anyone looking to spice up their meal. It’s designed to stand out, blending familiar textures with exciting new tastes. This salad is not just a side dish; it’s a conversation starter, perfect for lively gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who crave a bit of adventure in their meals, this salad offers just that. Mexican Street Corn Salad is a colorful celebration of flavors, packing a punch that can dominate any dining table. It’s all about bringing the essence of festive street fairs to your plate. This dish is robust enough to serve as a main, appealing to both adventurous eaters and salad lovers alike.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Refreshing and crisp, this salad serves as a cool haven from richer, more intense flavors. In Cucumber Salad with Feta, freshness takes center stage, offering a palate-cleansing effect. It’s ideal for balancing out a spread of heavier dishes, making it a wise choice for any meal. This salad promises a light yet satisfying experience, perfect for hot days or as a complement to any main course.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This salad is a dynamic mix that brings an Asian flair to your dining table. Chinese Chicken Salad is known for its vibrant ingredients and contrasts. It offers a crunch and a burst of flavor that can easily steal the show. Perfect for those who enjoy a touch of exoticism with their meals, this dish is both fulfilling and light.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combining hearty elements with the lightness of greens, this salad offers the best of both worlds. Steak & Pasta Salad is a fulfilling meal that satisfies those who want a bit more from their salad. It’s substantial and robust, ideal for those who love a fuller plate. This dish effortlessly transitions from a simple salad to a main event, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Four Mediterranean Tuna Salad stuffed avocados on a white plate.
Mediterranean Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Dig into the bright, sun-kissed flavors of the coast with this refreshing choice. Mediterranean Tuna Salad is all about enjoying the rich tapestry of seaside culinary traditions. It combines a lightness with enough substance to stand as a meal on its own. This salad is perfect for those seeking a healthy, flavorful option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad

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