Do you want to increase your protein intake but can’t deal with another boring chicken breast and a pile of steamed broccoli?

Join the club! That’s why I’ve rounded up 21 high protein salad ideas to make your meals more exciting and appealing.

We’re skipping the sad lettuce-and-tomato routine and going for dishes that are vibrant, fun, tasty, and packed with protein.

How about fresh salads featuring chicken, bacon, salmon, strawberries, beans, shrimp, mango, sweet potato, tuna, or corn? These delicious bowls are easy to make and perfect for lunch, dinner, picnics, barbecues, work, on-the-go, and serving to guests.

1. Chipotle Chicken Salad

This salad is sweet, spicy, fruity, filling, nutritious, high in protein, flavorful, colorful, and good for you. How many boxes can you tick?

It features chipotle chicken on a bed of fresh greens and vegetables, drizzled with the most delicious honey mango dressing. Guests will think you ordered it from a fancy restaurant!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 596
• Fats: 25g
• Protein: 39g
• Carbs: 61g
• Fiber: 15g
• Sugar: 28g

2. Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

Cottage cheese is loaded with protein, but eating it on toast every day can feel very uninspired.

That’s why I created this tempting salad of seasoned rotisserie chicken cubes, tangy banana peppers, crunchy celery, mild oniony notes, and loads of creamy cottage cheese.

It takes just 15 minutes to make and is always a hit with the family.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 316
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 9.1g
• Fiber: 2.2g
• Sugar: 4.1g

3. Grilled Chicken Bacon Salad

Source: cookathomemom.com

This salad from Madison is anything but boring. Lean chicken breasts sit on a bed of crisp, leafy greens with avocado, walnuts, blueberries, and bacon, all with a tangy citrus kick from lemon vinaigrette.

As Madison says: “It’s a completely healthy meal that’s full of nutrient-rich veggies, and protein, too!”

Per Serving:

• Calories: 459
• Fats: 32g
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 14g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 5g

4. Arugula Steak Salad

Source: cookingchatfood.com

If you have never imagined steak in a salad, you have to try this recipe from David at Cooking Chat.

It features savory grilled steak served on a bed of peppery arugula with a flavorful dressing, plus farro grain for extra substance. It’s great for using leftover steak and is ready in a jiffy.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 549
• Fats: 22.4g
• Protein: 41.5g
• Carbs: 48.2g
• Fiber: 9.4g
• Sugar: 4g

5. Mediterranean Detox Chicken Salad Jars

Source: thegraciouspantry.com

No stove, no stress, and served in a jar! This unique chicken salad with quinoa becomes a conversation starter at any picnic, garden lunch, office canteen, or even at the dinner table.

The jars make it unique, keeping everything crisp and beautifully layered until you’re ready to shake and serve. It’s a clever, eye-catching way to meal prep for the week to come.

The recipe offers 38g of protein, is dairy-free, low in sugar, and packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 497
• Fats: 31g
• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g

6. Strawberry Chicken Salad

Source: bucketlisttummy.com

Celebrate summer with a delicious salad that’s the perfect blend of fruity, sweet, and savory.

Imagine: juicy marinated strawberries, tender chicken, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese layered over crisp greens, and drizzled with a honey-lime yogurt dressing.

It makes a great spring lunch in the garden or a relaxed al fresco dinner on the patio.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 598
• Fats: 31g
• Protein: 39g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 28g

7. Spicy Chicken Salad

Source: shahzadidevje.com

Next up – crisp green Romaine lettuce, vibrant citrus-chili dressing with fresh turmeric root, sweet Ambrosia apple chunks, and spicy chicken breast marinated in a garlic-chili-herb blend.

Sounds delish? Make this for the fam on a lazy weekend and enjoy a healthy meal packed with nutrition, protein, and flavor.

Best of all – it’s wallet-friendly and can be whipped up in just 20 minutes.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 420
• Fats: 20g
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 17g

8. Salmon Salad

Source: dinneratthezoo.com

Salmon is my go-to for dinner when guests come around. And, when I don’t feel like standing in the kitchen for hours, this impressive salmon salad is a standout.

Delight the diners with flaky salmon on a bed of crisp greens with cucumber, tomato, olives, red onion, avocado, and feta cheese, all tossed in a Greek-style garlic and herb dressing.

It looks and tastes like a restaurant-style dish – so get ready for the compliments.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 405
• Fats: 25g
• Protein: 26g
• Carbs: 11g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 3g

9. White Bean and Roasted Shrimp Salad

Source: sidewalkshoes.com

Here’s another restaurant-quality salad that you can make with minimal work. Try Pam’s shrimp salad that features roasted shrimp, smoky bacon, and creamy white beans, all with a cherry tomato vinaigrette.

It’s fancy, has 20g+ of protein, and is guaranteed to get people coming back for seconds. Serve it as a light spring dinner with a glass of crisp white wine.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 282
• Fats: 9g
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 3g

10. Broccoli Chicken Salad

Source: ketofocus.com

Cooking for a Keto diet doesn’t have to be stressful when you have a recipe like this. And, by the way… it’s perfect for those following a normal diet too.

Crunchy broccoli florets and bell peppers are tossed with shredded chicken in a tangy lemon-garlic Greek yogurt dressing.

It keeps for days, so make a large batch and a healthy, hearty dinner is sorted for the busy weeknights ahead.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 427
• Fats: 35.6g
• Protein: 21.8g
• Carbs: 4.5g

11. Street Corn Salad

Source: masonfit.com

In case you missed the memo, cottage cheese is THE high-protein food of the day.

This street corn chicken salad from Mason Woodruff combines blended low-fat cottage cheese with cooked chicken, frozen corn, peppers, lime, herbs, and seasoning to make an amazing high protein snack.

It requires no cooking and can be assembled in just 15-20 minutes. Give it a try!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 210
• Fats: 4g
• Protein: 26g
• Carbs: 16g
• Fiber: 4g

12. Dill Chicken Salad

Source: peaceloveandlowcarb.com

This simple salad proves that a handful of good ingredients can deliver big flavor. Tender cooked chicken is mixed with crunchy celery, onion, creamy mayo, Dijon mustard, and plenty of fresh dill for a bright, herby finish.

It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and Whole30-compliant. Serve it over crisp lettuce leaves, in a wrap, or with crunchy crackers that the kids will LUV.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 236
• Fats: 16.5g
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 1.5g
• Fiber: .25g

13. Dense Bean Salad

Source: thegraciouspantry.com

Dense bean salads are becoming a hit with busy families.

They tick all the right boxes:

– High protein

– High fiber

– Easy to make

– Great for meal prep

– Super versatile

Start with chickpeas and cannellini beans combined with tender chicken, hard-boiled eggs, crisp veggies, and fresh herbs, tossed in a bright lemon-mustard vinaigrette. Then add whatever else takes your fancy.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 503
• Fats: 20g
• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 43g
• Fiber: 11g
• Sugar: 3g

14. Turmeric Chicken Salad

Source: runningtothekitchen.com

This vibrant salad with 20g+ of protein gives classic chicken salad a bright, healthy twist.

Tender shredded chicken is mixed with creamy Greek yogurt, crunchy celery, sweet raisins, and fresh herbs, then finished with grated turmeric for a warm, earthy flavor and a gorgeous golden color.

The turmeric adds a healthy antioxidant boost, making Gina’s salad as nourishing as it is tasty.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 276
• Fats: 12g
• Protein: 27g
• Carbs: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 11g

15. Asian Shrimp Mango Black Rice Salad

Source: serenabakessimplyfromscratch.com

If you know me, you’ll know how much I love Asian flavors. That’s why I can’t leave out this fab recipe from Serena Bakes that tastes delicious warm or chilled.

It’s an amazing blend of flavors with juicy shrimp, firm texture of black rice, juicy sweet mango, and pineapple, all drizzled with an Asian ginger toasted sesame vinaigrette.

I make it for the family on lazy summer weekends, and it’s always a winner at potlucks and picnics.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 405
• Fats: 13.26g
• Protein: 27.53
• Carbs: 46.02
• Fiber: 3.36g
• Sugar: 14.29g

16. Sweet Potato and Steak Salad

Source: cookathomemom.com

If you think that a salad won’t be filling enough as a family dinner, this recipe will prove you wrong.

Enjoy a hearty meal loaded with tender slices of steak, crispy roasted sweet potatoes, creamy avocado, crunchy cabbage, and a bright, delicious avocado dressing that ties everything together.

Fresh, fun, and easily adaptable, I like to throw in cherry tomatoes, feta, blue cheese crumbles, or even red onion to mix things up.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 753
• Fats: 49g
• Protein: 39g
• Carbs: 43g
• Fiber: 9g
• Sugar: 8g

17. Ahi Tuna Salad

Source: wholesomeyum.com

Maya from Wholesome Yum offers a seared ahi tuna salad that is easy to make, with avocado, peppery arugula, crisp asparagus, and a sesame dressing you’ll want to drizzle on everything.

It’s a beautiful, high-protein salad that works perfectly for a light dinner or when you want to serve something a little special. It’s low carb, gluten-free, and high-protein, but doesn’t feel like “diet food” at all.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 362
• Fats: 21.2g
• Protein: 31.3g
• Carbs: 13.4g
• Fiber: 6.4g
• Sugar: 5.1g

18. Protein Salad

Source: laurafuentes.com

Let’s get straight to the point – a salad that offers 20g+ protein and tastes delish!

This recipe is great because it uses pantry staples and crisp veggies you have in your fridge. Think – canned tuna, chickpeas, hard-boiled eggs, lettuce, purple cabbage, red onion, and pickles.

For an easy-to-do fancy twist, add sesame seeds and a creamy white wine vinaigrette.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 300
• Fats: 14g
• Protein: 23g
• Carbs: 23g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 4g

19. Pesto Chicken Salad

Source: theroastedroot.net

A special treat from the Roasted Root. If you love bright, herby flavors, this salad is a must-try.

Tender shredded chicken is tossed with creamy avocado, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and red onion, all coated in vibrant basil pesto for a fresh twist on classic chicken salad.

It uses only 5 basic ingredients and is easy to customize if you’re feeling ambitious. If not, it’s delicious as is.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 469
• Fats: 30g
• Protein: 41g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

20. Chinese Chicken Salad

Source: whatagirleats.com

Who can resist a Chinese chicken salad? Not me, but I want a healthy version.

Cynthia has a fab healthy recipe that brings all the classic flavors without ramen and less sugar.

She uses finely shredded Napa cabbage, then adds chicken, Mandarin oranges, scallions, sesame seeds and almonds. A sweet (but not too sweet) Asian dressing is drizzled on top for the perfect summer salad. No ramen and less sugar, but still ultra-delicious.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 388
• Fats: 24g
• Protein: 27g
• Carbs: 21g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 9g

21. Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

Source: chefsavvy.com

Last but not least, a perfect summer salad with classic cobb flavors.

Juicy grilled chicken is layered over mixed greens with crispy bacon, creamy avocado, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, blue cheese, and crunchy cucumber, then finished with a flavorful homemade ranch dressing.

It’s colorful, satisfying, and loaded with protein and texture in every bite.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 436
• Fats: 28g
• Protein: 33g
• Carbs: 14g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g