14 Gut-Healthy Salads That Are High in Protein

Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

Stop your search for a satisfying salad that’s also delicious, because you’ll find one right here in this collection. These veggie-packed mixes offer at least 15 grams of protein per serving to help you stay full for longer, promote muscle recovery and support healthy digestion. They’re also chock-full of prebiotic and/or probiotic-rich foods to support a healthy gut. You’ll love recipes like our Lemon-Garlic Dense Bean Salad with Feta and our Chopped Italian Chickpea Salad for lunch or dinner any day of the week!

01 of 14

Loaded Bean & Broccoli Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

This broccoli-bean salad combines crisp broccoli, creamy cannellini beans and sharp Cheddar with a tangy yogurt-mayo dressing for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Crispy bacon and fresh dill add bold flavor, while scallions bring a bright finish to every bite.

View Recipe

02 of 14

Lemon-Garlic Dense Bean Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

Lemon and red-wine vinegar brighten this hearty bean salad, while creamy feta and crunchy roasted almonds add richness and texture. Serve it on its own for a quick lunch or pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a simple dinner.

View Recipe

03 of 14

Chopped Italian Chickpea Salad

Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist Phoebe Hauser.
Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist Phoebe Hauser.

This chopped Italian-inspired salad combines crisp lettuce, creamy chickpeas, juicy tomatoes and sharp provolone in a zesty red-wine vinaigrette. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own for lunch yet versatile enough to serve alongside grilled chicken or fish.

View Recipe

04 of 14

Loaded Chopped Taco Salad Bowl

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.

This no-cook taco salad bowl is packed with fiber and plant-based protein from black beans. A medley of toppings, including crispy lettuce, sweet bell peppers, cotija cheese and pickled onions, add texture and flavor. A tangy lime vinaigrette completes the quick, colorful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

View Recipe

05 of 14

Chickpea & Chicken Salad

Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.
Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.

This creamy chicken and chickpea salad gets fiber and protein from mashed chickpeas and a pop of brightness from fruit. A blend of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise keeps the dressing light yet rich, while celery and toasted pecans add crunch.

View Recipe

06 of 14

Marry Me White Bean Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

This Marry Me White Bean Salad is a bright, flavor-packed dish that’s hard not to fall for and pulls inspiration from Marry Me Chicken. Tender white beans are tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil and a creamy dressing that soaks into every bite. It’s quick to throw together and perfect for meal prep, picnics or pairing with grilled meats.

View Recipe

07 of 14

High-Protein Black Bean Salad

Credit: Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.
Credit: Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

In this high-protein salad, black beans take center stage. As the main source of plant-based protein, they make the salad satisfying, with their creamy texture pairing perfectly with sweet potato, crisp veggies and a citrusy dressing. It’s an easy, filling option for lunch or dinner—especially for those looking to add more plant-powered protein to their diet.

View Recipe

08 of 14

High-Protein White Bean Salad with Feta & Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

This white bean salad with feta and lemon-garlic vinaigrette is quick and requires no stove time. White beans bring plant-based protein and fiber to help keep you full. Creamy feta cheese provides a tangy, salty contrast to the bright vinaigrette. Tossed with fresh herbs and toasted walnuts, this salad is perfect for a light lunch.

View Recipe

09 of 14

Farro Salad with Arugula, Artichokes & Pistachios

Precooked farro makes this dish come together in no time. And you can make it in the same bowl you serve it in, minimizing cleanup!

View Recipe

10 of 14

Quinoa Deli Salad

This healthy version of a deli salad combines hearty quinoa and chickpeas with small amounts of ham and mozzarella, so you get all of the flavor without overdoing it on the sodium. This healthy quinoa salad is great as dinner and doubles as a delicious lunch the next day.

View Recipe

11 of 14

Salmon Salad with Crispy White Beans

Credit: Heami Lee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley
Credit: Heami Lee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley

This anti-inflammatory salmon salad with crispy white beans is a delicious meal that delivers big on flavor. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties, while the beans provide a nice texture and are a great source of fiber. A quick soy-sesame-ginger dressing completes this salad, perfect for lunch or dinner.

View Recipe

12 of 14

Make-Ahead Cabbage Salad

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood, Food Stylist: Sally McKay
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood, Food Stylist: Sally McKay

This make-ahead cabbage salad is the perfect dish that only gets better with time. As it sits, the flavors meld together, with the crisp cabbage and tender, nutty farro soaking up the tangy dressing. It’s an ideal choice for meal prep or entertaining, as it not only holds up well but also improves with time, making your life easier and delivering a delicious meal.

View Recipe

13 of 14

Tuna & White Bean Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.
Credit: Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.

The time-honored Italian pairing of canned tuna and cannellini beans makes a super-simple, satisfying lunch. Serve over salad greens, on grilled whole-wheat country bread or tucked in a whole-wheat pita pocket.

View Recipe

14 of 14

Green Goddess Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell

This gorgeous green goddess salad combines fresh shrimp, cucumber, artichoke hearts and cherry tomatoes with homemade dressing.

View Recipe

Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/gut-healthy-high-protein-salad-recipes-11978995