Bursting with nutritious ingredients and packed with protein, these 4- and 5-star-rated salads are delicious options for lunch. With at least 15 grams of protein per serving, these recipes can help you reap the benefits of the nutrient like more sustained energy levels, better muscle recovery and feeling full for longer after meals. Recipes like our Anti-Inflammatory Farro & White Bean Salad and Kale & Sweet Potato Salad with Chicken are tasty ways to stay fueled and satisfied throughout your day.

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Chicken Caprese Salad

This chicken caprese salad has all the fresh bright flavors of a classic caprese plus a protein boost from simple quick-marinated chicken cutlets. For extra convenience, buy pre-sliced chicken cutlets to streamline your prep. On sunny days, take the cooking outdoors and grill the chicken for an extra layer of flavor.

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Kale & Sweet Potato Salad with Chicken

This kale and sweet potato salad is a fresh lunch idea. Roasted sweet potatoes, massaged kale and a creamy tahini dressing set the stage for a mix of feta, golden raisins and crunchy almonds. Shredded chicken makes it a satisfying main, but leftover turkey can be used in its place, making this salad an especially smart way to refresh your plate after Thanksgiving.

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Chopped Power Salad with Chicken

Enjoy this filling and colorful salad for lunch or dinner. The dressing gets made in the same bowl that the salad is tossed in, so the greens absorb every bit of flavor.

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Anti-Inflammatory Chicken & Beet Salad

Tart cherry juice concentrate adds flavor and helps fight inflammation when teamed up with other anti-inflammatory foods like beets and walnuts in this quick salad. Buying packaged cooked beets cuts down on time (and mess!). Look for them in the produce section where other prepared vegetables are sold.

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High-Protein Caprese Chickpea Salad

This caprese chickpea salad is a fresh, protein- and fiber-packed, plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite. It combines creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil with hearty chickpeas for a satisfying dish. A simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish. It’s quick to prepare, colorful and bursting with summery flavor.

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Teriyaki Chicken Salad

This teriyaki chicken salad is a delicious blend of tender, glazed chicken thighs and crisp sliced veggies, all tossed in a flavorful teriyaki dressing. For an extra layer of texture and flavor, you can add some crispy fried onions or shallots, which provide a satisfying crunch and a hint of sweetness. Whether you keep it simple or add the extra crunch, this salad is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite.

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

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.

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Chicken Fajita Salad

Try this chicken fajita salad to mix up your dinner routine, with slightly charred and blackened chicken, crispy romaine and plenty of veggies. Topped off with the crunch of the tortilla chips, this salad is a true dinner winner. To cut down on the number of ingredients, you can use fajita seasoning to season the chicken, but keep in mind that may increase the amount of sodium in the dish.

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Loaded Chicken & Broccoli Salad

This loaded chicken and broccoli salad is a protein-packed powerhouse that doesn’t skimp on the classic “loaded” flavors you love. With tender, juicy chicken and crisp, fresh broccoli as the base, this salad delivers a satisfying bite in every forkful. A creamy dressing ties everything together, while mix-ins like crispy bacon, shredded cheese and scallions add layers of flavor. It’s the perfect salad for a high-protein lunch or dinner that keeps you full and energized.

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Roasted Cabbage Caesar Salad with Chicken

This warm and inviting salad swaps crunchy romaine lettuce for sweet roasted cabbage in a fun twist on Caesar salad. To make this main-dish cabbage salad vegetarian, opt for vegetarian or vegan Worcestershire, leave out the anchovy paste from the dressing, and use cubed tofu in place of the chicken.

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Rotisserie Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

This rotisserie chicken and roasted sweet potato salad is the perfect anti-inflammatory dinner. Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants like beta carotene, while chicken provides lean protein to keep you full and satisfied. Tossed with fresh greens, apples and a tangy-sweet dressing, this salad is a wholesome meal that’s perfect for busy nights.

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Anti-Inflammatory Farro & White Bean Salad

This Mason jar grain salad is the perfect grab-and-go lunch. Building a salad in a Mason jar makes it easy to prepare and take along, keeping the ingredients fresh and crisp until you’re ready to enjoy it. This colorful salad layers together farro, bell pepper, beets and arugula, all of which offer fiber and antioxidants that can help lower inflammation in your body. White beans add some plant-based protein to help you stay satisfied throughout the afternoon.

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