42 Hot and Cold High-Protein Salads for Summer

These crave-worthy high-protein salads for summer keep you full and satisfied for hours, and they’re perfect for healthy dinners on busy nights. Save the leftovers for lunch, or meal prep them for grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

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This ultimate list of high-protein summer salads features delicious salads with unique flavor profiles and healthy ingredients that work with any budget.

These easy salads include vegan and vegetarian options for nourishing meatless meals that still fill you up.

Plus, find homemade salads with lean meats like chicken and seafood.

They’re perfect for anyone searching best summer salads or summer dinner salads that feed a crowd!

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Easy High-Protein Salads for Summer

1. Chicken Caesar Salad with Pasta – 20 g protein

Platter of chicken caesar pasta salad with tomatoes and cucumbers on dark table top with towel and dressing nearby.

This Chicken Caesar Salad with Pasta combines crisp romaine, tender chicken, and pasta for a hearty twist on a classic favorite. It’s an easy high protein lunch that feels satisfying without being complicated.

2. Cilantro Chickpea Salad – 10 g protein

Fork rests on plate of cilantro chickpea salad with tomatoes and cucumbers.

Fresh cilantro, chickpeas, and simple ingredients come together in this light and flavorful salad. It’s a great plant-based option for meal prep, lunch, or a quick side dish.

3. Shredded Chicken Cafe Rio Salad – 49 g protein

Cafe Rio salad on white table next to blue and white kitchen towel.

Packed with shredded chicken and bold flavors, this Cafe Rio-inspired salad delivers serious protein in every bite. It’s a filling meal that’s loaded with fresh ingredients and restaurant-style flavor.

4. Chicken BLT Salad with Avocado – 10 g protein

White platter of BLT salad with crispy chicken next to homemade ranch and avocado half.

This Chicken BLT Salad with Avocado combines smoky bacon, juicy chicken, creamy avocado, and crisp vegetables. It’s a fresh and satisfying way to enjoy all the flavors of a BLT without the bread.

5. Couscous Halloumi Salad – 14 g protein

Halloumi couscous salad with greens and tomatoes in a white bowl.

Chewy couscous, salty halloumi cheese, and fresh vegetables make this salad both hearty and flavorful. It’s perfect for a light dinner, lunch, or summer gathering.

6. Easy Calamari Salad with Bell Peppers – 18 g protein

Calamari bell pepper salad in a white bowl with onions.

Tender calamari and colorful bell peppers create a refreshing seafood salad that’s full of texture and flavor. It’s a light yet protein-packed option for warm-weather meals.

7. Spinach Caesar Salad with Air Fryer Chicken – 28 g protein

Spinach salad with air fryer chicken in a white bowl.

This Spinach Caesar Salad features crispy air fryer chicken and a lighter take on the classic Caesar combination. It’s a simple high protein meal that’s easy enough for busy weeknights.

8. High Protein Chicken Salad with Seedy Granola Crunch – 31 g protein

A green salad with chicken, berries, and crunchy granola in a large bowl.

Tender chicken and crunchy seedy granola create a delicious mix of textures in this high protein salad. It’s perfect for meal prep lunches that don’t sacrifice flavor or crunch.

9. Southwest Quinoa Salad with Chicken – 22 g protein

Southwest quinoa chicken salad meal prep bowl with beans and corn.

Loaded with chicken, quinoa, and southwest-inspired flavors, this salad is both filling and nutritious. It’s a colorful meal packed with protein, fiber, and fresh ingredients.

10. Shrimp Louie Salad – 36 g protein

Shrimp Louie salad with tomatoes and avocado in a white bowl.

This classic Shrimp Louie Salad is loaded with shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing. It’s a protein-rich seafood salad that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

11. Cucumber Shrimp Salad – 24 g protein

Creamy cucumber shrimp salad in a white bowl next to a spoon.

Cool cucumbers and juicy shrimp come together in this light and refreshing salad. It’s an easy low-carb meal that’s perfect for lunch or warm summer days.

12. BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad – 39 g protein

A salad with grouped ingredients, including corn tomatoes, beans, and avocado with sliced BBQ chicken in the center.

BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad combines smoky barbecue flavors with creamy ranch and plenty of protein-packed chicken. It’s a hearty salad that feels more like comfort food than a typical salad.

13. Cowboy Ciao Stetson Chopped Salad – 53.9 g protein

Smoked salmon salad with lettuce and veggies in 3 tan bowls.

This famous chopped salad is loaded with protein, crunchy vegetables, and bold flavors in every bite. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal that’s filling enough for dinner.

14. Honey Mustard Chicken Tender Salad – 35 g protein

A green salad with red onion, carrots, tomatoes, chicken strips and honey mustard dressing.

Crispy chicken tenders paired with sweet and tangy honey mustard make this salad irresistible. It’s a family-friendly meal that balances comfort food flavors with fresh ingredients.

15. Summer Chicken, Berry, and Rice Bowls – 37 g protein

Green salad in two white bowls with chicken and summer berries.

Juicy berries, tender chicken, and rice create a fresh and colorful meal packed with protein. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying.

16. Avocado Shrimp Salad – 19 g protein

Shrimp salad with avocado on a large oval serving platter.

Creamy avocado and succulent shrimp make this salad both refreshing and filling. It’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.

17. Southwest Steak Salad – 23 g protein

Steak salad with red bell peppers and avocado in a white bowl.

Tender steak, fresh vegetables, and southwest flavors come together in this protein-packed salad. It’s a satisfying meal that’s loaded with bold flavor and texture.

18. Lupini Bean Salad – 10 g protein

Lupini bean salad in a clear geometric bowl with corn and tomatoes.

Lupini beans add a boost of plant-based protein to this fresh and flavorful salad. It’s an easy make-ahead option that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

19. Italian Antipasto Salad with Lupini Beans – 20 g protein

Antipasto lupini bean salad with sections of ingredients.

This Italian-inspired salad combines antipasto favorites with protein-rich lupini beans. It’s a flavorful meal that’s packed with savory ingredients and Mediterranean flair.

20. Shrimp Spring Roll Salad – 25 g protein

Shrimp spring roll salad with mango in a decorated bowl.

All the fresh flavors of a spring roll are transformed into an easy salad loaded with shrimp and crisp vegetables. It’s a light yet filling meal that’s bursting with flavor.

21. Tuna Salad with Corn – 22 g protein

Creamy tuna salad with corn in a large white bowl.

This Tuna Salad with Corn combines pantry staples with fresh ingredients for a quick and satisfying meal. It’s a simple high protein recipe that’s perfect for lunch.

22. Steak Wedge Salad – 37 g protein

A wedge salad on a white plate with sliced steak.

A classic wedge salad gets a protein boost from tender steak and flavorful toppings. It’s a hearty salad that’s perfect when you’re craving something substantial.

23. Grilled Chicken Greek Salad – 41 g protein

Greek salad with grilled chicken in a large white bowl.

This Grilled Chicken Greek Salad is packed with fresh vegetables, feta, and juicy grilled chicken. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s loaded with protein and flavor.

24. Steak and Blue Cheese Salad – 32 g protein

Steak and blue cheese salad with ice burg lettuce on a large serving platter.

Rich blue cheese and perfectly cooked steak create a bold and satisfying salad. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

25. Everything Bagel Cobb Salad with Smoked Salman – 30 g protein

Smoked salmon salad with everything bagel dressing, croutons, and boiled eggs.

Smoked salmon and everything bagel seasoning give this Cobb Salad a delicious twist. It’s packed with protein and loaded with flavor in every bite.

26. Charred Corn Shrimp and Avocado Salad – 30 g protein

Charred corn and shrimp salad with avocado in a black bowl.

Sweet charred corn, creamy avocado, and juicy shrimp make this salad both refreshing and filling. It’s a perfect summer meal with plenty of protein.

27. Chicken Sausage Caesar Salad – 33 g protein

A Caesar salad with chicken sausage in a large white bowl.

Chicken sausage adds extra flavor and protein to this Caesar Salad variation. It’s a simple meal that turns a classic salad into a satisfying dinner.

28. Sub in a Tub Salad Recipe – 36 g protein

Sub in a tub salad with deli meat, pickles, banana peppers, and lettuce.

All the flavors of your favorite deli sandwich come together in this low-carb salad. It’s packed with protein and perfect when you’re craving a sub without the bread.

29. Easy Taco Salad – 22 g protein

Ground beef taco salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream in a white bowl.

This Easy Taco Salad delivers all the flavors of taco night in a fresh and satisfying bowl. It’s a quick weeknight meal loaded with protein and crunch.

30. Mexican Dense Bean Salad – 21 g protein

Mexican dense bean salad with shredded chicken, corn, tomatoes, and two kinds of beans.

Beans, vegetables, and bold Mexican-inspired flavors make this salad hearty and nutritious. It’s a great meal prep recipe packed with protein and fiber.

31. Hot Honey Grilled Chicken Salad – 37 g protein

Grilled chicken with summer veggies in a white bowl with hot honey dressing.

Sweet heat from hot honey pairs perfectly with juicy grilled chicken in this flavorful salad. It’s a high protein meal that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

32. Grilled Steak Salad – 29 g protein

Grilled steak salad with veggies, avocado, and blue cheese in a white bowl.

Tender grilled steak and crisp vegetables create a balanced meal that’s full of flavor. It’s a simple yet satisfying salad perfect for lunch or dinner.

33. Grilled Chicken Green Goddess Salad – 42 g protein

Grilled chicken green goddess salad in a large white bowl with cucumber and avocado.

Creamy Green Goddess dressing and grilled chicken make this salad rich in both flavor and protein. It’s a fresh and vibrant meal that’s perfect for meal prep.

34. Italian Meatball Salad – 10 g protein

Italian meatball salad with strips of cucumber and mini mozzarella balls on top.

Savory meatballs transform an ordinary salad into a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s a fun way to enjoy classic Italian flavors with extra vegetables.

35. Salmon Quinoa Salad – 42 g protein

Salmon quinoa salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.

Protein-packed salmon and quinoa make this salad a nutritious powerhouse. It’s a flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

36. Chicken Fajita Salad – 19 g protein

Chicken fajita salad with avocado, tomatoes, and bell peppers in a white bowl.

All the sizzling flavors of chicken fajitas come together in this fresh and colorful salad. It’s a lighter way to enjoy a Tex-Mex favorite.

37. Buffalo Chicken Salad – 23 g protein

Buffalo chicken in a bed of lettuce with ranch dressing, radishes, and avocado.

Spicy buffalo chicken adds bold flavor to this protein-packed salad. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a little heat in their meals.

38. Chickpea Salman Salad – 24 g protein

Chickpea salmon salad lifted from a bowl on a spoon with cilantro garnish.

Salmon and chickpeas create a filling combination that’s packed with protein and healthy fats. It’s an easy meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

39. Grilled Pork Tenderloin and Cucumber Salad – 41 g protein

Grilled pork tenderloin next to cucumber salad with a bowl of peanut sauce dressing.

Juicy grilled pork tenderloin pairs perfectly with crisp cucumbers in this refreshing salad. It’s a high protein meal that’s light enough for summer but filling enough for dinner.

40. Tuna and White Bean Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes – 28 g protein

White bean tuna salad with sun-dried tomatoes with red onion in a white bowl.

Tuna, white beans, and sun-dried tomatoes create a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired salad. It’s a simple protein-packed meal that’s perfect for busy days.

41. Healthy Chicken Tikka Salad – 30 g protein

Chicken tikka salad with white dressing in a white bowl.

This Healthy Chicken Tikka Salad combines bold Indian-inspired flavors with fresh vegetables and lean protein. It’s a satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor in every bite.

42. Greek Chicken Salad Recipe – 52 g protein

Sliced grilled chicken salad with Greek seasonings, avocado, and pita bread.

Loaded with juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and classic Greek flavors, this salad delivers an impressive amount of protein. It’s a fresh, filling meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.