Salads make for a great lunch... but they don't have to be boring!
Lunch salads don’t always need to include greens—some great salad recipes have a completely different base, like pasta or quinoa. Some don’t have a base and simply feature a mash-up of seasonal produce and toppings that taste delicious.
Lunch salads are an excellent way to indulge in colorful veggies and increase your fiber intake. Add vibrant colors and texture to create a big beautiful, delicious, healthy lunch.
Save this list if you need a little lunch salad recipe inspiration. Bookmark this page in your web browser or Pin one of these images to Pinterest if that's how you save recipes. You can also visit each lunch salad recipe here and click on the printable recipe card on each recipe.
Top Healthy Lunch Salad Recipes
1. Epic Egg Salad
For a while now, I’ve been playing with this egg salad recipe, and let me tell you, this version is the BEST one I’ve ever made! It’s wholesome, creamy, and incredibly delicious.
Eggs are a great source of protein and super rich in nutrients like choline, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
They’re whole food and can be part of a healthy eating plan, especially since science has debunked the myth that dietary cholesterol (e.g., the cholesterol in foods) directly translates to high blood cholesterol. It doesn’t. Get it here >
2. Mango, Avocado, and Cucumber Salad
If you are looking for an invigorating summer salad that is all about fresh texture and flavors, this recipe is for you! It's smooth and sweet with mango and creamy avocado, and the crisp of the cucumber makes this salad a home run. Fill up on this salad if you're feeling the summer heat since it's ULTRA hydrating. Get it here >
3. Black Bean and Sweet Potato Salad
Energizing, delicious packed with nutrients, this Black Bean and Sweet Potato Salad is a perfect quick lunch when you are on the go. Makes for a great meal prep idea; keep a big batch in your fridge for lunches and snacks all week. This is my favorite go-to snack when I need a quick energy boost during a busy workday. Get it here >
4. Herby Potato Salad Recipe
This no-mayo potato salad is a hit in my household any day of the week! I like to leave the potato skins on some Yukon golds for extra fiber and flavor. The herbs are loaded with nutrients and burst with flavor. This pairs beautifully with grilled chicken and one of the slaws mentioned below for a summer BBQ. Get it here >
5. Healthy Curry Quinoa Salad
If you're looking for the perfect summer salad that always hits the spot, you love my Curry quinoa salad. This is a healthier twist on Ina Garten’s (the Queen!) curry couscous salad. I tweaked the ingredients to pack in nutrients, but nutrition, but the classic flavors remain. I love this one for lunch and it makes a perfect to dish to bring to your next summer party! Get it here >
6. Apple Cider Lentil Salad
Ahh, just thinking about this recipe is making me hungry! This Apple Cider Lentil Salad looks almost too simple, but you'll get the hype once you take a bite. I got the inspiration from my aunt from a recipe she made using apple cider (not apple cider vinegar, but straight apple cider) for cooking the lentils she was subbing in a dish that originally used farro. The results were AMAZING. Spicy arugula with sweet lentils is fantastic. Give it a try, and you’ll know what I mean. Get it here >
7. Black Bean and Quinoa Salad
One of the first recipes I ever posted back in 2011 on my blog, it deserves to be called a blog classic due to being one of the most popular black bean quinoa salads on the net. It's jam-packed with flavor and nutrition and is a staple always in my kitchen. Get it here >
8. Avocado Caprese Summer Salad
This classic simple salad is incredible when tomatoes are in season. I use avocado instead of mozzarella to make this dish vegan and tasty. Plate up this gorgeous salad to highlight big ripe, juicy summer tomatoes. If you don't mind the cheese, throw a few slices of mozzarella in. Get it here >
9. Broccoli Slaw Recipe
A newly recent discovery, I’m in love with broccoli slaw. Made from broccoli stems mixed with carrots and a traditional coleslaw dressing, this makes a great side to bring to any party and stands up to any BBQ-style food. To make this recipe vegan friendly, you can simply use Veganaise instead of regular mayo. Get it here >
For any traditionalist in our community, I wrote up traditional coleslaw for another who wants the cabbage crunch with their meal. It’s like the broccoli slaw above, only with a different base. If you need a double batch for a party, mix a bag of broccoli with traditional cabbage slaw and double the dressing. It would be a hit! Get it here >
10. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Need flavorful budget chickpea salad recipes that are easy on your wallet, super healthy, and can be ready in 15 minutes or less? Yes, please!!
Although his recipe is easy peasy, here's a few valuable nuances to make it EXCELLENT. When making a chickpea salad like this, the texture is the name of the game. Make sure to pay attention to how you chop everything and the size.
This gorgeous chickpea salad is already gluten-free, soy-free, and corn-free, and it’s easy to make dairy-free by omitting the feta cheese. Get it here >
11. Thai Peanut Superfood Slaw
Want a so over-the-top good Thai Peanut Superfood Slaw? Then this recipe is for you. One reader in our community commented, “Oh my!!! I just made your [Thai Peanut Superfood Slaw], and it has to be honestly the tastiest salad I have ever had. The dressing is unbelievable—I have to now make a second bowl as I have managed to demolish the first one!” Yes, it’s that good. Creamy peanut dressing packs a punch with its fresh garlic and ginger and the crisp cabbage and veggies that make this slaw one of those dishes you can’t stop eating. Get it here >
Nothing Goes Better With A Healthy Salad Recipe, Than Homemade Dressing!!
Visit the homemade salad dressing page in my recipe archive to learn how to whip up salad dressing at home easily. Not only does homemade salad dressing taste better than storebought dressing, but it’s also way healthier and will save you money.
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