8 Fresh Summer Salads That Are Actually Filling

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I love a good salad, but only if it actually keeps me full. There is nothing worse than eating a salad for lunch and being hungry again an hour later. These are the ones I make all summer long because they have real substance to them, protein, grains, or hearty add-ins that turn a pile of greens into an actual meal. Light, fresh, and satisfying all at once.

Grilled Balsamic Chicken Salad

Juicy balsamic grilled chicken on a bed of peppery arugula with creamy burrata and ripe tomatoes, all tied together with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This one feels fancy enough for company but comes together with almost no effort. Full recipe: Grilled Balsamic Chicken Salad

Greek Chicken Salad

Crunchy romaine, cherry tomatoes, and red onion topped with juicy Greek marinated chicken and a creamy feta dressing. This one is in heavy rotation at my house because it genuinely never gets old. Full recipe: Greek Chicken Salad

Chicken and Wild Rice Salad

Tender chicken, nutty wild rice, crisp apples, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans tossed in a creamy lemony dressing. Hearty enough to be dinner and it actually tastes even better the next day. Full recipe: Chicken and Wild Rice Salad

BLT Salad with Chicken

All the best parts of a BLT in salad form. Golden croutons, crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and fresh romaine, all drizzled with a creamy maple mustard dressing. This one is always a hit when I bring it to a summer gathering. Full recipe: BLT Salad with Chicken

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Tender chicken breast tossed with crunchy walnuts and tangy dried cranberries in a creamy dressing. This one is my go to for picnics, road trips, and busy week lunches because it keeps so well. Full recipe: Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Santa Fe Salad

Basically a burrito bowl in salad form. Beans for protein, corn for texture, tomatoes and romaine for freshness, all tied together with a balsamic dressing. The best part is it is entirely no cook, so no stove time needed. Full recipe: Santa Fe Salad

Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

Sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy candied walnuts over leafy greens with a balsamic vinaigrette. Add grilled chicken on top and this goes from a pretty side salad to a real meal. Full recipe: Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

Mexican Watermelon Salad

A fun, refreshing twist for summer. Juicy watermelon, peppery arugula, toasty pepitas, and a tangy lime dressing. It is light on its own, but pile on some grilled chicken or shrimp and it turns into a full filling meal. Full recipe: Mexican Watermelon Salad