Skip to content

Top Navigation

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Recipes
  • Holidays
  • Cooking 101
  • Healthy Living
  • Shop
  • News
  • Good.Food.Fast
  • CL Diet

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Register/Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Logout
Pin FB

Explore Cooking Light

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 31-Day Healthy Meal Plan

      Our 31-day calendar of meals and tips shows you how to cook more and love it with fun, family-friendly meals that come together quickly and deliciously. Read More Next
    • Dinner Tonight: Quick and Healthy Menus in 45 Minutes (or Less)

      Hundreds of delicious recipes, paired with simple sides, that can be on your table in 45 minutes or less. Read More Next
    • Our Favorite Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

      Who ever said that chicken wings, doughnuts, and pizza couldn't be healthy? Read More Next
  • Recipes

    Recipes

    See All Recipes
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Recipe Makeovers
    • Quick & Healthy
    • Diabetic
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegetarian
    • Cooking Light Live
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    • New Year, New You
    • Super Bowl
    • Valentines
    • Easter
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Cooking 101

    Cooking 101

    See All Cooking 101
    • Essential Ingredients
    • Cooking Techniques
    • Meet the Chef
    • Cooking Resources
    • Budget Friendly
    • Smart Choices
  • Healthy Living

    Healthy Living

    See All Healthy Living
    • Weight-Loss
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Home
    • Travel
    • Nutrition 101
  • Shop
  • News
  • Good.Food.Fast
  • CL Diet

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Register/Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Logout
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

CookingLight diet CookingLight diet
  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Recipes Chevron Right
  3. Dinner Salads with Poultry and Meats

Dinner Salads with Poultry and Meats

December 31, 2016
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Change your weeknight dinner routine and jazz up lunch with these protein-packed salads: Combine favorite ingredients in fresh ways for satisfying meals that hit the spot. Turn leftover proteins, vegetables, and grains into feature-worthy salads. If you're watching your calorie intake, a salad is a great way to include filling protein in your diet without adding additional calories from pasta, bread, or grains. Even in cooler months, crisp protein-packed salads are a refreshing way to fill up on energy that will last hours.
Start Slideshow

1 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Baby Kale, Butternut, and Chicken Salad

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Baby Kale, Butternut, and Chicken Salad

Precut vegetables, rotisserie chicken, and chopped pecans save time when throwing together a quick lunch before school or work. A homemade dressing of molasses, olive oil, cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard keeps added sugar and calories in check. One of the healthiest and nutritious vegetables, butternut squash is full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. 

1 of 47

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Winter Salad with Easy Herbed Pork Tenderloin

Credit: Photo: Colin Price
View Recipe: Winter Salad with Easy Herbed Pork Tenderloin

Kale and spinach provide a hearty salad base for herb-seasoned pork tenderloin, tangy feta, sweet grapes, and a bright olive oil dressing. If packing your lunch for the office, assemble greens, cheese, and grapes in a large plastic container. When ready to heat, add warmed pork and dressing, and shake salad with top on to evenly distribute dressing and ingredients. Dairy-free option: Use 2 teaspoons toasted chopped walnuts instead of feta cheese.

2 of 47

3 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Black and Blue Steak Salad

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford
View Recipe: Black and Blue Steak Salad

The black and blue salad, a combination of spice-rubbed, blackened chicken or steak and crumbled blue cheese, is a staple of the American gastropub menu. Unfortunately, the “salad” interpretation is a bit loose—the lettuce merely a bed for a Flinstone-sized protein serving, the butter-yellow croutons, tons of cheese, and creamy dressing blanketing all. We kept the chargrilled steak, blue cheese, and crisp croutons you love, then topped off with good-for-you avocado and a vinaigrette that complements the vegetables rather than disguise them. A little meat goes a long way: just 12 ounces is plenty to serve 4.

3 of 47

Advertisement

4 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Kale, Apple, and Almond Chicken Salad

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Kale, Apple, and Almond Chicken Salad

A simple lemon vinaigrette doubles as a marinade. Make sure to pat the chicken dry before searing, or the excess liquid will keep the meat from browning. Crisp, sweet-tart varieties (Fuji, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady) add freshness and crunch—or a juicy, sweet contrast to seared or roasted meats.

4 of 47

5 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Burger Patty Salad

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Burger Patty Salad

We love the richness that a little ground lamb offers, but you can use all beef or even ground turkey instead.

5 of 47

6 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Grilled Balsamic Chicken Salad With Spiced Pecans

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Grilled Balsamic Chicken Salad With Spiced Pecans

You'll want to double the sweet and spicy sautéed pecans for snacking during the week. Sub fresh summer fruit like blueberries or nectarines for the raspberries. Grill the chicken and make the spiced pecans in advance. Change up the greens, fruit, and dressing for fast lunches.

6 of 47

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Flank Steak Panzanella Salad

Credit: Photo: Erin Kunkel
View Recipe: Flank Steak Panzanella Salad

This salad is even better at room temperature once the bread has absorbed some of the dressing. Swap the steak for chicken or shrimp, or omit for a side salad.

7 of 47

8 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vietnamese Pork Salad

Credit: Photo: Erin Kunkel
View Recipe: Vietnamese Pork Salad

Think of this impressive salad as a deconstructed version of a spring roll. Rice noodles cook in just 2 minutes; be sure to drain and rinse promptly with cold water so they don't overcook.

8 of 47

9 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Strawberry-Chicken Salad With Pecans

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Strawberry-Chicken Salad With Pecans

This main-dish salad features juicy strawberries at their seasonal peak.

9 of 47

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Watermelon and Arugula Chicken Salad

Credit: Photo: Erin Kunkel
View Recipe: Watermelon and Arugula Chicken Salad

If watermelon wedges are a mainstay at your summer cookouts, try dicing for this instant, gorgeous salad. The sweetness of the fruit pairs beautifully with the smoky rotisserie chicken and fresh mint to create a summertime staple that will keep the family asking for seconds.

10 of 47

11 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Cheeseburger Salad

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: The Cheeseburger Salad

Classic burger elements become a fast, fun salad for the entire family—a deconstructed take on a diner favorite. Instead of four burger patties, we cook just two, then chop and sprinkle them over the top. A handful of crushed potato chips adds crunch. Kick up the dressing with a pinch of ground red pepper.

11 of 47

12 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Grilled Chicken Salad With Strawberries and Feta

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Grilled Chicken Salad With Strawberries and Feta

Simple, beautiful, fast. The oil and vinegar in the marinade double as the base for a simple vinaigrette. Tame the bite of fresh red onion slices by soaking them in ice cold water for 10 minutes.

12 of 47

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

California Steak Salad

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: California Steak Salad

This salad is ideal for cold grilled steak, as reheating may overcook the meat or cause the basil and arugula to wilt. Grilling the red onion adds another layer of char and a bit of sweetness to counter the tartness of the vinaigrette.

13 of 47

14 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken Salad with Bok Choy, Almonds, and Apricots

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Chicken Salad with Bok Choy, Almonds, and Apricots

Combined with sliced radishes, baby bok choy, and dried apricots, the remaining meat from Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff forms an Asian salad with fresh flavor.

14 of 47

15 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Tuscan Steak Salad

Credit: Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Tuscan Steak Salad
A steak dinner for two feels date-night special, but this meal couldn't be easier for a quick weeknight dinner. One 8-ounce strip steak is just enough for two; if you care for different levels of doneness, cut the steak in half before grilling

15 of 47

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Grilled Chicken and Spinach Salad With Spicy Pineapple Dressing

Credit: John Autry
View Recipe: Grilled Chicken and Spinach Salad With Spicy Pineapple Dressing

Chicken with kick, paired with a spicy pineapple dressing, makes this Cooking Light main-dish salad recipe one to add to your repertoire.

16 of 47

17 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Thai Steak Salad

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Thai Steak Salad

A combination of fresh herbs—mint, cilantro, and basil—impart delicious fresh flavor. This salad would also be delicious with grilled chicken or lamb.

17 of 47

18 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken and Glass Noodle Salad

View Recipe: Chicken and Glass Noodle Salad

Spice up that leftover rotisserie chicken with this fresh and light noodle dish. To ensure the noodles get soft, soak them in the hottest water you can get from your tap. The salad is moderately spicy; reduce the chile paste by 1 teaspoon or omit it for a milder dish.

18 of 47

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Arugula Salad with Chicken and Apricots

View Recipe: Arugula Salad with Chicken and Apricots

This main course salad is an ideal lunch or light supper option. Plums would be a delicious substitute for the apricots.

19 of 47

20 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Easy Grilled Chicken Salad

View Recipe: Easy Grilled Chicken Salad

Serve this main-dish salad over fresh spinach. Regular spinach is the least expensive option, but you'll have to remove the stems. If time is your main concern, buy baby spinach.

20 of 47

21 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken and Strawberry Salad

View Recipe: Chicken and Strawberry Salad  

Pair this simple, no-cook meal with toasted buttery baguette slices.

21 of 47

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken Dinner Salad

View Recipe: Chicken Dinner Salad

This hearty combination won’t leave your stomach rumbling. Yogurt in the marinade tempers the heat from the Sriracha and keeps this dish family-friendly.

22 of 47

23 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Creamy Chicken Salad

View Recipe: Creamy Chicken Salad

If you have longed for the perfect low-fat chicken salad recipe, look no further. Poaching the chicken keeps it moist and succulent, so you'll need less dressing to bind the salad.

23 of 47

24 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

View Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

You can enjoy this crunchy classic without having to worry about the hight-fat in its dressing. This lighter salad dressing mimics the flavor of a typical Caesar but in a vinaigrette form.

24 of 47

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Roast Chicken Salad with Peaches, Goat Cheese, and Pecans

View Recipe: Roast Chicken Salad with Peaches, Goat Cheese, and Pecans  

Fresh peaches and goat cheese headline this simple no-cook salad recipe. The 8-ingredient vinaigrette, made with pantry staples, takes minutes to make and is a delicious complement to the other ingredients in the salad. Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time in the kitchen. Serve with herbed bread.

25 of 47

26 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Southwestern Cobb Salad

View Recipe: Southwestern Cobb Salad

This version of a Cobb salad combines south-of-the-border flavors with the turkey and bacon that are traditionally in a Cobb.

26 of 47

27 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Teriyaki Mushroom, Spinach, and Chicken Salad

View Recipe: Teriyaki Mushroom, Spinach, and Chicken Salad  

Once thought to be a delicacy, shitake mushrooms offer a smoky taste to any dish. Sautéing them with grilled chicken is a great idea for this stir-fry salad.

27 of 47

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

View Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

Consider this a tropical version of a creamy chicken salad: The dressing is a warm, decadent mix of coconut milk and peanut butter.

28 of 47

29 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Turkey and Romaine Salad

View Recipe: Turkey and Romaine Salad

Deli meats help turn a salad into a main dish with minimal effort.

29 of 47

30 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pork and Noodle Salad

View Recipe: Pork and Noodle Salad

Pork cooks quickly in the broiler, making this meal a clear choice for busy weeknight dinners.

30 of 47

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pork, Pineapple, and Anaheim Chile Salad with Avocado

View Recipe: Pork, Pineapple, and Anaheim Chile Salad with Avocado

Pork has a natural affinity for fruit, and grilling the pineapple intensifies its sweet flavor.

31 of 47

32 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pork Tenderloin, Pear, and Cranberry Salad

View Recipe: Pork Tenderloin, Pear, and Cranberry Salad

Enjoy fall flavors with this salad. The sweetness of the pear and the tang from the cranberries and cranberry juice complement each other nicely.

32 of 47

33 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Prosciutto, Peach, and Sweet Lettuce Salad

View Recipe: Prosciutto, Peach, and Sweet Lettuce Salad

Serve this light main-course salad with a hunk of crusty baguette and a glass of chilled Riesling. Choose ripe, juicy peaches, and leave the peel on for more texture. Ricotta salata is a milky, mild, slightly salty cheese that’s easy to crumble; you can substitute feta or goat cheese.

33 of 47

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Spinach Salad with Spiced Pork and Ginger Dressing

View Recipe: Spinach Salad with Spiced Pork and Ginger Dressing

Crisp flatbread can round out this satisfying salad supper. You can also serve the seasoned pork as an entrée without the salad, if you wish.

34 of 47

35 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ginger Beef Salad with Miso Vinaigrette

Credit: Cooking Light May 2009
View Recipe: Ginger Beef Salad with Miso Vinaigrette

Skip the grated cheese and croutons and serve an Asian-inspired salad with homemade seven-ingredient vinaigrette. Serve with soba noodles, followed by dessert.

35 of 47

36 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vietnamese Salad

View Recipe: Vietnamese Salad

Fresh mint and cilantro balance out the spicy red pepper in this Asian-fusion salad.

36 of 47

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

37 of 47

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Warm Spinach Salad with Pork and Pears

View Recipe: Warm Spinach Salad with Pork and Pears