Vegetarian Main-Course Salad Recipes for a Healthy, Hearty Meal (2024)

FAQs

What can I eat with salad instead of meat? ›

If you prefer vegan options, go beyond beans or tofu and try tempeh or seitan. If you love legumes like chickpeas in your salad, you may also love lentils, nuts, seeds or whole grains like farro or quinoa as additions.

Lettuce with dark leaves are packed with nutrients. Build a base with romaine, spinach or radicchio, toss in some potassium-rich endives or red cabbage—which is loaded with phytonutrients—and you've already elevated the flavor of your salad.

A main course salad should be large enough to serve as a whole meal. It should contain protein ingredients, such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, legumes, or cheese. It should also contain a variety of vegetables, greens, and/or fruits.

Some whole foods, such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, and mushrooms, contain protein or have a meaty texture and can work well as meat substitutes. Food manufacturers often include these types of food in their vegetarian and vegan products.

Best: Spinach or Kale Salad

They have the most nutrients. Case in point: Kale and spinach have over 10 times more immune-boosting vitamins A and C than iceberg lettuce.

Salads made with a variety of fruits and vegetables make the perfect healthy lunch or dinner. That's because they're filled with tons of nutrients that benefit your body, like fiber, vitamin E, and vitamin C. These nutrients can work to lower your blood sugar, regulate cholesterol levels, and help you lose weight.

And that means a main course salad has some sort of protein component. This can be meat, fish, eggs, beans, tofu, or grains.

What are 3 vegetarian protein options? ›

Greek salad is brimming with antioxidants like lycopene from tomatoes, polyphenols from olives, and vitamin C from bell peppers. These compounds combat free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting youthful skin.

Leafy greens

Potassium helps your kidneys get rid of more sodium through your urine. This in turn lowers your blood pressure. Leafy greens, which are high in potassium, include: romaine lettuce.

No matter what your nutrition goals are, salads can be a regular part of your meat-free eating plan. Even without meat and fish, you can make a salad into a filling and satisfying meal.

Salad can absolutely be a healthy part of the diet. If you follow the healthy salad formula and ensure the meal has plenty of veggies, protein and healthy fat, then it can be a great breakfast, lunch and dinner option.

Generally, poultry (chicken, turkey, duck) and a variety of seafood (fish, crustaceans, mollusks) are your best bet. Eggs can be a good choice, too.