Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than these 20 mouth-watering meat salad recipes! From classic combinations like grilled chicken and Caesar dressing, to international-inspired flavors like spicy Thai beef and Mediterranean lamb, there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or hearty and filling, these salads are sure to please.
In this article, we’ll be exploring a wide range of meat salad recipes that are perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to special occasions like picnics and barbecues. We’ll cover beef, chicken, pork, lamb, and even fish, with a variety of dressings and toppings to suit any taste. So grab your fork and get ready to dig in – these salads are sure to become new favorites!
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
A classic combination of flavors and textures, this Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a quick and easy meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp Caesar dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, toss chopped lettuce with croutons and Parmesan cheese.
5. Slice grilled chicken into strips.
6. Drizzle Caesar dressing over the salad and top with sliced chicken.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beef and Arugula Salad with Balsamic Dressing
A classic combination of tender beef, peppery arugula, and tangy balsamic dressing makes for a satisfying and flavorful salad.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strip loin or ribeye, sliced into thin strips
– 4 cups arugula
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season beef strips with salt and pepper. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
3. In a large bowl, combine arugula, cherry tomatoes, and blue cheese (if using).
4. Slice grilled beef into thin strips and add to the salad bowl.
5. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top of the salad and toss to coat.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Thai Beef Salad
This refreshing salad combines tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a spicy kick from the Thai red curry paste. Perfect for a light and flavorful meal or as a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and cilantro.
2. In a separate pan, cook the beef strips over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
3. Whisk together curry paste, soy sauce, honey, and ginger in a small bowl.
4. Add the cooked beef strips to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat.
5. Combine the beef mixture with the salad greens and toss to combine.
6. Serve immediately and garnish with lime wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pulled Pork Salad with BBQ Ranch Dressing
This sweet and tangy salad combines tender pulled pork with crispy greens, crunchy veggies, and a rich BBQ ranch dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pulled pork
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cucumber slices
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup BBQ ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
2. Add pulled pork on top of the greens mixture and toss gently to combine.
3. Sprinkle feta cheese over the salad.
4. Drizzle BBQ ranch dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep), 0 minutes (cooking time)
Steak and Blue Cheese Salad
Elevate your salad game with this mouthwatering combination of grilled steak, crumbled blue cheese, and fresh greens.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (Gorgonzola or Roquefort work well)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Season steak with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
2. Let steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, blue cheese, and chopped nuts.
4. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard over the salad, then top with sliced steak.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (including grill time)
Mediterranean Lamb Salad with Feta and Olives
A refreshing twist on a classic salad, this Mediterranean-inspired dish combines the bold flavors of lamb, feta, and olives with crisp greens.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked lamb, diced
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or oregano leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced lamb, crumbled feta, sliced olives, and thinly sliced red onion.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toss gently to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley or oregano leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes (prep time: 10 minutes)
Asian-Inspired Pork Salad with Sesame Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this Asian-inspired pork salad, featuring tender pork, crunchy vegetables, and a nutty sesame dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked pork shoulder or butt, diced
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
– 1/2 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced pork, red bell pepper, and scallions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger.
3. Slowly pour the sesame dressing over the salad while tossing to combine.
4. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Turkey and Avocado Cobb Salad
A fresh twist on the classic salad, this Turkey and Avocado Cobb combines the savory flavor of turkey with the creamy texture of avocado.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, diced
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, avocado, lettuce, blue cheese, and cherry tomatoes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle with parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chicken Fajita Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
This vibrant salad combines the flavors of a classic fajita dish with the brightness of lime, perfect for a quick and refreshing meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/4 cup sliced red onion
– 8 oz mixed greens
– 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Grill the chicken breast until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.
2. Sauté the bell peppers and onion in a little olive oil until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, and crumbled cheese.
4. Drizzle with lime vinaigrette (see below) and sprinkle with cilantro.
5. Serve immediately.
Lime Vinaigrette:
Mix 2 tbsp lime juice with 1 tsp olive oil in a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes, depending on the grill time.
Korean Beef Bibimbap Salad
Experience the flavors of Korea with this hearty salad featuring marinated beef, mixed vegetables, and a crispy rice bowl.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bean sprouts, zucchini, carrots, red bell pepper)
– 1/2 cup cooked white rice
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Marinate the beef in a mixture of Gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and rice vinegar for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the marinated beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Prepare the mixed vegetables by cooking them in a separate skillet with a little oil until tender.
4. Cook the white rice according to package instructions.
5. Fry an egg in a small skillet and set aside.
6. Assemble the salad by placing a scoop of cooked rice, beef, and vegetables into a bowl. Top with a fried egg and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Greek-Style Meatball Salad
A refreshing twist on traditional meatballs, this Greek-inspired salad combines juicy beef meatballs with crisp vegetables and tangy feta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. In a large bowl, combine sliced bell pepper and cucumber.
6. Add cooked meatballs to the vegetables and sprinkle with feta cheese.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar.
8. Toss gently to combine.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Smoked Salmon and Greens Salad
Elevate your salad game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the rich flavors of smoked salmon with a medley of fresh greens.
Ingredients:
– 6 oz smoked salmon, flaked
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
2. Flake the smoked salmon over the top of the salad.
3. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly throughout the salad.
4. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional greens or edible flowers if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Salad with Ranch Dressing
Get ready to spice up your salad game with this bold and tangy Buffalo Chicken Salad! This recipe combines the classic flavors of buffalo chicken, crunchy greens, and creamy ranch dressing for a mouthwatering treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated.
2. Add mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese, and scallions to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ham and Pineapple Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the salty flavor of ham with the sweetness of pineapple, all tied together with a tangy honey mustard dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked ham, diced
– 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons honey mustard dressing (see below)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Honey Mustard Dressing:
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon pure honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced ham, pineapple chunks, and red onion.
2. Sprinkle chopped fresh mint leaves over the top.
3. Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Vietnamese Grilled Pork Salad
This refreshing salad combines the smoky flavor of grilled pork with the brightness of herbs and the tanginess of nuoc cham, a popular Vietnamese sauce. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tbsp fish sauce
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and lettuce)
– 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
– 1/4 cup pickled carrots and daikon (see note)
– 2 tbsp nuoc cham sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, black pepper, garlic, and sugar.
3. Brush the marinade on both sides of the pork strips.
4. Grill the pork for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Combine mixed greens, cilantro, pickled carrots and daikon in a large bowl.
6. Slice the grilled pork into thin strips and add to the salad.
7. Drizzle nuoc cham sauce over the top and season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Southwestern Steak Salad with Chipotle Dressing
A flavorful twist on the classic steak salad, this Southwestern-inspired dish combines grilled steak, crisp greens, and creamy chipotle dressing for a bold and zesty meal.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 cup diced bell peppers
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/2 cup Chipotle Dressing (see below)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill steak for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
2. Let steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, bell peppers, tomatoes, queso fresco, and cilantro.
4. Slice grilled steak against the grain and add on top of salad.
5. Drizzle Chipotle Dressing over the top and toss to combine.
Chipotle Dressing:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (includes grill time)
Chicken Shawarma Salad with Tahini Dressing
This Middle Eastern-inspired salad combines juicy chicken shawarma with crispy vegetables and a creamy tahini dressing, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 cup diced cucumber
– 1 cup sliced red bell pepper
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Tahini dressing (see below)
Tahini Dressing:
– 1/2 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture on both sides of the chicken breast.
3. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let it rest before slicing into thin strips.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cucumber, bell pepper, and feta cheese.
5. Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips and add to the salad.
6. Drizzle with Tahini Dressing (recipe below).
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bacon and Egg Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
A classic combination of crispy bacon, fresh eggs, and tangy greens gets a rich and creamy makeover with this warm bacon dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4 eggs, hard-boiled and diced
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon warm bacon fat (from cooking the bacon)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced eggs, crumbled bacon, and mixed greens.
2. In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
3. Add the crumbled bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and whisk in mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth.
5. Pour warm bacon dressing over egg mixture and toss to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Herb-Crusted Lamb Salad with Mint Yogurt Dressing
Savor the flavors of spring with this refreshing lamb salad, topped with a fragrant herb crust and a dollop of creamy mint yogurt dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb lamb shoulder or leg, boned and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Mint Yogurt Dressing (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss lamb pieces with the herb mixture until well coated.
4. Spread lamb on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine mixed greens and crumbled feta cheese (if using) in a large bowl.
6. Once lamb is cooked, let it cool before adding to the salad bowl.
7. Dollop Mint Yogurt Dressing on top of the salad.
Mint Yogurt Dressing:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Teriyaki Chicken Salad with Crispy Wontons
A sweet and savory twist on classic chicken salad, this recipe combines juicy grilled chicken, crunchy wontons, and a tangy teriyaki dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 cup chopped green onions
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup crumbled wontons (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
2. Let chicken rest before slicing into strips.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce and olive oil.
4. Add sliced chicken, green onions, and red bell pepper to the bowl. Toss to combine.
5. Sprinkle crumbled wontons over the top of the salad.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your salad game with these 20 delicious meat salad recipes! From classic combinations like Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad and Steak and Blue Cheese Salad, to international inspirations like Spicy Thai Beef Salad and Korean Beef Bibimbap Salad, there’s something for every taste. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or hearty and satisfying, these recipes are sure to please. With a variety of protein options, including chicken, beef, pork, lamb, and even smoked salmon, you’ll never get bored with this salad roundup.
