![Peppery Greens Salad with Avocado, Chicken and Tortilla Croutons](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.foodandwine.com/thmb/KdYtWhepd1x7BNl37PnyOGfXCaA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/peppery-greens-salad-with-avocado-chicken-and-tortilla-croutons-FT-RECIPE0319-0be5ac06443c423e8146241b9498a644.jpg)
When the right combination of fresh ingredients is tossed together with a complementary dressing and the heft of beans, grains, cheese, and/or protein, the resulting salad is a medley of textures and flavors uniquely suited to be a main course masterpiece. This is a collection of salad recipes that easily fit that bill, from a Hawaiian-style cold ramen and pork salad to Caesar variations and an Italian take on pasta salad. Read on for these recipes and other satisfying entrée-worthy salads.
"Caesared" Salmon Salad
![Caesar Salmon Salad](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/AuwZVmemz3Cp14BgJQW9etllro4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/caesar-salmon-salad-FT-RECIPE0921-743f4605194b450a8b49c36836dadf3e.jpg)
In this creative salmon Caesar salad, Caesar dressing gets spread on the salmon before grilling, creating a rich crust that keeps the fish succulent while picking up delicious smoky flavor from the grill. For a perfect wine pairing, Master Sommelier Andy Myers says to reach for a bottle of Roero.
Butter Bean, Tuna, and Celery Salad
![Butter Bean, Tuna and Celery Salad](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/OP-0_-RIRuTAN9mGZwnX8pjXrc8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HD-200804-r-butter-bean-tuna-9b04bb1786274da59999957af1c1c31f.jpg)
Big, creamy butter beans give a tuna and celery salad terrific heartiness. The salad would also be delicious spooned over slices of warm grilled country bread.
Juicy Steak and Tomato Salad
![Juicy Steak-and-Tomato Salad](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/gLrs6vik2Qt9UeUYxTcHFrDrIZo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/juicy-steak-and-tomato-salad-XL-RECIPE0817-a0de698790704dc6b8105bb37f073c4f.jpg)
This summery salad from F&W culinary director at large Justin Chapple is quick and easy to pull together, and a total crowd-pleaser. It's ideal served with his Grilled and Chilled Beef, but any leftover steak will be delicious here.
Charred Shallot and Arugula Salad with Sunny-Side-Up Eggs
![Charred Shallot and Arugula Salad with Sunny-Side-Up Eggs](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/hXWVECWN4eCyxfUy2F38PWF41zc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Charred-Shallot-and-Arugula-Salad-with-Sunny-Side-Up-Eggs-FT-RECIPE1222-5a6acc9b20884fddb7e4d3c943ac139f.jpg)
Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Margret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Nidia Cueva
This hearty salad combines spicy arugula, cracked black pepper, Parmesan, prosciutto, sunny-side-up eggs, and shallots. The shallots are charred under the broiler, where they develop umami and subtle sweetness. The potent, garlicky dressing tastes great alongside the spicy greens, salty cheese, rich eggs, and fatty meat, where the richness of the runny egg yolk mingles perfectly with the pungent dressing.
Black-Eyed Pea and Watercress Salad with Corn Bread Croutons
![Black-Eyed Pea and Watercress Salad with Corn Bread Croutons](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/78eDSjzpjtA55vOuhFiHSfk8R5M=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/201402-xl-black-eyed-pea-salad-with-corn-bread-croutons-2000-b551197a5e87479b8ed01cae692be360.jpg)
Chef Sean Brock seasons his black-eyed peas with hot sauce, lemon juice, and vinaigrette before tossing them with crackling corn bread and peppery watercress for a Southern main-course salad.
Warm Escarole Salad with Snow Peas and Sausage
![Warm Escarole Salad with Snow Peas and Sausage](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/hE18Pbyw8OZeZFCPu7jmJIaiYbk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HD-hp-201003-r-escarole-salad-1f9236ec853e4d8093f385cc1c59f043.jpg)
This savory main-course salad is as satisfying as it is restorative. "According to Thai belief, both peas and pea shoots are revitalizing, as well as good for digestion," restaurateur and cookbook author Su-Mei Yu says. "And escarole strengthens muscles and bones."
Cold Saimin Salad with Soy-Ginger Grilled Pork
![Cold Saimin Salad with Soy Ginger Grilled Pork](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/Pmq_0EiuGcXaalI0P6-28Zm9ulI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Cold-Saimin-Salad-with-Soy-Ginger-Grilled-Pork-FT-recipe0619-33ac4eb4570b4cbf986582c6366e8455.jpg)
This Hawaiian-style cold ramen noodle salad is topped with slices of savory, crispy pork shoulder, crunchy bean sprouts, tender ribbons of egg, shredded nori, and slices of Japanese pickled cucumber. A cooling dressing of dashi, rice wine vinegar, and sake brings it all together.
Ginger-Miso Grilled Chicken Slaw
![Grilled Chinese Chicken Salad](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/C40z7_pXNrLCQ9cf99TgVsBNopo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HD-fw200606_chickensalad-501653e0a0f246e7b58bbab6be5e1da2.jpg)
Coleslaw gets a little flavor twist from a delicious ginger-miso paste, which is used to both coat the chicken as well as dress the salad. The slaw has great texture from snow peas, cabbage, carrots, and grilled chicken.
Peppery Greens Salad with Avocado, Chicken, and Tortilla Croutons
![Peppery Greens Salad with Avocado, Chicken and Tortilla Croutons](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/KdYtWhepd1x7BNl37PnyOGfXCaA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/peppery-greens-salad-with-avocado-chicken-and-tortilla-croutons-FT-RECIPE0319-0be5ac06443c423e8146241b9498a644.jpg)
Crispy, pimentón-dusted tortillas stand in for the flatbread traditionally found in the Lebanese bread salad fattoush. Make this recipe with easy homemade Tex-Mex Tortillas or use your favorite store-bought version.
King Crab Salad with Grapefruit and Avocado
![King Crab Salad with Grapefruit and Avocado](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/kQFrylKq00Xd4mDglIhjDdafdp4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/201105-r-king-crab-salad-58b0089008d34e8a829b3dc8e05afcf6.jpg)
This lovely seafood salad was an improvisation. "I made it with what I had in the house," Italian winemaker Piero Incisa della Rocchetta recalls. "Scarcity breeds creativity." He uses grapefruit juice both to glaze the crab and to make the sweet-tangy salad dressing.
Warm Puttanesca Pasta Salad
![Warm Puttanesca Pasta Salad](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/Wq-qEOgdQuRSSSAlEMu3NcmP0j4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fwcooks_warmputtanescapastasalad_ft_recipe2019_8817-cf1b5e47c8f64888bae63d7d4efcf5cd.jpg)
Most tomato varieties are at their peak in the summer, but cherry tomatoes are reliably good all year. Combine them with crispy prosciutto, fragrant herbs, anchovies, shallot, and olives for a vibrant pasta salad that's delicious warm or at room temperature.
Chicken Salad with Zucchini, Lemon, and Pine Nuts
![Chicken Salad with Zucchini, Lemon and Pine Nuts](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/lYGz91sDDOPixf0OfPTfas3o8NQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/200904-r-chicken-salad-57b898aecc6f4d8ea05224e4e7775426.jpg)
Chef Armand Arnal uses ingredients from his restaurant's enormous organic garden to create seasonal Provençal dishes like this salad of chicken tossed with pine nuts and lemon-marinated zucchini.
Spicy Lobster Noodle Salad
![Spicy Lobster-Noodle Salad](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/CwqR2jbR-hXO8Us2MItap-B6niE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HD-200901-r-spicy-lobster-noodle-70c21ab6b0bd484492d7934f0218d8fb.jpg)
This cellophane noodle salad, with creamy avocados, crunchy peanuts, and a chile-honey dressing, is an excellent showcase for Caribbean spiny lobsters. Also known as rock lobsters, they are sweet but can be slightly dense. This recipe uses Maine lobsters; they're more tender than spiny lobsters — and just as delicious.
Charred Broccolini Caesar with Kale and Chickpeas
![Serving bowl of charred broccolini caesar with kale and chickpeas](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/G672dsp6w7Vpv2lWPNP3vIUWq70=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/charred-broccolini-caesar-with-kale-and-chickpeas-FT-RECIPE0621-c53e3c82f4014efd816c97e96fa4b2f0.jpg)
Smoky, charred Broccolini and chickpeas give this take on Caesar salad the heft it needs to be a main course. Texture is the secret to a salad's wow factor. Here, Little Gem lettuces, hearty kale, and crisp-tender Broccolini bring three levels of crunch, providing plenty of leafy nooks and crannies to catch the thick, anchovy-laced dressing.
Corned Beef Salad with Thousand Island Dressing and Rye Croutons
![Corned-Beef Salad with Thousand Island Dressing and Rye Croutons](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/sTIf2AtmzbpFvhZnpTRUjeh6kDg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/corned-beef-salad-with-thousand-island-dressing-and-rye-croutons-fwx-2000-368bd0fb3cce4a318cbe0eeaa724dcec.jpg)
You've probably eaten a sandwich with a salad inside; now try a salad with a sandwich inside. Strips of corned beef are tossed with lettuce and rye bread croutons, then topped with Thousand Island dressing — the real old-fashioned kind with "islands" of pickle relish, hard-cooked egg, and chopped scallion.
Antipasto Salad with Bocconcini and Green-Olive Tapenade
![Antipasto Salad with Bocconcini and Green-Olive Tapenade](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/_ALyhgMoYwSd8c3MA0Q7nlxJjc4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/antipasto-salad-with-green-olive-tapenade-XL-RECIPE0918-8c0c17f0cc7549debcf2374d70582491.jpg)
© Greg DuPree
Chef Nancy Silverton is an Italian cooking expert, getting the biggest flavor from the simplest ingredients. She does just that with this hearty salad, which combines crisp iceberg lettuce, milky mozzarella, spicy-tangy peperoncini, and salty olives and salami.
Fiery Grilled Beef Salad with Oranges and Crispy Shallots
![Fiery Grilled Beef Salad with Oranges and Crispy Shallots](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/1OT5aMf4jbfYyBVi3Dewc81t8-M=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fiery-grilled-beef-salad-with-oranges-and-crispy-shallotsxl-r-200509-2000-400c5c66a6404f43b3a8573c90a2f150.jpg)
Although chef Charles Phan says you can use any leafy green in this spicy main-course salad, he suggests watercress because it adds another subtle, peppery layer of heat to the dish. He also says it's fine to partially cook the shallots ahead of time (even the night before) until they're golden, then let them cool; when you refry them before serving, they'll become extra crispy.
Greek Salad with Shrimp and Kamut
![Plate of greek salad with shrimp and kamut](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/xntQneudtojpqtGa8654bH-Zwsc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/greek-salad-with-shrimp-and-kamut-FT-RECIPE0621-fbe34712a8914729bb3e2bf71b63087d.jpg)
Kamut, an ancient variety of wheat, adds hearty chew to this entrée inspired by a classic Greek salad. Soak kamut overnight to help it cook faster or, for an even easier dish, cook the kamut in advance to trim day-of prep to 30 minutes.
Caesar Salad with Crispy Tofu Croutons
![Caesar Salad with Crispy Tofu Croutons](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/wBaY6-6eiLTxGuYM03RbTKsWsyA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/201005-r-xl-caesar-salad-with-crispy-tofu-croutons-27f3f820efcf41d584bf968afa587461.jpg)
In this creative remix of a classic Caesar, former F&W editor Melissa Rubel Jacobson pan-fries tofu cubes until they become crisp and crouton-like. Plus, she blends soft tofu with olive oil, lemon juice, and anchovy to make a terrific Caesar-style dressing without the standard raw egg yolks.
Chile-Lime Crab Salad with Tomato and Avocado
![Chile-Lime Crab Salad with Tomato and Avocado](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/ANG_TOH_Em5oKYH9bamPfTPLX7Y=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/200807xl-chile-lime-crab-salad-with-tomato-and-avocado-e1db10cc286c4a7799af63891a66c40d.jpg)
The mix of fresh crab, avocado, and juicy heirloom tomatoes here is a classic combination. But chef Sue Zemanick makes it seem new by tossing the salad with a vibrant, spicy dressing spiked with jalapeño.