20 Salads So Hearty You Won't Miss the Lettuce

Tabbouleh is a refreshing salad that's made from finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bulgur. Lemon juice adds acidity and tang, while mint creates a burst of freshness and flavor. "This salad is great, I love it. It is easy, fast and vegan," says user Rochelle. "I especially like the crunchiness of the cucumbers."

The addition of brown rice takes this lettuce-free salad recipe from side to main course. Endives are rich in fiber, as well as good sources of iron. "Great crunch factor and love the bite of the vinegar," says user lisaod.

This high-protein, high-fiber salad will make you question why you always thought of lettuce as a go-to salad green! The use of your own homemade dressing also keeps things healthy. "Made it just as listed. Excellent and simple," says reviewer David Wall.

This recipe by KellyJeanne results in "a fresh-tasting salad from ingredients that last a long time in the pantry and refrigerator, with a pleasing balance of earthy, sharp, salty, and green." With a boost of protein coming from the chickpeas, this lettuce-free salad is filling all on its own. 

Part of the cabbage family, kale is a nutritional powerhouse. Some people may find kale to be tough to digest, so take Lesley Carol's advice for a more palatable and creamier kale salad: "I 'massaged' the torn kale in a bowl with a dash of kosher salt for 2-3 minutes to break down the fibers and make it more toothsome. I also added 1 Tbsp. of tahini to the dressing for an even creamier version."

Made from pantry staples — kidney, garbanzo, and cannellini beans — this salad is quick to whip up and rich in fiber and B vitamins. Refrigerate for a while before serving for the flavors to really meld together. 

"If you've never made a single Arabic dish, this is a delicious and healthy place to start," says recipe creator Sonja Taha. Fattoush is a popular salad staple on tables across the Middle East, where you'll often see it served for both lunch and dinner. While it's common to see lettuce in fattoush recipes, some are also lettuce-free — just don't skip on the pita and sumac, two essential ingredients to any fattoush salad.

This low-calorie lettuce-free salad is perfect for when you want a lot of leftovers. "I cut the recipe in half and still, it was several meals for the two of us," says user Esther Kenagy. Not only that, but thanks to the quinoa, it's also naturally gluten-free. 

A light lime vinaigrette adds a splash of acidity to this colorful, lettuce-free salad recipe. Shelled edamame is an excellent source of protein and relatively low in calories. "Great taste, easy to make ahead and very good as leftover," says reviewer DONNA9197.

Besides toasting the sesame seeds, this simple salad just requires stirring. Cucumbers and carrots get crisp-tender in a red pepper flake-infused vinegar dressing. This salad pairs perfectly with some Korean barbecue and steamed rice. 

Crunchy, creamy, salty, and a little sweet, this salad has it all. Recipe creator Cassandra Kennedy says, "This recipe is requested at every family gathering. Let it be your next dish that they crave!"

Fresh zucchini are transformed with the spiralizer to create this vibrant salad. Each bite is packed with Greek-inspired flavor from feta, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy lemon dressing.

Perfect for using up the summertime bounty of corn, this rich salad makes a beautiful side dish. Pickled jalapeño peppers are the secret ingredient, adding a pop of tangy and spicy flavor.

Humble cabbage is upgraded with this Asian-inspired recipe. A splash of rice vinegar and drizzle of sesame oil make for a bold taste, while shredded carrots and crushed ramen noodles add a distinct crunch. 

"A fresh and light salad that involves no mayo or sour cream, so it is great for picnics and BBQs," describes CHEFBOYOSARAH. No capers on hand? Some reviewers have found success substituting in green olives instead.

This salad can easily serve as a side or a light main during zucchini season. Tender pieces of chicken are tossed with sautéed zucchini, tangy artichoke hearts, salty olives, and rich Parmesan cheese to create an impressive dish.

Zippy fresh lime amps up the natural flavors of tomatoes and avocado in this colorful dish. "A refreshing summer salad that is bit more substantial than a greens-based salad," describes recipe creator Chad. "It is unparalleled for taking advantage of the first succulent tomatoes of the season."

When zucchini is overflowing in your garden and the grocery's stores produce section, it can be hard to dream up new ways to enjoy the green veggie. But this salad is a perfect start, tossing the zucchini with flavorful heavy-hitters like salami, mozzarella, and a bold balsamic dressing.

A staple in many Mediterranean restaurants, this refreshing salad is shockingly delicious for being so simple. Fresh vegetables — cucumber, tomato, red bell pepper, and red onion — combine with herbs and a lemon dressing to create a side dish that might end up the star of your meal.

It doesn't get much easier than this stick-to-your-ribs salad, simply open a can of chickpeas and chop a few veggies to throw it all together. Reviewer naples34102 raves, "Just delicious, with the perfect ratio of olive oil to lemon juice. And the lemon juice was refreshingly different from the vinegar traditionally used in dressings like this."