15 Main Dish Summer Salads Under 400 Calories
Summer is always the right time to elevate salads to main-dish status. Veggies and fruits are at their peak freshness — and eating a little more healthy just feels right. We've rounded up top-rated main dish salad recipes that are full of nutrition and fiber from fresh summer produce, balanced with protein to keep you full and satisfied. Read on to get recipes for low-calorie main dish salads for summer.
1 of 16
Greek Flank Steak and Veggie Salad | 383 Calories
"Tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers roast along with the steak, creating a crunchy, juicy salad that just begs to be topped with feta," says Molly Gilbert.
1 of 16
2 of 16
Caprese Salad with Grilled Flank Steak | 321 Calories
Top a simple Caprese salad with leftover grilled steak. "This is a fresh, healthy, easy-to-make salad with a twist," says cookinmama.
2 of 16
3 of 16
Salad Nicoise | 287 Calories
This classic French salad combines new potatoes, tuna, hard-cooked eggs, fresh green beans, salad greens, and roma tomatoes in a lively lemon vinaigrette. Says Bob Cody, "This French-inspired salad makes a delightful summer dish. You can dress it up with other garden vegetables like corn, blanched broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus!"
3 of 16
4 of 16
Chicken and Melon Salad | 246 Calories
"A good use for leftover chicken," says Jen. "You can substitute other melons, papaya, pineapple, mushrooms, or water chestnuts for the grapes or the honeydew melon."
4 of 16
5 of 16
Warm Steak and Potato Salad | 359 Calories
It's steak and potatoes served on a bed of greens with tomatoes and a simple red wine vinaigrette. "Comfort food without the guilt," says frank11.
5 of 16
6 of 16
Chicken Berry Salad | 378 Calories
"This recipe uses three kinds of fresh berries and your choice of mixed salad greens, all tossed together with grilled chicken and a special honey mustard dressing," says KATIE MINES. "This is my favorite summer salad."
6 of 16
7 of 16
Chicken Fiesta Salad | 311 Calories
"This is an attractive and zesty all-in-one dish," says ANGL8277. "It's full of veggies and chicken, and loaded with flavor. If desired, top with shredded cheese and tortilla chips."
7 of 16
8 of 16
Moroccan Lentil Salad | 190 Calories
This plant-based dish makes a great vegetarian option. "A quick, colorful, spicy, protein-rich salad or side dish." —Hetal
8 of 16
9 of 16
Larb - Laotian Chicken Mince | 294 Calories
"A Vietnamese friend taught me how to make this dish that originates from Laos and Cambodia," says Baking Nana. "Pre-ground chicken, turkey, or pork may be used instead of the chicken thigh meat. Serve with sticky rice or in lettuce cups."
9 of 16
10 of 16
Mango Shrimp Salad | 159 Calories
"Fantastic dance of flavor," says Chaz. "Sweet and tangy, cool and spicy all in the same bite! I increased lime juice to 2 limes, and one teaspoon red pepper flakes."
10 of 16
11 of 16
Grilled Chicken Fajita Salad | 283 Calories
"A low-carb, no-sweat, sizzling hot grilled fajita salad. Garnish with lime wedges and finely chopped cilantro, if desired." —Baking Nana
11 of 16
12 of 16
Mediterranean Zucchini and Chickpea Salad | 258 Calories
"Delicious, refreshing and hearty salad for the hot days of summer — and also an excellent gluten-free substitute for pasta salad. A larger portion is a meal in itself." —Lazy Cook
12 of 16
13 of 16
Delicious Cilantro Chicken Salad | 182 Calories
"This was excellent. I used leftover chicken breasts that we had grilled the night before, so cut down on some of the prep time. I used about 1/4-1/2 tsp of Goya Adobo seasoning instead of the salt" —Karen O
13 of 16
14 of 16
Layered Salmon Cobb Salad | 374 Calories
"I made it exactly as written and it is fabulous! I layered the ingredients in 4 mason jars to take for lunch. The salad stayed fresh and all my coworkers ooh'd and ahh'd at how great it looked in the refrigerator!" —Denise Morris Blair
14 of 16
15 of 16
Grilled Chicken, Peach, and Arugula Salad | 197 calories
Chicken and fresh peaches are grilled and served on fresh arugula. This sensational summer salad is dressed with a simple homemade vinaigrette.