Rating: 3.54
(115)

Dinner Salad

August 30, 2023

A Dinner Salad is the perfect answer when you’re craving something light yet filling. It’s a refreshing dish that can easily transition from a side to a main, offering a balanced mix of greens, protein, and veggies, all drizzled with your favorite dressing. This versatile salad can be customized to fit any taste or dietary preference, making it a go-to option for busy nights or when you want to keep things simple.

The foundation of a great dinner salad lies in its greens. Romaine, spinach, arugula, or mixed greens form the perfect base, offering crunch, freshness, and nutrients. From there, the possibilities are endless. Add colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and shredded carrots to enhance texture and flavor. You can even throw in some roasted or raw vegetables like bell peppers, roasted sweet potatoes, or beets for an added layer of richness.

To turn your salad into a complete meal, a solid protein source is key. Grilled chicken, steak, or fish can be great additions, but for a lighter option, add chickpeas, beans, or even a boiled egg. If you’re feeling indulgent, a sprinkle of crumbled feta or shredded cheese can add a creamy touch.

What truly elevates the salad is the dressing. A tangy vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, and honey is always a winner, or go for a creamy option like ranch, Caesar, or tahini. The dressing ties everything together, bringing the ingredients into harmony with each bite.

A Dinner Salad is endlessly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients and adjust the flavors to suit your mood. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy to prepare, quick to eat, and satisfying without feeling heavy. Whether you’re keeping it light with veggies or adding protein for a heartier meal, a dinner salad is always a fresh, healthy choice.

Dinner Salad
Dinner Salad
3.54 from 115 votes
A healthy and filling salad perfect for dinner
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups mixed greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cucumber sliced
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, red onion, feta cheese, and sliced almonds.
  • Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 6gFat: 14gFiber: 4g
Calories: 190kcal
Meal Type: Salad
Keyword: salad recipes
Cooking Method: Nobake
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. 4 stars
    Tasty! But what do you do if you don’t have feta? Can you use cheddar?

    1. User avatar mabelle.raynor1962 says:

      4 stars
      You can definitely use cheddar! It will add a different flavor, but it should still taste good.

  2. User avatar jeanne.maggio says:

    2 stars
    This is just a salad LOL. I expected more, like cooked chicken or something. Dissapoint.

  3. User avatar wayne.murazik says:

    4 stars
    Such a simple salad but it really hits the spot. My kids actually ate it! Who knew?

  4. User avatar kiersten.jacobs1977 says:

    4 stars
    Aww man, no one in my family liked feta. What else can I use?

  5. User avatar delicia.quitzon says:

    5 stars
    Love the feta and almonds in this! So crunchy and tasty. Thumbs up! 👍

    1. User avatar roosevelt.purdy65 says:

      3 stars
      Sounds good, but isn’t feta a bit salty? I prefer it without cheese myself. Just my opinion!

    2. 5 stars
      I agree! The crunch of the almonds really adds something special. I could eat this every day!

  6. User avatar Angla Durgan says:

    4 stars
    Delish! I love how colorful it looks on my plate.

  7. User avatar elden.ohara38 says:

    4 stars
    So easy to make and refreshing! Perfect for summer. My husband and I gobbled it up.

    1. User avatar chandra.haag10 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! It’s a perfect summer dish. So fresh and easy. Just what I needed!

  8. User avatar sammy.gerhold1959 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Perfect for a hot day. The avocado made it creamy and delicious.

  9. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    5 stars
    I love this salad recipe! The feta and balsamic go great together. 😍

  10. User avatar fatima.metz1969 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! I added some croutons and it was perfect! 😍

    1. 5 stars
      Croutons? That’s a great idea! It adds a crunch! I usually use sunflower seeds, but I’ll try croutons next time. Thanks! 😊

    2. 3 stars
      I don’t know. Sounds good, but croutons can be kinda soggy if not fresh, you know? Just saying. 🤔

  11. 4 stars
    I didn’t have balsamic vinaigrette, so I used ranch. Still good tho!

    1. User avatar richie.johnston34 says:

      2 stars
      I wouldn’t use ranch with salad, sounds weird. Balsamic is way better, trust me! 😅

    2. User avatar Humma Kavula says:

      4 stars
      Ranch? Really? That’s an interesting choice! But hey, if you liked it, that’s what matters! 😊

  12. User avatar Dr. Blanca Muller says:

    2 stars
    Too many ingredients! Just stick with lettuce and tomato, that’s real salad.

    1. User avatar talisha.howe2000 says:

      4 stars
      I get what you mean, but sometimes it’s nice to have a bit more variety! Adding different flavors can make it more interesting.

  13. 2 stars
    Salad? More like a rabbit’s dinner. 🤷‍♂️

    1. User avatar pat.kerluke69 says:

      3 stars
      Naw man, salad ain’t just for rabbits. It can be pretty filling if you add some chicken or beans. 🤷‍♀️

    2. User avatar Chaurus Hunter says:

      4 stars
      I think salads can be delicious! You just have to use the right ingredients. This looks great! 🥗

  14. 5 stars
    This salad is so fresh and yummy! I love how easy it is to make. Five stars for sure!

    1. 5 stars
      Totally agree! This salad is super easy and perfect for hot days. I’m making it again this weekend!

    2. 3 stars
      I dunno, it seems kinda plain to me. Where’s the flavor? Maybe add some grilled chicken or something?

  15. User avatar claudio.marquardt1978 says:

    4 stars
    So easy and quick to make! Perfect for lunch. Thanks for the recipe!

  16. User avatar liberal.hero says:

    1 star
    This salad is a biggest lie. Makes me hungry later.

  17. User avatar michael.weber1965 says:

    4 stars
    I never liked avocados but I tried this recipe and it’s not too bad. Who knew?

  18. User avatar felicia.hamill says:

    5 stars
    My kids loved it! Even ate their veggies, this is a miracle!

  19. User avatar sean.hayes says:

    2 stars
    Why do people like salads? I don’t get it. Give me a burger any day. 🤷‍♂️

  20. User avatar Iona Frisbee says:

    2 stars
    Did I miss something? Why no meat? No idea how this fills me up.

    1. User avatar rufina.strosin says:

      4 stars
      You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for some protein! This salad is super filling with the right toppings.

    2. User avatar andres.auer2012 says:

      5 stars
      Meat is overrated! This salad has healthy fats and protein from the feta and almonds. Plus, it’s light for dinner 🙂

  21. User avatar jeane.altenwerth1991 says:

    5 stars
    Very easy to make. I never cook but this was simple!

  22. User avatar roberta.turcotte says:

    2 stars
    Too many greens! I prefer my salads with more toppings. This was just not for me.

  23. 4 stars
    Easy to make and really pretty! Perfect for summer dinners. Will make again!

    1. 5 stars
      I’m glad you liked it! It really is a nice dish for warm days. Do you think it would work with other dressings too?

    2. User avatar morgan.nitzsche says:

      3 stars
      Looks good, but didn’t you think it needed more seasoning? Mine felt kinda bland. Maybe add some herbs?

  24. User avatar lady.oconnell61 says:

    4 stars
    Great mix of flavors! I added chicken for protein.

  25. User avatar Ailene Frami says:

    3 stars
    I ain’t got no balsamic. Can I use Italian dressing instead? Please respond!

  26. User avatar jacques.prosacco38 says:

    2 stars
    Honestly, I don’t get the hype. It was just a salad… would much rather have a burger.

  27. User avatar alex.ryan says:

    4 stars
    Biggy thumbs up! Just ate it, and I feel fit now. Haha.

  28. 3 stars
    I don’t even like salad but this one is okay I guess.

  29. 5 stars
    This salad is so refreshing! Perfect for summer days.

  30. User avatar dewitt.mann66 says:

    2 stars
    I tried making this but forgot the feta. It was just okay without it. 2 stars.

  31. User avatar kristopher.ryan says:

    2 stars
    Too many greens! I’m more of a meat lover 😅

  32. User avatar linwood.nader says:

    1 star
    Why are salads always so boring? I don’t get how people enjoy this. 1 star.

    1. User avatar ileana.feest64 says:

      4 stars
      Salads can be really vibrant if you mix in some nuts, fruits, or a good dressing! Just give this one a shot with that balsamic vinaigrette and you might change your mind!

  33. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    3 stars
    Too many ingredients in this salad! Just lettuce and ranch sauce is all I need. 3 stars.

    1. 3 stars
      I feel you. Sometimes simple is better, but I think the ingredients really add flavor. Just try it once!

    2. User avatar Dominic Vernius says:

      5 stars
      I disagree! I love how fresh everything tastes together! The more the merrier for me. 🥗

  34. 5 stars
    This salad is so fresh! I made it for a family BBQ and everyone loved it. Will definitely make again!

  35. User avatar houston.lehner says:

    5 stars
    This salad is amazing! So fresh and crunchy. Perfect for summer!

  36. User avatar Maximina McLaughlin says:

    3 stars
    I thought it would be more flavorful. Maybe add some chicken or a different dressing next time.

  37. User avatar lenard.nader1989 says:

    5 stars
    I subbed in ranch dressing because I don’t like balsamic, and it turned out great! Yum!

  38. User avatar tilda.fahey says:

    2 stars
    I made this for my kids but they refused to eat it. Fussy eaters!

  39. User avatar trenton.blick51 says:

    4 stars
    Yummy! But my cousin says avocados are unhealthy. What’s true?

    1. User avatar dusty.herzog says:

      5 stars
      Avocados are actually really healthy! They’re full of good fats and nutrients. Just ignore your cousin, they probably don’t know what they’re talking about.

    2. User avatar tatum.volkman says:

      3 stars
      I dunno, I heard they can be bad for you if you eat too much? Just stick to a little bit maybe.

  40. User avatar samantha.stamm1995 says:

    3 stars
    Can you use ranch instead of balsamic? Never liked the taste of that.

  41. User avatar Minnie Skurt says:

    2 stars
    Way too many ingredients for a salad. I prefer the simpler ones! 🥗

  42. User avatar Tricia McMillan says:

    5 stars
    This salad is sooo refreshing! I added some grilled chicken for extra protein. Loved it!

  43. 5 stars
    Super easy and filling! The feta really makes it! 🌱

  44. 5 stars
    Very Delicious! I added grilled chicken for protein, and it turned out fantastic! 5 stars!

  45. 3 stars
    It was okay, but I think it needs more dressing. Otherwise, a decent salad.

    1. 3 stars
      Not sure if it needs more dressing, but maybe you just didn’t mix it well enough? I found it pretty delish as is.

    2. User avatar mauro.wiegand55 says:

      4 stars
      I totally agree! A little extra dressing always helps bring out the flavors. Have you tried adding a bit of lemon juice? It could brighten it up!

  46. User avatar mitch.hoppe says:

    4 stars
    I wasn’t sure about the feta but it actually worked really well. Surprised myself! 🙂

  47. User avatar sung.nikolaus says:

    5 stars
    Yummm! The feta and balsamic really tie it together! Definitely making this again!

  48. User avatar joey.howell says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! I made this for my family and they loved it. Will definitely make again!

  49. User avatar sunday.schowalter says:

    1 star
    Honestly, I think salads are overrated… 🙄

    1. User avatar chae.cormier says:

      2 stars
      Salad is just leaves. What’s the point? Give me a burger any day! 🍔

    2. 4 stars
      I used to think that too, but salads can be fun with the right ingredients! 🤷‍♂️

  50. User avatar laverne.adams1989 says:

    4 stars
    Quick and easy! But I substituted with ranch dressing ’cause that’s what I had.

  51. User avatar Cave Bear says:

    2 stars
    Tried it and didn’t like the feta, too salty for my taste.

  52. 3 stars
    Yum! But my kids wouldn’t eat it. They only like ranch dressing.

    1. User avatar ula.crona39 says:

      4 stars
      Maybe you could try adding ranch dressing on top? It could help get them to eat the salad! Kids can be picky sometimes.

  53. User avatar arlie.reinger15 says:

    5 stars
    This salad is a game changer! So fresh and tasty! Love the crunch from the almonds.

  54. User avatar ammie.schuster25 says:

    2 stars
    I followed the recipe but it just didn’t taste right. I think I may have messed up the dressing.

  55. User avatar Super Saiyan Vegeta says:

    4 stars
    Isn’t olive oil better than balsamic? Just sayin’. But it was alright.

    1. User avatar song.kassulke30 says:

      3 stars
      Balsamic is way better just for this kind of salad! But hey, I guess everyone has their taste… or maybe they don’t? lol.

    2. User avatar Vella Towne DDS says:

      4 stars
      I think olive oil has its own charm, but balsamic adds a nice tang to the salad! Different strokes for different folks, right?

  56. User avatar Ford Prefect says:

    4 stars
    Mix greens? Sounds fancy but my mom just called it leafs. Haha. I give it four! 🙂

  57. User avatar pierre.wunsch1963 says:

    3 stars
    Salad? I prefer pizza. But I guess if you like greens, this is good or whatever.

  58. User avatar kraig.hermann says:

    1 star
    Salad.

  59. User avatar marco.rosenbaum says:

    5 stars
    I used sunflower seeds instead of almonds. It’s sooo good! 🥗

  60. User avatar alberto.simonis1 says:

    1 star
    Salad? More like a salad crime. Who needs that many greens?

  61. User avatar Miss Vance Cartwright says:

    2 stars
    This is more like a snack than a dinner. I need more to fill me up.

  62. User avatar Mr. Grant Osinski says:

    1 star
    How can this be a salad without dressing? I thought I could just eat green stuff. No thanks.

    1. User avatar miranda.bailey says:

      2 stars
      I mean, a salad needs flavor, right? No dressing means no taste, just grass! 😂

    2. User avatar palma.turcotte says:

      4 stars
      You can totally have a salad without dressing! It’s just veggies. Try it out! 🌱

  63. 1 star
    Salad? Nah, I prefer pizza. But this looks colorful LOL.

  64. User avatar griselda.frami1990 says:

    5 stars
    I made this for dinner and it was gone in minutes! Family loved it!

  65. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    5 stars
    I made this for a picnic and it was a hit! The avocado made it creamy, delish!

  66. User avatar claudio.mckenzie15 says:

    3 stars
    Is this healthy? I dunno, but my buddy said it looked fancy, so I guess it could work!

    1. User avatar alycia.huels2021 says:

      5 stars
      Looks pretty healthy to me! Lots of greens and good fats from the avocado. Plus, can’t go wrong with feta!

    2. User avatar carlos.mertz69 says:

      2 stars
      It might seem fancy, but it’s just a salad. Like, do we really need another recipe for a salad?

  67. User avatar Super Saiyan 2 Gohan says:

    5 stars
    This was a refreshing salad! I added some grilled chicken for protein and it turned out great.

  68. User avatar preston.macgyver says:

    3 stars
    I dunno, sounded good but mine turned out kinda soggy. Maybe I added too much dressing?

  69. User avatar karine.abshire37 says:

    3 stars
    Eh, it was okay. I felt like it needed something more… maybe some protein?

    1. User avatar Michael83 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! Adding some grilled chicken or chickpeas would make it way more filling. 😋

  70. 3 stars
    I found the balsamic vinaigrette to be too tangy. Experimented with ranch instead!

  71. 5 stars
    This salad is a winner! So fresh and tasty! Loved it!

  72. 5 stars
    This salad is delicious! So fresh and tasty. Will definitely make again!

    1. User avatar scot.jaskolski30 says:

      2 stars
      Looks good, but I don’t get why people like raw veggies. Cooked ones are better! Just sayin’…

    2. User avatar emery.brakus49 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you liked it! The balsamic vinaigrette really brings everything together, right? 🥗

  73. User avatar Melba Crisp says:

    3 stars
    Pretty good but I think it needs something more, maybe some croutons?

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree! Croutons would add a nice crunch to it. Maybe some grilled chicken too?

    2. User avatar jerilyn.hyatt11 says:

      2 stars
      Croutons? Nah, I think it’s perfect as it is. Don’t mess with a classic!

  74. User avatar mickie.welch1985 says:

    2 stars
    Not enough flavor for me. Maybe try adding grilled chicken or something.

  75. User avatar janel.pollich22 says:

    1 star
    I mean, it’s just greens, right? Not very filling. Gonna stick with pizza next time.

    1. User avatar arnulfo.green64 says:

      3 stars
      Pizza is good but this salad is fresh and tasty! Maybe you just need to give it a chance.

    2. User avatar Slaughterfish says:

      4 stars
      But it’s super healthy! You can totally add some grilled chicken or something if you want it more filling.

3.54 from 115 votes
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