11 Low Carb Salad Recipes That Keep You Full & Satisfied
Let’s be real—most salads have a bad rep. They either leave you hangry two hours later or taste like sadness in a bowl. 😬 But here’s the thing: low carb doesn’t mean low flavor or low satisfaction. You just need the right mix of fiber, fat, and protein. Boom—suddenly you’ve got a salad that fuels you like a champ.
And trust me, I’ve tried them all—some great, some… not so much. But these 11 low carb salad recipes? They’re the real MVPs. Whether you’re keto-curious, ditching carbs for good, or just want to skip the bread for a day, these bowls of goodness will keep you full and happy.
1. Grilled Chicken Shawarma Salad
You want a salad that eats like a meal? This is it. Juicy grilled chicken seasoned with warm spices, tossed over romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a dollop of garlicky yogurt sauce.
Why It Slaps:
- Packed with protein thanks to the chicken
- Low in carbs, high in satisfaction
- That shawarma seasoning? Addictive.
2. Greek Salad (But Like, Actually Good)
Let’s face it: basic Greek salad can get… boring. But this one? It’s got all the classics—cucumbers, feta, olives—but with a flavor-popping lemon-oregano vinaigrette that makes everything sing.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Crunchy + creamy combo is 💯
- Keeps well for meal prep (just don’t add the dressing early, rookie move)
- No lettuce filler—just the good stuff
3. Mediterranean Chickpea Bowl (Lowish Carb & Full-On Flavor)
Okay, I know chickpeas aren’t technically low carb, but they’re loaded with fiber and plant protein. Pair ’em with grilled veggies, a few olives, and tzatziki, and you’ve got a bowl that’s fresh, tangy, and way more filling than it looks.
What Makes It Work:
- Chickpeas + olive oil = long-lasting fullness
- Tastes like summer in a bowl
- Meal-prep friendly and super customizable
4. Tuna & White Bean Salad
This one’s my go-to when I don’t feel like cooking but still want to eat like I have my life together. Canned tuna + creamy white beans + lemony dressing = magic.
Why It Deserves a Spot:
- Low carb, high protein, zero effort
- No fancy ingredients (you’ve probably got it all right now)
- Super satisfying and ideal for a work-from-home lunch
5. Deconstructed Greek Mezze Plate
No one said a salad has to be leaves in a bowl. This plate-style salad gives you a little bit of everything—feta, olives, cucumber, roasted red peppers, hummus, and grilled chicken. Aka adult Lunchables, but healthier.
What’s the Vibe?
- No cooking if you use pre-grilled chicken
- Perfect for picky eaters (build-your-own style FTW)
- Fiber, fat, and protein all in one
6. Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad (aka Mediterranean Chop Chop)
This salad brings all the summer feels. Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny feta—it’s refreshing but still manages to satisfy, thanks to the olive oil-rich dressing.
Here’s Why It Rocks:
- Takes 5 minutes. Max.
- Refreshing, low in carbs, and never boring
- Great side or main—add grilled salmon if you’re fancy
7. Grilled Veggie Platter with Hummus
Salad but make it charred and delicious. This platter of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant is a dream with a big swoop of hummus on the side. Just skip the pita if you’re keeping it low carb.
Why You Need This:
- Warm, cozy, and surprisingly filling
- A great way to use up fridge veggies
- Hummus gives it that creamy “salad dressing” feel without the sugar bombs
8. Mediterranean Lentil Salad
You’re probably thinking: Lentils? In a salad? But trust me, this one slaps. Earthy lentils, crunchy veg, fresh herbs, and an olive oil-lemon dressing make it hearty and light at the same time.
Why It’s a Keeper:
- High fiber = full for hours
- Keeps beautifully for days
- Awesome for work lunches or dinner sides
9. Chickpea Tuna Salad Wrap (But Make It Bread-Free)
So technically it’s a “wrap,” but hear me out—you can totally turn this into a low carb lettuce wrap or just eat it straight from the bowl like I do when I’m too lazy to deal with dishes.
Why It Works:
- Tuna = protein, chickpeas = fiber = full till dinner
- Creamy, crunchy, salty—hello flavor balance!
- Killer lunch option that doesn’t crash your blood sugar
10. Grilled Chicken with Avocado & Feta
This one’s basically your meal-prep dream. Grilled chicken breasts, creamy avocado chunks, and crumbled feta tossed with arugula or spinach—it’s a power bowl without all the carb baggage.
Why I’m Obsessed:
- Avocado + feta = creamy + salty perfection
- Ideal post-workout lunch or dinner
- You can toss in whatever greens you like—no judgment here
💡 Bonus Tip: Pair this one with this Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken with Couscous for your carb-friendly partner in crime. Skip the couscous if you’re going full low carb.
11. Zucchini Noodle Pasta Salad
No carbs? No problem. Zoodles (yep, that’s zucchini noodles) are the unsung heroes of the low carb world. Tossed with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and a dash of pesto, this salad is light but totally satisfying.
Why It’s a No-Brainer:
- Great pasta swap that won’t leave you bloated
- Fresh, light, and full of flavor
- 10 minutes, one bowl, no regrets
FAQs About Low Carb Salads (Let’s Set the Record Straight)
“Can a salad really keep me full though?”
Short answer: yes, if it’s done right. Look for combos that include healthy fats (like avocado or olive oil), protein (like tuna, chicken, or beans), and fiber. These are the holy trinity of salad satisfaction.
“Are beans considered low carb?”
Technically they’re moderate carb, but they’re full of fiber—which slows digestion and helps stabilize blood sugar. IMO, they’re worth including in moderation. If you’re keto, skip ‘em. If you’re doing balanced low carb, go for it.
“How do I make salads not boring?”
- Ditch sad lettuce—go for spinach, arugula, or crunchy romaine.\n- Add texture: nuts, seeds, grilled veggies.\n- Use bold dressings (lemon garlic, tahini, mustard vinaigrettes).\n- Don’t forget seasoning. Salt and pepper aren’t optional—they’re essential.
Final Thoughts: Salad Doesn’t Have to Suck 😉
Let’s be honest—most of us have suffered through a sad salad or two in the name of “eating healthy.” But with the right combos, you can build a low carb salad that’s fresh, flavorful, and actually fills you up. Whether you’re after a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, these recipes have your back.
And hey, if you’re craving even more low carb inspiration, don’t sleep on these 🔥 15 Easy Low Carb Meals You’ll Want to Make Again or grab your free 7-Day Low Carb Meal Plan. You’ll thank me later 😉
Go forth, salad slayer. 🥗💪
