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These 10 high protein low carb salads combine fresh vegetables with protein-packed ingredients such as chicken, tuna, shrimp, eggs, cheese, and legumes. Perfect for keto, low carb, or health-conscious meal plans, these salads provide satisfying meals rich in protein with minimal carbohydrates. Follow the step-by-step instructions for easy preparation and enjoy delicious, nutritious salads any day of the week.
Chicken-Based High Protein Low Carb Salads
1. Chef Salad with Chicken, Bacon, Avocado, and Cheese
A classic low carb chef salad loaded with grilled chicken breast, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, Monterey Jack cheese, and fresh salad greens.
Ingredients:
- 6 oz grilled chicken breast, diced
- 3 slices cooked crispy bacon, chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/4 cup diced Monterey Jack cheese
- Cherry tomatoes (optional)
- Low-carb ranch or vinaigrette dressing
Instructions:
- Place salad greens in a bowl.
- Top with chicken, bacon, avocado, cheese, and cherry tomatoes, if using.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
2. Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad
Cabbage, carrots, edamame, and cucumber tossed with grilled chicken breast in a tangy peanut dressing.
Ingredients:
- 6 oz grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1/2 cup cooked edamame
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
Instructions:
- Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and ginger to make dressing.
- Toss cabbage, carrots, edamame, and cucumber in large bowl.
- Add grilled chicken and pour dressing over.
- Toss well and serve chilled.
3. Spicy Ahi Tuna Salad
Seared ahi tuna over mixed greens, with ginger, cinnamon, and cilantro vinaigrette.
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Ingredients:
- 6 oz fresh ahi tuna steak
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Season tuna with salt and pepper, then sear in hot pan 2 minutes each side for medium-rare.
- Mix olive oil, cinnamon, ginger, soy sauce, and lime juice for dressing.
- Arrange greens, cucumber, and carrots on plate.
- Slice tuna thin and place over salad.
- Drizzle with dressing and garnish with cilantro.
- Serve immediately.
Seafood & Shellfish Salads
4. Shrimp Cobb Salad
Juicy sautéed shrimp tossed with avocado, bacon, eggs, and mixed greens.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz peeled shrimp
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 3 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 3 cups mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes
- Low carb ranch or vinaigrette dressing
Instructions:
- Sauté shrimp with a little olive oil and spice until opaque.
- Arrange greens on plate.
- Top with shrimp, eggs, bacon, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle with dressing and serve.
5. Mediterranean Salmon Salad
Grilled salmon filet with romaine, tomatoes, feta cheese, and red onion tossed in lemon vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
- 6 oz grilled salmon
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Grill salmon to desired doneness and flake.
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for dressing.
- Toss lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and feta with dressing.
- Top salad with salmon.
- Serve chilled.
Beef & Pork Protein Salads
6. Thai Beef Salad
Seared steak with fresh herbs, cucumber, and chili lime vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
- 6 oz sirloin steak
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint and cilantro chopped
- 1 chili, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp erythritol or sweetener
Instructions:
- Season steak with salt and pepper, sear 3-4 mins per side.
- Slice thinly once rested.
- Mix lime juice, fish sauce, sweetener, and chili for dressing.
- Toss greens, cucumber, herbs with dressing.
- Top with sliced steak and serve.
7. Barbecue Pork Cobb Salad
Slow-cooked pulled pork with cheddar, bacon, avocado on mixed greens.
Ingredients:
- 6 oz pulled barbecue pork
- 3 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Low carb ranch dressing
Instructions:
- Arrange greens on plate.
- Top with pulled pork, cheddar, bacon, and avocado.
- Drizzle dressing to taste and serve.
Plant-Based High Protein Salads
8. Greek Chickpea Salad
Chickpeas with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, olives, and herbs tossed in vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Toss chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and olives.
- Whisk vinegar, oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour over salad and toss gently.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
9. Lentil and Veggie Salad
Cooked green lentils mixed with fresh parsley, red onion, and a lemon dressing.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked green lentils
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Mix lentils, red pepper, onion, and parsley.
- Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Toss dressing into lentils.
- Serve chilled or room temperature.
Egg-Based Protein Salads
10. Classic Egg Salad
Chopped hard-boiled eggs mixed with Greek yogurt, mustard, and herbs.
Ingredients:
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: chopped celery or pickles
Instructions:
- Mix eggs, yogurt, mustard, and chives.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add celery or pickles if desired.
- Serve on lettuce or as filling for low carb wraps.
Tips for High Protein Low Carb Salads
- Use fresh leafy greens as a fiber-rich low-carb base.
- Add nuts, seeds, or cheese to boost protein and healthy fats.
- Lean meats and seafood provide high protein with minimal carbs.
- Include eggs or Greek yogurt for creamy protein without carbs.
- Opt for homemade vinaigrette dressings to avoid hidden sugars.
- Balance textures with crunchy veggies and creamy dressings for satisfaction.
- Meal prep salads in jars to keep greens crisp and toppings fresh.

