Main image via foodiecrush (recipe below!)

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not a salad girl.

I love salads as an appetizer or side dish, but they typically leave me disappointed, hungry, and wanting more if I eat them for any main course. However, not all salads are created equal, so I went on a quick hunt for recipes that were anything but boring, and chock-full of amazing ingredients that won’t leave you in a salad slump. Here are 5 recipes perfect for lunch or dinner this week. 

SOUTHWESTERN PEPPER JACK SALAD WITH CREAMY AVOCADO DRESSING

I love anything with a kick (especially in the summer!) so as soon as I stumbled on this recipe, it went to the top of my list! And creamy avocado dressing? Sounds like heaven.

Grilled ginger-sesame chicken chopped salad

When I was in high school one of my favorite things to do was go to California Pizza Kitchen and split a pizza and their chopped chicken salad with my mom. This recipe totally reminds me of that one–bright asian flavors, slightly sweet and slightly salty, with lot’s of fresh veggies, herbs and crunch cabbage.

Caprese Avocado Salad 

You guys. Caprese is so good. How is it so good? Fresh mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and when you add balsamic glaze? UGH. I can’t even. THEN…AVOCADO? I’ll die happy. I make a version of this salad on the reg in the summer, and it’s unreal. So simple. So good. (Quick tip: You totally can buy the balsamic glaze in the grocery store if you don’t want to deal with making your own!)

Southwestern quinoa & grilled corn salad

I’m kind of a carb fanatic, so when I’m trying to be healthy, a good way to trick myself is eating Quinoa. It tastes like rice, but isn’t, so everyone wins. I made of version of this salad recently and it was amazing. I can only imagine how much more amazing it would’ve been with grilled corn! Also, if you want a little more protein (which I always opt for), grab a rotisserie chicken and add some of that into the mix for a super easy protein hack.

Salade Lyonnaise

I’ll never forget the first time I had Salade Lyonnaise (AKA Lyonnaise Salad–it just sounds fancier in French.) It was at one of my very favorite restaurants, Gemini Bistro. The creamy egg mixed with crispy, chewy bacon–the perfect amount of punchy, vinegary dressing, on a bed of crunchy friseé lettuce. It’s enough to send you into a tailspin. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make for a quick weeknight dinner, and is extra glamorous starter salad when you’re entertaining. To make your own, check out this recipe.

What are your favorite salads? Any other delicious recipes that will leave you feeling full?