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10 Low Calorie Salads for Weight Loss

By Andrea Cohen
Published 11/12/2025
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If you’re trying to lose weight, salads often top the list of foods that should be part of your eating plan. But not all salads are created equal. A plate piled high with calorie-dense toppings like bacon, cheese, and tortilla strips that’s doused in dressing containing a lot of fat, sodium, and sugar can quickly turn what seems like a light choice into a calorie bomb. But the good news is that low calorie salads can be just as filling and flavorful when you focus on the right ingredients without the high calorie price tag. 

The best salads for weight loss balance lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and light dressings. Think grilled chicken, beans, shrimp, or chickpeas, paired with crisp greens, colorful veggies, and a drizzle of dressing made from flavorful vinegars, citrus, or herbs paired with olive oil or Greek yogurt. These types of low calorie salad recipes can easily fit into your weekly routine and make healthy eating feel effortless. Plus, because they’re versatile, you can switch up the ingredients depending on the season, your taste preferences, or what’s already in your kitchen.

At Health eCooks, our chefs and dietitians have created a variety of low calorie salads for weight loss that go beyond boring lettuce. Whether you want something light for a summer lunch or a hearty bowl to keep you full on a cold winter night, these recipes prove that salads can be filling, satisfying, and supportive of your health goals. Each of the healthy salad recipes we feature is packed with protein and fiber, loaded with flavor, and under 300 calories per serving.

How Low Calorie Salads Help You Lose Weight

It makes sense that any meal that is low in calories should help you meet your weight loss goals. But sometimes, eating low calorie foods doesn’t keep you satisfied, which means you’ll soon be looking to eat again. However, when made with the right ingredients, low calorie salads can fill you up and keep you satisfied for longer, so you’re not soon reaching for a snack.

Salads are naturally high in fiber if they’re built around vegetables, beans, and whole grains. In addition to supporting heart health, fiber helps slow digestion, which keeps you feeling fuller longer and can help prevent overeating. When paired with lean protein, they’re an especially good choice if you’re trying to lose weight, since protein also helps with satiety as well as supporting muscle strength and energy levels.

Another reason why salads are a common choice on weight loss diets is that it’s easy to fill your plate with low calorie foods like cucumbers, leafy greens, and bell peppers, allowing you to enjoy large portions without adding many calories. So if you’re a volume eater, eating a salad is a great way to enjoy a big meal without wreaking havoc on your diet.

Low Calorie Salad Recipes

This delicious collection of low calorie salads for weight loss has something for everyone. Each of these salads contains a mix of ingredients that are flavorful, nutrient-dense, and satisfying, with less than 300 calories per serving. From low calorie summer salads to comforting cool-weather salads and bowls made with heartier ingredients, we think you’ll find a few choices that are likely to become new favorites.

  1. Chicken Kale Crunch Salad
    Photo Credit: Adam Fisher, Baldwin Publishing
    15 mins

    This 266-calorie copycat salad is all about texture—juicy chicken, hearty kale, and plenty of crunch in every bite. It’s light enough for weight loss but still leaves you feeling satisfied and energized.

  2. Greek Burger Bowl
    Photo Credit: Jessica Kielman, Baldwin Publishing
    30 mins

    At only 187 calories, this bowl packs in juicy ground chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy tzatziki for big Greek flavors without the bun. It’s a fun, fresh way to enjoy all the taste of a burger in a lighter, low-calorie meal.

  3. GLP-1 Chicken Quinoa Bowl
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    45 mins

    This colorful bowl blends tender chicken, fluffy quinoa, and creamy avocado for just 217 calories per serving. It’s the perfect balance of flavor and freshness, making healthy eating feel easy and delicious.

  4. Mexican Chicken Salad
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    Zesty chicken, beans, avocado, and veggies come together for a fiesta of flavors in this 187-calorie salad. It’s bold, colorful, and satisfying without the extra calories of heavier Mexican dishes.

  5. Thai Chicken Salad
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    At under 300 calories, this salad combines juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a bright peanut-lime dressing that tastes like your favorite takeout. It’s light, flavorful, and so satisfying you won’t miss the extra calories.

  6. Heart Healthy Mediterranean Chopped Salad
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    This 292-calorie salad is bursting with roasted chickpeas, crunchy veggies, and a sprinkle of feta for that classic Mediterranean flair. It’s hearty enough for a filling meal but light enough to keep your calorie goals on track.

  7. Chicken Salad with Grapes
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    Sweet grapes and crunchy walnuts give this chicken salad a refreshing twist, all for just 181 calories. It’s a light, fruity spin on the classic that makes lunchtime feel a little more fun.

  8. Asian Chicken Salad
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    At 188 calories, this salad pairs lean chicken with avocado, crunchy veggies, and a zingy carrot-ginger dressing. It’s bright, refreshing, and full of flavor without weighing you down.

  9. Dense Bean Salad
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    15 mins

    This colorful bean salad is just 128 calories per serving yet packs a punch of fresh flavor with every bite. It’s light, versatile, and makes the perfect side dish or quick lunch when you want something filling but calorie-friendly.

  10. Heart Healthy Tuna Salad
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    15 mins

    This tuna salad swaps heavy mayo for a light, tangy dressing, bringing the calorie count down to just 216. It’s fresh, protein-packed, and a refreshing twist on the classic you’ll want to make again and again.

Tips for Building the Best Low Calorie Salads

If you want to enjoy salads that are flavorful and filling while still being low in calories, here are a few easy tips to keep them light and healthy:

  • Start with leafy greens. Spinach, kale, arugula, and romaine are packed with fiber and vitamins and provide a low-calorie base.
  • Mix in colorful veggies. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and carrots add crunch, nutrients, and flavor.
  • Add lean protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, beans, lentils, or tofu help make salads more protein-rich and satisfying.
  • Keep dressings light. Choose olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, or Greek yogurt-based dressings instead of creamy, high-fat options.
  • Include healthy fats in moderation. A sprinkle of nuts, seeds, or avocado adds flavor and helps your body absorb vitamins, but keep portions small.

Making low calorie salads for weight loss doesn’t mean giving up flavor. With the right mix of ingredients, you can enjoy meals that are delicious, nutritious, and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or want a filling dinner or satisfying side dish, these salads can help you stay on track with your health goals.

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