Ever notice how “lighter” eating can feel like a punishment right after the holidays? That’s exactly why these salads were pulled together, bringing crunch, bright flavor, and enough bite to keep us interested past the first forkful. The prep stays practical, the timing stays short, and nothing feels like a downgrade. These are the New Year salads we rely on when we want lighter to actually work in real life.

A bowl with a hamburger patty topped with cheese, surrounded by sliced onions, pickles, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and lettuce.
Cheeseburger Salad. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Philly Roll Cucumber Salad

Philly roll cucumber salad with crab, cucumber ribbons, and creamy sauce drizzled over.
Philly Roll Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Crisp cucumber and creamy dressing keep this refreshing but filling. We like it when salads need a comfort edge.
Get the Recipe: Philly Roll Cucumber Salad

Grilled Flat Iron Steak Salad

Salad topped with slices of grilled flat iron steak and fresh greens.
Grilled Flat Iron Steak Salad. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Hearty steak brings real staying power to greens. It feels like a meal, not a compromise.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flat Iron Steak Salad

Rustic Grilled Bavette Steak Salad

Bavette steak sliced over greens with rustic grilled char.
Rustic Grilled Bavette Steak Salad. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Bold char and tender beef carry this salad easily. It works when lighter still needs substance.
Get the Recipe: Rustic Grilled Bavette Steak Salad

Grilled Corn Salad

Grilled corn salad with charred kernels tossed with herbs and bright dressing.
Grilled Corn Salad. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Sweet corn and fresh dressing keep this bright and simple. It balances heavier mains cleanly.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad

Steakhouse Hamburger Salad with Keto Blue Cheese Dressing

Hamburger salad topped with seared beef and keto blue cheese dressing.
Steakhouse Hamburger Salad with Keto Blue Cheese Dressing. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Burger flavor without the bun makes this deeply satisfying. It keeps lighter eating grounded.
Get the Recipe: Steakhouse Hamburger Salad with Keto Blue Cheese Dressing

Grilled Coffee Crusted Flank Steak Salad

Steak salad crusted with coffee rub grilled and sliced over greens.
Grilled Coffee Crusted Flank Steak Salad. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Savory crust adds depth without heaviness. We like it when salads need personality.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Coffee Crusted Flank Steak Salad

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

Grilled chicken Cobb salad stacked with grilled chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, and crisp greens.
Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Protein-rich and familiar, this holds hunger at bay. It fits cleanly into a reset week.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

Grilled Chicken Salad with Mediterranean Flavors

Salad topped with grilled chicken and Mediterranean vegetables with vinaigrette drizzle.
Grilled Chicken Salad with Mediterranean Flavors. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Bright herbs and citrus keep this fresh and steady. It feels filling without weighing you down.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Salad with Mediterranean Flavors

Smoked Potato Salad

Potato salad mixed with smoked potatoes and creamy dressing throughout.
Smoked Potato Salad. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoke brings comfort while keeping portions controlled. It works well when salads need warmth.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Potato Salad

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Grilled chicken Caesar salad layered with charred chicken strips and crisp romaine dressed lightly.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Crisp romaine and juicy chicken stay dependable. It’s easy to return to after the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Curry Chicken Salad with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

Chicken salad mixed with curry and rotisserie chicken pieces.
Curry Chicken Salad with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Warm spice and tender chicken make this easy to eat slowly. We rely on it for quick lunches.
Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken Salad with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

Spicy Thai Peanut Noodle Salad with Smoked Chicken

Thai peanut noodle salad tossed with smoked chicken and vegetables.
Spicy Thai Peanut Noodle Salad with Smoked Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Noodles add structure while smoked chicken keeps it filling. It bridges comfort and lighter eating.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Thai Peanut Noodle Salad with Smoked Chicken

California Roll Cucumber Salad

California roll cucumber salad with crab, avocado, and sesame seeds tossed together.
California Roll Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Crunchy vegetables and creamy notes feel fresh but complete. It works well when appetite feels off.
Get the Recipe: California Roll Cucumber Salad

Cheeseburger Salad

Cheeseburger salad topped with seasoned beef, cheese, pickles, and dressing over crisp greens.
Cheeseburger Salad. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Familiar burger flavor keeps this from feeling sparse. It’s lighter without pretending to be delicate.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Salad

Kale and Apple Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette

Salad with kale, apples, and warm bacon vinaigrette tossed lightly.
Kale and Apple Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Warm dressing softens sturdy greens. It makes lighter meals feel intentional.
Get the Recipe: Kale and Apple Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette

Categories:

About the Author

Kita Roberts is the meat maven and award-winning recipe developer behind Girl Carnivore®, with 15+ years of grilling, smoking, and cooking experience. Her recipes are tested on everything from backyard grills to professional smokers – and always built for real home cooks.
As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivore®, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

SUBSCRIBE!

Signup and get free recipes sent to your inbox every week!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *