Salads aren’t just a prelude to a main meal—done right, they’re bursting with flavor, packed with nutrition, and deliciously satisfying. The secret ingredient in each of these recipes: a centerpiece of high-quality protein, whether that’s grilled chicken breast, hearty steak, simple seafood, or even a vegetarian-friendly option.

These recipes were created by Carlo Filippone (aka the “Muscle Chef”), a three-time national bodybuilding champion and the founder of Elite Lifestyle Cuisine, who knows what it takes to eat clean without losing flavor. Each takes only minutes to prepare, so you can have dinner on the table without much prep or fuss.