10 High-Protein Salads You Can Make with Nuts & Dried Fruits

Summer 2026 is officially salad season and not the boring kind. Americans are leaning hard into high-protein, nutrient-dense meals that are as satisfying as they are fresh. The good news? You don't need to look far for the best salad toppers in the game.

Nuts and dried fruits are nature's perfect salad upgrades - they add protein, healthy fats, crunch, color, and a touch of sweetness that makes every bowl genuinely crave-worthy. And everything on this list is available right here at Nut Cravings, packed fresh and shipped fast.

Each salad below includes a full recipe, prep time, servings, and a complete nutrition breakdown so you know exactly what you're fueling your body with.

Let's dig in.

List of Top 10 High-Protein Salads

 

10 Classic Spinach & Walnut Power Salad

9 Southwest Pepita & Black Bean Salad

8 Mediterranean Almond & Apricot Grain Bowl

7 Asian-Inspired Cashew Noodle Salad

6 Autumn Harvest Pecan & Dried Blueberry Salad

5 Italian Pine Nut & Arugula Salad

4 Sunflower Seed Kale Caesar

3 Classic Waldorf Salad with Dried Apples & Walnuts

2 Pistachio & Dried Kiwi Summer Citrus Salad

1 Mixed Nut Protein Superfood Bowl

10 Classic Spinach & Walnut Power Salad

 

Prep Time: 10 min

The timeless combination of baby spinach, strawberries, and walnuts gets a serious protein upgrade in this refreshing bowl. Light enough for lunch, satisfying enough for dinner — this is the salad that converts people who claim they hate salads.

Nutrition Per Serving (Approx)

* Values are approximate and may vary based on exact quantities and brands used. Not intended as medical or dietary advice.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups baby spinach, washed

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese

• ⅓ cup Nut Cravings Raw Walnuts, roughly chopped

• 3 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette

• Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a large salad bowl, add the baby spinach as your base.

• Layer on the sliced strawberries and thinly sliced red onion.

• Crumble the feta cheese evenly over the top.

• Roughly chop the Nut Cravings Raw Walnuts and scatter generously across the salad.

• Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette, season with salt and pepper.

• Toss gently just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Pro Tip:  Toast the walnuts in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes before adding — it deepens their flavor dramatically and adds an extra layer of crunch.

Shop Nut Cravings: Raw Walnuts

9 Southwest Pepita & Black Bean Salad

 

Prep Time: 15 mins

Bold, colorful, and genuinely filling — this Southwest bowl is a summer staple. The roasted pumpkin seeds add a satisfying crunch and a surprising protein punch that makes this salad feel like a complete meal.

Nutrition Per Serving (Approx)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

• 1 can (15oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

• ½ cup roasted corn kernels

• 1 ripe avocado, diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ¼ cup Nut Cravings Roasted & Salted Pumpkin Seeds

• 3 tbsp lime-cilantro dressing (or lime juice + olive oil + cilantro)

• Salt, cumin, and chili flakes to taste

Instructions:

• Lay the chopped romaine as the base in a wide bowl.

• Add the black beans, roasted corn, cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado.

• Sprinkle cumin and chili flakes lightly over the vegetables.

• Scatter the Nut Cravings Roasted Pumpkin Seeds generously over the top.

• Drizzle with lime-cilantro dressing and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

• Toss lightly, taste for seasoning, and serve immediately.

Pro Tip:  Add a handful of crumbled tortilla chips for extra crunch — this salad also works brilliantly as a wrap filling!

Shop Nut Cravings: Roasted & Salted Pumpkin Seeds  |  Raw Pumpkin Seeds

 

8 Mediterranean Almond & Apricot Grain Bowl

 

Prep Time: 15 mins

Nutrition Per Serving (Approx)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa or farro (cooled)

• 1 cup cucumber, diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, halved

• ¼ cup Nut Cravings Raw Slivered Almonds

• 3 tbsp Nut Cravings Dried Turkish Apricots, chopped

• 2 tbsp tahini

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp olive oil, salt & pepper

Instructions:

• Spread the cooled quinoa or farro as the base of your bowl.

• Arrange cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives on top.

• Chop the Nut Cravings Dried Apricots into small pieces and scatter over the bowl.

• Add the Nut Cravings Slivered Almonds for crunch.

• Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt to make the dressing.

• Drizzle the tahini dressing over the bowl and serve at room temperature.

Pro Tip:  Make a double batch of the tahini dressing — it keeps in the fridge for 5 days and works on everything from roasted veggies to wraps.

Shop Nut Cravings: Raw Slivered Almonds  |  Raw Whole Almonds  |  Dried Turkish Apricots

 

7 Asian-Inspired Cashew Noodle Salad

 

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cold, creamy, crunchy, and deeply satisfying — this Asian noodle salad is what happens when comfort food goes healthy. The roasted cashews add a rich, buttery protein boost that makes this salad feel indulgent while keeping it completely clean.

Nutrition Per Serving (Approx)

Ingredients:

• 150g soba or rice noodles, cooked and cooled

• 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded

• ½ cup edamame (shelled, cooked)

• 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded

• 3 scallions, thinly sliced

• ½ cup Nut Cravings Roasted Cashews

• 3 tbsp sesame-ginger dressing (or 2 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp sesame oil + 1 tsp grated ginger)

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

Instructions:

• Cook soba noodles per package instructions, rinse in cold water, and drain well.

• In a large bowl, combine the cold noodles with shredded cabbage, edamame, and carrots.

• Pour the sesame-ginger dressing over the noodles and toss to coat evenly.

• Slice the scallions and add them to the bowl.

• Top generously with Nut Cravings Roasted Cashews and toasted sesame seeds.

• Serve cold or at room temperature — this salad also packs beautifully for lunch.

Pro Tip: This salad actually gets better after 30 minutes as the noodles absorb the dressing. Make it ahead and add the cashews just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Shop Nut Cravings: Roasted Cashews – Slightly Salted  |  Raw Cashew Halves & Pieces

 

6 Autumn Harvest Pecan & Dried Blueberry Salad

 

Prep Time: 20 mins

This is the salad that makes people ask for the recipe every single time. The combination of roasted squash, tangy goat cheese, sweet dried blueberries, and crunchy pecans is an absolute flavor revelation — especially with a maple-dijon dressing.

Nutrition Per Serving (Approx)

Ingredients:

• 3 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)

• 1 cup butternut squash, cubed and roasted

• ⅓ cup goat cheese, crumbled

• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup Nut Cravings Roasted Pecans

• 3 tbsp Nut Cravings Dried Blueberries

• 2 tbsp maple syrup + 1 tbsp dijon mustard + 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (dressing)

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Roast the butternut squash cubes at 400°F for 20 minutes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cool slightly.

• Whisk together maple syrup, dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar for the dressing.

• Arrange mixed greens in a wide bowl or platter.

• Top with warm roasted squash, red onion, and crumbled goat cheese.

• Add Nut Cravings Dried Blueberries for bursts of sweet-tart flavor.

• Finish with Nut Cravings Roasted Pecans and drizzle with maple-dijon dressing.

Pro Tip:  This salad is stunning on a platter for entertaining — arrange the ingredients in sections rather than tossing for a visual wow factor.

Shop Nut Cravings: Roasted & Salted Pecans  |  Raw Pecans Halves & Pieces  |  Dried Blueberries

 

5 Italian Pine Nut & Arugula Salad

 

Prep Time: 10 mins

Sometimes the simplest combinations are the most extraordinary. This Italian-inspired salad proves that with just five main ingredients and a beautiful lemon dressing, you can create something that tastes like it came straight from a Roman trattoria.

Nutrition Per Serving (Approx)

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh arugula

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ¼ cup parmesan, shaved (use a vegetable peeler)

• A handful of fresh basil leaves

• 3 tbsp Nut Cravings Pine Nuts

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 3 tbsp good quality extra-virgin olive oil

• Salt & cracked black pepper

Instructions:

• In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the Nut Cravings Pine Nuts for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden. Set aside to cool.

• Arrange fresh arugula on a wide plate or shallow bowl.

• Scatter cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves over the arugula.

• Use a vegetable peeler to shave wide ribbons of parmesan over the top.

• Whisk lemon juice with olive oil, salt, and cracked pepper for the dressing.

• Drizzle dressing over the salad and finish with the toasted pine nuts.

Pro Tip:  Use the best olive oil you have for this one — with so few ingredients, the quality of each one really shines through.

Shop Nut Cravings: Pine Nuts

4 Sunflower Seed Kale Caesar

Prep Time: 15 mins

The Caesar salad gets a serious nutritional upgrade with massaged kale and sunflower seeds replacing the usual romaine and croutons. The result is a heartier, crunchier, more protein-dense bowl that somehow manages to be even more satisfying than the original.

Nutrition Per Serving (Approx)

Ingredients:

• 4 cups curly kale, stems removed and roughly chopped

• 1 tsp olive oil + pinch of salt (for massaging)

• ¼ cup parmesan, grated

• ½ cup whole grain croutons

• ⅓ cup Nut Cravings Roasted Sunflower Seeds

• 3 tbsp Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)

• Juice of ½ lemon

• Cracked black pepper

Instructions:

• Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil and a pinch of salt.

• Massage the kale with your hands for 2–3 minutes until it softens and turns a deeper green.

• Add Caesar dressing and lemon juice, toss to coat the kale thoroughly.

• Add croutons and half the parmesan, toss again.

• Top with Nut Cravings Roasted Sunflower Seeds and remaining parmesan.

• Finish with cracked black pepper and serve immediately.

Pro Tip:  Massaging the kale is non-negotiable — it breaks down the tough fibers and transforms it from tough and bitter to tender and sweet.

Shop Nut Cravings: Roasted Salted Sunflower Seeds  |  Roasted Unsalted Sunflower Seeds

 

3 Classic Waldorf Salad with Dried Apples & Walnuts

 

Prep Time: 15 mins

The Waldorf salad was invented at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York in 1893 — and it's still going strong for good reason. This version uses Nut Cravings Dried Apples for concentrated sweetness and raw walnuts for the signature crunch, with a lighter Greek yogurt dressing.

Nutrition Per Serving (Approx)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups butter lettuce, roughly torn

• 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced

• 1 cup green grapes, halved

• ¼ cup Nut Cravings Dried Apples, roughly chopped

• ⅓ cup Nut Cravings Raw Walnuts, halved

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp honey

• Salt & white pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and honey to make the dressing. Season with salt and white pepper.

• In a large bowl, combine celery, green grapes, and Nut Cravings Dried Apple pieces.

• Fold in the yogurt dressing until everything is lightly coated.

• Arrange butter lettuce on plates or a platter.

• Spoon the dressed mixture over the lettuce.

• Top generously with Nut Cravings Raw Walnuts and serve chilled.

Pro Tip:  Dried apples from Nut Cravings give this salad a more intense, concentrated apple flavor than fresh — and they hold up beautifully in the dressing without going soggy.

Shop Nut Cravings: Raw Walnuts  |  Dried Apples

 

2 Pistachio & Dried Kiwi Summer Citrus Salad

 

Prep Time: 12 mins

If summer had a salad, this would be it. Bursting with color, bright citrus flavors, and the unexpected pop of dried kiwi, this is the bowl you'll be making on repeat all season. The pistachios bring gorgeous green color and a satisfying crunch that elevates every forkful.

Nutrition Per Serving (Approx)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups arugula

• 1 cup mixed greens

• 2 navel oranges or clementines, peeled and segmented

• 1 ripe avocado, sliced

• ¼ red onion, very thinly sliced

• ¼ cup Nut Cravings Roasted Pistachios, shelled

• 3 tbsp Nut Cravings Dried Kiwi, roughly chopped

• 2 tbsp honey + 2 tbsp fresh orange juice + 1 tbsp olive oil (dressing)

• Salt & cracked pepper

Instructions:

• Whisk together honey, fresh orange juice, and olive oil for the citrus dressing.

• Arrange arugula and mixed greens as the base on a wide plate.

• Fan the avocado slices and orange segments over the greens.

• Scatter the very thinly sliced red onion over the top.

• Chop the Nut Cravings Dried Kiwi into small pieces and distribute across the salad.

• Add the Nut Cravings Pistachios and drizzle with the honey-orange dressing.

Pro Tip:  Slice the red onion paper-thin and soak in cold water for 5 minutes before adding — it removes the harsh bite while keeping the flavor and crunch.

Shop Nut Cravings: Roasted & Lightly Salted Turkish Pistachios  |  Dried Kiwi

 

1 Mixed Nut Protein Superfood Bowl

Prep Time: 20 mins

This is the ultimate protein-packed salad — the one you make when you're serious about nutrition and refuse to compromise on flavor. Nut Cravings' Mixed Nuts bring together Brazil nuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, and cashews in one power-packed topping that makes this bowl genuinely extraordinary.

Nutrition Per Serving (Approx)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups baby spinach

• 2 cups curly kale, massaged (see Salad #7 tip)

• 1 can (15oz) chickpeas, rinsed, roasted with olive oil + cumin at 400°F for 20 min

• 1 medium beet, roasted or pre-cooked, diced

• 1 cup cucumber, sliced

• 2 tbsp hemp seeds

• ⅓ cup Nut Cravings Roasted & Salted Mixed Nuts, roughly chopped

• 3 tbsp tahini + 1 tbsp lemon juice + 1 tbsp water + 1 garlic clove (dressing)

• Salt, pepper, smoked paprika

Instructions:

• Roast chickpeas: toss with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until crispy. Cool slightly.

• Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, and minced garlic for the dressing. Add more water for desired consistency.

• Build the base with massaged kale and baby spinach in a large bowl.

• Arrange roasted chickpeas, diced beets, and sliced cucumber over the greens.

• Sprinkle hemp seeds over the bowl for an extra protein hit.

• Roughly chop the Nut Cravings Mixed Nuts and scatter generously on top.

• Drizzle tahini dressing over everything and serve immediately.

Pro Tip:  Roast a big batch of chickpeas on Sunday — they stay crispy for 3–4 days in an open container and make the best salad topper, soup garnish, or snack all week.

Shop Nut Cravings: Roasted & Salted Mixed Nuts

Ready to Build Your Perfect Salad?

Every nut, seed, and dried fruit featured in this guide is available at Nut Cravings — packed fresh, sealed for quality, and shipped fast to your door. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week, eating clean this summer, or just finally upgrading from plain croutons, Nut Cravings has everything you need.

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