Salads, boring? Not on our watch! These vegan salad recipes are packed with crunch, color, and flavor that’ll have you looking forward to every bite. We’re not just tossing leaves around—we’re building a base with fresh, crisp greens that get the flavor party started. And that’s just the beginning!
Now, let’s talk toppings. Juicy bursts of fruit, interesting textures, just-right vegan dressings, and maybe a sprinkle of plant-based protein to bring it all together. It’s all about layering and balancing flavors and textures to keep things exciting. These vegan salad recipes are so good, you’ll forget boring salads ever existed. Grab a bowl and let’s get started!
First things first: the greens! Sure, iceberg might be the go-to, but we can definitely step it up. With so many delicious and unique varieties to choose from, your salad game will never feel like a repeat performance. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and mild or you’re feeling bold with some peppery greens, there’s no shortage of flavor options for your vegan salad recipes.
Here’s a quick lineup of greens to level up your salad:
The secret to an exciting salad? It’s all about layering flavors and textures. Think vibrant colors, unexpected crunch, and a mix of shapes to keep every bite interesting. Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist vibe or going full rainbow, here are some fun ways to make your salad pop:
If your salads are feeling a little same-old, same-old, it’s time to shake things up! Adding a burst of color and a variety of textures can instantly make your vegan salad recipes feel fresh and exciting. The best part? The more colorful your veggies, the more nutrient-packed they are. And if you’re craving a little extra zest, pickled veggies like tangy green beans can bring the perfect punch of flavor.
Mix and match these colorful veggies for a salad that pops:
The way you cut your veggies doesn’t just change how they look—it adds serious texture magic! Why settle for basic when you can get fancy with your knife skills? Here are a few fun ideas to get those veggies looking their best:
If your salad’s feeling a little one-note, it’s time to toss in something juicy! Adding fruit isn’t just about sweetness—it’s about layering in textures, color, and that perfect pop of flavor that makes your salad anything but boring. Whether it’s tart, crisp, or just plain juicy, fruit is the secret ingredient that turns your vegan salad recipes from side dish to star of the table. Ready to sweeten things up? Let’s dive into some fruity favorites!
Now, your salad won’t just taste amazing—it’ll look like a masterpiece too!
Your salad should be a party in your mouth, and the key to making that happen? Texture, baby! Think crunchy, crispy, chewy—all the things that keep you coming back for another forkful. Ready to add some magic to your greens? Here’s how to do it:
Need to make your vegan salad recipes a bit heartier? Say no more. Adding plant-based proteins is the easiest way to take your salad from sidekick to superhero. Here’s how to get it done:
Want to keep things interesting? It’s time to surprise your taste buds with something a little different. These unexpected add-ins will elevate your salad game to a whole new level:
When it comes to dressing your salad, the key is restraint—less is definitely more! You don’t need to drench your salad in dressing for it to taste amazing. Start small, and let the flavors build with each bite. And remember, the key is to add the dressing just before serving, so your greens stay crisp and fresh.
No salad is complete without a good dressing! Whether you’re into something tangy, creamy, or zesty, the right dressing can take your salad from average to amazing. Some of the best options don’t require much prep at all—just grab a few ingredients, mix them up, and you’re good to go.
These simple dressings are perfect for when you need something quick but still want a flavor-packed finish. Scroll to end of this post for a quick and easy vegan dressing recipe!
Want to keep it simple? A mash, squeeze or drizzle of any of these adds just the right balance of flavor to any salad:
These work so well because they let the flavors of your salad ingredients shine while adding just enough punch to pull everything together!
If you’re looking for something a bit more exciting, these homemade dressings are where it’s at! They’re packed with flavor, easy to whip up, and perfect for adding that wow factor to any salad. Whether you’re into creamy, tangy, or bold dressings, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to get excited about salads? This collection is all about flavor, color, and texture that’ll have you coming back for seconds (or thirds). From crunchy toppings to zesty dressings, these vegan salad recipes prove that salads can be fresh, filling, and full of personality. Whether you’re craving something light or a bowl loaded with hearty goodness, these recipes have got you covered.
This smashed Chinese cucumber salad is the kind of side dish that brings all the crunch and flavor without any fuss. Smashing the cucumbers (yep, with a rolling pin!) makes sure they soak up every bit of that sesame, cilantro, and garlic goodness. It’s light, tangy, and comes together in no time—perfect for those garden cucumbers you’ve been wondering what to do with. It’s one of those vegan salad recipes that’s so simple, yet so satisfying, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Looking for a dish that’s equal parts fresh, creamy, and packed with flavor? This cold peanut noodle salad hits all the right notes! Loaded with crunchy veggies, tender noodles, and tofu for that plant-powered protein boost, it’s smothered in a rich sesame peanut sauce that’s as dreamy as it gets. Plus, it’s super flexible—whether you’re team soba, ramen, or spaghetti, this salad is ready to roll with whatever noodles you’ve got. Perfect for meal prep or a no-fuss dinner that’ll have you coming back for seconds!
This Thai chopped salad with peanut-baked tofu is here to shake up your salad game in the best way possible. We’re talking fresh, crunchy veggies, crispy tofu with a peanutty kick, and a creamy, dreamy sauce that brings it all together. The tofu is baked to perfection—golden, nutty, and oh-so-satisfying. Want to take it up a notch? Throw it over rice noodles and double up on that sauce for a heartier, flavor-packed meal that’ll keep you coming back for more!
This easy tropical fruit salad is like a little vacation in a bowl! Packed with juicy strawberries, sweet cherries, tangy kiwi, and bright mandarin oranges, it’s the perfect combo of sweet and tart. A quick drizzle of lime juice and your favorite sweetener (if you’re feeling fancy) pulls everything together for a refreshingly light, colorful treat. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your day or bring a burst of sunshine to the table, this fruit salad is as easy as it is delicious!
This herby chickpea and orzo salad is basically a party in a bowl! With crunchy cucumbers, zesty red onion, and a handful of fresh herbs, it’s bright, light, and full of texture. Tossed in a simple lemon-olive oil dressing, every bite is fresh and packed with flavor. Perfect for a picnic, a light lunch, or when you just want something quick, herby, and oh-so-delicious. Bonus: it’s ridiculously easy to throw together!
This cucumber watermelon salad is summer in a bowl! Juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, and a splash of lime make for a refreshingly sweet and tangy combo that’s perfect for hot days. The fresh mint adds a pop of flavor, while a drizzle of agave nectar ties it all together. With just five ingredients and five minutes, it’s the easiest (and most delicious) side dish for your next vegan BBQ or picnic!
This Asian-inspired chickpea salad is a plant-based twist with crunchy Napa cabbage, colorful veggies, and protein-packed chickpeas. It’s fresh, filling, and full of flavor. The sweet mandarin oranges and toasted almonds bring that extra something, while the tangy sesame dressing ties it all together. It’s one of the kinds of vegan salad recipes that tastes like takeout—but better!
This summer corn and tomato salad brings all the vibrant, sunny flavors to your table! Sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp corn, and creamy avocado are tossed in a tangy lime dressing, making it the perfect side for hot days. It’s light, refreshing, and comes together in just 15 minutes—ideal for picnics, barbecues, or a quick, delicious lunch. Each bite is a burst of summer!
Get ready to take your taste buds on a Mediterranean vacation with this vegan Greek salad! Packed with fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and crunchy bell peppers, this salad brings all the classic flavors to the table. But the real star? Tofu feta marinated to perfection with olive oil, oregano, and a touch of red pepper flakes. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, salty, and savory, making this salad a go-to for lunches, dinners, or any time you’re craving a Greek-inspired feast!
This rainbow salad in a jar is basically lunch in full color! Layered with bright veggies, fluffy quinoa, and all the crunch you could want, it’s a grab-and-go meal that looks as good as it tastes. You can totally mix and match your ingredients depending on what’s in your fridge—just be sure to keep the dressing separate so your greens stay fresh. It’s simple, customizable, and the perfect way to get your veggies in while keeping things fun!
This Moroccan carrot salad is a total flavor explosion! Think crunchy carrots, sweet pomegranate, and a whole lot of texture from roasted cashews and sunflower seeds—all tossed in a zesty citrus dressing that’s a little sweet, a little tangy, and has just the right hint of spice. It’s one of those vegan salad recipes that’s packed with goodness, vibrant, and just begging to be prepped ahead for easy, delicious meals all week long. Pro tip: It only gets better the next day!
This vegan quinoa salad in a jar is basically a little meal-prep miracle! Packed with protein from tofu and chickpeas, plus loads of fresh veggies, it’s layered with bright, zesty flavor. The lemon-balsamic dressing does all the hard work while you go about your day—just shake, pour, and enjoy! Whether it’s lunch on the go or a quick dinner fix, this jar of goodness will have you feeling like a meal-prep pro.
Add plant-based proteins like chickpeas, lentils, tofu, or tempeh to your vegan salad recipes for a filling, nutritious boost. Quinoa is another great option, providing both protein and wholesome grains that help keep you energized.
A simple vegan salad dressing can be made by mixing olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, and a sweetener like maple syrup or agave. For a creamy dressing, blend in soaked cashews or tahini for richness without the dairy.
Vegan salads like quinoa salad jars, cold peanut noodle salad, or smashed cucumber salad are perfect for meal prep. Layer ingredients in jars or containers to keep them fresh, and add dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess.
If you make any of these vegan salad recipes, please leave a star rating and let me know what you think in the comments below! I love reading your comments!
Leave a Comment
I love this guide so much! You are a wonderful blogger.
I make about 10 salads at a time, which last for a week to two weeks depending on whether I eat one or two a day. I just prep a variety of organic veg* and then assemble into 4 cup BPA-free containers with a see-through, snap-on lid.
TO KEEP THE SALADS FRESH:
I top each salad with a piece of dried fruit (a whole dried fig per salad is my favorite). I also include unsalted nuts, such as almonds and pistachios. The dried fruit and nuts soak up the moisture from the veg, and add flavor and nutrients.
I stack the containers in the fridge, with those graced with the biggest figs in back. When I open one of the front containers, the fig is at least softened. Later in the week, the fig is fully reconstituted, the nuts are softened, and the salad is as fresh as the day it was made.
* I usually include a mix of lettuces, cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers, snap peas, carrots, red cabbage, steamed broccoli and sweet potatoes, mushrooms, green onion… Maybe fresh corn, apple chunks (tossed in lemon juice to prevent discoloration), steamed asparagus or butternut squash, fresh dill or cilantro, sunflower or lentil sprouts…
I’ve recently discovered chayote, a squash that is a little sweet and surprisingly good raw (and cooked).
I do not add salad dressing when I make these assembly-line salads, or any veg that would be too wet (such as chopped tomatoes and cucumbers), anything that would discolor (avocado), or anything that might overpower (onion slices). I add salad dressing when I open a salad, and might add avocado or whatever then too – though part of the reason I make all these salads at once is to have healthy, grab-and-go food on hand.
Love all of the really amazing tips in this blog post. I also appreciate the mention as well. Thank you Michelle!
This is super informative and yes homemade dressings are my favourite, can make just the amount needed and with any flavour you want.
This is so so helpful! I only buy store-bought dressing when it’s on sale, but still it’s so expensive! I’m excited to try this all out and save money!!
It was SO much fun to create this salad guide! I eat salads multiple times a day, so I had many ideas to share. You never have to make the same salad twice, unless you really want to. They can be sweet or savory, fancy or plain. I hope everyone gets inspired by my article to make a special salad for themselves or family. Enjoy!!
Salads are the best lunch option ever! They keep you energized to go about your day and they can help prevent the 4 o’clock sugar cravings many of us suffer from 🙂 Salads for the win!
I’m on a mission to stop buying store-bought dressing and always make my own vegan salad dressings! I forget how easy it is, and it’s also a great way to save money.