I have a confession to make: I absolutely love a good vegan salad.
As I’m writing this, it’s summertime, which means my salads are packed with seasonal summer produce – corn, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, you name it. These veggies are already so flavorful they can be simply prepared; raw, flash-sautéed, or even grilled.
But salads can be wonderful in fall and winter, too. I love combining root vegetables, beans, grains, and winter greens to create hearty yet healthy winter salads.
There’s really no wrong time to have a vegan salad, from light and fresh green salads as a side or more substantial lettuce-free salads as a main dish.
To help you get inspired, I’ve rounded up over 30 of the best vegan salad recipes. Some are recipes of my own creation, but I’ve also included a great selection from around the plant-based web.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Smashed cucumbers are coated in an incredibly delicious sweet-salty-spicy-tangy sauce in my Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Refreshing, beyond flavorful, and an impressive yet easy side dish or appetizer for the summer.
Check out this recipe
Roasted Butternut Squash Kale Salad
Featuring crispy and chewy roasted butternut squash and cabbage, kale and carrot ribbons, chickpeas, a tangy vinaigrette, and a sweet-and-spicy almond crunch, this is the fall salad of my (and your) dreams! Hearty yet refreshing, it’s perfect for fall entertaining.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Chickpea Quinoa Arugula Salad with Lemon Garlic Dressing
A vegan & gluten-free Chickpea Quinoa Arugula Salad by Megan of Short Girl Tall Order that’s filled with avocado, fresh veggies, crispy chickpeas, and topped with a homemade lemon garlic dressing!
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes
Best Broccoli Salad
A fresh take on classic broccoli salad by Jeanine of Love & Lemons! With a light creamy dressing, dried cranberries & roasted almonds, it’s a picnic perfect broccoli salad!
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Herbed Vegan Potato Salad
Just as creamy as classic potato salad but so much better for you and more flavorful! My mayo-free vegan potato salad features perfectly tender potatoes coated in a creamy, tangy dressing that’s packed with fun flavors and takes just 30 minutes. Perfect side dish for BBQs, potlucks, and picnics.
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes
Chopped Creamy Dill Pickle Salad
Crunchy and crisp vegetables combine with a tangy, dairy-free dill pickle dressing for this satisfying Creamy Dill Pickle Salad by Laura of The First Mess! Toasted and seasoned breadcrumbs add extra flavor and crunch.
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 5 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 5 Minutes
Japanese Sesame Spinach Salad
This Japanese Sesame Spinach Salad by Lisa of Okonomi Kitchen is nutty, flavorful and a delicious way to enjoy spinach! Ready in 5 minutes, this healthy Japanese side dish is great for meal prep, too.
Total Time: 5 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Total Time: 5 Minutes
Vegan Cobb Salad
This Vegan Cobb Salad from Brittany of Eating Bird Food gives you all of the delicious flavors of a traditional Cobb salad along with 19 grams of plant-based protein! Vegan, gluten-free and a perfect meal-sized salad.
Total Time: 20 Minutes
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Total Time: 20 Minutes
Roasted Beet and Fennel Salad with Walnut Bread Crumbs
My Roasted Beet and Fennel Salad is popping with freshness and lots of flavor. Featuring crispy walnut bread crumbs, lots of fresh herbs, and an easy citrus vinaigrette. It’s THE salad to make you fall in love with salads.
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Roasting Time: 1 Hour
Check out this recipe
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Roasting Time: 1 Hour
The Ultimate Fall Salad
This Ultimate Fall Salad from Sarah of Making Thyme for Health is made with a combination of fall’s best produce and is bursting with delicious texture and flavor. Perfect for your holiday table or to prep for healthy lunches.
Prep Time: 35 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Prep Time: 35 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Vegan Classic Deli-Style Macaroni Salad
This veganized version of classic deli-style macaroni salad by Chris and Jasmine of Sweet Simple Vegan is spot on to the original. It’s creamy with the perfect crunch of veggies.
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Marinated White Bean Salad
This Marinated White Bean Salad by Jenné of Sweet Potato Soul is the perfect recipe for springtime healthy meal prep, clean lunch, and fancy vegan dinners.
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Kale Citrus Salad
A simple, 30-minute kale salad with sweet and tart fruits, pickled red onions, and a simple red wine vinaigrette by Minimalist Baker! Crunchy, filling, fresh, and the perfect healthy light lunch or side salad.
Total Time: 30 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Total Time: 30 Minutes
Grilled Corn Salad
With just 10 ingredients and less than 30 minutes, my Grilled Corn Salad is a foolproof side dish or light lunch for summer. Despite being so easy, it’s packed with flavor, a little heat, and is guaranteed to impress. Perfect for summer barbecues and picnics!
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Cashew Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Ginger Sauce
This Cashew Thai Quinoa Salad by Jessica in the Kitchen takes 15 minutes & is perfect for lunch or dinner. Loaded with Thai inspired ingredients and dressed with a divine peanut ginger sauce, it’s crunchy, packed with protein and full of flavor.
Total Time: 15 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Total Time: 15 Minutes
Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad
This Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad by Food By Maria will knock your socks off. It’ll completely transform everything you thought brussels sprouts and caesar salad could be!
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Black Bean and Corn Salad
Here’s a Black Bean and Corn Salad recipe by Hannah of Two Spoons that’s light, refreshing, crunchy and wholesome. It’s an easy recipe that’s naturally vegan and gluten-free!
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Thanksgiving Kale Salad with Maple-Tahini Dressing
This festive, flavorful and hearty Thanksgiving Kale Salad by Eating by Elaine looks gorgeous on any holiday table. It’s full of texture from seasonal ingredients that everyone craves in fall. The creamy maple tahini dressing ties everything together perfectly.
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes
Super Easy Spring Green Salad
This super easy, healthy and vibrant Spring Green & Quinoa Salad by Tania of Fit Foodie Nutter is crispy, crunchy, zingy & fresh – it’s so rich in flavors and textures.
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Asparagus and Green Bean Salad
Instead of salad greens, the base of this salad is blanched asparagus and green beans. For texture, we’ve got crunchy toasted almonds, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a creamy oil-free tahini dressing. It’s the perfect summer picnic salad!
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 5 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 5 Minutes
Summer Orzo Salad with Grilled Vegetables
For a refreshing taste of summer, this Summer Orzo Salad by Catherine of Plant Based RD is loaded with fresh summer vegetables and marinated tofu. Vegan and easy to make!
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Kale Avocado Salad
This incredibly healthy, easy and delicious Vegan Kale Salad from Brandi of The Vegan 8 is packed with protein-rich, high-fiber white beans and an oil-free Almond Butter Dressing that is lick-the-bowl delicious!
Total Time: 15 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Total Time: 15 Minutes
Sweet and Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad
My Sweet and Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad is an easy, healthy, and light summer salad that takes cucumbers from meh to addictive. Slightly sweet and spicy, garlicky, and fresh, it’s surprisingly addictive yet very healthy (vegan, Paleo, and refined sugar-free).
Prep Time: 25 Minutes
Cook Time: 5 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Prep Time: 25 Minutes
Cook Time: 5 Minutes
Vegan Caprese Salad with Peaches & Arugula
This savory-sweet take on vegan caprese salad by Alanna of The Bojon Gourmet combines creamy heirloom tomatoes, juicy peaches, and peppery arugula with vegan mozzarella for an effortless starter or light main dish.
Total Time: 10 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Total Time: 10 Minutes
Kale and Zucchini Salad with Roasted Parsnip Chips
In this recipe by Joanne of The Korean Vegan, zucchini and parsnip combine beautifully with kale to make a delicious, easy salad you’ll enjoy over and over!
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 7 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 7 Minutes
Instant Pot Pearl Couscous and Lentil Salad
This Instant Pot Pearl Couscous and Lentil Salad is an easy dump-and-go Instant Pot recipe that’s a light, healthy vegan recipe perfect for summer. Featuring French green lentils, pearl couscous, and a zingy vinaigrette with lots of fresh herbs.
Total Time: 1 hr, 15 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Total Time: 1 hr, 15 Minutes
Spicy BBQ Cauliflower Salad Bowl
This healthy Spicy BBQ Cauliflower Salad Bowl with Vegan Ranch Dressing by Vegan Richa is a medley of exciting textures and bold flavors, and is so fun to eat!
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 38 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 38 Minutes
Lemon-Garlic Quinoa Salad
This pantry-friendly Greek/Mediterranean quinoa salad recipe from Plant Based on a Budget is great served warm or chilled. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and lots of vegetables.
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Healthy Arugula Summer Salad with Peaches
This Healthy Arugula Summer Salad by Kelly of Life Made Sweeter is refreshing and easy to make with juicy peaches, cucumber, blueberries and a lemon tahini dressing.
Total Time: 20 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Total Time: 20 Minutes
Peach Panzanella Salad
A spin on the classic Tuscan bread salad, my Peach Panzanella Salad is a delicious bread salad featuring summer’s finest produce: juicy peaches, velvety heirloom tomatoes, and fresh basil. Just 7 ingredients and it’s a foolproof side dish for picnics and potlucks, but the gourmet flavors are guaranteed to impress your guests.
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
30 Sublime Vegan Salad Recipes: Smashed Cucumber Salad
This Sweet and Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad is an easy, healthy, and light side dish that takes cucumbers from bland to addictive. Slightly sweet and spicy, garlicky, and fresh, it’s surprisingly addictive yet very healthy (vegan, Paleo, and refined sugar-free).
Ingredients
- 5-6 mini Persian cucumbers (or 1 large English cucumber)
- 2-3 ripe but firm peaches, sliced
Sweet and Spicy Vinaigrette
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more to taste
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons good-quality extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons pine nuts
- 2-3 tablespoons golden raisins
- One handful of fresh basil leaves, slivered
Instructions
- Smash the cucumbers. Using the back of a heavy knife, smash down on each cucumber using the widest part of the blade (similar to smashing down on a garlic clove to remove its peel) until the cucumber cracks open into a few pieces.1. NOTE: If using a large English cucumber, cut the cucumber into three segments before smashing.
- Using your hands, tear the smashed cucumbers into rough chunks.
- Place the cucumber chunks in a colander and sprinkle with a bit of kosher salt. Place the colander on top of a bowl. Allow the cucumbers to rest for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour. Discard any liquid collected in the bowl.
- Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts. To toast pine nuts, add them to a dry skillet over medium-low heat and toss occasionally until golden brown, 3-5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the Sweet and Spicy Vinaigrette. Crush the garlic cloves. Add them to a bowl, along with the red pepper flakes, vinegar, and maple syrup. Whisk to combine, then stream in the olive oil, whisking as you go. Season to taste with salt and pepper.1. Alternatively, add all of the ingredients to a jar, close the lid, and shake up the jar until the dressing is emulsified.
- Add the drained cucumbers to a large serving bowl.
- Slice the peaches (don’t slice earlier, as they tend to bruise). Add the sliced peaches to the cucumbers, and then toss them with the Sweet and Spicy Vinaigrette. Top with the toasted pine nuts, golden raisins and slivered basil. Taste, and adds salt and pepper as needed.
Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 116mg | Potassium: 217mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 361IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
I ordered the 30 salad book. I paid for it with PayPal. I got it for half price since that is what you were advertising I went to your website and put/salads and I got the wrong book the book I got is not salads still really want the 30 salad book
Hi Meg- sorry to hear about this! I’ve just emailed you.
I’m a huge fan of creative salad mixes. These are amazing, very creative with regard to taste, texture, ingredients. A little bit of everything —veggies, fruits, grains. Wonderful. Thank you!
Thanks for the lovely review, Kaitlyn! Great to hear you’ve found value in this recipe roundup.
Hey! The link of Creamy Balsamic Carrot Salad is not found ://
Other thant that, great article!!
Thanks for letting us know, Živilė. We’ve updated the article and removed that link.
Thank you so much you are the best!!!!!
You are so welcome, Maria!
I love the recipes! I fall into a rut of greens, bell peppers, and cucumber, and it just gets boring after awhile. I’m looking forward to mixing it up with some of these! Just wanted to note though- I don’t know if it displays like this for anyone else, but your page is black text on a dark grey, almost black background, and is really hard to read. I had to highlight the whole page to get enough contrast to read anything. Just letting you know! :)
So glad you do, Nat! And we are so sorry to hear that. The website is black text on a white background so we are not sure what happened there but thanks for letting us know!
I love salads too. This is a great collection. Thank you!
Also just made your breakfast cookies–marvelous!!
Awesome, Annette. Thanks for your comment and for taking the time to review!
Oh goodness! Thank you so so much Nisha for including my Summer Orzo Salad. Means so much to have it included with so many amazing recipes here. Thank you again!
Of course, Catherine! Had to showcase that beauty of a dish!
Love love love this cucumber salad! It’s so refreshing (and delightfully garlicky).
Thanks for the lovely feedback, Janet!
Thanks so much for the recipes. I am going to love trying each and everyone of these salads. They are a great way to encourage me to eat the colors of the rainbow. Recently I have been caught in a rut with cooking. I love most of your recipes and share them with my family. My grandkids like to watch your videos with your family taste testing what you make. Thank you so much.
Glad to hear this blog post is helpful, Karen! Thanks for following :)