Home » Roundups » 23 Of The Best Vegan Salad Recipes
| |

23 Of The Best Vegan Salad Recipes

Fresh and vibrant, this collection of the best Vegan Salad Recipes will surely make you committed to eating a salad every day, something that the latest research supports.

VEGAN-SALAD-RECIPES

Is there nothing better than fresh, plant-based salads? When it’s 112F outside, like it is at my house right now, light vegan salad recipes are a must. So get ready to say goodbye to boring lettuce salads as I present to you 23 of the best vegan salad recipes from Ooh La La It’s Vegan and a few of my food blogger friends.

🥗 Health Benefits of Eating a Salad Everyday

According to a study published in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, consumption of salads, raw vegetables and salad dressings is associated with higher levels of folic acid (dark, leafy greens), Vitamin C (strawberries, citrus fruit), Vitamin E (spinach, red peppers), lycopene (tomato, bell peppers), and alpha and beta carotenes (carrots, sweet potatoes), which help protect your body from the damaging effects of oxidative stress. This means that eating salads is damn good for you, especially if you eat them everyday.

I’ve put together a collection of some of my favorite vegan summer salads from food bloggers around the globe, perfect for an easy lunch or light dinner. Also a great way to use up all those vegetables sitting in your refrigerator. A vibrant salad makes the perfect side dish for a variety of vegan mains. I know you’ll find one you love.

🍆 Vegetable Salads

Vegetables – with their crunchy texture and plant-based sources, don’t you just love them? Whether raw, roasted or air fried, easy vegan salad recipes with seasonal veggies are light, vibrant and amazingly delicious, especially when they’re made with fresh herbs, a creamy dressing with healthy fats and a little squirt of lemon juice. Check out some of my favorites:

Roasted Bell Pepper Salad
This roasted bell pepper salad is loaded with healthy vegetables, then topped with vegan burrata and lots of fresh herbs. Complete this delightful salad with a drizzle of herby vinaigrette and some Zaatar pita bread and you have a complete meal.
Check out this recipe
hands grabbing roasted red pepper salad off a green table
Easy Chopped Thai Salad Recipe
This Chopped Thai Salad is choc-full of raw, crunchy vegetables and saturated with homemade peanut dressing you'll want to drink right from the jar.
Check out this recipe
chopped-thai-salad in a white bowl
Simple Massaged Kale Salad
The healthiest summer salad adorns leaves of fresh massaged kale with quinoa, juicy strawberries, and mint, then drizzled with a prettiest dressing you've ever seen.
Check out this recipe
strawberry champagne vinaigrette being poured over massaged kale salad
Green Bean and Potato Salad
This green bean and potato salad is choc-full of fresh vegetables, tofu feta cheese, caramelized shallots, and toasted slivered almonds. A creamy lemon basil dressing completes this masterpiece.  
Check out this recipe
Green-Bean-and-Potato-Salad on a white wood table
Vegan Tomato Carpaccio Salad
Ready in 10 minutes, this easy, no-cook Tomato Carpaccio salad is a fresh and vibrant way to impress your guests. It’s quick, delicious, and is super easy to make.
Check out this recipe
vegan-tomato-carpaccio on a white plate
Spinach Arugula Salad
This Arugula Spinach Salad is a light and crispy side salad that goes with just about any meal. Featuring creamy avocado, crunchy toasted sunflower seeds, and shaved Parmesan cheese drizzled with a sumac dressing. Vegan and gluten-free!
Check out this recipe
spinach-arugula-salad-served-3

🥬 Southwest-Inspired Salads

I love me a good ‘ol Southwest-inspired salad with tons of fresh greens and a homemade vegan salad dressing (like this Cilantro Lime Avocado Dressing). Here are a few vegan salad recipes you’re bound to love:

Roasted Sweet Potato Southwest Salad
Fresh summer vegetables and roasted sweet potato are drizzled with a tangy cilantro lime dressing for a delicious vegan take on a traditional southwest favorite. No measuring required!
Check out this recipe
southwest salad recipe in a wooden bowl
Vegan Mexican Street Corn Salad
Get your Mexican street corn fix without the mess! Fresh grilled corn on the cob paired with a tangy, creamy vegan mayo based sauce featuring cilantro, lime and a bit of spice.
Check out this recipe
Vegan-Mexican-Street-Corn-Salad in a white bowl
Chopped Southwest Salad
A vegan version of one of the most popular summer salads loaded with vegetables and black beans, all chopped into perfect bite-sized pieces with two amazing dressing options.
Check out this recipe
Southwest-Salad closeup overhead view
Southwest Chickpea Quinoa Salad
This healthy southwest chickpea quinoa salad recipe is the perfect entree or side dish for your next family gathering. Ready in 15 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Chickpea-quinoa-salad in a white bowl

🍚 Pasta, Legume and Grain Salads

OMG, no vegan salad recipes roundup would be complete without this daring group of salads loaded with pasta, legumes, or grains. Think superman on fiber, he gets the job done!

Pearl Barley Salad Recipe
A Pearl Barley Salad recipe that's loaded with chewy barley and fresh summer vegetables then topped with fresh basil, a sprinkle of vegan feta cheese and a drizzle of lemon miso dressing. Low calorie and high protein, this healthy recipe requires only 8 wholesome ingredients and 20 minutes to make.
Check out this recipe
Pearl-Barley-Salad in a white bowl
Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad
A heavenly creamy avocado ranch pasta salad topped with crispy chickpeas, herbs & veggies, then topped with a creamy ranch dressing.
Check out this recipe
avocado-ranch-pasta-salad in a scalloped white bowl
Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
 This Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is easy to make, versatile and comes together in less than 20 minutes. The perfect summer side dish.
Check out this recipe
orzo pasta salad in a lovely bowl
Tepary Bean & Black-Eyed Pea Salad
This Tepary Bean and Black-Eyed Pea Salad with cumin vinaigrette is light and tasty, making it the perfect make-ahead solution for your next summer party.
Check out this recipe
Tepary-Bean-Salad in a white bowl
Cold Italian Pasta Salad
A Classic Italian Pasta Salad that's gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-free! It's a delicious cold pasta salad with tri-colored pasta, fresh veggies, and a healthy homemade Italian dressing!
Check out this recipe
Gluten-Free-Italain-Pasta-Salad-2
Red Lentil Pasta Salad
 A gluten-free red lentil pasta salad loaded with plant-based protein and layered with fresh vegetables then dressed with a champagne vinaigrette complemented by a squeeze of fresh lemon juice 
Check out this recipe
red-lentil-pasta-salad-tossed being tossed with dressing
Lemony Peach Couscous Salad
This Lemony Peach Couscous Salad will be the star of the show at your next outdoor party. Tender couscous combines with juicy peaches and a vibrant lemon vinaigrette. 
Check out this recipe
peach-couscous-salad-4
Vegan Chickpea Quinoa Salad
This healthy vegan Quinoa and Chickpea Salad is easy to make and so delicious. Add any of your favorite veggies or herbs to make it your own.
Check out this recipe
Vegan-Chickpea-Quinoa-Salad in a white bowl
Mediterranean Lentil Salad
This Mediterranean lentil salad is full of fresh vegetables giving it a light and bright flavor. Perfect for meal prep.
Check out this recipe
Greek-Lentil-Salad in a white serving bowl
Edamame Cucumber Salad
Edamame Cucumber Salad is Spa Bettie's veggie forward version of everyone's favorite Asian cucumber salad. Adding edamame makes it totally protein-rich.
Check out this recipe
Edamame-Cucumber-Salad-@spabettie

🥔 Potato Salads

I have to admit, I am quite partial to a good potato salad with fresh flavors, especially when its plant-based and paired with my epic Portobello Mushroom Burger and Grilled Carrot Dogs. Here are just a few of my favs. I think you’ll love them too!

Lemon, Dill and Dijon Potato Salad
A tasty vegan potato salad with a hint of lemon, fresh dill and Dijon mustard. Takes about 30 minutes to prepare and contains only 225 calories per serving.
Check out this recipe
overhead shot of potato salad on cutting board with lemon and dill
Herby Vegan Potato Salad
This herby vegan potato salad requires no mayo and is drizzled with a tangy lemon & herb dressing. Perfect for those sunny outdoor parties.
Check out this recipe
herby potato salad in a white bowl
Turkish Potato Salad
This Turkish Potato Salad (patates salatasi) is bursting with summer deliciousness with it's harmonious blend of potatoes, herbs, and a zesty dressing, NO MAYO REQUIRED.
Check out this recipe
Turkish-Potato-Salad in a white bowl

​🍋 How To Make a Basic Salad Dressing

For a basic vegan dressing, grab a small bowl and mix 1/2 cup olive oil with 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar . You can add a bit of lime juice and seasonings, such as garlic powder, a pinch of salt and some black pepper. And don’t forget those fresh herbs, such as fresh mint, fresh dill, thyme or basil.

🥡 What to Serve with a Healthy Salad

What you serve with your choice of salads often depends upon the main dish. For example, if serving a Vegan Enchilada Casserole with Cilantro Lime Rice, I would probably pair it with this Chopped Southwest Salad.

If you’re making Thai Drunken Noodles or Chili Oil Noodles, I’d definitely serve them with this Chopped Thai Salad or this Edamame Cucumber Salad. More ideas for mains to pair with salads are listed below:

A side of bread with a seasonal salad can make a simple salad into a whole meal. Think:

🍽 Conclusion

Now that some vibrant (I love that word) vegan salad recipes are in your crosshairs, let us know which are your favorites by leaving a comment below.

Have you tried this? Why not leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter, and sign up for my newsletter!

hands grabbing roasted red pepper salad off a green table

Roasted Bell Pepper Salad Recipe

This roasted pepper salad recipe is light and healthy, loaded with roasted bell pepper and cherry tomatoes, then topped with an herby vinaigrette and lots of fresh herbs.
5 from 21 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine: All
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 317kcal
Author: Deborah

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 1 large red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 large orange bell pepper sliced
  • 12 oz grape tomatoes halved
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar divided
  • 1 cup arugula
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil coarsely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh oregano coarsely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme finely chopped
  • 2 oz vegan burrata cheese vegan ricotta or mozzarella will also work
  • sea salt & black pepper to taste

For the Herby Vinaigrette

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp agave adjust per your taste
  • 1 tbsp shallots finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • sea salt & black pepper to taste

For the Zaatar Pita Bread

  • 4 pita bread
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Zaatar

Instructions

For the Salad

  • Before you begin, line two sheet pans with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 425F/218C.
  • Place grape tomato halves on sheet pan. Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt and black pepper over the tomatoes and give them a quick tossRoast the cherry tomatoes on the top oven rack. They will be done before the bell pepper in about 15 minutes so be sure to keep an eye on them.
  • Place sliced bell peppers on sheet pan. Drizzle olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt and black pepper over the bell peppers. Toss so veggies are evenly coated. Roast the bell pepper in same oven as the tomatoes but place on the middle rack of your oven. These take longer than the tomatoes about 30 minutes. I like to get all veggies a little charred. But that’s optional.
  • In the meantime, make the vinaigrette by adding all the dressing ingredients including olive oil, garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, agave, shallots and fresh herbs to a glass jar. Shake and refrigerate until salad is ready.
  • Make the Zaatar Pita Bread by brushing the top of each pita with olive oil and sprinkling Zaatar over the top. Air fry or pan fry in a a little olive oil to heat the bread chips. The longer you air fry them, the crispier they will be.
  • Once you've prepared the dressing and the Zaatar Pita chips, add salad ingredients in layers, to a large bowl or platter. Start with arugula, then bell peppers, then grape tomatoes and finish with dots of vegan burrata, fresh herbs and a drizzle of herby vinaigrette. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Nutrition information is only an estimate and does not include vegan cheese. 
  • Perfect for Meal Prep – this salad is one of the best salads for meal prep because the veggies are roasted and won’t wilt if stored with dressing. Simply layer arugula, bell peppers and grape tomatoes in each meal prep container as you would on a platter. Top with vegan burrata and fresh herbs. If you want to drizzle with vinaigrette at this point, go for it, otherwise, store vinaigrette in individual air tight containers and pack in your lunch bag to add later.
  • Add Nuts & Seeds – increase protein in your roasted bell pepper salad recipe by adding nuts and seeds. Think cashews, pumpkin seeds, pepitas or whatever you have on hand.
  • Vary Your Veggies – make it a veg- fest by adding a variety of different vegetables, raw or roasted. Think heirloom tomatoes, fresh spinach, or shaved Brussel sprouts.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 317kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 213mg | Potassium: 384mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2.556IU | Vitamin C: 86mg | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 4mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @oohlalaitsvegan or tag #oohlalaitsvegan!

Similar Posts

5 from 21 votes (11 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

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

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

8 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is an incredible collection of vegan salad recipes! I’m bookmarking this page and will be referring to it all summer long. There are several listed here that I know my family and guests will love.

  2. 5 stars
    I’ve tried several of these vegan salad recipes, and they’re absolutely perfect for summer! They’re fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, making them ideal for hot weather.

  3. 5 stars
    Ahhh, thank you for saving me hours of browsing for putting together my weeknight salads! I was looking for new vegan recipes and your collection gave me so many new ideas. I have to say the south west salads won my heart. I’ll be making several of them over the next weeks.