Even those of us that don’t love salads will go nuts for these vibrant, fresh, and filling dairy-free salads. Some people eat salads for light lunches or as a side to dinner. Other looks to greens and veggies as a way to get back on track after a few days of indulging. But no matter the reason, you’ll want to try these incredible vegan salad recipes. Packed with nutrients, their flavors and texture combinations are off the charts. Plus, you’ll never get bored with so many to choose from!
30 Healthy and Dairy-Free Vegan Salads To Try Tonight
1. Vegan Cobb Salad
This cobb salad has all the colors of the rainbow, and it’s as delicious and nutritious as it is colorful. Loaded with an array of toppings from veggies and chickpeas to vegan cheese, it’s far from boring. The dressing is a luscious red wine and maple vinaigrette that ties all the flavors together. And it’s so hearty and filling, you can even serve it as a complete meal.
2. Vegetarian Italian Chopped Salad
A typical Italian chopped salad has bits of bacon in it. But in the interest of going vegan, this recipe does things a little bit differently. It’s still packed with the usual elements, including lettuce, onion, tomatoes, radicchio, and pepperoncini (obviously, you’ll skip the Provolone). From there, two special additions give it an extra oomph: sun-dried tomatoes and chickpeas. They bring a tangy, chewy freshness and plenty of protein-packed umami goodness. All these get tossed in a classic Italian vinaigrette, resulting in a highly addictive salad.
3. Lemony Chickpea Quinoa Salad
If you’re craving bold Middle Eastern flavors, this salad is just the ticket. Featuring chickpeas, quinoa, cucumber, kalamata olives, tomatoes, onion, dill, and parsley, it’s bright, light, and super fresh. You’ll moisten everything with a zesty, preserved lemon dressing that’s just to die for. Take this salad up another notch by seasoning it with sumac! It adds another layer of bold tartness to the dish.
4. Broccoli Salad
No summer cookout is complete without a big bowl of creamy broccoli salad. And this recipe is as good as it gets. It’s a lite version of broccoli salad that’s just as flavorful. It’s just not as indulgent – so you won’t find heavy mayo, bacon, or cheese. That said, the vegan mayo dressing is super creamy and blends wonderfully with the crunchy veggies, chewy cranberries, and roasted almonds.
5. Asian Cucumber Salad
Served chilled, this refreshing cucumber salad is perfect for summer parties, potlucks, and cookouts. It may not be as extravagant as some of the other salads in this collection. But make no mistake: this Asian cucumber salad is beyond delicious. Marinated in a flavor-packed dressing of rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and maple syrup, the cucumbers are sweet, salty, tangy, and savory, all in one bite. It’s a taste bud-tickling experience, for sure.
6. Simple Vegan Potato Salad
If you’re craving comfort food, this potato salad has your back. This dish contains starchy red potatoes with a creamy cashew and garlic-herb dressing. Besides the potatoes, it’s also filled with chopped bell peppers, onions, and celery. These add a lovely crunch and an extra dose of nutrition.
7. Vegan Pasta Salad
This vegan salad is a fun mix of vegetables, pasta, and creamy dressing. Combining pasta and salad is such a brilliant idea. The contrast between the hearty pasta and light vegetables is pure perfection. You can use whatever pasta you have on hand. But medium shells like bowtie and fusilli make for the perfect bite.
8. Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce
When you think of salads, I’m sure your mind goes straight to leafy greens, right? Well, why not try something a little different? Because this cold noodle salad is wonderfully unique and tasty. It’s definitely a must-try. Featuring cold soba noodles tossed with cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and cilantro, it’s full of color and texture. But it’s the dressing that will keep you coming back for more. A creamy peanut sauce of peanut butter, lime, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, this stuff is addictive! Turn this salad into a complete meal by adding baked or crispy tofu on top.
9. Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing (Gomaae)
Gomaae is a Japanese side dish of vegetables tossed in sesame dressing. The most common variety calls for spinach, which is exactly what you’ll need here. Sure, it looks a little plain, but don’t knock it until you try it. This salad will hit your palate with an instant burst of flavor!
10. Kale Farro Salad with Almonds and Pomegranate
Here’s another Middle Eastern salad that’ll fill your American dinner table with color and flavor. A mix of kale, parsley, farro, pomegranate seeds, and toasted almonds, this salad is all about the crunch. That said, the bright lemon dressing brings lovely pops of flavor, breathing even more life into the bowl.
11. Green Vegan Salad
Featuring broccoli, asparagus, zucchini, peas, leafy greens, avocado slices, and spring onions, I’d say that name is pretty appropriate. That’s not all, though. Quinoa and almonds bulk this up and offer nice crunch and nutty flavors. For the dressing, you’ve got a simple lemon and olive oil vinaigrette to bring all the flavors together. Simple but delish!
12. Mexican-style Southwest Quinoa Salad
This salad combines all your favorite Tex-Mex staples and dumps them in a bowl. I’m talking beans, corn, tomatoes, olives, onion, and more! Also loaded with quinoa and chickpeas, this salad couldn’t be more filling. Toss them all together with a nice lime-chili vinaigrette, and you’ve got yourself a show-stopping dish.
13. Citrus Salad
From the peppery arugula and refreshing mint to the naturally sweet and chewy dates, this salad is brimming with bright colors and flavors. You’ll also include crunchy pistachios and fragrant toasted coconut. Dressed in a sweet and tangy citrus shallot vinaigrette, this salad is an excellent source of vitamin C. More importantly, it’s freakin’ delicious.
14. Colorful Beet Salad with Carrot, Quinoa & Spinach
A mix of spinach, carrots, edamame, avocado, and beets, this salad is as colorful as it is flavorful. For the presentation alone, I give this salad a perfect ten. Tying all the flavors together beautifully is a sweet and tangy cider, herb, and lime vinaigrette. To make it vegan, use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
15. Vegan Caesar Salad
This vegan Caesar salad proves that you don’t need many ingredients to create a delicious dish. For the base, you’ll need Romaine lettuce, avocado slices, almond parmesan, and chickpea croutons. From there, you’ll whip up a heavenly blend of creamy cashews, mustard, garlic, Worcestershire, and lemon. That’s it! Pretty easy, huh?
16. Fennel Asparagus Salad
Loaded with fennel, asparagus, and a glorious lemon leek dressing, this is a simple and refreshing side dish that’s perfect with grilled tofu. Top it off with avocado slices and toasted almonds for something truly delish.
17. Spinach Apple Salad
A colorful medley of fruits, nuts, and vegetables, this scrumptious salad is perfect for special occasions. I mean, doesn’t it just screams Christmas! Tied together with a sweet balsamic vinaigrette, it’s sure to spread holiday cheer. Tip: skip the feta or use vegan cheese to make it vegan.
18. Quinoa Kale Salad
I’m such a sucker for chopped salads. It allows the ingredients to incorporate fully, making it texturally tasty as well as scrumptious. This quinoa and kale salad is one of my faves. It brings together hearty greens and nutritious grain with chickpeas, broccoli, bell peppers, and onions. The lemon dressing livens it up, and the sliced almonds bring an extra crunch. Reminder: skip the cheese to make it vegan.
19. Vegan Potato Salad with Turmeric and Green Peas
Give your favorite BBQ side dish a vegan twist! You’d think vegan potato salad would be no fun, but believe me, this is the stuff of legends. The dressing is a mix of coconut milk spiced with ginger, turmeric, and mustard seeds, making it creamy with a warming kick.
20. Beet and Fennel Salad with Citrus Dressing
Fennel and beets join forces to make a comforting winter salad. Both components need to be roasted beforehand, giving them a deeper, more complex flavor. Trust me – don’t skip this step! Also loaded with fresh herbs, pistachios, and a sweet citrus dressing, this salad will hit you full force with flavor.
21. Ultimate Fall Salad
Offering an assortment of autumn’s best, this salad is nothing short of spectacular. A mix of kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, apples, and pomegranate seeds, it’s vibrant and tasty. There’s also maple pecans and a lemon maple dijon dressing, leaving you with something sweet, tangy, crunchy, and everything in between.
22. Vegan White Bean Salad
If you’re not a fan of leafy salads, this lettuce-free dish is for you. White beans, artichokes, capers, and edamame unite to make one refreshing, protein-packed salad. Tossed with an herby vinaigrette, one forkful of this will take your taste buds to a Mediterranean paradise.
23. Simple Avocado Salad
Avocado, tomato, and cucumber slices marinated in a bright lime dressing? Does it get any more summery and refreshing? This salad is straightforward, but man, it’s good stuff. It’s creamy, juicy, and full of crunch. That makes it pretty close to perfect if you ask me!
24. Grilled Corn Salad with Vegan Chipotle Ranch Dressing
I love any dish containing corn – especially if that corn is grilled. And this sweet and creamy grilled corn salad is no exception. It’s got a bit of a kick, but it’s not too spicy. Plus, the smoky char on the outside gives it an extra layer of flavor.
25. Arugula, Orange Fennel Salad
Bright, colorful, and full of flavor, this next recipe is everything you could ask for in a salad and more! Filled with arugula, fennel, oranges, and pistachios, it’s a beautiful mix of crunchy and juicy. The sweet, tangy, and savory citrus ginger dressing brings the flavors together, giving you one exceptional salad.
26. Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
This salad features shaved Brussels sprouts tossed with hemp seeds, pecans, and cranberries. A simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar moistens everything and gives it a pop of flavor. It’s a terrific way to get people to enjoy Brussel sprouts. And it’s just what you need for your next holiday table.
27. Crunchy Cashew Thai Quinoa Salad
Take your taste buds on a healthy culinary journey to Thailand! Because there really isn’t anything better than a Thai salad! A medley of quinoa, vegetables, and a peanut dressing, this salad is nutty and crunchy with a sweet and creamy sauce that unites all the flavors together.
28. Tomato Salad with Cucumber, Avocado, and Cilantro
You don’t need many ingredients to make a good salad. And in this case, all you need are a handful of things. Tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and a simple lime dressing should do the trick! So long as everything is fresh, that combo will be more than enough to satisfy! You don’t even need to make the dressing separately. Just toss all the ingredients together in a bowl, and it’s good to go.
29. Carrot Salad with Quinoa and Almonds
Carrots, quinoa, and almonds come together to create an incredibly hearty and healthy salad full of crunch. Meanwhile, celery, cilantro, and scallions bring a hint of spice. Tossed with a lovely apple cider vinaigrette, this salad is simple, but it sure tastes superb.
30. Lemony Spring Pasta Salad with Vegetables and Herbs
Last but not least is a lovely combo of chickpeas, veggies, and pasta. Loaded with carbs, protein, and nutrients, this salad is hearty enough to be served as a complete meal. Despite being hearty, it’s pleasantly light and bright, thanks to the lemon maple dressing.
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