Warmer weather makes for good al fresco dining and plenty of salads. These plant-based recipes are pure perfection.
There has always been a stigma around salads that they are boring or just meant for those on a diet. But we are here to help bust that outdated myth. Salads are satisfying meals—full stop.
With the plethora of options—hello arugula, spinach, kale, and collard greens—the salad recipe combinations are endless. And adding plant-based protein makes these the perfect meal. It can be as easy as grabbing your favorite greens and veggies and drizzling on a delicious dressing. But if you are looking for some new salad inspiration, we rounded up some great options to try.
Plant-Based Salad Recipes
1. Watermelon Salad with Vegan Feta and Cucumber
Watermelon and summer go hand in hand. There are few things better on a hot sunny day than fresh watermelon. This salad pairs the fruity watermelon with homemade tofu feta and another summer delicacy, cucumber.
2. Lemon Orzo Chickpea Salad
For a slightly hearty, but still surprisingly light salad (thanks to the fresh lemon), this orzo chickpea salad is a great option for weeknight dinners or potluck parties. The zesty lemon garlic dressing is the perfect pairing.
3. Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad
This crunchy and colorful salad combines crisp mixed veggies with healthy quinoa. Drizzled with a delectable almond dressing, this is perfect for picnics or school lunches.
4. Strawberry Spinach Salad
Two salad favorites: strawberries and spinach, come together in this perfect combination. It also has creamy avocado, toasted pecans, and fresh herbs to bring a full-on flavor explosion. The delicious poppy seed dressing is the perfect finisher.
5. Beet Walnut Salad
It seems that either you love beets or you do not. But if you are in the window of obsession, this beet and walnut salad is a must-try. Also filled with nutrient-dense red cabbage, carrots, and raisins, all atop a bed of spinach and arugula and topped with an incredible maple balsamic vinaigrette.
6. Roasted Cauliflower, Courgette, Wild Garlic Pesto, and Butter Bean Salad
A slightly different take on a salad, but worth a mention all the same. The roasted cauliflower and wild garlic pesto are truly the highlight of this dish and are sure to be showing up in other places in your meal plan.
7. Spicy Edamame Salad
This salad is super easy and is far from boring. Crunchy vegetables and peanuts are tossed with an amazing Thai-inspired spicy peanut dressing to create the ultimate dynamic dish.
8. Vegan Caesar Salad with BBQ Sweet Potato Croutons
This is the salad recipe you didn’t know you needed. What is better than vegan Caesar and homemade BBQ sweet potato croutons? This dish is sure to impress at your next potluck.
Read more: The 11 Best Vegan Granolas to Try