25 Best Vegan Salad Recipes For Plant Based Protein

From crisp, garden-fresh creations bursting with colorful vegetables to hearty grain–based bowls packed with protein and flavor, each recipe in this roundup celebrates vegetables. Whether you’re craving a light lunch, a satisfying side dish, or a wholesome dinner option, these recipes will inspire you aplenty. Some plant-based protein sources that are used in this list are:

Tofu Chickpeas Beans Lentils Nuts and seeds Dairy–free products, yogurt, and vegan cheese alternatives. Protein–rich grains, such as quinoa, barley, and millet.

This is an easy Mediterranean–inspired recipe that you can make in less than 30 minutes with seasonal veggies and herbs.

2. Vinegar cabbage slaw

This vinegar cabbage slaw is an easy, crunchy, fresh vegetable side dish like a regular coleslaw. This wholesome version has apples, walnuts, and a creamy mustard vinaigrette – a wonderfully sweet and acidic combination.

3. Zucchini salad

This raw zucchini salad is a refreshing, bright green summer salad. We marinate zucchini and add cherry tomatoes and roasted pine nuts; it’s great for bringing to potlucks and summer barbecues. You can add extra healthy fats with tahini sauce, a quick dressing that takes just 5 minutes to prepare.

5. Green bean salad

This tender green bean salad with a creamy mustard dressing is the easiest and tastiest. Add fresh tomatoes, red onions, and shaved almonds for a colorful and crispy topping.

6. Vegan egg salad

This tofu recipe is a delicious sandwich–perfect salad idea for brunch, lunch, and light dinners. Firm tofu and extra firm tofu mimic boiled eggs incredibly well. You must cut it into small pieces and mix it with vegan mayonnaise and fresh herbs. This tahini salad has the perfect balance of crispy greens and a creamy dressing. It’s excellent as a base salad for lunch and dinner, with roasted chickpeas added as protein.

8. Vegan pasta salad

Next on our list is a light pasta salad that is excellent for a vegan lunch or light summer dinner. This vegan salad is ideal for make-ahead lunches and dinners—for work or at home. It is incredibly nutritious, full of healthy vitamins, and will please kids and adults alike.

9. Tofu salad

This tofu salad recipe is a crunchy, healthy bowl of fresh greens and fried jerky-like tofu – perfect for lunch or dinner. Drizzle your salad with a creamy tahini sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added healthy fats. For a complete meal, serve it next to falafel, grilled tofu, or meatballs.

11. Chickpea salad

This chickpea salad recipe with tomatoes and arugula is simple and fulfilling. It’s excellent for a quick lunch or vegetarian dinner, as a starter, or as a side dish.

12. Rice salad

This easy rice salad is adapted from Italian rice salad traditions, and it’s the perfect summer dish, easy to prepare in advance and bring to picnics. It’s a naturally vegan salad recipe with plenty of healthy fiber and vitamins. This chickpea pasta salad is a quick and healthy recipe that takes less than 20 minutes to prepare.

14. Lentil salad

The vegan lentil salad is satisfying, colorful, and packed with plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy this lentil recipe as a standalone meal, with pita bread, in a wrap, or as a side dish – it takes just 10 minutes to prepare.

16. Chickpea Quinoa Salad

This chickpea quinoa salad offers a nutritious, naturally vegan, gluten-free meal to please the pickiest eaters. It’s easy to make, ready in 25 minutes, and an excellent vegan lunchbox option. It’s a great lunch idea and meal-prep-friendly as it keeps well in the fridge for several days.

17. Couscous salad

This couscous salad is easy, fresh, crispy, and nutritious. Toss it with a simple homemade lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs to make this easy, delicious, and healthy meal.

18. Farro salad

This farro salad is a crunchy, refreshing dish you can enjoy as a healthy dinner. Pick your favorite veggies, cook them on a pan, and drizzle with a creamy cumin dressing for a Mediterranean taste infusion. This vibrant vegan dish celebrates simplicity and flavor. It can quickly be upgraded to a meal with bruschetta, hummus, or pita bread on the side.

20. Cauliflower salad

Our creamy vegan cauliflower salad does not contain bacon, mayonnaise, or dairy. We roast the cauliflower florets with olive oil and toss them in a velvety smooth tahini dressing. Serve as a wholesome lunch or a colorful dinner; it’s a Mediterranean–inspired dish your family will love.

21. Mashed chickpea salad

Mashed chickpeas with vegan mayonnaise make a perfect sandwich filling and potato topping. This mashed chickpea salad is creamy and tangy, and it tastes a little bit like tuna. It’s a quick vegan salad that can be ready in 10 minutes, and no cooking is required. A wholesome and flavor–packed meal, this recipe has claimed one of the highest spots on our top 10 favorite salads list.

23. Black bean salad

This black bean salad with tender roasted sweet potatoes is a fiber-rich vegan salad idea. Inspired by Mexican flavors, this recipe is perfect for making ahead and eating for a nutritious lunch or dinner with sour cream and guacamole.

24. Kale salad

This vibrant, vitamin–packed kale salad adds color and flavor to your table. It’s excellent as a starter or side dish for a memorable holiday meal during the winter holidays, and it’s excellent as an easy lunch or dinner. What makes this vegan salad special is the creamy and slightly sweet mustard dressing – a must-try salad.

Vegan salad recipes as a meal

Protein-rich toppings:

Easy roasted chickpeas: Fried tofu Falafel Lentil hummus White bean dip

Fried Tofu

How to Cook Chickpeas

Falafel

Lentil hummus

5-minute couscous Italian flatbread (flour, water, olive oil, etc.) Naan bread (flour, instant dry yeast, sugar, water, etc.) Pita bread (instant dry yeast, flour, olive oil, etc.) Focaccia (rosemary, salt, flour, instant dry yeast, olive oil, etc.)

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Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients. Easy right? Comment * Name Email Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Notify me when Louise or Nico reply to my comment.

Δ Thank you for your kind message. What a wonderful support you are offering your family with your home-cooked meals.
I am sure that you have inspired your son and daughter to cook on their own as well. We are honoured if we can help a little bit on that journey. Wishing you all the very best, and thank you so much for being here ❤️ Kindest, Nico & Louise Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients.