Best Veg Salad Recipes for Dinner That Delight Your Tastebuds

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Looking for the perfect way to end your day with a light, refreshing, and nutrient-packed meal? Veg salads are the ultimate dinner solution!

They are quick to prepare, incredibly versatile, and bursting with vibrant flavors and textures that will satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body. Whether you’re a veggie enthusiast or just want a healthy alternative to heavy dinners, these best veg salad recipes for dinner will inspire you to get creative with fresh produce, herbs, and dressings.

From crunchy kale to juicy tomatoes and creamy avocados, these salads combine the best of nature’s bounty to create satisfying meals that are both wholesome and delicious.

In this post, I’ll share three of my favorite veg salad recipes that are perfect for dinner. Each recipe is easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized to your liking.

Plus, I’ll provide tips, variations, and nutrition facts to help you make the most of your salad experience. Ready to dive into the world of vibrant veggies?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These veg salad recipes are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you want something light or hearty, these salads can cater to your cravings.

They’re easy to whip up in under 30 minutes, making them a perfect weeknight dinner option. Plus, they’re loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, supporting your digestion and overall health.

The fresh ingredients paired with zesty dressings create a perfect balance of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

Another reason to love these salads is the endless customization options. You can add nuts, seeds, or cheese for extra texture, or swap veggies depending on the season.

These recipes are great for meal prepping too!

Ingredients

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Crunchy Kale & Apple Salad

  • 4 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
  • 1 large apple, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Asian-Inspired Cabbage Slaw

  • 3 cups green cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup shredded carrot
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp honey or agave syrup
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls for tossing salads
  • Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Salad spinner (optional but helpful for washing greens)
  • Small bowl or jar for mixing dressings
  • Serving bowls or plates

Instructions

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, and slice the olives.
  2. Mix the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  5. Add finishing touches: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley on top before serving.

Crunchy Kale & Apple Salad

  1. Massage the kale: Place chopped kale in a large bowl, drizzle with lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Massage with your hands for 2-3 minutes until it softens.
  2. Add fruit and nuts: Add thinly sliced apple, walnuts, and dried cranberries to the kale.
  3. Prepare the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  4. Combine all: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
  5. Serve immediately or chill: This salad tastes great fresh or after chilling for 10-15 minutes.

Asian-Inspired Cabbage Slaw

  1. Prepare the veggies: Shred the cabbage and carrots, thinly slice the red pepper, chop the green onions, and cilantro.
  2. Mix the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
  3. Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and honey.
  4. Toss the slaw: Pour the dressing over the veggies and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving for a nutty crunch.

Tips & Variations

“Freshness is key when it comes to salads. Always use crisp, fresh vegetables for the best texture and flavor.”

Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or the season. For example, in the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, you can replace chickpeas with cannellini beans or add roasted red peppers for a smoky twist.

For the Kale & Apple Salad, try substituting walnuts with pecans or adding goat cheese for creaminess. A splash of apple cider vinegar can be added to the dressing for more tang.

The Asian Cabbage Slaw can be transformed by adding shredded zucchini or substituting cilantro with fresh basil or mint for a different herbal note. To make it vegan, replace honey with maple syrup or agave.

For a protein boost, add grilled tofu, chickpeas, or lentils to any of these salads to make them more filling and perfect for dinner.

Nutrition Facts

Salad Calories (per serving) Protein Fat Carbohydrates Fiber
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad 320 12g 14g 35g 8g
Crunchy Kale & Apple Salad 280 6g 18g 22g 5g
Asian-Inspired Cabbage Slaw 210 4g 10g 22g 6g

Serving Suggestions

These veg salads make a fantastic standalone dinner for a light, healthy meal. Pair them with a crusty whole-grain bread or pita for some extra substance.

You can also serve them alongside grilled or roasted vegetables, or add a protein like grilled chicken or fish if you prefer a more substantial meal.

If you love international flavors, check out the Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe for another delightful salad option. For a comforting side, you might enjoy the Kansas City Coleslaw Recipe which complements grilled dishes beautifully.

And if you want to explore more hearty options that include vegetables, the Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes offer fantastic ways to incorporate veggies into your protein-rich meals.

Conclusion

Veg salads for dinner are a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious, flavorful, and quick meal any night of the week. These recipes highlight the versatility of fresh vegetables and how simple dressings can elevate their taste to something extraordinary.

Whether you prefer Mediterranean, crunchy kale, or Asian-inspired flavors, these salads provide a perfect balance of texture, taste, and nourishment.

Incorporating these salads into your dinner routine not only boosts your vegetable intake but also keeps your meals exciting and vibrant. So next time you want a light yet satisfying dinner, try one of these recipes and enjoy the wonderful flavors of fresh veggies in a whole new way!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Veg Salad Recipes for Dinner

Description: A fresh and colorful vegetable salad perfect for a light and healthy dinner. Packed with crunchy veggies and a tangy dressing for maximum flavor.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT15M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop all vegetables as directed.
  2. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, red onion, and chickpeas.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  5. Sprinkle feta cheese on top before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 18 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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