Best Vegan Side Salad Recipes for Every Occasion

Looking to brighten up your meals with fresh, vibrant, and wholesome side dishes? Vegan side salads are the perfect way to add a burst of color, texture, and nutrition to any plate.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a quick lunch, or simply want a healthy companion to your main course, these salads are easy to make and packed with flavor. From crisp greens to hearty grains and zesty dressings, the possibilities are endless and delicious.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the best vegan side salad recipes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen.

These salads are not only nourishing but also incredibly versatile. They can be tailored with your favorite veggies, seeds, nuts, and dressings, making them suitable for every season and occasion.

Plus, they come together quickly, so you can enjoy a nutrient-rich dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to discover vibrant, tasty, and wholesome vegan side salads that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan side salads are a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple preparation. They bring together a variety of textures and flavors—from crunchy nuts and seeds to tangy dressings and crisp vegetables.

Each recipe is designed to be easy to make, requiring minimal cooking skills and equipment, which makes them perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

Additionally, these salads are highly customizable. Whether you prefer something light and refreshing or more hearty and filling, there’s a vegan side salad here for you.

They’re also an excellent way to boost your intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, supporting overall health and wellbeing. Finally, these recipes pair beautifully with many dishes, making them an ideal choice for everyday meals or special occasions.

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, sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Quinoa & Kale Salad

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 cups kale, chopped and massaged
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 3 tbsp tahini dressing
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Asian-Inspired Sesame Slaw

• 3 cups shredded cabbage (mix of red and green)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup edamame, cooked and shelled
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
• 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp grated ginger

Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Salad spinner (optional but recommended for leafy greens)
• Small whisk or fork for mixing dressings
• Serving bowls or plates

Instructions

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

1. Prepare the chickpeas: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium and preserve freshness.
2. Chop the vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, and slice the Kalamata olives.
3. Mix the salad: In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and parsley.
4. Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
5. Combine and toss: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
6. Chill and serve: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Quinoa & Kale Salad

1. Cook quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa and cook according to package instructions. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare kale: Remove kale stems and chop leaves finely. Massage kale with a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes until tender.
3. Mix salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, kale, shredded carrots, walnuts, and dried cranberries.
4. Make dressing: Whisk tahini, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add water if needed to thin.
5. Toss salad: Pour dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
6. Serve immediately: Enjoy fresh or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Asian-Inspired Sesame Slaw

1. Prepare vegetables: Shred cabbage and carrots, slice green onions, and cook and shell the edamame.
2. Toast sesame seeds: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast sesame seeds for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
3. Mix salad: In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, edamame, and green onions.
4. Make dressing: Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, and grated ginger in a small bowl.
5. Toss salad: Pour dressing over the veggies and toss well.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving.

Tips & Variations

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what’s fresh or what you have in your pantry. For example, use arugula or spinach instead of kale, or add avocado for creaminess.

For extra protein, sprinkle hemp seeds or roasted chickpeas on any salad. If you like heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño to your dressings.

Try different nuts and seeds for crunch: pumpkin seeds, sliced almonds, or pine nuts work beautifully. For a tropical twist, add diced mango or pineapple to the Mediterranean or quinoa salads.

To make these salads even more vibrant, consider adding fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or mint according to the salad style.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan side salads pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad alongside grilled vegetables or vegan kebabs for a Mediterranean feast.

The Quinoa & Kale Salad is excellent with roasted tofu or tempeh, adding a satisfying protein boost.

The Asian-Inspired Sesame Slaw complements Asian dishes beautifully, such as steamed dumplings, vegetable stir-fry, or a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice. You can also enjoy any of these salads as a light lunch on their own, paired with crusty whole grain bread.

Looking for more delicious recipes to complete your meal? Check out these favorites:

• Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe – a creamy vegan sauce perfect for pasta dishes.
• Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe – a hearty stew that pairs perfectly with fresh salads.
• Collard Green Casserole Recipes – another delicious plant-based side to complement your meal.

Conclusion

Vegan side salads are a fantastic way to elevate any meal with freshness, nutrition, and vibrant flavors. These recipes offer a wonderful balance of ingredients that are easy to prepare and adaptable to your preferences.

Whether you prefer the Mediterranean-inspired chickpea salad, the hearty quinoa & kale mix, or the crisp Asian sesame slaw, each one brings something special to the table. Incorporating these salads into your routine not only boosts your plant-based diet but also adds color and excitement to your plates.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and dressings to make these salads your own. With endless variations, you’ll find new favorites to enjoy all year round.

For more inspiring vegan recipes and delightful dishes, be sure to explore other posts on our site. Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious, healthy salads!

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