Boiled Veg Salad Recipes for Fresh and Healthy Meals

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Boiled vegetable salads are a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, wholesome ingredients with minimal fuss yet maximum flavor. These salads combine the natural sweetness and earthiness of boiled vegetables with vibrant dressings and herbs to create a refreshing, nutritious dish that works perfectly as a side or a light main course.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy option to complement your dinner or a satisfying dish to bring to a picnic, boiled veg salads offer versatility and ease that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Plus, boiling vegetables helps retain their nutrients while softening their texture, making them more palatable and digestible.

In this post, we’ll explore a variety of boiled veg salad recipes that showcase different vegetables, dressings, and flavor profiles. From simple classics to vibrant Mediterranean-inspired options, these recipes are designed to be approachable, delicious, and adaptable to whatever you have on hand.

If you love wholesome, colorful dishes with a touch of elegance, you’re in for a treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Boiled veg salads are incredibly easy to prepare and can be customized endlessly based on your preferences and seasonal produce. The gentle boiling process enhances the natural flavors of vegetables without overwhelming them, allowing dressings and seasonings to shine.

These salads are also nutrient-dense, offering plenty of vitamins, minerals, and fiber with very few calories. They’re perfect for those seeking to eat more plant-based meals without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

Additionally, they can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making them ideal for any season.

Whether you’re a busy home cook or an experienced chef, these boiled veg salad recipes are a great way to bring color, texture, and health to your table.

Ingredients

  • Carrots – 3 medium, peeled and sliced
  • Green beans – 200 grams, trimmed
  • Potatoes – 3 medium, peeled and cubed
  • Broccoli florets – 150 grams
  • Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
  • Red onion – 1 small, thinly sliced
  • Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped
  • Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
  • Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
  • Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon
  • Salt and pepper – to taste
  • Garlic clove – 1, minced
  • Optional: feta cheese – 100 grams, crumbled

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling vegetables
  • Colander or strainer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork for dressing
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Serving bowl or plate

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Peel and chop the carrots and potatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Trim the green beans and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets.
  2. Boil the potatoes and carrots: Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the potatoes and carrots, and cook for about 10 minutes or until they begin to soften but still hold shape. Use a fork to test tenderness.
  3. Add green beans and broccoli: When the carrots and potatoes are halfway done, add the green beans and broccoli florets to the pot. Boil for an additional 4-5 minutes until all vegetables are tender but not mushy.
  4. Drain and cool: Drain the vegetables using a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps preserve the color and texture.
  5. Prepare the dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  6. Combine the salad: In a large bowl, gently toss the boiled vegetables with the sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley.
  7. Add dressing and optional cheese: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss carefully to coat. If desired, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, tangy touch.
  8. Serve: Serve the salad warm, at room temperature, or chilled according to your preference.

Tips & Variations

“Don’t overcook your vegetables – the goal is tender-crisp, not mushy.”

Boiling vegetables correctly is key to achieving the best flavor and texture for your salad. Always test your veggies early and often as cooking times can vary based on size and freshness.

Feel free to swap in other seasonal veggies like asparagus, peas, or cauliflower. You can also experiment with different dressings such as balsamic vinaigrette, tahini lemon, or a yogurt-based sauce for variety.

For a protein boost, add boiled eggs, grilled chicken, or chickpeas. Nuts and seeds like toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (approx.)
Calories 180 kcal
Protein 4 g
Carbohydrates 25 g
Fiber 6 g
Fat 8 g (mostly from olive oil)
Vitamin A 120% DV
Vitamin C 60% DV

Serving Suggestions

This boiled veg salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or fish, making it a refreshing counterbalance to smoky flavors. It also works well as a light vegetarian main course when topped with a dollop of hummus or a sprinkle of nuts.

For a complete meal, serve alongside a crusty bread or pita, or integrate it into wraps for a nutritious lunch option. You might also want to try it with a hearty grain such as quinoa or farro for added texture and sustenance.

If you enjoy this type of wholesome salad, you might also want to check out our Chicken Salad Recipe Willow Tree for another delicious and nutritious option.

Conclusion

Boiled veg salads are a wonderful addition to any meal plan, offering a perfect blend of nutrition, flavor, and simplicity. They are incredibly adaptable, allowing you to customize them based on what’s fresh and available in your kitchen.

The gentle boiling method helps soften tougher vegetables, making them easier to digest while preserving their vibrant colors and essential nutrients.

With a simple, tangy dressing and fresh herbs, these salads bring out the best in everyday vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or guests, you can count on these salads to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Don’t forget to explore other wholesome recipes like the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or the indulgent yet balanced Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe to round out your culinary repertoire.

Enjoy experimenting with these boiled veg salad recipes and savor the fresh, vibrant flavors that only simple, quality ingredients can deliver!

📖 Recipe Card: Boiled Veg Salad

Description: A simple and healthy salad made with boiled mixed vegetables tossed in a light dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup peas
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Boil carrots, green beans, cauliflower, broccoli, potato, and peas until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
  2. Drain vegetables and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
  3. In a large bowl, combine boiled vegetables and chopped red onion.
  4. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the vegetables.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper.
  6. Toss everything gently to mix.
  7. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 18 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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