Veggie Salad Recipes That Are Fresh, Easy, and Delicious

Updated On: October 8, 2025

Fresh, vibrant, and packed with nutrients, veggie salads are a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and good for you. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a colorful side dish, or a nutrient-dense dinner, veggie salads offer an endless variety of combinations to suit every taste and occasion.

From crunchy greens to juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers to creamy avocados, the possibilities are truly endless. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to customize with your favorite dressings and toppings.

In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite veggie salad recipes that are bursting with flavor and nutrition. These recipes are perfect for anyone wanting to incorporate more vegetables into their diet without compromising on taste.

So grab your bowl and let’s dive into the delicious world of veggie salads!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Veggie salads are a perfect blend of health and flavor. They’re low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a smart choice for maintaining energy and wellness throughout the day.

What’s more, they’re incredibly versatile — you can tailor them to your dietary needs, preferences, and seasonal availability. Whether you prefer something light and refreshing or hearty and filling, these recipes have you covered.

Quick to prepare, these salads require minimal cooking, making them ideal for busy days. They also store well, so you can meal prep ahead of time.

I’ve included dressings and ingredient swaps to keep things exciting and adaptable. If you’re interested in other vegetarian delights, be sure to check out A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals for more inspiration.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • For the dressing: 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Salad spinner (optional but helpful for washing greens)
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Small bowl or jar for dressing
  • Salad tongs or large spoon and fork

Instructions

  1. Prepare the greens: Rinse your mixed salad greens thoroughly in cold water. Use a salad spinner to dry them well or pat them dry with a clean towel. Place the greens in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Chop the vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, dice the red bell pepper, shred the carrots, and thinly slice the red onion. Add all the chopped vegetables to the bowl with the greens.
  3. Prepare the avocado: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and dice the flesh. Add gently to the salad to avoid mashing.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  5. Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
  6. Add herbs and seeds: Sprinkle chopped parsley and toasted seeds over the salad for a fresh crunch and extra nutrients.
  7. Add cheese if desired: If you’re using feta or any other cheese, sprinkle it on top last to keep its texture intact.
  8. Serve immediately: For best flavor and texture, serve the salad fresh. You can also refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before serving.

Tips & Variations

“To keep your salad greens crisp and fresh, always dry them thoroughly after washing.”

Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Add roasted sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli, or even some cooked quinoa for a more substantial meal.

For a protein boost, toss in chickpeas or grilled tofu.

You can easily make this salad vegan by skipping the feta cheese or substituting it with a plant-based alternative. For a zesty twist, add a pinch of chili powder—check out my Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for a fantastic seasoning.

Experiment with different dressings like balsamic vinaigrette, tahini lemon, or creamy avocado dressing to keep the flavors exciting. For inspiration on other fresh and healthy salad bowls, visit Best Vegan Salad Bowl Recipes for Fresh Healthy Meals.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 180 kcal
Protein 5 g
Fat 14 g
Carbohydrates 12 g
Fiber 5 g
Vitamin A 90% DV
Vitamin C 65% DV
Calcium 8% DV
Iron 10% DV

Serving Suggestions

This veggie salad pairs wonderfully with grilled bread or pita for a light lunch. It also works as a fresh side dish alongside vegetarian mains like lentil stews, veggie burgers, or stuffed peppers.

For a heartier meal, serve it with a scoop of cooked quinoa or brown rice.

To add a touch of indulgence, drizzle a little balsamic glaze or sprinkle toasted nuts on top. This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a vibrant starter before your favorite vegetarian dishes.

For more wholesome meal ideas, don’t miss Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love.

Conclusion

Veggie salads are a fantastic way to embrace healthy eating without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. The combination of fresh vegetables, vibrant herbs, and a balanced dressing creates a dish that is as nourishing as it is delicious.

This recipe is easy to customize and perfect for any season, making it a versatile staple in your kitchen.

Whether you’re new to vegetarian cooking or a seasoned pro, these veggie salad recipes provide a refreshing, nutrient-packed option that can be enjoyed any time of day. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and dressings to suit your palate.

For more exciting vegetarian recipes and ideas, be sure to explore Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals and Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals. Happy cooking and enjoy your fresh, flavorful veggie salads!

📖 Recipe Card: Fresh Veggie Salad

Description: A crisp and colorful veggie salad packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish.

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
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrot
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop all vegetables as described.
  2. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, and onion.
  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: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 12 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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