Eating healthy has never been more exciting and flavorful than with these delightful vegan salad recipes from Allrecipes. Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, these recipes offer a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, grains, nuts, and dressings that will satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.
From crunchy kale salads to refreshing quinoa bowls, these recipes are perfect for any occasion—be it a quick lunch, a side dish at dinner, or a party appetizer. With easy-to-follow instructions and accessible ingredients, you’ll find making these salads both enjoyable and rewarding.
In this blog post, we’ll explore a selection of the best Allrecipes vegan salad recipes to inspire your next meal. Each recipe is crafted to bring out the freshest flavors while keeping your meals wholesome and nutrient-packed.
Ready to dive into a world of colorful, tasty, and easy vegan salads? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegan salad recipes from Allrecipes are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. They use everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, making them perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends.
The combination of fresh vegetables, protein-packed legumes, and rich, flavorful dressings means these salads are satisfying enough to serve as a meal on their own.
Additionally, these recipes cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs, from gluten-free to soy-free options. Whether you’re new to veganism or a seasoned pro, you’ll appreciate how these salads balance nutrition and taste effortlessly.
Ingredients
- Mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale) – 4 cups
- Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
- Cucumber – 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper – 1, thinly sliced
- Avocado – 1, sliced
- Chickpeas – 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- Quinoa – 1 cup cooked
- Red onion – ¼ cup, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped
- Sunflower seeds – 2 tbsp
- Olive oil – 3 tbsp
- Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 tbsp
- Maple syrup – 1 tsp
- Dijon mustard – 1 tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
Equipment
- Large salad bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk or fork (for dressing)
- Colander (for rinsing chickpeas and quinoa)
- Salad tongs
Instructions
- Prepare the quinoa: Rinse ½ cup of dry quinoa under cold water using a colander. Cook according to package instructions (usually 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water, simmered for 15 minutes). Let it cool.
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dry the mixed greens. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red bell pepper and red onion, and chop the fresh parsley. Slice the avocado just before assembling to avoid browning.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- Combine salad ingredients: In the large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, cooled quinoa, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley. Toss gently to mix.
- Add dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss again to coat everything evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Top the salad with sliced avocado and sprinkle sunflower seeds for added crunch.
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days. For best freshness, add avocado and seeds just before serving.
Tips & Variations
Tip: To save time, cook quinoa in bulk and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. This way, you can quickly assemble your salad anytime.
Variation: Swap chickpeas for black beans or kidney beans for a different flavor profile and texture. You can also add roasted sweet potatoes or beets for extra sweetness.
Tip: For a nut-free version, replace sunflower seeds with pumpkin seeds or omit them altogether.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 10 g |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Dietary Fiber | 9 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Saturated Fat | 2 g |
Sodium | 220 mg |
Vitamin A | 40% DV |
Vitamin C | 60% DV |
Iron | 15% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan salad is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Serve it as a light lunch or as a refreshing side to hearty mains.
It complements grilled vegetables, vegan patties, or even a warm bowl of soup. For a complete meal, add some crusty whole-grain bread or pita on the side.
If you’d like to explore more vegan-friendly recipes, check out these delicious options: Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes, Bobo’S Lemon Poppyseed Oat Bar Recipe, and Zucchini Peppers Onions Tomatoes Recipe. These recipes bring more excitement to your vegan kitchen.
Conclusion
Allrecipes vegan salad recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, healthy, and flavorful meals with minimal effort. These recipes highlight the best of plant-based cooking, combining wholesome ingredients that nourish your body and delight your senses.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, these salads are sure to impress with their vibrant colors, textures, and tastes.
With the easy-to-follow instructions and adaptable ingredients, you can customize these salads to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Experiment with different dressings, toppings, and veggies to keep your meals exciting and nutritious.
Don’t forget to explore other vegan and non-vegan recipes on our site to keep your culinary adventures going strong!
📖 Recipe Card: Allrecipe Vegan Salad
Description: A fresh and vibrant vegan salad packed with colorful vegetables and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side dish.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, carrots, parsley, olives, and sunflower seeds in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 10 g
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