Big Vegan Salad Recipe for Fresh and Healthy Meals

Are you looking for a vibrant, nutritious, and filling meal that’s entirely plant-based? Look no further than this Big Vegan Salad Recipe!

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a hearty side dish, this salad combines a bounty of fresh vegetables, protein-packed beans, crunchy nuts, and a zesty homemade dressing to create a truly satisfying experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply trying to incorporate more plant-powered meals into your diet, this recipe is a colorful celebration of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling energized and delighted.

This salad isn’t just about tossing some greens together—it’s a thoughtfully layered dish packed with nutrients, fiber, and taste. It’s great for meal prep, family dinners, or impressing guests with a wholesome yet gourmet touch.

Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your tastes and seasonal availability. Ready to make your salad bowl the star of the meal?

Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to prepare it step-by-step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This big vegan salad is a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor. Not only is it packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients, but it also offers a fantastic balance of textures—from crunchy roasted chickpeas to creamy avocado and crisp veggies.

The vibrant colors alone make it an appealing dish that brightens up any table.

It’s incredibly versatile, too. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or what’s in season.

The salad is also perfect for meal prepping since it holds up well when stored properly, making your weeknight dinners effortless and healthy.

Best of all, the homemade lemon-tahini dressing is simple, tangy, and rich, elevating the entire dish without overpowering the natural flavors of the fresh vegetables. If you enjoy dishes that are both nourishing and visually stunning, this salad is your new go-to recipe!

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa (cooled)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 1 large carrot, shredded
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, rinsed and drained)
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Lemon-Tahini Dressing:
• 3 tbsp tahini
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3-4 tbsp water (to thin)
• Salt to taste

Equipment

• Large salad bowl
• Small bowl for dressing
• Whisk or fork for mixing dressing
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander (for rinsing chickpeas)
• Optional: salad tongs or large spoon for tossing

Instructions

1. Prepare the quinoa: If not already cooked, rinse 1/2 cup dry quinoa and cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and allow to cool completely before adding it to the salad.
2. Prep the vegetables: Rinse and dry all fresh produce. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and avocado, shred the carrot, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the parsley finely and set aside.
3. Toast the nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts or pecans for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Stir continuously to prevent burning. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
4. Make the lemon-tahini dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, and minced garlic. Slowly add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Season with salt to taste.
5. Assemble the salad: In your large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, chickpeas, avocado, red onion, and parsley.
6. Add the dried cranberries and toasted nuts: Sprinkle these over the salad for a sweet and crunchy contrast.
7. Drizzle the dressing: Pour the lemon-tahini dressing over the salad, then gently toss everything together using salad tongs or two large spoons to ensure even coating.
8. Season and serve: Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately for the best texture, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours (keep dressing separate if prepping ahead).

Tips & Variations

For an extra protein boost, try adding some roasted tofu cubes or tempeh strips. If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño.

To keep your salad fresh longer, store the dressing separately and toss it just before serving. You can swap quinoa for brown rice or farro for a different grain base.

Feel free to swap walnuts for almonds or pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries for chopped dates or fresh pomegranate seeds for added burst of flavor. This salad adapts wonderfully to seasonal veggies—try roasted beets or sautéed mushrooms in cooler months.

For a creamy twist, add a dollop of vegan yogurt or vegan feta cheese on top. To explore more vegan recipes, check out our Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe or the delicious Collard Green Casserole Recipes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This big vegan salad is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a warm bowl of soup or crusty bread. For a Mediterranean-inspired meal, serve it alongside pita bread and hummus.

Looking for something heartier? Add some grilled plant-based protein like seitan or jackfruit.

For lighter fare, serve it with a fresh fruit smoothie or a refreshing iced tea.

If you love desserts, don’t miss trying the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe to round out your meal with a sweet vegan treat!

Conclusion

This big vegan salad recipe is more than just a salad—it’s a celebration of wholesome, fresh ingredients that come together to create a delicious, satisfying meal. It’s perfect for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor or texture.

The balance of crunchy, creamy, tangy, and sweet elements makes every bite exciting and nourishing.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick, nutritious dinner, this salad fits the bill. Plus, its versatility allows you to customize it endlessly, making it a staple in your recipe collection.

Give it a try and enjoy a vibrant bowl filled with plants, love, and health. For more recipe inspiration, you might want to explore our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or the indulgent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe to treat yourself after your wholesome meal!

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