Buckwheat Salad Recipes Vegan for Healthy Easy Meals

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Discover the vibrant world of buckwheat salads with our collection of delicious vegan recipes! Buckwheat, a nutrient-rich pseudocereal, offers a wonderful base for plant-based meals, packing a punch with its earthy flavor and impressive health benefits.

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a hearty side dish, or a refreshing potluck contribution, these buckwheat salad recipes will quickly become your go-to. They’re naturally gluten-free, easy to prepare, and adaptable to whatever fresh veggies and herbs you have on hand.

In this post, we’ll explore several creative vegan buckwheat salad recipes that combine fresh ingredients, zesty dressings, and wholesome textures. Perfect for meal prep or quick dinners, these salads embrace colorful vegetables, crunchy nuts, and tangy dressings to keep your taste buds excited.

Plus, they’re packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants to fuel your day. Ready to enjoy a bowl of goodness?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan buckwheat salad recipes aren’t just tasty—they’re incredibly nourishing and versatile. Buckwheat is naturally gluten-free and rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium and manganese.

It’s an excellent grain alternative for those with dietary restrictions or anyone wanting to add variety to their meals.

What makes these salads stand out is their vibrant combinations of fresh vegetables, herbs, and dressings that bring out the nutty flavor of buckwheat. They’re easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, making them perfect for summer picnics, quick lunches, or even as a side dish for dinner.

Plus, these recipes store well, so you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw buckwheat groats
  • 2 cups water (for cooking buckwheat)
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan (for cooking buckwheat)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or fork (for mixing dressing)
  • Colander (for rinsing buckwheat)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the buckwheat groats thoroughly under cold running water using a colander to remove any impurities or dust.
  2. Cook the buckwheat: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed buckwheat and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and set aside to cool.
  3. Prepare the vegetables: While the buckwheat cools, dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely chop the parsley and mint.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  5. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled buckwheat, diced vegetables, herbs, walnuts, and dried cranberries. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. Adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed to brighten the flavors.
  7. Chill and serve: For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Tips & Variations

“Toasting the buckwheat groats before cooking adds a wonderful nutty depth to your salad.”

  • Toast the buckwheat: Before cooking, dry-toast the groats in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and golden for extra flavor.
  • Swap nuts: Use toasted almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts for a different crunch.
  • Add greens: Toss in baby spinach, arugula, or kale for added nutrition and color.
  • Change up the dressing: Try adding tahini, maple syrup, or apple cider vinegar to the dressing for new flavor profiles.
  • Include protein: Add cooked chickpeas, edamame, or tempeh cubes to make this salad more filling.
  • Seasonal fruits: Swap dried cranberries for pomegranate seeds or fresh diced apples in fall and winter.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving (1 cup)
Calories 280 kcal
Protein 7 grams
Carbohydrates 32 grams
Fiber 6 grams
Fat 14 grams
Saturated Fat 1.5 grams
Sodium 120 mg
Vitamin C 20% DV
Iron 15% DV

Serving Suggestions

This buckwheat salad shines as a standalone light meal or a vibrant side dish. Serve it chilled alongside grilled vegetables or vegan kebabs for a complete summer feast.

It’s also fantastic wrapped in warm pita bread or stuffed into lettuce cups for a fresh and portable lunch option.

For a Mediterranean twist, pair this salad with falafel and hummus. Alternatively, serve it with roasted sweet potatoes or alongside a hearty soup.

If you’re interested in exploring more wholesome vegan recipes, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or enjoy a cozy bowl of our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food.

Conclusion

Vegan buckwheat salads are a fantastic way to enjoy a nutrient-dense, flavorful, and satisfying meal. With their earthy base and colorful mix of fresh vegetables, herbs, and crunchy nuts, these salads will brighten your menu while keeping things wholesome and plant-powered.

The versatility of buckwheat allows you to customize these recipes to your liking, whether you prefer something light and refreshing or hearty and filling.

Incorporate these salads into your weekly rotation to enjoy a boost of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins. Plus, the ease of preparation and excellent make-ahead qualities mean you can enjoy these vibrant salads anytime.

For more inspiration on wholesome dishes, don’t miss our other recipes like the Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe or the tangy Maple Bourbon Pickles Recipe. Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious, nutritious buckwheat salads!

More Vegan Buckwheat Salad Recipes

Mediterranean Buckwheat Salad

  • Ingredients: 1 cup cooked buckwheat, 1/2 cup chopped kalamata olives, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper.
  • Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss well. Chill before serving.

Asian-Inspired Buckwheat Salad

  • Ingredients: 1 cup cooked buckwheat, 1 cup shredded carrots, 1/2 cup edamame, 1/4 cup chopped scallions, 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp grated ginger, sesame seeds for garnish.
  • Instructions: Mix the dressing ingredients separately, then toss with buckwheat and veggies. Garnish with sesame seeds.

Southwestern Buckwheat Salad

  • Ingredients: 1 cup cooked buckwheat, 1/2 cup black beans (rinsed and drained), 1/2 cup corn kernels, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, salt to taste.
  • Instructions: Combine all ingredients and toss well. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Each of these variations brings a unique flavor profile to the humble buckwheat base, making your vegan salad options endless. Try them all and find your favorite!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Buckwheat Salad

Description: A refreshing and nutritious vegan buckwheat salad packed with fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup buckwheat groats
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse buckwheat under cold water.
  2. Boil water and add buckwheat, cook for 12-15 minutes until tender.
  3. Drain and let buckwheat cool.
  4. In a large bowl, combine buckwheat, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper.
  6. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
  7. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 30 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Buckwheat Salad”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A refreshing and nutritious vegan buckwheat salad packed with fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup buckwheat groats”, “2 cups water”, “1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved”, “1 cucumber, diced”, “1/2 red onion, finely chopped”, “1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped”, “1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “1 teaspoon Dijon mustard”, “Salt to taste”, “Black pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Rinse buckwheat under cold water.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Boil water and add buckwheat, cook for 12-15 minutes until tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain and let buckwheat cool.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, combine buckwheat, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning as needed and serve chilled or at room temperature.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “6 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “30 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X