Summer is here, and what better way to enjoy the warmer months than with a refreshing, vibrant salad? These 21 vegan summer salad recipes from my favorite vegan bloggers are packed with fresh ingredients, healthy fats, and delicious flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for your next BBQ, or a main dish salad, these recipes have you covered.
Quick answer: The best vegan summer salads pair peak-season produce like tomatoes, corn, cucumber and watermelon with something hearty such as chickpeas, quinoa or pasta, plus a bright, tangy dressing. Bean, grain and pasta salads are best for BBQs and meal prep, and keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
1. Chickpea Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
This chickpea salad is a great way to enjoy a protein-packed meal. The creamy avocado dressing adds a rich texture that complements the crunchy cucumbers and fresh corn.
2. Lemon Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
A refreshing salad featuring quinoa, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon juice dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.
3. Vegan Cobb Salad with Coconut Bacon
This vegan twist on a classic Cobb salad includes coconut bacon, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a creamy dressing. It's an ideal choice for a main dish.
4. Grilled Vegetable Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Use your griddle pan to grill bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions. Toss them in a balsamic vinaigrette for a flavorful summer meal.
5. Fresh Corn and Black Bean Salad
A hearty salad with fresh corn, black beans, green onions, and a tangy red wine vinaigrette. It's a perfect recipe for summer picnics.
6. Creamy Potato Salad with Fresh Herbs
This creamy potato salad is made with a blend of fresh herbs, green onions, and a simple dressing. A classic side dish for any summer gathering.
7. Crunchy Kale Salad with Sunflower Seeds
A nutritious kale salad with crunchy sunflower seeds, snap peas, and a light olive oil dressing. Great for a quick lunch or as a side dish.
8. Green Goddess Salad
A vibrant salad featuring leafy greens, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon juice and garlic powder dressing. Refreshing and light.
9. Sweet Potato Salad with Black Beans and Corn
This hearty salad combines sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, and fresh cilantro. A satisfying main dish or side.
10. Creamy Avocado and Tomato Salad
A simple yet delicious salad with creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a lime dressing. Perfect for hot summer nights.
11. Fresh Corn and Cherry Tomato Salad with Basil
This fresh corn and cherry tomato salad is a summer staple. Tossed with fresh basil and a light olive oil dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
12. Vegan Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons
A classic Caesar salad with a vegan twist. This salad features creamy Caesar dressing, crunchy homemade croutons, and vibrant romaine lettuce.
13. Cucumber and Avocado Salad with Lime Dressing
A refreshing cucumber and avocado salad dressed with zesty lime juice. It's perfect for hot days.
14. Quinoa and Black Bean Salad with Fresh Cilantro
A hearty and nutritious quinoa salad with black beans, fresh cilantro, and a tangy lime dressing. Great for meal prep.
15. Vegan Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
This vegan pasta salad features cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a simple olive oil dressing. It's a great side dish or main dish for any summer meal.
16. Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Candied Hazelnut
A delightful combination of fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This salad is perfect for a summer brunch.
17. Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad
This roasted sweet potato and chickpea salad is a hearty and flavorful option for a main dish. Tossed with fresh parsley and a lemon juice dressing.
18. Rainbow Chopped Salad with Orange Tahini Dressing
A vibrant chopped salad featuring a rainbow of vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers. Drizzled with a creamy tahini dressing.
19. Summer Fruit Salad with Mint
A refreshing fruit salad with a mix of summer fruits like watermelon, berries, and peaches, garnished with fresh mint. Perfect for summer picnics.
20. Vegan Greek Salad with Tofu Feta
This vegan Greek salad features tofu feta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, all tossed in a tangy red wine vinegar dressing.
21. Summer Salad Crunch
There’s not a lot to say about it except that it’s freaking delicious and a breeze to prepare. It’s crunchy, refreshing, and can be eaten all week long if you make a double batch (the salad stays crunchy for days in your fridge) This highlights a lot of the summer bounty so many of you can find these ingredients at your local farmers market.
11 More Summer Salads From Our Kitchen
These are the summer salads I keep coming back to at home, each with a full recipe card.
- Summer Bean & Tomato Salad with Seared Zucchini and Argan Oil
- Three Sisters Salad with Creamy Corn Dressing
- Watermelon, Feta & Greens Salad with Lemon
- Pear & Tomato Summer Salad with Seared Fennel and Lemon Dijon Dressing
- Impossible BBQ Salad with Summer Fruit & Creamy Pickle Dijon Dressing
- Beyond Steak & Tomato Salad with Sweet Onion Vinaigrette
- Smoky Garlic Panzanella Salad
- Fresh Summer Apple Asparagus with Herby Vinaigrette Salad
- Heirloom Tomato & Chickpea Fusilli Salad
- 15-Minute Irresistible Zucchini Silken Tofu Salad for Busy Weeknights
- Easy Cous Cous Salad: A Flavor-Packed Vegan Recipe Using What You Have
Conclusion: These 21 vegan summer salad recipes are not only delicious but also easy to make and perfect for the warmer months. From creamy potato salads to vibrant green salads, there's something here for everyone. So grab your favorite ingredients from the farmer's market and enjoy these healthy vegan salads all summer long!
Vegan Summer Salad FAQ
Peak-season produce like tomatoes, corn, cucumber, stone fruit and fresh herbs, something hearty such as beans, grains or pasta, a bit of crunch, and a bright, tangy dressing.
Add protein and healthy fats: chickpeas, beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, edamame or quinoa, plus avocado, nuts or seeds. A grain or pasta base also makes it a full meal.
Mayo-free grain, bean and pasta salads hold up best in the heat. Keep them chilled and do not leave them out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour when it is above 90°F.
Grain, bean and pasta salads keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Leafy green salads are best eaten the same day, so store the dressing separately.
Yes. Prep the vegetables, grains and dressing ahead, then toss leafy salads just before serving. Hearty bean and grain salads actually taste better after an hour in the fridge.
Tofu feta, store-bought vegan feta, toasted nuts or seeds, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast all add a salty, savory finish.
Many are. Swap couscous, pasta and croutons for quinoa, rice, gluten-free pasta or toasted chickpeas, and check that your dressing ingredients are gluten-free.
