9 Vegan Salad Recipes That Make Cold January Days Feel Lighter

Everyone knows cold days can make you lean toward comfort food, but 9 vegan salad recipes offer another option. Lighter choices don’t have to mean boring, and you can keep meals interesting without much hassle. Sharing a few salads with friends or family is always a good way to try something new. Smart swaps and easy prep make it possible to stick with healthy goals in January.

A close-up of seaweed salad with sesame seeds on a red plate, with chopsticks picking up a portion. — Seaweed Salad. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

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Fresh Vegan Pasta Primavera

A colorful pasta salad with fusilli, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, peas, red onion, zucchini, and fresh basil leaves is served on a blue plate. — Fresh Vegan Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bright colors and lively crunch make this Fresh Vegan Pasta Primavera perfect for chilly days that need a boost. I turn to this dish whenever I want something vibrant and light but still filling. Each serving brings fresh garden flavor even in the middle of winter. People often come back just for another bowl.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Vegan Pasta Primavera

Tangy Chickpea Salad with Roasted Peppers

A plate of chickpea salad with chopped red onions, roasted red peppers, herbs, and sliced almonds, served with a spoon. — Tangy Chickpea Salad with Roasted Peppers. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Everyone seems to pause after the first bite of this Tangy Chickpea Salad with Roasted Peppers because it’s just that memorable. The balance between zingy dressing and sweet roasted peppers keeps things interesting. I have noticed it disappears fast at potlucks and quick lunches. Expect plenty of recipe requests with this one.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Chickpea Salad with Roasted Peppers

Fresh Green Salad

Cold weather meals sometimes feel heavy, so this Fresh Green Salad really stands out in January. The crisp leaves and mix of veggies add a welcoming pop of color to winter tables. I love how it always feels uplifting, even if the sky is gray. Salads like this help keep the mood light on the darkest days.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Green Salad

Crunchy Celery Salad

A bowl filled with chopped celery, red onion, apples, almonds, and fresh herbs. — Crunchy Celery Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes the best dishes start simple, and this Crunchy Celery Salad is proof. Crisp bites and a refreshing taste wake up any tired palate. I often pair it with warmer meals just because it lightens up the plate. It’s always a hit, especially for those craving something new mid-winter.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad

Fresh Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

A close-up of a pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, red onions, and seasonings in a white bowl. — Fresh Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

With smoky flavor and a lively mix of shapes, this Fresh Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad brings variety to busy weeks. The vegetables have a way of capturing everyone’s attention, turning a side into the highlight of the meal. I like having leftovers—it only gets better over time. Friends usually ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Cabbage Salad

Layers of crunch and bold flavors make this Cabbage Salad pleasant long after the first forkful. It pairs well with soups or sandwiches since it never feels heavy. I find it great for potlucks because it stays crisp for hours. Every bite brightens up the January table with its freshness.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Salad

Fresh Harvest Salad

A Harvest Salad with kale, sweet potato wedges, avocado chunks, chickpeas, and pickled red onions, all drizzled with a delectable dressing. — Fresh Harvest Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A seasonal selection of winter veggies sets this Fresh Harvest Salad apart. Each forkful feels like a reminder that colder months still have beautiful produce. I enjoy preparing it for gatherings where guests want something unexpected. The colors and textures make it a visual treat as much as a flavorful one.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Harvest Salad

Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

A salad with arugula, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and a drizzle of creamy dressing on a white plate. — Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Deep orange tones and hearty texture help this Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad feel comforting yet lively. Each bite strikes a balance between gentle sweetness and a filling finish. I always appreciate how well it works for meal prepping lunches. One serving is often enough to carry you through the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Seaweed Salad

Ocean flavor brings something bold and fun to this Seaweed Salad, especially when winter menus grow predictable. Its lively green color sparks conversation at any table. I make it whenever I want to surprise friends with something different. There’s just enough chew and crunch to keep every bite interesting.
Get the Recipe: Seaweed Salad