I Needed Something Quick And Healthy—15 Vegan Salads Recipes Were Perfect

When you’re hungry, tired, and trying to avoid another boring sandwich, having a list of 15 healthy plant-based salads on hand suddenly feels like a public service. Each one brings something different, so there’s zero chance of repeating last week’s lunch five times in a row. It’s like giving your meals a much-needed upgrade without needing a motivational speech.

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

This post has affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you.

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.

Roasted vegetables and beans come together to make a hearty option that fills you up without feeling heavy. Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad pairs sweetness with a subtle nutty twist, making it unique. It’s great for prepping ahead and holds up well over time, so you can have it for multiple meals. Whether for lunch or dinner, this option is both practical and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Quinoa Salad

Packed with a light base and a mix of ingredients, Quinoa Salad is all about texture. It’s a simple option for something easy yet filling, with enough variety to keep it interesting. This works well on its own or as a side to something else. Plus, it’s flexible enough to customize however you like.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad is where freshness meets a slightly sweet edge. It’s a lighter blend with a crisp contrast between the ingredients. Best if you’re looking for a quick, no-cook option that feels unique. This one is easy to throw together and looks vibrant too.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A bowl of fresh salad with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and herbs, seasoned with black pepper, with a serving spoon. — Cucumber Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Simple and fresh, Cucumber Tomato Salad works because it relies on straightforward ingredients that pair well. The crunchy and juicy mix makes it refreshing yet filling enough as a small meal. It’s super easy, with no cooking involved, making it ideal for busy times. You can also make it in larger batches to enjoy later.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Vegan Pasta Salad

A wooden bowl filled with bowtie pasta mixed with roasted zucchini, carrots, tomatoes, and herbs. — Vegan Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

If you’re missing traditional salads, Vegan Pasta Salad is a great alternative with a heartier twist. It has the familiarity of comfort food but works perfectly as a lighter meal. It’s flexible enough to fit lots of ingredients and great to bring to gatherings. This dish is easy to scale up or down depending on your needs.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Salad

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Easy Vegan Coleslaw is a crunchy option that fits almost anywhere – as a side or even as a topping. It’s basic but has that nice balance of creamy goodness and freshness. It’s just as great on its own as it is paired with other dishes. Plus, it can easily be made in bulk for convenience.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

A plate of watermelon salad with cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and mint leaves, served with a lime wedge. — Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Sweet and savory come together in Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad, creating an experience that’s simple yet interesting. The mix of textures is a standout, and it feels perfect for when you want something that’s not too heavy. It works on its own or as a side for a larger meal. Quick, easy, and something a bit different for your salad options.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

Cucumber Peanut Salad

A bowl of chopped cucumber salad mixed with nuts and fresh herbs. — Cucumber Peanut Salad. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

For something both crunchy and slightly unexpected, Cucumber Peanut Salad fits perfectly. The way the flavors and textures pair makes this stand out as a unique choice. It’s ideal when you need something quick yet different from the usual. Plus, it packs light and works for on-the-go meals too.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut Salad

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps

More like a salad you can hold, Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps bring a handheld option into the mix. Perfect when you want something fresh but with a fun twist on salads. These are quick to assemble, and the fillings keep it both light and filling. Best for lunches or snacks when you want non-traditional salad ideas.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps

Cabbage Salad

A crunchy, colorful option, Cabbage Salad is straightforward but never boring. The simplicity of this one lies in how quickly it comes together with minimal steps. It’s a great option when you need something fresh to pair with other dishes. Perfect for packed lunches, it’s sturdy enough to keep without losing its texture.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Salad

Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

A mix of grains and protein, Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu is great when you need something more filling. The tofu adds an extra element that makes this perfect as a solo meal. This is super portable and works great for busy days or meal prepping. It’s flavorful enough without needing a lot of fuss to put together.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

Indian Onion Salad

A bowl of red onion and cilantro salad on a table. — Indian Onion Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Known for its simplicity, Indian Onion Salad is quick to make and full of crunch. This one pairs well with other dishes but stands out when you need something fresh and fast. The boldness of flavor here is what keeps it from being too plain. It’s an excellent side dish option that takes no time to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Indian Onion Salad

Kachumber

Light and refreshing, Kachumber is a perfect no-cook side option for busy days. Its mix of textures makes it enjoyable, and it pairs well with a variety of meals. You can easily make it in minutes without much prep work. A great option to add a little brightness to your plate anytime.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Close-up of sliced cucumbers garnished with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and red chili flakes. — Spicy Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Mixing freshness with a bit of a kick, Spicy Cucumber Salad is a good one for those who like bold flavors. The crunch and spice make it stand out compared to other simpler options. It’s quick to prepare, so you don’t need much time to enjoy something special. Whether on its own or as a side, it’s sure to leave an impression.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Harvest Salad

A bit heartier than most, Harvest Salad pulls together a variety of ingredients to give a balance of textures. It’s convenient to make ahead and feed as a full meal or a filling side. This option leans on simplicity but has enough going on to feel substantial. Good choice for busy days or when you want something more balanced.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad