I Was Out Of Ideas—13 Vegan Salads Recipes Gave Me Something New

Thought salad was boring? Same. Then came a list of 13 plant-based combos that actually made lunch less of a chore and more like, “Okay, this works.” It’s the kind of mix where even your leftovers feel like they’ve got personality. Great if your fridge is full of random greens and your brain’s fresh out of ideas but still wants something better than crackers and hummus again.

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.

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Quinoa Salad

Packed with quinoa, this is all about simplicity and versatility. You can easily throw it together without much fuss, yet it feels like you put effort into your meal. Quinoa Salad stands out because it’s hearty but still light. It’s one of those dishes that doesn’t overpower, making it perfect for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa 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.

Warm roasted sweet potatoes make this one stand apart from cold salads. It balances soft roasted flavors with chickpeas for a pleasing bite. Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad feels familiar but offers enough variety to keep it interesting. You can have this as a main or a really filling side.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

The pairing of blood orange and fennel provides a balance of sweet and slight bitterness. It’s a refreshing mix that feels a little different from typical fruit-based salads. Blood Orange and Fennel Salad works as a palate cleanser or a light meal. It’s great when you’re in the mood for something fresh and simple.
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.

Crunchy cucumbers match perfectly with juicy tomatoes for a lighter option. Its straightforward approach makes it an easy go-to when you’re after something quick. Cucumber Tomato Salad brings a clean and refreshing combo to the table. This is one of those recipes that keeps things simple yet effective.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Kachumber

This is an Indian-style salad that’s as straightforward as it is flavorful. Kachumber mixes raw vegetables, which makes it incredibly quick to prepare. It stands out for its texture and variety without feeling heavy. It’s a great addition if you’re eating multiple dishes or want something fresh and energizing.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber

Indian Onion Salad

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

If you’ve ever paired onions with a meal and thought they could use more flavor, this one has your back. Indian Onion Salad isn’t just about the onions, but how they work with other ingredients for texture and bold flavors. It’s ideal for building layers within a meal. Even those who avoid onions might reconsider.
Get the Recipe: Indian Onion Salad

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.

Adding spices to cucumber gives it an edge you might not expect. The fresh cucumber adds crunch, and the spices take it to another level, keeping the ingredients simple but impactful. Spicy Cucumber Salad doesn’t overcomplicate things but still surprises when you’re used to plain salads. Great when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Vegan Couscous Salad with Tofu

Couscous is hearty, and tofu keeps it balanced, making it a solid, filling option. Vegan Couscous Salad with Tofu is for when you want something that feels complete. Tofu adds protein without being heavy, while couscous keeps everything together. It’s one of those salads you can meal-prep or enjoy right away.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad with Tofu

Cucumber Peanut Salad

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

The mix of peanut and cucumber is a surprisingly great combo. Cucumber Peanut Salad keeps it simple but different enough to feel exciting. The crunch from peanuts pairs well with the freshness of cucumbers. If you’re feeling adventurous without adding too much effort, this one can be really enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut Salad

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

This is a quick version of coleslaw, minus the heavy sauces you might expect. Easy Vegan Coleslaw keeps things light while still being crunchy and flavorful. It’s one of those salads that fits next to almost any dish without competing. Perfect for gatherings or just something chill for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

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.

Pasta in a salad sounds like a mix of two worlds, but it works. Vegan Pasta Salad is for when you want something filling but not overly complicated. The pasta gives it a fullness you don’t always get in salads, balancing well with fresh ingredients. Great for meals that need a bit more substance without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Salad

Cabbage Salad

Something is fulfilling about crunchy shredded cabbage. Cabbage Salad strips down to essentials, letting texture shine through without much distraction. It’s a fantastic blank canvas to pair with other meals or just enjoy as is. Its simplicity makes it one of those staples that never feel out of place.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Salad

Harvest Salad

This brings a lot of variety to one plate, but it’s not overwhelming. Harvest Salad combines a mix of ingredients that somehow work perfectly together. It has a great balance that makes it feel fulfilling without being too dense. Perfect for those times when you want something different but balanced.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad