These 15 Vegan Salads Recipes Saved Me When I Was Too Tired To Cook

When energy is gone but hunger hits hard, 15 different vegan salads can solve the problem. They’re quick to assemble, easy on the stomach, and surprisingly good at keeping boredom out of the dinner routine. Instead of standing over a pan for an hour, these salads cover the bases with minimal effort. It’s like having a secret trick to avoid the dreaded “what’s for dinner” debate.

Easy Vegan Coleslaw. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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Quinoa Salad

Sometimes tired days need something filling yet easy. Quinoa Salad combines nutty grains with simple additions to create a refreshing balance. It’s perfect when you want something wholesome without much effort. The simplicity and versatility make it one to keep on repeat for low-energy meals.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Bright flavors can help when energy is low. Blood Orange and Fennel Salad brings a mix of bold citrus and crunchy texture that feels light yet bold. It’s the kind of mix that works for almost any meal or on its own. You barely need to think about it, and it still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

Quick meals with protein included are a must on tiring days. Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu delivers a mix of chewy, hearty texture and balance. It works just as easily as a main meal or quick snack without needing much prep. You get something filling without spending energy in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

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.

Nothing works quite like a fresh combo that comes together effortlessly. Cucumber Tomato Salad is crisp and hydrating with a straightforward appeal. It pairs well with just about anything and also stands alone as light fuel. The ingredients do most of the work to shine here.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Harvest Salad

Quick, hearty meals hit the spot when you’re out of energy. Harvest Salad mixes fresh and cooked components for something warm and balanced. It has a good variety while still being easy to pull together. Even on tired evenings, it feels like a wholesome go-to option.
Get the Recipe: 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.

When you want something filling but not overly heavy, this is for you. Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad offers a mix of tender bites and extra texture. It’s satisfying when you need something both functional and flavorful without feeling overloaded. You’ll be glad this combo is simple.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Cabbage Salad

Sometimes basic dishes are just what you need. Cabbage Salad lets its crunchy texture stand out with minimal work involved. It works well as a quick side or something by itself when energy is low. Keeping it simple is what makes it perfect for tired moments.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Salad

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

Flexibility matters on lazy or low-energy days. Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF) make handheld, fresh bites with a naturally fun presentation. These wraps are as simple as assembling and require zero effort to cook. It’s a refreshingly easy switch for meals when you’re drained.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

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.

A cold, comforting option makes food choices simpler when the day’s been long. Vegan Pasta Salad comes together quickly and holds up well for different meals. With its balanced touch of carbs and crunch, it’s both energizing and convenient. It’s one of those salads you keep on hand for easy meals.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Salad

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.

No-cook dishes are lifesavers after exhausting days. Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad combines a refreshing sweetness with a fresh texture that doesn’t overwhelm. It’s quick and low-effort while also being pleasantly unexpected in its mix of flavors. A reliable choice when you need something cool and easy.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

Indian Onion Salad

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

Bold, fresh bites give you a break from heavy meals. Indian Onion Salad is sharp, bright, and pairs effortlessly with a simple base. Its layered flavors require next to no energy to prepare. This one is straightforward but never boring for lazy moments.
Get the Recipe: Indian Onion Salad

Cucumber Peanut Salad

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

Crunch and richness come together effortlessly here. Cucumber Peanut Salad transforms simple textures into something fulfilling without overdoing it. It’s easy to throw together and adds variety to tired-day meals. Even with minimal time, this mix still feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut 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.

Let simple boldness carry the load when energy is low. Spicy Cucumber Salad delivers a sharp, fresh kick that’s both refreshing and a little unique. There’s something about the simplicity that makes it stand out during lazy mealtimes. No fuss, yet still not forgettable.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Kachumber

Light, fresh meals offer just what you need on tired days. Kachumber brings refreshing crunch in every bite while keeping it balanced and straightforward. It’s as easy as chopping and serves well as a healthy go-to dish. Minimal work yet fully worth the minimal time spent.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Straightforward dishes can still feel complete even when effort is low. Easy Vegan Coleslaw keeps things simple with crunch in every bite and a no-hassle setup. It’s as perfect for pairing as it is for enjoying on its own. You’ll appreciate the ease and comfort it brings to busy days.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw