• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
No Sweat Vegan
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Vegan Meals
    • Dinner Entrées
    • Kid-Friendly Vegan Recipes
    • Tofu Recipes
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Italian Recipes
    • Mexican Recipes
    • Asian Recipes
    • Indian Recipes
    • Salads & Salad Dressings
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Condiments & Sauces
    • Holiday & Seasonal Recipes
    • Recipe Collections
  • Resources
    • Shop
  • Free E-Book
  • Meal Planning Printables
  • Subscribe!
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Subscribe!
  • Free E-Book
  • Meal Planning Printables
  • About No Sweat Vegan
  • Resources
  • Dinner Entrées
  • Quick & Easy Vegan Meals
  • Kid-Friendly Vegan Recipes
  • Tofu Recipes
  • Air Fryer Recipes
  • Italian Recipes
  • Mexican Recipes
  • Asian Recipes
  • Indian Recipes
  • Salads & Salad Dressings
  • Desserts
  • Side Dishes
  • Appetizers & Snacks
  • Condiments & Sauces
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch Recipes
  • Holiday & Seasonal Recipes
  • Recipe Collections
  • Shop
×

Home » Recipes

Best Summer Salads (+ They're All Vegan!)

Published: 4 Jun 2021 · Updated: 14 May 2022 by Julianne Lynch · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · Leave a Comment

763 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly
  • Email
Jump to Recipe
Best Vegan Summer Salads collage: mediterranean pasta salad, southwest quinoa salad, spinach strawberry salad, and cucumber mango salad.
Best Vegan Summer Salads collage: mediterranean pasta salad, southwest quinoa salad, spinach strawberry salad, and cucumber mango salad.

This collection of the Best Summer Salads has everything you're looking for from light green salads to BBQ classics. All of these Vegan Salad Recipes are simple, refreshing, and delicious. They're perfect for light lunches, but they can also please a crowd. So dive on in and see what catches your eye!

Best Vegan Summer Salads collage: mediterranean pasta salad, southwest quinoa salad, spinach strawberry salad, and cucumber mango salad.
Which of these summer salads will become your new favorite?

Ah, summer. Lazy days by the pool, outdoor dining, and the freshest produce of the year. Whether you've just hit up a farmer's market or you've found a great deal at your local supermarket, summer is the time for all things fruits and veg. So what better time of year for salads? These Refreshing Summer Salads are light, delicious, and easy to make. Everything here is vegan and many are WFPB (Whole-Foods Plant Based). They're perfect for hot nights when you don't want to cook and weekend BBQs when you need a crowd-pleasing dish to share.

Jump to:
  • When to Serve
  • What makes a good salad?
  • Make-ahead tips
  • Summer Salads with Fruit
  • Classic BBQ Side Salads
  • Summer Pasta Salads
  • Green Salads
  • Bean & Grain Salads
  • International Salads
  • More recipe collections
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Best Summer Salads (All Vegan!)

You'll love these Summer Salad recipes because they're:

  • Light & Healthy
  • Refreshing
  • Vegan / Vegetarian
  • Dairy-free
  • Egg-free
  • Great for Lunch or Dinner
  • Perfect for Sharing
  • Absolutely Delicious!

When to Serve

  • Memorial Day
  • 4th of July
  • Graduation parties
  • Birthday parties
  • Pool parties
  • Potlucks
  • Holiday buffets
  • Packed lunches or picnics
  • Any hot summer day or night!

What makes a good salad?

Contrary to popular belief, the word salad doesn't just denote a boring pile of iceberg lettuce and a bland dressing. In fact, "salad" more accurately refers to a mixture of different types of food, bound together with some kind of dressing or sauce--lettuce or greens are often in the mix but definitely not always.

I like to think of salads as having a combination of some or all of these qualities: fresh, salty, sweet/tart, acidic, crunchy, and creamy. I also like to include a few sources of protein like nuts, seeds, or tofu. A good salad will have at least three or four of these qualities. So when you're making up your own salad or making substitutions to a recipe, always think about striking a balance with the right elements.

A salad that's too sweet can be balanced with a salty element like nuts, vegan parmesan, or vegan bacon bits. Something too creamy can be sharpened with a nice acidic vinegar or pickled vegetables. And a salad that lacks crunch can be garnished with nuts, seeds, or croutons.


Make-ahead tips

If you're planning to make salads ahead of time for a BBQ or party, or if you want to meal prep a week's worth of lunches there are a few things to consider.

  • Green salads tend to get soggy and gross when you add the dressing and store it overnight. As a good rule of thumb, always keep the dressing separate and only add it right before serving.
  • On the other hand, salads where the main ingredients are potatoes, broccoli, or pasta can actually taste BETTER after a night in the fridge. However, garnishes like vegan bacon bits, chives, nuts, or seeds should be added right before serving.
  • Need more meal planning ideas? Check out my free Meal-Planning Tips & Printables Page.


Summer Salads with Fruit

Nothing says summer salad quite like a salad topped with seasonal fruit! From strawberries to mango, nectarines to peaches, these bright and refreshing salads are perfect for hot summer nights!

Spinach salad with strawberries, avocado, red onion, pecans, vegan bacon bits, and creamy balsamic dressing.
Spinach, Avocado, & Strawberry Salad
This Vegan Spinach Avocado & Strawberry Salad makes a delicious light meal or BBQ side dish. Pecans and vegan bacon bits add richness and crunch, while the creamy balsamic dressing adds tanginess. Perfect for summer or any time of year!
Grab the recipe!
Grilled peach salad.
Peach Salad with Maple Balsamic Glaze by Lazy Cat Kitchen
This arugala and spinach based salad is topped with sliced peaches and fennel. Drizzle a maple balsamic glaze over the top and you have an epic summer salad to share with family and friends.
Grab the recipe!
Zesty Heirloom Tomato & Nectarine Salad by Whole Food Bellies
Heirloom Tomato and Nectarine Salad with a zesty mint and lime dressing is the perfect little unique salad combination to showcase all of the summer's beautiful fresh flavors. Summer in a bowl has never tasted so good!
Grab the recipe!
Mango cucumber summer salad.
Mango Cucumber Salad by Clean Green Simple
This mango cucumber salad is fresh, tangy, and sweet. Enjoy it with tacos, rice, or over greens for a bright and nutritious vegan summer dish.
Grab the recipe!

Classic BBQ Side Salads

Some summer salads are practically mandatory for every BBQ, cookout, or get-together. These veganized versions have all the creaminess and comfort you're looking for, so you'll have no problem sharing them with family and friends. Don't be surprised if people keep asking, Are you sure this is vegan? Give these recipes a try to find out!

Best vegan broccoli salad.
Vegan Broccoli Salad (No Mayo)
This Vegan Broccoli Salad is creamy, crunchy, sweet, and salty. Made with vegan bacon bits and a Cashew & Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing, this No-Mayo Broccoli Salad is a healthier version of the potluck classic! Perfect for sharing at your next BBQ, cookout, or holiday party.
Grab the recipe!
Southwestern corn salad.
Oven Roasted Southwest Corn Salad by Cook Eat Live Love
This southwest corn salad made with roasted fresh corn and is ready in about 30 minutes. It's an easy summer salad that's perfect for picnics, cookouts, and potluck dinners!
Grab the recipe!
Vegan Waldorf Salad by Zardy Plants
This Vegan Waldorf Salad is creamy, refreshing and perfectly balanced for a delicious side or entree. Made from grapes, apples, walnuts and optional celery and served in a beautiful lettuce lined bowl, this is a dish you can bring to any gathering or complement any spread at your dinner table.
Grab the recipe!
easy, creamy, oil free vegan potato salad
Creamy Vegan Potato Salad (Oil-Free!)
This easy and creamy Vegan Potato Salad is so rich and luscious you'd never know it's oil-free. Perfect for serving at a summer cookout or picnic. Your non-vegan friends and family won't believe how much it tastes like the real thing!
Grab the recipe!
creamy vegan coleslaw oil free
Creamy Vegan Coleslaw (Oil-Free!)
This creamy vegan coleslaw is bright and colorful, with a decadent yet healthy oil-free silken tofu dressing. Perfect for topping a BBQ jackfruit sandwich or enjoy as a side dish. It's never been easier to eat your cabbage!
Grab the recipe!

Summer Pasta Salads

Who doesn't love a good pasta salad? They're starchy, delicious, and perfect for summer. Pasta salads are especially great for bringing to a cookout or BBQ because they're kid and omnivore-friendly. If you want to elevate your pasta salad game, give these a look!

(Oh, and in case you're wondering, couscous is actually considered pasta, so that's why it's listed here).

Quinoa pasta salad
Mediterranean Quinoa Pasta Salad by Nutriciously
This pasta salad combines high-protein quinoa, macaroni pasta, mediterranean veggies, and a vegan yogurt dressing for a delicious spin on the classic. A perfect summer BBQ side to share with family and friends.
Grab the recipe!
Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Veggies and Chickpeas (Oil-Free!)
Vegan Pesto Pasta with Roasted Veggies (Oil-Free!)
Fun fusilli pasta, creamy vegan pesto, earthy chickpeas, and bright roasted vegetables, combine for a quick, easy, and colorful vegan pesto pasta salad. This recipe is oil-free but full of flavor. Serve cold as a perfect side dish for a summer cookout or warm as your main course.
Grab the recipe!
Herbed Couscous & Tofu Salad by This Wife Cooks
Couscous gets cooked on the stovetop then tossed with garden-fresh herbs, veggies, and light lemon dressing. Serve this Mediterranean-style fare as a quick and easy entree salad or side dish.
Grab the recipe!
Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad by Budget Delicious
Sweet, tangy, colorful, and fresh Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad with poppy seeds is ready in under 20 minutes and a great side dish or mains for everyday eats or holiday gatherings.
Grab the recipe!
Chickpea artichoke pasta salad.
Bowtie Pasta Salad with Chickpeas & Artichokes by Cadry's Kitchen
This bowtie pasta salad is filled to the brim with briny olives, artichokes, and tomatoes. It's tossed in an oil & vinegar dressing, making it a perfectly light summer dish.
Grab the recipe!

Green Salads

Ah, the classic green salad. But these aren't your typical iceberg lettuce snooze-fests. These Vegan Green Salads level up and give you a full meal that's anything but boring!

Hearty Country Salad with Tofu Nuggets & Vegan Honey Mustard Dressing
Crispy Tofu Salad with Vegan "Honey" Mustard Dressing
This crispy tofu salad combines crunchy veggies, sweet tomatoes, earthy almonds, tangy "honey" mustard dressing, and Chick-fil-A Style Tofu Nuggets for a satisfying yet healthy meal. Perfect for a make-ahead lunch or an entree salad. So tasty, you won't believe everything is 100% vegan and oil-free!
Grab the recipe!
Vegan Cobb Salad by Clean Green Simple
Fuel up on veggies with this colorful vegan cobb salad. Complete with eggy tofu, roasted chickpeas, and homemade vegan ranch dressing, this salad is perfect for filling up on warm summer days.
Grab the recipe!
Hummus salad with greens.
High Protein Hummus Salad by The Live In Kitchen
Make the most of your CSA or farmer's market haul with this high protein vegan salad! Fresh veggies get topped with hummus and seeds for a hearty, flavorful salad.
Grab the recipe!
southwestern salad with chili-lime tofu nuggets
Vegan Southwest Salad with Chili-Lime Tofu
This Southwestern Salad is bright, delicious, and filling enough to be your main course! The Chili-Lime Tofu adds the perfect protein and the Cilantro-Lime Avocado Dressing offers a creamy, citrusy finish.
Grab the recipe!

Bean & Grain Salads

Salads with a base of beans or grains are full of healthy protein and satisfy you without leaving you overfull. They're perfect for packed lunches since you can add the dressing ahead and store them in the fridge for several days, but they can also make a delicious side or dip for a summer shindig.

Zesty quinoa salad recipe.
Zesty Quinoa Salad
This Zesty Quinoa Salad is full of vibrant flavors and colors. Made with black beans, mango, lime juice, and more, this vegan quinoa salad makes a perfect meal-prep lunch, light summer dinner, or BBQ side dish!
Grab the recipe!
Chickpea Edamame Salad.
Chickpea Edamame Salad by Cheerful Choices
This Chickpea Edamame Salad is the perfect light side dish or lunch to enjoy during the warmer months! The colorful ingredients in this rainbow quinoa salad pack in tons of health benefits. This recipe is vegan and gluten-free.
Grab the recipe!
Five bean salad in bowl.
Five-Bean Salad by Mae's Menu
This refreshing and crunchy 5 bean salad is perfect for a barbecue, cookout, or a light dinner. It's vegean, gluten-free, and brimming with plant-based protein.
Grab the recipe!
Three-Bean salad.
Three-Bean Salad by Boulder Locavore
Three Bean Salad is a classic summer salad recipe. It’s colorful with soft and crunchy textures, and a delicious tangy-sweet dressing. It’s fast and easy to make! Perfect for easy summer meals, grilling out, picnics, and potlucks.
Grab the recipe!
Quinoa avocado salad.
Herby Quinoa Salad by Caramel & Cashews
This herby quinoa salad with avocado and chickpeas packs a flavor punch. Cilantro, basil, and mint give this light and healthy summer salad a fresh and delicious vibe. Perfect for a packed lunch, light dinner, or BBQ.
Grab the recipe!
Fiesta mango quinoa salad.
Fiesta Mango Quinoa Salad by Dishing Out Health
This delicious Fiesta Mango Quinoa Salad with black beans, corn, and chili-lime dressing takes just 20 minutes. It's vegan, gluten free, and perfect for entertaining.
Grab the recipe!

International Salads

Ready to wake up your taste buds? These refreshing summer salads are all inspired by international flavors. They're perfect as stand-alone meals, BBQ side salads, or make-ahead lunches. These flavor-forward salads are just what you need to get you out of your salad rut.

Thai salad with tofu.
Thai Salad with Sesame-Crusted Tofu
This bright and colorful Thai Salad makes a perfect meal or side dish. Topped with crunchy veggies, sweet mandarin slices, cubes of sesame-crusted tofu, and an Asian ginger dressing, this salad is sure to wake up your senses and leave you satisfied.
Grab the recipe!
Cauliflower Rice Tabbouleh by The View From Great Island
This Cauliflower Rice Tabbouleh is a twist on the glorious Middle Eastern cracked wheat salad, made low carb and grain free using cauliflower rice. A perfect, light dish for warm summer nights.
Grab the recipe!
Vegan Ramen Noodle Salad by V Nutrition and Wellness
Ramen noodles are good for more than just soup! Switch things up and make a healthy & colorful Vegan Ramen Noodle Salad in 10 minutes with gluten-free rice noodles, crunchy shredded veggies, and a zesty oil-free dressing!
Grab the recipe!
Vegan chickpea salad sandwich.
Vegan Curry Chickpea Salad
This vegan chickpea salad is quick, easy, and versatile. It combines the aromatic spices of the curry powder with the crunch of the veggies and the earthiness of the chickpeas. Bring it all together with vegan mayo or yogurt and serve it as a sandwich, salad, or wrap. Perfect for lunch or any time of day!
Grab the recipe!

I hope you found a vegan summer salad you love in this collection! If you tried one be sure to let me know in the comments. And if you don't see your favorite on the list, let me know and I'll do my best to add it.

More recipe collections

  • Vegan Cookout Recipes Pin
    20+ Vegan Grill Party Recipes (Sides & Mains)
  • Collage photo of vegan summer dessert recipes
    20+ Vegan Summer Dessert Recipes
  • 20 vegan sandwiches
    20+ Vegan Sandwiches to Try Right Now!
  • Vegan pasta recipes pin.
    Best Vegan Pasta Recipes

📖 Recipe

Best Vegan Summer Salads collage: mediterranean pasta salad, southwest quinoa salad, spinach strawberry salad, and cucumber mango salad.

Best Summer Salads (All Vegan!)

This collection of the Best Summer Salads has everything you're looking for from light green salads to BBQ classics. For a super simple salad that's perfect to throw together for a quick lunch, check out this recipe for my Summer Rainbow Salad!
5 from 5 votes
Print Recipe Share on Facebook Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
Course Lunch, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, International, Seasonal
Servings 1
Calories 451 kcal

Equipment

Cutting Board
knife

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups prewashed mixed greens
  • 6 strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 mandarin orange, peeled and segmented
  • ¼ yellow bell pepper, trimmed and chopped
  • ¼ avocado, sliced
  • ⅓ cup blueberries
  • ¼ red onion, peeled and sliced
  • 2 tablespoon walnuts
  • 2 tablespoon balsamic dressing

Instructions
 

  • Wash and prep the fruit and vegetables.
  • Add the lettuce to a large salad bowl.
  • Top with the other fruits and vegetables, arranged in rainbow order.
  • Sprinkle on the walnuts and drizzle on the dressing. Enjoy!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Save this RecipeSaved!

Notes

  • This is a super simple, single-serving salad you can throw together for a quick lunch or dinner. 
  • Use the linked recipe for oil-free balsamic dressing or your favorite vinaigrette of choice.

Nutrition

Calories: 451kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 7gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 299mgPotassium: 867mgFiber: 10gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 1681IUVitamin C: 151mgCalcium: 96mgIron: 2mg
Keyword best summer salads, best vegan salads, summer salads, vegan salads, vegetarian salads
Tried this recipe?Tag me on Instagram @no_sweat_vegan or #nosweatvegan!

Want access to my Exclusive Meal Planning Tips & Printables page?

Did you try this recipe? Have a question? Just leave a comment below and I'll get back to you ASAP!

More Vegan Recipes

  • Chili sin carne recipe.
    Chili Sin Carne (Vegan Chili)
  • Chipotle Sofritas Bowls
  • Chipotle corn salsa recipe.
    Chipotle Corn Salsa (Copycat Recipe)
  • Sofritas recipe.
    Sofritas (Chipotle Inspired!)
763 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly
  • Email

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Let's Get Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
Julianne, founder of No Sweat Vegan.

Hi, I'm Julianne! I love creating simple and comforting vegan food for the whole family. Most of my recipes are healthy, Whole-Foods Plant-Based, and easy on the budget. Thanks for stopping by!

More about me →

Trending

  • Chick-fil-A style tofu nuggets with vegan honey mustard dipping sauce
    Vegan Chick-fil-A style Tofu Nuggets with Vegan Honey Mustard Sauce (Oil-free!)
  • Vegan oatmeal raisin cookies stacked.
    Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (Healthy, Easy, & Oil-Free)
  • Easy Oil-Free Tofu Nuggets!
  • vegan oil-free pesto
    Quick Oil-Free Vegan Pesto

Recent

  • Air fryer frozen green beans recipe.
    Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans (Two Ways!)
  • Vegan black bean tacos on a cutting board with avocado crema and limes.
    Vegan Black Bean Tacos
  • Vegan avocado cream recipe.
    Vegan Avocado Crema (5 minutes!)
  • Vegan potato recipes collage.
    Best Vegan Potato Recipes

Web Stories

Footer

↑ back to top

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Impressum

Free Meal Planning Tips & Printables!

  • Sign Up for free printables and weekly updates

Contact

  • Contact
  • Media Kit
  • FAQ

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

***

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to No Sweat Vegan with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.


Copyright © 2020-2022 No Sweat Vegan on the Foodie Pro Theme