14 Refreshing Vegan Salads That Are Perfect For Summer

In summer, it's only natural to crave lighter meals. Surely, there's a place for comfort food. Still, while the temperatures soar high, we lean towards veggie salads, appetizers, and chilled soups that refresh and energize.

That's why we hand-picked a collection of light yet satisfying vegan salads. Many of these recipes rely on fresh summer produce from a local farmer's market. These salads are perfect for summer and can be enjoyed as stand-alone meals.

We love keeping the dressing options simple. Most salads feature a combination of olive oil and vinegar, which is always a good choice for vegetable salads. Whichever recipe you choose, be sure it will be delicious, and you'll most likely be making it again.

Crowd-Pleasing Caesar Salad

Vegan caesar salad in a white bowl.
Image Source: Lavender and Macarons.

Classic Caesar salad typically contains anchovies and cheese, which are off-limits on a vegan diet. This version of Caesar salad doesn't contain animal-based ingredients, but it won't compromise on flavor.

Crunchy roasted chickpeas add protein, and the dressing binds the ingredients together to create the most delicious vegan Caesar salad. It is perfectly savory and easy to make. Whip it up for dinner or a summer cookout.

Get the Recipe: Crowd-Pleasing Caesar Salad

Asian-style Beet Salad

Asian style beet salad with sesame seeds and parsley in a white bowl.
Image Credit: Lavender and Macarons.

Beets have a reputation for tasting like “dirt,” but that's not the case in this super flavorful Asian-style salad. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this salad gets its kick from a simple garlic-coriander marinade. It infuses the beets and makes them simply irresistible.

This simple salad recipe is incredibly delicious, healthy, and perfect for any occasion.

Get the Recipe: Asian-Style Beet Salad

Swiss Chard And Apple Salad

Swiss chard salad with chickpeas and apples in a white bowl.
Image Source: Lavender and Macarons.

Swiss chard is an incredibly nutritious vegetable. It's also a versatile leafy green vegetable that tastes delicious, not just in soups and stews. Here is an easy, healthy, colorful Swiss chard salad with apples and chickpeas. The ingredients are readily available and simple to find.

This fresh salad is perfect for a summer dinner, picnic, or potluck.

Get the Recipe: Swiss Chard and Apple Salad

Tomato Salad With Garlicky Croutons

Heirloom tomato salad with garlicky breadcrumbs, red onion and fresh basil leaves.
Image Credit: Lavender and Macarons.

You will love making this tomato salad in the summer. Heirloom tomatoes are best; however, other varieties will work here, too. The real star of this salad is the garlic-infused, crunchy breadcrumbs, which add texture and make it look festive and appetizing.

This heirloom tomato salad is a refreshing side dish, perfect for any summer meal. If you’re looking for a salad that’s fresh, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this recipe is definitely worth a try.

Get the Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Salad

Healthy Potato Salad

Healthy vegan potato salad in a clear glass bowl.
Image Source: Lavender and Macarons.

This healthy potato salad with tomatoes and cucumbers is hearty and delicious. What sets it apart from other potato salads is the dressing. Instead of mayo, I used garlicky yogurt. It worked beautifully in this salad, making it juicy and irresistible.

This vegan potato salad is perfect for summer picnics or BBQs. It's easy to make and always delicious.

Get the Recipe: Healthy Potato Salad

Vegan Chicken Salad

Vegan chicken salad on a slice of bread with lettuce and tomatoes on a wooden background.
Image Credit: My Pure Plants.

No one would guess that this plant-based version of a classic chicken salad does not contain poultry. This vegan chicken salad has the flavors and textures of traditional chicken salad but without any animal products.

It takes 20 minutes to make it, and the king oyster mushrooms provide a meaty texture that is simply delicious. Serve it on sandwiches or in a wrap.

Get the Recipe: Vegan Chicken Salad

Creamy Cauliflower Salad With Cucumber and Corn

Cauliflower salad with radishes and cucumber in a terracotta bowl.
Image Credit: Lavender and Macarons.

This cauliflower salad with radishes, cucumber, and corn is vibrant and delicious. It is dressed in a light, creamy yogurt dressing that won't weigh you down. In fact, you'll want to make some extra and serve it over grilled vegetables, tofu, or as a dip.

This delicious salad is going to be on repeat this summer. It's extremely easy to make and a good choice for picnics or BBQs.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Cauliflower Salad With Cucumber and Corn

Easy Cucumber Salad

Sliced cucumber salad with red onion in a white bowl.
Image Credit: Lavender and Macarons.

Cucumber salads don't have to be fancy. Slice some cucumbers and red onion, drizzle them with a homemade Italian dressing, and voila, the best cucumber salad is ready.

This cucumber red onion salad is a refreshing side dish that takes only five minutes to make. This salad is a hit with the whole family. It's a classic dish that never goes out of style.

Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad

Zesty Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad with nuts and berries in a white bowl.
Image Credit: My Pure Plants.

If you're looking for a healthy summer salad recipe, this zesty quinoa salad is a great choice. It works well as a light lunch or a side salad for dinner. Quinoa and nuts provide protein, making it a complete nutrient-dense meal.

The maple Dijon vinaigrette is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, complementing the fresh berries beautifully. Try this salad for your next meal.

Get the Recipe: Zesty Quinoa Salad

Napa Cabbage Salad

Napa cabbage and cucumber salad (slaw) in a terracotta bowl.
Image Credit: Lavender and Macarons.

This Napa cabbage salad is so versatile and can be enjoyed as a side dish to grilled tofu or tempeh, or even served in a burger bun with your choice of protein.

It perfectly blends crisp, refreshing veggies and a zesty dressing. This salad makes for a quick 5-ingredient side dish that's low on effort but big on flavor. Best of all, this vegan salad is mayo-free!

Get the Recipe: Napa Cabbage Salad

Dandelion Salad Recipe

Dandelion couscous salad in a clear glass bowl.
Image Credit: Lavender and Macarons.

Dandelions aren't weeds. In fact, by using dandelion greens, you can make a fantastic salad full of nutrients.

This dandelion salad is a great alternative to traditional green salads like spinach and arugula. It also pairs wonderfully with couscous, adding a refreshing twist to this classic grain. With a balanced mix of healthy fats from avocado, crunchy veggies, and hearty couscous, this salad is a balanced meal that the whole family will love.

Get the Recipe: Dandelion Salad Recipe

Edamame Salad

Edamame and radish salad in a white bowl.
Image Credit: Greedy Gourmet.

We love salads that are loaded with nutrition, and this edamame salad is one of those recipes. It's packed with plant-based protein and full of flavor. The bright green of the edamame beans and the parsley, mixed with the vivid red of the radish and the red onion, make for a beautifully colorful salad. It’s going to look so appetizing when you serve it up!

In addition, this easy side dish is ready in about five minutes, so you can quickly make it for dinner or lunch.

Get the Recipe: Edamame Salad

Quinoa Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Arugula quinoa salad in a white bowl sprinkled with almonds.
Image Credit: My Everyday Table.

Adding quinoa to a salad is a fantastic way to boost your protein intake. This quinoa arugula salad is our favorite because it combines simple ingredients and produces delicious results.

You’ll find yourself making this cold quinoa arugula salad over and over again! Not only is this quinoa and arugula salad incredibly flavorful with its bright lemon vinaigrette, but it’s also ready in just 15 minutes of prep. Each serving of this vegan quinoa salad has a whopping 19 grams of plant-based protein, making it a great make-ahead lunch or dinner side.

Get the Recipe: Quinoa Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Italian Cannellini Bean Salad

Italian Cannellini bean salad with tomatoes and vegan cheese in a white bowl.
Image Credit: Lavender and Macarons.

This Italian cannellini bean salad is vibrant and delicious. Made with white beans, juicy roasted bell peppers, olives, marinated red onions, and dollops of vegan cashew cheese, it's the perfect cold side dish or easy lunch.

This protein-packed Italian salad is full of flavor. It's also suitable for picnics and potlucks.

Get the Recipe: Italian Cannellini Bean Salad

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Iryna Bychkiv

Author: Iryna Bychkiv

Iryna Bychkiv is a founder and author of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares healthy recipes that are easy to prepare, made with wholesome ingredients, and approved by picky eaters in the family.

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