These summer salads are bursting with color and flavor, and they’re 100% delicious.
If you like summer recipes, you might also enjoy our BBQ tofu, black bean burger, zucchini fritters, and lentil burger.
These summer salads are packed with fiber and flavor, and they’re 100% delicious.
When summer hits, Louise and I are all about easy, refreshing and low-calorie meals, and nothing beats a good salad.
Theplantbasedschool.com offers more than 70 salad recipes 🥗. We’ve spent years perfecting plant-based salads that are as nutritious as they are delicious.
These summer salad recipes are the ones we turn to when it’s hot out and we want something refreshing, hydrating, and easy to prepare.
And if you want more summer inspiration, try our grilled eggplant, mango sorbet, and stuffed zucchini; they’re excellent for a summer dinner menu.
Cool, crisp, and coated in a reduced-fat dressing, this salad is made for summer BBQs 😎.
Hearty, tangy, and tossed with fresh veggies and Italian dressing, it’s perfect for meal prep.
This chickpea salad is a reader favorite; a healthy, no-cook salad that keeps well for days, and ideal for busy summer weeks.
Sweet, tangy, and tropical mango salad is a perfect BBQ salad. Go for just-ripe mangoes and pair them with a chili-lime kick for the ultimate summer flavor.
Crunchy cucumber, ripe tomatoes, and red onion in Italian vinaigrette. Salt the tomatoes first to draw out their juices and deepen the flavor of this light, hydrating dish.
Tiny pasta, briny olives, juicy tomatoes, and a lemony dressing. It’s hearty without being heavy and a great choice for healthy summer lunches.
Nutritious and satisfying, this salad packs in fiber and flavor. Use firm lentils like green or black so they hold their shape and add texture to every bite.
Tofu lovers, this one’s for you, with crunchy veggies and fried tofu drizzled with creamy tahini dressing.
Our protein-rich Mediterranean salad is enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and olives. A great make-ahead option that’s healthy, and fiber-rich.
Shaved raw zucchini is tossed with lemon and olives oil. Let the ribbons marinate for a few minutes to soften and soak up all the brightness.
This vinegar coleslaw is light, crunchy, and full of flavor; a healthy twist on a summer staple.
Sweet watermelon, salty feta, and cooling mint make this one poolside perfect.
With roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, and cilantro-lime dressing, this salad is an easy, delicious option for meal prep, and potlucks.
Toss cooled quinoa with marinated chickpeas and veggies for a fresh, low-calorie power bowl.
This vegetarian salad is a fresh, colorful meal that’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and easy family lunches!
Juicy tomatoes, Greek feta, and cucumber, this salad is Greek summer on a plate.
Creamy pasta salad with fewer calories! Toss with white beans, olives, and veggies for a satiating and healthy summer salad.
I tested this peanut sauce 9 times before I was happy with it 😅, it’s delicious with linguine and crunchy veggies.
Cold noodles, crunchy veggies, sesame dressing, this 20-minute Asian salad is perfect for hot days.
A refreshing parsley and bulgur salad with lemon, tomato, and cucumber. Finely chop the herbs and let it chill, this one gets better the longer it sits.
This is my Italian Nonna’s recipe, and probably my favorite grain bowl. Use leftover rice and toss with your favorite veggies for a fuss-free summer salad.
Tips for the best summer salads
- 🥗 Use Seasonal, High-Water-Content Veggies: Hydration is key, so load your salads with cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, and leafy greens. These veggies are naturally cooling and full of water, making your salad super refreshing.
- 🧂 Balance Flavors and Textures: A great salad contains sweet, salty, tangy, and creamy. Mix crunchy (nuts, seeds, raw veggies), creamy (avocado, hummus, cheese), and juicy (mangoes, watermelon, tomatoes) ingredients. Then tie it all together with a zesty dressing.
- ❄️ Chill Your Ingredients (and Your Bowl): Keep your veggies in the fridge until just before serving and toss your salad in a cold bowl. This keeps everything crisp and refreshing, and chilled salads hold up better at BBQs.
