Warmer weather makes for good al fresco dining and plenty of salads. These plant-based recipes are pure perfection.
Gone are the days when iceberg lettuce and a few sad tomato slices were the extent of your salad experience. With the plethora of options — hello arugula, spinach, kale, and collard greens — the salad recipe combinations are endless.
Today’s salads are layered, complex, and bursting with global flavors. Think miso-roasted sweet potato with sesame-laced tahini dressing, or chickpea shawarma tossed with lemony herbs and crisp romaine. You can play with textures and temperatures, too — warm grains like farro or quinoa add heartiness, while fresh fruit like mango or watermelon brings a juicy, unexpected twist.
Don’t sleep on the salad dressing, either. It’s the secret sauce — literally — that can transform your bowl from basic to crave-worthy. A zingy citrus vinaigrette can brighten earthy greens, while a creamy cashew Caesar adds richness without dairy. Want something spicy? Blend sriracha with lime and maple syrup for an easy, sweet-heat punch.
And let’s talk protein. From smoky tempeh strips and crispy tofu to lentils, edamame, and even savory marinated mushrooms, plant-powered add-ins ensure your salad keeps you full and fueled.
Essential summer salad recipes
Looking for some new salad inspiration? We rounded up some great warm-weather options to try. Whether you prep ahead or build it fresh, salads can be the most exciting part of your day, not the afterthought.
Watermelon Salad with Vegan Feta and Cucumber
Watermelon and summer go hand in hand. There are few things better on a hot sunny day than fresh watermelon. “You might be perplexed about adding watermelon to a savory dish,” writes the recipe author Jess. “But bear with me because it is SO darn good.” This salad pairs fruity watermelon with homemade tofu feta cheese and another summer delicacy, cucumber for a plate of perfection.
Lemon Orzo Chickpea Salad
For a slightly hearty, but still surprisingly light salad (thanks to the fresh lemon), this orzo chickpea salad is an outstanding option for weeknight dinners or potluck parties. The zesty lemon garlic dressing is the perfect pairing. And, since orzo is technically pasta, serve it up in one of our favorite pasta bowls.
“Meals like this remind me of bright spring afternoons,” writes the creator Catherine Perez. “Fresh veggies, spending time outside soaking up sun and enjoying food with family outside.” Challenge accepted.
Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad
This crunchy and colorful salad combines crisp mixed veggies with healthy quinoa. Drizzled with a nutty almond dressing, this salad is perfect for picnics, lunches, or even a little al fresco dining all by yourself. The bright colors make it a showstopper for potlucks or date nights. And the almond dressing and quinoa pack a hefty protein punch making it a meal all on its own.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Life Made Sweeter combines two salad favorites: strawberries and spinach, which come together in this perfect combination. It also has creamy avocado, toasted pecans, and fresh herbs to bring a full-on flavor explosion. The delicious poppy seed dressing is the perfect finisher.
Beet Walnut Salad
It seems that either you love beets or you do not. But this beet and walnut salad may be the one that converts the beet averse. And for the beet lovers, it is a must-try. Also filled with nutrient-dense red cabbage, carrots, and raisins, all atop a bed of spinach and arugula and topped with an incredible maple balsamic vinaigrette, you’ll make this your new summer go-to.
Recipe author Deryn Macey says the salad is “full of flavour and texture” and perfect for a “healthy meal on a warm summer evening.”
Roasted Cauliflower, Courgette, Wild Garlic Pesto, and Butter Bean Salad
Trying saying that three times fast.
This slightly different take on a salad is worth a mention all the same. The roasted cauliflower and wild garlic pesto are truly the highlight of this dish and are sure to be showing up in other places in your meal plan. Eat it on its own or pile it atop fresh greens like arugula or spinach. Add in cherry tomatoes or even sundried tomatoes for a little bit of brightness.
Spicy Edamame Salad
This salad is super easy and is full of delicious nuggets: Crunchy vegetables and peanuts are tossed with an amazing Thai-inspired spicy peanut dressing to create the ultimate dynamic dish. Edamame and the nuts pack the protein — and this hearty feast will keep you feeling full and energized.
Made too much dressing? Toss it with pasta, Brussels sprouts, or cabbage for even more good eats.
Vegan Caesar Salad with BBQ Sweet Potato Croutons
This is the salad recipe you didn’t know you needed. What is better than a vegan Caesar salad and homemade BBQ sweet potato croutons? This dish is sure to impress at your next family meal potluck. Add some grilled tofu, a vegan egg, butter beans, or chickpeas to zhuzh it up even more.
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