Best 17 Vegetarian Salad Recipes

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Vegetarian salads are not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to many traditional salads. Packed with fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains, vegetarian salads provide an array of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. As a complete meal or as a light side dish, vegetarian salads can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you prefer a classic Caesar salad with a twist or a hearty quinoa salad with roasted vegetables, there are endless possibilities for creating delightful and nutritious vegetarian salads. This article will explore some of the best recipes for vegetarian salads, providing you with a variety of options to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal.

Here are our top 17 tried and tested recipes!

VEGETARIAN GREEK PASTA SALAD



Vegetarian Greek Pasta Salad image

An excellent cold salad that is great by itself, or as a side dish.

Provided by Sara Hardy

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic salt
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 sweet onion, chopped
1 cucumber, coarsely chopped
1 cup black olives, chopped

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente. Drain, and rinse in cold water.
  • In a small bowl, mix together oil, lemon juice, basil, garlic salt, and black pepper.
  • In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, green pepper, onion, cucumber, and black olives. Add dressing, and toss to coat. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 302.4 calories, Carbohydrate 46.6 g, Fat 10.2 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 8.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 388.1 mg, Sugar 4.2 g

VEGETARIAN 7-LAYER SALAD



Vegetarian 7-Layer Salad image

A sophisticated layered salad that travels well. It provides a vegetarian with a complete meal at a cook-out where meat is being served. Non-vegetarians love it as well!

Provided by cookin' 2nite

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

8 ounces mesclun salad greens
4 green onions, thinly sliced
2 cups cooked beets, sliced
6 hard-boiled eggs, thickly sliced
1 small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1 (10 ounce) package frozen petite peas, partially thawed
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
¾ cup fat-free half-and-half
8 ounces crumbled blue cheese
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (6 ounce) package chow mein rice noodles

Steps:

  • Place greens in a clear glass serving bowl; sprinkle with green onions. Layer sliced beets on the onions. Arrange hard-boil egg slices on their sides against the glass for a decorative layer. Add sliced red onions and peas. Top with shredded Cheddar cheese.
  • Mix sour cream, half-and-half, crumbled blue cheese, salt, and pepper together in a mixing bowl until well blended. Pour evenly over the salad.
  • Top with rice noodles just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 671.6 calories, Carbohydrate 36.9 g, Cholesterol 298.4 mg, Fat 43.7 g, Fiber 6.2 g, Protein 34.2 g, SaturatedFat 23.3 g, Sodium 1466 mg, Sugar 9.2 g

CHINESE MANDARIN CABBAGE SALAD WITH RAMEN NOODLES (VEGETARIAN)



Chinese Mandarin Cabbage Salad With Ramen Noodles (Vegetarian) image

Add in some cooked chicken breast strips also if desired to make this into a main meal.If you don't mind a sweeter dressing then use the amount stated, or reduce by a couple of tablespoons for a less sweeter tasrte, personally I prefer the the sweeter taste! You can use only one package or noodles if desired. Do not add in the dressing until ready to serve the salad!

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 15m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 (3 ounce) packages ramen noodles (coarsley broken, save the flavor package for another recipe)
1 cup peanuts (coarsley chopped, can use more)
1 (16 ounce) package shredded coleslaw mix
6 -7 green onions, chopped
1 small red bell pepper (sseded and julienned)
salt and black pepper (optional and to taste)
mandarin orange segments (any amount to taste)
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce

Steps:

  • Set oven to 350 degreesPlace the broken noodles and peanuts on a baking sheet and toast until golden brown; cool to room temperature.
  • In a bowl place the coleslaw, green onions, red bell pepper, toasted ramen noodles and peanuts; toss to combine.
  • In a bowl mix the dressing ingredients together until well combined; pour over the salad, then toss to combine.
  • Top salad with mandarin orange segments.
  • **NOTE** do not add in the dressing until ready to serve the salad or the toasted ramen noodles will loose their crunch.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 391.2, Fat 26.4, SaturatedFat 4.7, Sodium 388.2, Carbohydrate 34.1, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 16, Protein 8

VEGETARIAN TACO SALAD



Vegetarian Taco Salad image

The cute tortilla bowls that hold this Southwestern salad are a snap to bake int the oven. We use canned beans that include hot spices to punch up the flavor. -Susan LeBrun of Sulphur, Louisiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 whole wheat tortillas (8 inches)
6 cups shredded romaine
1/2 cup canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 small tomato, chopped
1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 tablespoons sliced ripe olives, drained
Sliced jalapeno peppers, optional
DRESSING:
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
2 tablespoons fat-free ranch salad dressing
1 teaspoon taco seasoning
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, optional

Steps:

  • Place four 10-oz. custard cups upside down in a shallow baking pan; set aside. Place the tortillas in a single layer on ungreased baking sheets. , Bake at 425° for 1 minute. Place a tortilla over each custard cup, pinching sides to form a bowl shape. Bake for 7-8 minutes or until crisp. Remove tortillas from cups to cool on wire racks., In a large bowl, combine the romaine, beans, tomato, cheese, onions, olives and jalapenos if desired. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad ; toss to coat. Serve in tortilla bowls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 257 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 485mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

VEGETARIAN TACO SALAD - LOW FAT



Vegetarian Taco Salad - Low Fat image

No meat or meat substitutes - great for winter days when fresh veggies are hard to find. Yummy vegetarian taco salad that even my 11 year old enjoys. Polenta corn chips have only 3.5g of fat per ounce - I use SOLEA polenta chips.

Provided by Brooke the Cook in

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

16 ounces kidney beans, rinsed and drained
8 3/4 ounces corn, drained
4 ounces green chilies
2 -3 roma tomatoes, diced
3 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1/3 cup light sour cream
4 -5 cups mixed greens, shredded
5 ounces baked corn tortilla chips or 5 ounces polenta corn chips, broken

Steps:

  • Stir first seven ingredients (through sour cream) together in a large bowl until combined.
  • Gently stir in mixed greens (greens will wilt if there are leftovers, so I usually just throw the greens on the serving plate!).
  • Layer chips on serving plates and top with taco mixture.
  • Serve with your favorite taco toppings if desired, olives, shredded cheese, taco sauce, etc.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 367.9, Fat 9.2, SaturatedFat 2.6, Cholesterol 7.8, Sodium 712.1, Carbohydrate 61.9, Fiber 10.7, Sugar 7.8, Protein 12.8

VEGETARIAN TORTELLINI SALAD WITH GRILLED VEGETABLES



Vegetarian Tortellini Salad with Grilled Vegetables image

This vegetarian tortellini salad recipe is a great way to use up summer squash and zucchini. Tastes great warm, or you can make it ahead and serve cold.

Provided by carrieanddave

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 11

¼ cup balsamic vinegar
¾ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian salad dressing mix (such as Good Seasons®)
2 (8 ounce) packages dry cheese tortellini
2 medium zucchini, ends trimmed and halved lengthwise, or more to taste
2 medium yellow squash, ends trimmed and halved lengthwise, or more to taste
2 medium red onions, sliced into thick rounds
1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, water, Italian seasoning, and Italian salad dressing mix together in a bowl for the dressing. Set aside.
  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil; stir in tortellini and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tortellini is tender and filling is hot, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and cool under cold water. Set aside.
  • Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
  • Brush zucchini, squash, and onions with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Grill vegetables on the preheated grill until brown and soft, 7 to 10 minutes, making sure not to overcook squash. Remove from heat and let rest and cool for 10 minutes.
  • Chop cooled vegetables into medium-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl with tortellini and mix together. Add dressing and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or refrigerate and serve cold the next day.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 297.2 calories, Carbohydrate 22 g, Cholesterol 18 mg, Fat 21.2 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 6.4 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 417.3 mg, Sugar 4.5 g

VEGETARIAN TUNA SALAD



Vegetarian Tuna Salad image

A friend passed this on from an old cookbook, and I love it! It doesn't taste exactly like tuna, but it's similar. It's great for a sandwich, very easy to make, and high in protein. If you're trying to make it super healthy, go for low-fat mayo.

Provided by filaughn

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 10m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (1 lb) can great northern bean, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1/3 cup celery, finely chopped
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon mayonnaise
1 dash garlic powder
salt
pepper

Steps:

  • Put beans in a medium-sized bowl and mash well.
  • Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
  • Chill for several hours before serving.

VEGETARIAN BROCCOLI SALAD



Vegetarian Broccoli Salad image

Great vegetarian or vegan (if you use vegan mayo) recipe. Perfect for a summer bbq, love the creamy salad taste.

Provided by Mommy Chef 27

Categories     Vegetable

Time 15m

Yield 6 cups, 5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/2 cup Miracle Whip or 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar (use less if you prefer less sweet taste)
4 cups broccoli, chopped
1/2 cup walnuts
1 cup craisins

Steps:

  • Combine miracle whip, vinegar and sugar in a small bowl.
  • Mix broccoli, walnuts, and craisins.
  • Pour dressing over broccoli mixture, mix to combine.
  • Chill one hour or overnight.

EGGLESS SALAD (VEGAN OR VEGETARIAN)



Eggless Salad (Vegan or Vegetarian) image

You wouldnt know that this tasty egg salad substitue was good for you! This healthy alternative can fool almost anyone. Everytime I make it my boyfriend gobbles it down unknowingly :)

Provided by Meghan

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 10m

Yield 6-10 depending on how much you use

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 lb extra firm tofu
vegan mayonnaise or mayonnaise
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 tablespoons minced onions
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Mash Tofu into a chunky texture, similar to that of egg salad.
  • Add Mayo to desired consistancy.
  • Stir in remaining ingredients.
  • Serve on bread or pitas, with lettuce, tomato, cheese or veg.
  • cheese if desired.

VEGETARIAN WALDORF SALAD



Vegetarian Waldorf Salad image

If possible make the salad the day it is going to be served so the apples don't turn brown. Some people prefer tart apples over sweet ones so use your favorite. This salad is also good served on chopped watercress. Enjoy and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Provided by June

Categories     Salad     Waldorf Salad Recipes

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups chopped apples
1 ½ lemons, juiced
¼ cup chopped celery
¼ cup chopped walnuts
¼ cup raisins
¼ cup seedless grapes, halved
½ cup heavy cream, whipped
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 pinch ground nutmeg

Steps:

  • In a salad bowl, toss together the apples, lemon juice, celery, walnuts, raisins and grapes.
  • In a separate bowl, fold together the whipped cream and mayonnaise; add to salad and mix well. Sprinkle with nutmeg and chill before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 326.5 calories, Carbohydrate 24.5 g, Cholesterol 46 mg, Fat 27.1 g, Fiber 4.5 g, Protein 2.9 g, SaturatedFat 9.1 g, Sodium 98.6 mg, Sugar 14.1 g

ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD -- VEGETARIAN



Asparagus Pasta Salad -- Vegetarian image

The original of this recipe comes from the 2009 cookbook, Taste of Home Best Church Supper Recipes, but I've tweaked it to make it vegetarian. Preparation time includes neither the time needed for the asparagus to cool nor for the time for the finished salad to chill.

Provided by Sydney Mike

Categories     Vegetable

Time 22m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 lb fresh asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces, tops separated from stems
1 (16 ounce) package tri-colored pasta, cooked & drained
1 medium sweet potato, peeled, cooked, diced
2 medium tomatoes, seeded & diced
1/2 cup ripe olives, sliced
1 1/2 cups Kraft light zesty italian dressing
1 1/2 teaspoons dill weed

Steps:

  • Put the pieces of asparagus stem in a steamer basket & steam for 8 to 10 minutes before adding the top pieces, then steam another 5 to 7 minutes or until all is crisp-tender. Drain & cool.
  • In a large bowl, combine asparagus & the remaining ingredients, tossing to coat.
  • Cover & refrigerate 3 to 4 hours or overnight.

QUICK VEGETARIAN TACO SALAD



Quick Vegetarian Taco Salad image

Here is a fast, cheap, healthy, and easy dinner! Most of the cooking time is actually done within the preparation time.

Provided by Teej4734

Categories     Soy/Tofu

Time 25m

Yield 3 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 lb morningstar farms grillers burger style recipe crumbles vegetarian ground beef
1 package taco seasoning mix (I use Aroostooks' Taco Seasoning Mix)
1/4 cup water
1 cup cooked kidney bean
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 head green leaf lettuce or 1 head red leaf lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces.
1/2 cup shredded jalapeno jack cheese, shredded (optional)
1 package taco shell (I use El Lago)
1 cup nonfat yogurt (optional)
1 cup salsa (optional)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)

Steps:

  • Put diced tomatoes and taco seasoning mix into a pan on medium-low heat.
  • Rinse the diced tomato can with 1/4 cup water and add that to pan.
  • Stir taco mix in thoroughly.
  • Add the Prime Grillers Crumbles and the corn, and stir occasionally until heated through.
  • Add the beans and stir just until heated.
  • While mixture is heating, rinse and pat or spin dry the lettuce, and tear it into bite-size pieces.
  • Pile the lettuce onto plates, and top with taco mixture.
  • Top with grated cheese if desired.
  • Crumble two taco shells on top of each salad.
  • If you would like extra sauce, make and top with the optional dressing.

VEGETARIAN 'CHICKEN' SALAD



Vegetarian 'Chicken' Salad image

My favorite vegetarian version of chicken salad. Serve salad in croissants or lettuce leaves, and garnish with additional grapes.

Provided by Shanda

Categories     Salad

Time 15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 cups vegetarian fried chicken (such as FriChik®), diced
2 cups thinly sliced celery
¾ cup lemon juice
¾ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup whipping cream
¼ cup seedless red and green grapes, chopped
2 tablespoons curry powder
2 tablespoons dried dill weed
½ teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Combine vegetarian fried chicken and celery together in a large bowl.
  • Mix together lemon juice, mayonnaise, whipping cream, grapes, curry powder, dill, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to chicken mixture and toss well. Chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 195.1 calories, Carbohydrate 6 g, Cholesterol 18 mg, Fat 19.5 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 4.2 g, Sodium 292.9 mg, Sugar 2.2 g

HEARTY VEGETARIAN PASTA SALAD



Hearty Vegetarian Pasta Salad image

A family favourite for hot summer days. We love the avocado, tomato, cheese, peppers, and fresh herbs (when we can find them!).

Provided by Elise and family

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 15m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 cups rotini pasta (tricolor or regular)
1 avocado, diced
1 large tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup white cheddar cheese, in small cubes
1 red pepper, cubed
1 yellow pepper, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper
1 tablespoon dill, dried, to taste or 3 fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon dried chili

Steps:

  • Cook pasta.
  • Combine olive oil, salt and pepper, fresh herbs and chili peppers. Let stand.
  • Peel and dice avocado (scoop out small pieces if it's too ripe to chop). Prepare tomato, cheese and peppers.
  • When pasta is cooked, drain and rinse under cold water.
  • Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, add dressing, and mix well to coat. Serve and enjoy!
  • * For a more tangy dressing, add balsamic vinegar to the dressing mixture and blend.

VEGETARIAN TACO SALAD (FOR THE DIETER)



Vegetarian Taco Salad (For the Dieter) image

I originally made lettuce wraps with this, thinking of it as more of a taco, but I quickly found out that having the whole salad was much more filling.

Provided by VincentTouchedMe

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 3m

Yield 1 salad, 1 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

2/3 cup Morningstar Farms Meal Starters Grillers recipe crumbles
3 cups romaine lettuce
2 -3 teaspoons taco seasoning
taco sauce

Steps:

  • Heat griller crumbles according to package, adding water according to your taste for consistency.
  • Add taco seasoning and let heat for 30 seconds longer so that the onion bits soften. I add extra cumin here for a smokier flavor, but you could also had a TINY bit of cayenne if you like the heat.
  • Top lettuce with "meat," then sprinkle on taco sauce.
  • Enjoy! :3 You could also top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or tomatoes, but I don't like any of those.

LOW FAT VEGETARIAN CHEESEBURGER SALAD



Low Fat Vegetarian Cheeseburger Salad image

I had a cheeseburger salad at a restaurant. Really tasty, but I didn't want to know what it was doing to my arteries! So I re-did it for myself at home. This is super easy and fast. Good for a quick lunch. I love lots of ketchup, but if you don't, reduce that amount. I use a 1 point veggie burger, and 2% cheese to make this a 2 point lunch on Weight Watchers. If you're doing CORE, it would work with fat free cheese and a core veggie burger. I like this because it's fast and easy and satisfying. You could, of course, add lots of other veggies to your salad.

Provided by ladypit

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 6m

Yield 1 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 cups salad greens
1 vegetarian hamburger patty
1 slice low-fat cheese (I use a 2% sandwich slice, American)
2 tablespoons ketchup

Steps:

  • Put your salad greens into a bowl.
  • Microwave your veggie burger on a plate for about 1 minute on high. Check the burger. You want hot and about ready, but not getting tough. Then add the slice of cheese and microwave for 30 seconds on high. If the cheese is not melted at that point, put it back in the microwave for 5-10 more seconds. Cut the cheeseburger into strips. Put it on top of the lettuce.
  • Drizzle your ketchup on top like salad dressing, or put out a little cup to dip into.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 223, Fat 6.7, SaturatedFat 1.3, Cholesterol 9.4, Sodium 944.2, Carbohydrate 22.1, Fiber 5.4, Sugar 8.8, Protein 20.3

GREEN PEA SALAD (VEGETARIAN)



Green Pea Salad (Vegetarian) image

My kids and I just love the POP of the peas as you eat this quick and easy salad.ADD a can of tuna or elbow pasta to make this a meal.

Provided by Desiree Macy

Categories     Other Appetizers

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 10

THAWED FROZEN PEAS ARE THE BEST FOR TASTE...CANNED PEAS CAN BE USED ALSO
1 pkg frozen peas,thawed
1 small red onion,diced
1 c colby or chedder cheese shredded
2 large eggs ,chopped (opt)
2 Tbsp ranch dressing
1/2 c good mayonnaise not salad dressing
1/4 c sour cream
1 tsp fresh or dried dill fresh is better (opt)
1/2 tsp garlic powder (opt)

Steps:

  • 1. Thaw peas under running water in strainer,rinse...spin dry if you have a salad spinner or use paper towel to blot dry
  • 2. put peas into a large bowl that has a lid
  • 3. dice onions,chop eggs and dill.
  • 4. add sour cream,mayo and ranch dressing
  • 5. add onions,eggs and dill to peas...mix well
  • 6. You can add a can of tuna and a pound of elbow pasta to make this a meal instead of just a side dish.
  • 7. ENJOY!

Tips:

  • Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest vegetables and herbs available for the most vibrant flavors and textures in your salad.
  • Variety: Incorporate a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and grains to create a salad that is both visually appealing and packed with nutrients.
  • Dressing: Make your own dressing using simple, wholesome ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, herbs, and spices. Avoid store-bought dressings that are often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and preservatives.
  • Balance: Strive for a balance of flavors and textures in your salad. Include a mix of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter ingredients, as well as a variety of soft and crunchy textures.
  • Presentation: Arrange your salad on a platter or in individual bowls in a visually appealing way. Use colorful ingredients and creative garnishes to make your salad a feast for the eyes.

Conclusion:

Vegetarian salads are a delicious, healthy, and versatile meal option that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish. With endless variations and combinations of ingredients, you can create a salad that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. Experiment with different ingredients, dressings, and toppings to find your favorite vegetarian salad recipes. Remember, the key to a great salad is using fresh, high-quality ingredients and creating a balance of flavors and textures.

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