When you're craving a salad but aren't in the mood for leafy greens, these easy vegan salads without lettuce offer plenty of fresh options. You'll find recipes made with beans, tofu, vegetables, grains, pasta, and potatoes, all tossed with flavorful dressings.
Since many of these salads hold up well after they're dressed, they're ideal for make-ahead lunches, picnics, potlucks, and grilling season. Enjoy one as a side dish or pair a few together for a simple meal.
All of the recipes are vegan and can be prepared gluten-free, with swaps such as gluten-free pasta or bread when needed.
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Bean, legume, and tofu salads
Beans, chickpeas, and tofu turn simple vegetables into satisfying salads that can be enjoyed as a light meal or side dish. Many of these recipes come together in 15 minutes or less using canned beans and fresh produce.
Balela Salad (Trader Joe's Copycat)
This Trader Joe's copycat stars chickpeas, black beans, tomatoes, parsley, and mint in a lemony sumac dressing. It's ready in about 15 minutes and holds up well for meal prep and potlucks.
Balela Salad Recipe →
Lemony Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Fresh Herbs
Creamy white beans are combined with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, fresh herbs, and olives in a lemony dressing. Serve it as a light meal or an easy side dish any time of year.
Mediterranean Bean Salad Recipe →
Mediterranean Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Olives
This 15-minute Mediterranean chickpea salad features cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and black olives tossed with an olive oil and lemon vinaigrette.
Chickpea Cucumber Salad Recipe →
No-Mayo Smashed White Bean Salad
Creamy white beans are lightly mashed and combined with red bell pepper, Kalamata olives, fresh dill, and a lemony Dijon dressing. Enjoy it on its own, tucked into a sandwich, or spread on toast.
Smashed White Bean Salad Recipe →
Cherry Tomato and White Bean Salad with Basil and Garlic
Cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil come together in this simple 6-ingredient salad. It's ready in 15 minutes and works well as a meal or side.
Tomato White Bean Salad Recipe →
Sun-Dried Tomato Cannellini Bean Salad
Sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives add plenty of flavor to this quick white bean salad. Enjoy it on its own or stuffed into pita bread.
Sun-Dried Tomato Bean Salad →
Vegan Greek Chickpea Salad with Avocado
This California-inspired Greek salad combines chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and creamy avocado. It's a colorful 15-minute option for lunch or dinner.
Greek Chickpea Salad Recipe →
Vegan Pesto Chickpea Salad
Basil pesto acts as the dressing for this summery chickpea salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and red bell pepper. Use homemade or store-bought vegan pesto to save time.
Pesto Chickpea Salad Recipe →
Vegan Chickpea Waldorf Salad
Apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts give this chickpea Waldorf salad a mix of sweet and savory flavors. A simple vegan yogurt dressing brings it all together.
Chickpea Waldorf Salad Recipe →
Mediterranean-Style Japanese Eggplant and Chickpea Salad
Grilled Japanese eggplant, chickpeas, tomatoes, pine nuts, and fresh basil make this Mediterranean salad hearty enough for a light meal. The eggplant can also be roasted in the oven or air fryer.
Eggplant and Chickpea Salad Recipe →
Asparagus White Bean Salad with Lemon Pesto Dressing
Tender-crisp asparagus and creamy white beans are tossed with a simple lemon pesto dressing. It's an easy spring salad that can be served as a side dish or light meal.
Asparagus White Bean Salad Recipe →
Silken Tofu Salad with Avocado and Ume Plum Dressing
This Japanese-inspired salad combines soft silken tofu with tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado. Since the tofu doesn't need to be pressed or cooked, the recipe comes together quickly.
Silken Tofu Salad Recipe →
Tomato Basil Cucumber Salad with Vegan Feta
Fresh tomatoes and cucumbers are paired with tangy marinated tofu feta and plenty of basil. Prepare the tofu in advance so it has time to absorb the marinade.
Tomato Basil Cucumber Salad Recipe →
Mango Chickpea Salad with Avocado
Sweet-tart mango, creamy avocado, and chickpeas come together in this tropical-inspired salad. The combination is especially refreshing during warmer weather.
Mango Chickpea Salad Recipe →
Mediterranean Black Eyed Pea Salad with Fresh Herbs and Olives
Black eyed peas are tossed with red bell pepper, green onions, parsley, and mint in a light Mediterranean dressing. Serve it as a meal, side dish, or part of a mezze-style spread.
Black Eyed Pea Salad Recipe →
Vegetable salads without lettuce
These produce-forward salads make seasonal vegetables the star. Some are crisp and raw, while others feature blanched, grilled, or lightly cooked vegetables.
Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad
Raw cauliflower, tomatoes, olives, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing give this salad plenty of crunch and flavor. There's no need to cook the cauliflower first.
Cauliflower Salad Recipe →
Vegan Broccoli Cranberry Salad
Fresh broccoli, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds are tossed with a simple vegan mayo dressing. Let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Broccoli Cranberry Salad Recipe →
Vegan Broccoli Grape Salad without Mayo
This mayo-free broccoli salad features grapes, apples, dried cranberries, and walnuts in a Dijon mustard vinaigrette. It's ready in about 15 minutes and can be enjoyed right away.
Broccoli Grape Salad Recipe →
Mediterranean Grilled Corn Salad with Tomatoes and Cucumbers
Sweet corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and fresh basil make this colorful salad perfect for summer. Use fresh grilled corn or thawed frozen corn.
Mediterranean Corn Salad Recipe →
Cherry Tomato and Red Onion Salad with Basil
Juicy cherry tomatoes and tangy red onions are lightly dressed with olive oil, vinegar, and fresh basil. This classic 5-ingredient salad is ready in 15 minutes.
Tomato and Red Onion Salad Recipe →
Hearts of Palm Salad with Avocado, Tomato, and Cucumber
Hearts of palm, avocado, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes are tossed with a light lemon dressing. The contrasting creamy and crisp textures make it a refreshing warm-weather side.
Hearts of Palm Salad Recipe →
Vegan Hearts of Palm Ceviche
This plant-based ceviche combines hearts of palm, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños, and plenty of lime juice. Serve it with tortilla chips or warm tortillas for an easy appetizer or meal.
Hearts of Palm Ceviche Recipe →
Green Bean and Tomato Salad with Cilantro Sauce
Green beans and cherry tomatoes are tossed with a quick Mediterranean-inspired cilantro sauce. This 6-ingredient salad is ready in about 20 minutes.
Green Bean Salad Recipe →
Moroccan Carrot and Orange Salad
Carrots, fresh oranges, herbs, cinnamon, and cumin create a sweet and savory Moroccan-inspired salad. It can be prepared in advance and served chilled or at room temperature.
Carrot and Orange Salad Recipe →
Asparagus Avocado Salad with Lime and Mint
Crisp asparagus and creamy avocado are paired with lime and fresh mint in this 5-ingredient salad. It's a unique way to enjoy asparagus during spring.
Asparagus Avocado Salad Recipe →
Refreshing Watermelon Tomato Salad with Basil and Balsamic
Watermelon, tomatoes, and fresh basil may sound like an unexpected combination, but balsamic vinegar ties the sweet and savory flavors together.
Watermelon Tomato Salad Recipe →
Green Pepper Salad with Tomatoes and Olives
Green bell peppers take center stage in this Mediterranean salad with tomatoes, green olives, and fresh herbs. It's crisp, savory, and easy to prepare in advance.
Green Pepper Salad Recipe →
Grain, pasta, and potato salads
Grains, noodles, bread, and potatoes make these lettuce-free salads especially satisfying. Most can be prepared ahead of time and served chilled or at room temperature.
Easy Sourdough Panzanella (Italian Bread and Tomato Salad)
Ripe tomatoes, sourdough bread, basil, and a simple vinaigrette come together in this Mediterranean-inspired bread salad. Drying fresh bread cubes in the oven helps them absorb the dressing without becoming mushy.
Sourdough Panzanella Recipe →
Herbed Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
Inspired by Middle Eastern tabbouleh, this gluten-free salad replaces bulgur wheat with quinoa. Fresh parsley, mint, green onions, tomatoes, and lemon give it a light and refreshing flavor.
Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad Recipe →
Vegan Pesto Quinoa Salad with Corn and Tomatoes
Quinoa, corn, cherry tomatoes, and red onion are tossed with a bright lemon pesto dressing. It's an easy make-ahead option for lunches, picnics, and potlucks.
Pesto Quinoa Salad Recipe →
Tangy Pomegranate Quinoa Salad with Fresh Herbs
Quinoa, parsley, mint, and pomegranate arils are tossed with a sweet and tangy pomegranate dressing. This colorful salad is especially festive when pomegranates are in season.
Pomegranate Quinoa Salad Recipe →
Vegan Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Chickpeas
Orzo, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and tofu feta make this pasta salad satisfying enough for a meal. Prepare the tofu feta in advance or use a store-bought vegan alternative.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad Recipe →
Lemon Cucumber Orzo Salad
This simple pasta salad is made with cucumbers, fresh lemon, and mint. It only requires five ingredients and can be turned into a meal by adding beans or tofu.
Cucumber Orzo Salad Recipe →
Quick Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad with Chickpeas and Olives
Basil pesto keeps the pasta flavorful and prevents it from drying out. Chickpeas, tomatoes, and olives make this quick salad a satisfying side dish or meal.
Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe →
Simple Veggie Artichoke Pasta Salad (No Mayo!)
The marinade from a jar of artichoke hearts doubles as the dressing for this easy pasta salad. Add your favorite fresh vegetables for extra color and crunch.
Artichoke Pasta Salad Recipe →
Greek Millet Salad with Vegan Feta
This gluten-free grain salad features millet, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and tofu feta. It has all the familiar flavors of Greek salad in a more substantial form.
Greek Millet Salad Recipe →
Lemony Greek Potato Salad (No Mayo!)
Red potatoes are dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh oregano instead of mayonnaise.
Greek Potato Salad Recipe →
Zesty Italian Potato Salad with Tomatoes
Tender yellow potatoes are combined with cherry tomatoes, red onions, and Italian parsley in a red wine vinaigrette.
Italian Potato Salad Recipe →
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Love and Veggies,
Amy
Whether you avoid lettuce or simply want to change up your usual salad routine, these recipes offer plenty of ways to enjoy fresh vegetables, beans, and grains. Browse all of my vegan salad recipes for even more meal and side dish ideas.
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