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    Home » Vegan Salad Recipes

    25 Sensational Salads Without Lettuce

    By: Amy Katz · Published: Jul 25, 2022 · Last modified: Jul 25, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Collage of 4 images showing millet salad, broccoli grape salad, cucumber chickpea salad, and panzanella salad with text overlay Sensational Salads Without Lettuce.

    If you want a break from leafy greens, this collection of 25 delicious vegan salads without lettuce is for you. You'll find easy recipes for no lettuce salads featuring beans, legumes, and tofu; grains, pasta, and potatoes; and vegetables and fruits.

    Greek Millet Salad, Broccoli Grape Salad, Panzanella Salad, and Cucumber Chickpea Salad.
    Greek Millet Salad, Broccoli Grape Salad, Panzanella Bread Salad, and Chickpea Cucumber Salad are just a few of the incredible vegan salads without lettuce you can make.

    Whether your favorite greens are unavailable, you're not a fan of lettuce, or simply want to try some new dishes, these vegan salad recipes without lettuce showcase a wide variety of options. And they all can be prepared gluten-free.

    Enjoy them for easy lunch options or serve a few together for dinner. They also make fantastic side dish options and are perfect for potlucks and barbecues.

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love these recipes
    • Salads FAQs
    • Grain, pasta, and potato salads
    • Vegetable and fruit salads
    • Bean, legume, and tofu salads
    • More recipe collections

    Why you'll love these recipes

    • They are full of flavor and easy to prepare.
    • They feature a variety of ingredients including plant-based proteins, whole grains, and seasonal produce.
    • They are a great way to enjoy salads without relying on lettuce or other leafy greens.

    Salads FAQs

    Do salads have to have lettuce?

    Not at all! Salads can contain a wide assortment of ingredients including raw or cooked vegetables, proteins, and grains served with a dressing. Many salads are made without lettuce or other leafy greens like spinach, kale, or cabbage.

    What makes a salad a salad?

    Salads can contain all different ingredients and be made with or without lettuce. The one ingredient that typically makes a salad a salad is a dressing.

    What are the major salad categories?

    Salads can generally be classified into 5 main categories: green salads; vegetable salads; pasta, grain, and bean/legume salads; salads with meat/seafood; and fruit salads.

    Grain, pasta, and potato salads

    These salads starring ingredients like quinoa, millet, and orzo are typically more filling and substantial than those made with mostly lettuce.

    Bowl of tomato and bread salad with serving utensils and a blue pattered napkin on the side.
    Sourdough Panzanella Bread Salad

    Mediterranean Sourdough Panzanella Bread Salad features ripe summer tomatoes and basil in a delicious vinaigrette. Instead of using stale bread, this version uses fresh cubes that are dried in the oven.

    Overhead of millet salad with tofu feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and Kalamata olives.
    Vegan Greek Millet Salad

    If you enjoy the flavors of Greek salad, you'll love this Vegan Greek Millet Salad featuring gluten-free whole grains and dairy-free tofu feta. It's made with the usual tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and Kalamata olives, but adds healthful millet to the mix.

    Overhead of bowl of brown rice salad with kidney beans, avocado, corn, and tomatoes
    Brown Rice Salad

    It's easy to turn leftover rice into a flavorful Brown Rice Salad when you combine it with your favorite vegetables, beans, and seasonings. This recipe includes variations that take inspiration from Mediterranean, Mexican, and Indian flavors.

    Bowl of Mediterranean Vegan Orzo Salad next to blue and white napkin.
    Mediterranean Vegan Orzo Salad

    Change up your usual pasta salad routine with this Mediterranean Vegan Orzo Salad featuring tofu feta, chickpeas, and Kalamata olives. It comes together quickly in 30 minutes if you make the tofu feta in advance. Or you can take a shortcut and use store bought feta cheese instead.

    Bowl of quinoa tabbouleh salad garnished with sprig of parsley and slices or lemon
    Gluten-Free Tabbouleh

    Loaded with fresh herbs and lemon, this delicious Gluten-Free Tabbouleh features quinoa in place of bulgur wheat. It's easy to make in under 30 minutes with only 7 ingredients.

    Bowl of Greek potato salad garnished with a sprig of fresh oregano
    Greek Potato Salad

    While many potato salads call for mayonnaise, this Greek Potato Salad is made with small red potatoes, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, and fresh oregano. If you love lemon, this is the potato salad for you.

    Vegetable and fruit salads

    These produce-based salads are easy to prepare and full of flavors and textures.

    Bowl of broccoli salad with halved grapes and diced apples.
    Broccoli Grape Salad

    You won't miss the mayo when you try this vegan Broccoli Grape Salad with apples and cranberries tossed in a sweet Dijon mustard vinaigrette. It's easy to make in 15 minutes and can be enjoyed immediately or prepped in advance.

    Bowl of Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad and serving spoon
    Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad

    Crunchy Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad combines raw vegetables and herbs with a zesty dressing. You don't even need to cook the cauliflower.

    Watermelon salad in white bowls with wedge of watermelon in the background
    Watermelon Tomato Salad

    It may seem like an unlikely combination of ingredients, but Watermelon Tomato Salad with fresh basil is refreshing and delicious. Balsamic vinegar is the magic ingredient that brings it all together.

    Bowl of green bean and tomato salad
    Vegan Green Bean Salad

    Featuring cherry tomatoes and a quick Mediterranean cilantro sauce, this mouthwatering Vegan Green Bean Salad is easy to prepare in 20 minutes. It's incredibly flavorful and only requires 6 ingredients to make.

    Bowl of salad with corn, tomatoes, cucumber, onions, and fresh basil
    Mediterranean Vegan Corn Salad

    Mediterranean Vegan Corn Salad is loaded with flavor from sweet onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh basil. You can make it with fresh grilled corn or defrosted frozen corn.

    Bowl of tomato and onion salad garnished with a sprig of fresh basil
    Tomato and Red Onion Salad

    This classic Tomato and Red Onion Salad is lightly seasoned with olive oil, vinegar, and fresh basil. It's ready to eat in 15 minutes using only 5 ingredients.

    Bowl of carrot and orange salad surrounded by sprigs of fresh cilantro and mint
    Moroccan Carrot and Orange Salad

    Bursting with flavor from fresh herbs, cinnamon, and cumin, Moroccan Carrot and Orange Salad is easy to make in 15 minutes. And you can make it advance for make-ahead meals.

    Bowl of Asparagus Avocado Salad garnished with a lime wedge.
    Asparagus Avocado Salad

    5-ingredient Asparagus Avocado Salad unites crisp asparagus and creamy avocado with lime and fresh mint in a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It's a unique way to enjoy these two veggies together.

    Overhead view of bowl of green pepper salad with tomatoes, green olives, and fresh parsley.
    Green Pepper Salad

    Bell peppers often play a supporting roll in recipes, but here they take center stage in this delicious Green Pepper Salad. It's also features tomatoes, green olives, and fresh herbs.

    Bowl of avocado and hearts of palm salad with lemon in background
    Hearts of Palm Salad

    Refreshing Hearts of Palm Salad features avocado, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes in a light lemony dressing. It's easy to make in 15 minutes.

    Bowl of fruit salad surrounded by slice of lime, watermelon wedges, and fresh mint leaves
    Watermelon Blueberry Salad

    Watermelon Blueberry Salad gets an extra flavor boost from lime juice, fresh mint, and a touch of pure maple syrup.

    Bean, legume, and tofu salads

    When you're craving salads high in protein, these recipes featuring ingredients including chickpeas, cannellini beans, and lentils will fit the bill.

    Bowl of Chickpea Cucumber Salad next to tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley.
    Chickpea Cucumber Salad

    Chickpea Cucumber Salad features tomatoes, red onion, and black olives in a olive oil and lemon vinaigrette. This Mediterranean salad is ready to eat in 15 minutes.

    Bowl of white bean salad with olives and sun-dried tomatoes
    Mediterranean Cannellini Bean Salad

    Quick and flavorful Mediterranean Cannellini Bean Salad features sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives in a light dressing. It's wonderful on its own or stuffed into a pita pocket.

    Bowl of salad on a gray and white napkin
    Tomato Basil Cucumber Salad

    Tomato Basil Cucumber Salad is loaded with protein thanks to tangy marinated feta-style tofu. Prepare the tofu in advance for maximum flavor.

    Plate of lettuce topped with lentil salad and a fork.
    Vegan Lentil Salad

    15 minute Vegan Lentil Salad is loaded with Mediterranean flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, lemon, and fresh herbs. While it can be served on a bed of lettuce as shown in the photo, it's also delicious on its own or with crackers or toasted baguette.

    Bowl of bean and tomato salad garnished with sprig of fresh basil
    Italian White Bean Salad

    Italian White Bean Salad features tender cannellini beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sweet basil. It's easy to make in 15 minutes with only 6 ingredients.

    Serving bowl of eggplant salad with serving utensils and gray napkin.
    Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant Salad

    Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant Salad is hearty and full of protein from pine nuts and chickpeas. If you don't have a grill, you can roast the eggplant in the oven or in an air fryer.

    Plate of tofu salad with wooden chopsticks.
    Silken Tofu Salad

    Japanese-inspired Silken Tofu Salad is a delicious combination of tofu, tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado with a light flavorful dressing. The soft tofu doesn't need pressing or cooking, making this a really quick dish to prepare.

    Bowl of salad with a glass of iced tea in the background
    Mango Chickpea Salad

    Tropical-inspired Mango Chickpea Salad features sweet-tart mango and creamy avocado in a light, yet flavorful, dressing. It may seem like an unusual combination, but once you try it, it's sure to become a favorite.

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    I hope you enjoy these sensational salads without lettuce. For even more recipes, join the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Recipes Facebook group for support, inspiration, and fun.

    More Vegan Salad Recipes

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      4 Ingredient Vegan Tofu Feta
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    About Amy

    Amy Katz is a vegan recipe developer, photographer, and Certified Vegan Nutrition Health Coach. She loves sharing delicious plant-based Mediterranean diet recipes that home cooks of all levels can enjoy. Her easy vegan recipes have been featured on HuffPost, LIVESTRONG, Healthline, Parade, VegNews, BuzzFeed, MSN, Greatist, Country Living, Insider, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more. She lives in Orange County, California with the love of her life, Brad, and their adorable black cat, Ozzy.

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    Hi, I'm Amy! As a Certified Vegan Nutrition Health Coach, my passion is creating vegan Mediterranean diet recipes to inspire everyone to choose plant-based meals more often. At Veggies Save The Day you'll find simple delicious recipes that are easy to make any night of the week.

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