20 Fresh Vegan Summer Salads You’ll Want to Make All Season Long
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When the weather heats up, there’s nothing more satisfying than a fresh, vibrant, flavor-packed salad. Whether you’re grilling, heading to a picnic, or just looking for an easy weeknight meal, these gluten-free, vegan summer salads are just what you need to keep it cool and delicious. From fruity combinations to hearty grain bowls and creamy potato-based salads, here are 20 must-try plant-based summer salad recipes that are perfect for BBQs, meal prep, and sunny day cravings.
1. Red Cabbage Cole Slaw
A crisp and colorful twist on classic coleslaw, this red cabbage version is tangy, refreshing, and made with a creamy dairy-free dressing. It’s the perfect crunchy side for sandwiches, burgers, or tacos.
Easy & Crunchy Red Cabbage Coleslaw (Vegan!)
This Easy & Crunchy Red Cabbage Coleslaw is the BEST healthy coleslaw that’s colorful, light and fresh. The bright and crisp raw shredded red cabbage is tossed with shredded carrots and a slightly tangy dressing made with vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, celery salt, salt & pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice. This summer side dish is creamy, crunchy, and comes together quickly in just a few easy steps!
2. Miso Cucumber Salad
Light, savory, and full of umami, this Asian-inspired cucumber salad features a miso sesame dressing that pairs perfectly with cucumbers. It’s cool, hydrating, and full of flavor.
Miso Cucumber Salad with Shallot and Roasted Peanuts
If you have an abundance of cucumbers from your summer garden, this Miso Cucumber Salad is the perfect, most delicious way to enjoy them! Sliced cucumbers tossed with shallot, cilantro, and roasted peanuts dressed in a homemade miso ginger orange dressing.
3. Roasted Potato Salad
Forget cumbersome potato salad—this version is roasted to perfection, with no peeling or boiling and tossed with a flavorful dressing and fresh herbs. It’s a crowd-pleasing side dish for any summer gathering.
Simple Vegan Roasted Potato Salad
This Simple Vegan Roasted Potato Salad is so easy to make and will definitely be a favorite side dish at your next cookout or picnic! Made with yukon gold potatoes, celery, green onion, sweet relish, and dairy-free garlic herb dressing for the most healthy, gluten-free, vegan potato salad!
4. Watermelon Quinoa Salad
This bright and juicy watermelon salad combines protein-rich quinoa, creamy avocado, vegan feta, and a zesty lime vinaigrette. It’s the ultimate refreshing salad to beat the summer heat.
Watermelon Quinoa Salad
This refreshing Watermelon Quinoa Salad is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy summer flavors. Made with juicy watermelon, fluffy quinoa, creamy avocado, sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, red onion, vegan feta, and crunchy pistachios, it’s tossed in a zesty lime-maple vinaigrette for a vibrant, nourishing dish. Light yet satisfying, it’s ideal for warm-weather lunches, BBQs, or potluck gatherings.
5. Mexican Street Corn Salad
Inspired by classic elote, this salad features sweet corn, lime, chili, and a creamy vegan sauce that brings all the smoky-spicy flavors you love—without the grill.
Dairy-Free Mexican Street Corn Quinoa Salad
This Dairy-Free Mexican Street Corn Quinoa Salad is a fun spin on Mexican Street Corn! With a boost of complete protein from the quinoa and the delicious dairy-free smoked paprika dressing, this is sure to be on your summer picnic side dish rotation!
6. Crispy Rice Kale Edamame Salad
This crunchy, crave-worthy salad combines crispy rice with massaged kale, shelled edamame, and a tangy sesame ginger dressing. It’s a fusion of textures and flavors you’ll want to eat on repeat.
Crispy Rice Kale Edamame Salad with Sesame Miso Carrot Dressing
This delicious Asian-Inspired Crispy Rice Kale Edamame Salad combines a mixture of vibrant chopped kale, crisp green and red cabbage, crunchy carrots & cucumber, shelled edamame, and sliced green onion with oven baked crispy rice tossed in a fragrant homemade sesame miso carrot dressing for the BEST salad bursting with flavor!
7. Low Carb Roasted Cauliflower Potato Salad
A lighter take on traditional potato salad, this version features roasted cauliflower in place of potatoes, tossed in a herby dairy-free dressing. It’s low carb, hearty, and totally satisfying.
Low Carb Roasted Cauliflower “Potato” Salad
If you're looking for a low carb side dish this summer, I think you're going to love this Low Carb Roasted Cauliflower "Potato" Salad! It's so simple to make using roasted cauliflower, celery, red onion, and a creamy herb dressing, is super flavorful, vegan, and a great low carb option to traditional potato salad.
8. Smoked Paprika Dill Potato Salad
Smoky, creamy, and fresh, this paprika and dill-spiced potato salad is perfect for BBQs and picnics. It’s a flavor-packed upgrade from your average summer side dish.
Smoked Paprika Dill Potato Salad
Bring this delicious dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free side dish to your next cookout. This Smoked Paprika Dill Potato Salad puts a smokey spin on traditional potato salad and is made healthier by using avocado in the creamy dressing!
9. Grilled Corn Peach Avocado Salad
Sweet grilled peaches and corn meet creamy avocado in this irresistible summer salad. It’s smoky, sweet, tangy, and loaded with sunny vibes.
Grilled Corn Peach Avocado Salad with Orange Ginger Miso Dressing
This Grilled Corn Peach Avocado Salad with Orange Ginger Miso Dressing is a true celebration of summer flavors – juicy peaches, creamy avocado, and sweet grilled corn, all dressed up in a tangy orange ginger miso dressing. It's the perfect side salad to bring to a cookout, picnic, or barbecue party and only takes 30 minutes to make!
10. Tabbouleh Orzo Salad
This gluten-free version of tabbouleh features orzo pasta, cucumbers, fresh herbs, and lemon for a Mediterranean-inspired side that’s bright and satisfying.
Gluten-Free Tabouli (Tabbouleh) Orzo Salad
A vibrant and satisfying Gluten-Free Tabouli Orzo Salad bursting with freshness! This easy tabbouleh is a colorful mix of fragrant parsley, juicy tomatoes, refreshing cucumbers, aromatic mint, and hearty chickpea orzo, perfectly dressed in a tangy olive oil lemon garlic dressing. It's a feast for your senses and a nourishing treat for your body! 🌿🍅🥒
11. Raw Carrot Salad
Thinly shredded carrots are tossed with tahini, harissa, dates, and crunchy pistachio dukkah for a flavorful, refreshing salad. It’s light yet nutrient-dense, making it a perfect healthy dish.
Raw Carrot Salad with Pistachio Dukkah and Dates
This easy, delicious Raw Carrot Salad with Pistachio Dukkah and Dates is the best side salad that’s bursting with flavor and made in just 20 minutes. Toss fresh carrot peels in a tahini harissa dressing, a quick homemade pistachio dukkah, and chopped dates then garnish with fresh mint.
12. Roasted Caesar Potato Salad
Combining the bold, garlicky flavors of Caesar dressing with roasted potatoes, this salad is creamy, savory, and absolutely addicting. Think comfort food meets summer classic.
13. Ants On A Log Salad
A fun and nostalgic twist, this salad features celery, dates, and tart green apple, and plant-based chicken tossed in a peanut butter dressing for a creative, kid-friendly dish that still satisfies grown-up taste buds.
Ants On A Log Celery Date Chicken Salad
This Ants On A Log Celery Date Chicken Salad inspired by Epicurious is made with crunchy celery, sweet dates, tart green apple, shallot, and tender plant-based chicken. Toss in a simple homemade peanut butter vinaigrette and top with chopped roasted peanuts for the perfect side salad!
14. Roasted Lentil Greek Salad
Packed with crispy lentils, cucumbers, red onion and kalamata olives, this Greek-inspired bowl is protein-rich and full of Mediterranean flavors. It’s great for meal prep or as a main dish.
Crispy Roasted Lentil Greek Salad
This flavorful and easy Roasted Lentil Greek Salad is a perfect protein-packed light lunch or is a great side dish at your next picnic. Canned lentils are tossed with Greek herbs and spices then roasted in the oven until crispy. Combine with cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, fresh mint, dates, and a simple dressing for the most flavorful plant-based, gluten-free Greek-inspired lentil salad!
15. Edamame Quinoa Salad
This protein-packed quinoa salad features edamame, carrots, and roasted cashews in a tangy peanut ginger lime dressing. It’s vibrant, wholesome, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Edamame Quinoa Salad with Peanut Ginger Lime Dressing
This nutritious Edamame Quinoa Salad with Peanut Ginger Lime Dressing is a flavorful, hearty salad that is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a side dish or main dish. The quinoa and edamame are tossed with shredded carrots and red cabbage, a homemade peanut ginger lime dressing, and topped with agave lime roasted cashews. This gluten-free, vegan salad is a great source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber perfect for a nourishing lunch, a filling dinner, or as a side at your next cookout summer potluck!
16. Sweet Chili Lime Grilled Mango Salad
Grilled mango brings caramelized sweetness to this mildly spicy and tangy salad that includes crisp veggies and a bold chili-lime dressing. It’s tropical and totally irresistible.
Sweet Chili Lime Grilled Mango Salad
Savor the sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors in every bite of this Sweet Chili Lime Grilled Mango Salad, loaded with refreshing cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and garnished with fresh mint. Toss with an easy homemade sweet chili lime dressing for a healthy and delicious way to enjoy the summer season!
17. Cheeseburger Salad Bowls
Get all the flavor of a vegan cheeseburger without the bun. This loaded salad features seasoned plant-based crumbles, pickles, onions, and a creamy special sauce. And of course don’t forget the french fries!
Vegan Cheeseburger Salad Bowls
These Vegan Cheeseburger Salad Bowls are a delicious bowl of all your favorite burger ingredients, just without the bun. This healthier low-carb version of a juicy cheeseburger is loaded with plant-based ground beef, sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, vegan shredded cheddar cheese, dill pickle chips, and crinckle french fries. Serve with an easy homemade dressing for a delicious gluten-free, plant-based 30 minute meal.
18. Lemon Basil Orzo Salad
This light and zesty salad is bursting with lemon, fresh basil, and tender orzo pasta for a simple yet elegant side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled veggies or tofu.
Lemon Basil Orzo with Arugula, Peas, and Cucumber
This Lemon Basil Orzo with Arugula, Peas, and Cucumber is the most delicious pasta salad! Toss cooked gluten-free orzo with fresh baby arugula, peas, cucumber, sunflower seed parmesan cheese in an easy homemade Lemon Basil Tahini Dressing and serve this vegan dish warm or chilled!
19. Green Bean Potato Salad
Crisp green beans and tender potatoes come together with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette for a lightened-up potato salad that’s both hearty and healthy.
Green Bean Potato Salad
The perfect healthy, vegan side dish to bring to all your summer parties that can lead right into fall gatherings. This Green Bean Potato Salad features fresh green beans, potatoes, butter beans, peas, and cucumber tossed in an apple cider vinegar and olive oil dressing, then garnished with mint, toasted almonds, and chia seeds.
20. Honeydew Avocado Cucumber Crudo
This refreshing salad is elegant and hydrating, with delicate honeydew melon, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber. Finished with a drizzle of lime and herbs, it’s summer on a plate.
Vegan Honeydew Avocado Cucumber Crudo
This Vegan Honeydew Avocado Cucumber Crudo is made with raw honeydew, avocado and cucumber and then tossed in a slightly spicy caper, olive oil, red pepper, cilantro and lime dressing then garnished with fresh mint leaves for the best, healthy side salad!
Why You’ll Love These Summer Salads
Quick & Easy to Make. Most come together in under 30 minutes, with simple steps and minimal cooking.
No Oven Required. Many are no-cook or require just quick grilling or stovetop roasting—perfect for hot days.
Family-Friendly Flavors. From classic potato salads to fun twists like “Ants on a Log,” there’s something even kids will enjoy.
Meal-Prep Friendly. These salads store well in the fridge and taste even better after the flavors have marinated.
Packed with Plant-Based Protein. Many include ingredients like quinoa, lentils, edamame, or nuts to keep you full and fueled.
Naturally Hydrating. Ingredients like cucumber, watermelon, and honeydew help you stay cool and refreshed.
Colorful and Instagram-Worthy. These salads are vibrant, full of texture, and perfect for sharing on social.
Customizable for Any Occasion. Great as side dishes for cookouts, light mains for lunch, or healthy potluck options.
Allergy-Friendly Options. Free from dairy, eggs, and gluten, making them safe for a variety of dietary needs.
Bursting with Summer Produce. Highlighting ingredients like corn, peaches, basil, tomatoes, and citrus in peak season.
These Salads Are All:
Vegan & gluten-free.
Every salad in this roundup is 100% plant-based and gluten-free, so they’re perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions or those simply looking to eat cleaner. You’ll never have to compromise on flavor or texture.
Perfect for meal prep.
These salads store beautifully in the fridge and often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prep them ahead of time for quick lunches, dinners, or grab-and-go meals all week long.
Full of seasonal produce.
Each recipe highlights the best of summer produce—think juicy watermelon, crisp cucumbers, sweet corn, and fresh herbs. They’re vibrant, nutrient-dense, and bursting with natural flavor.
Great for BBQs, picnics, and weeknight dinners.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or packing a picnic, these salads are easy to transport and a total crowd-pleaser. They also make a fuss-free dinner when you want something healthy, satisfying, and refreshing.
From crunchy and creamy to fruity and zesty, there’s something here for every kind of summer craving.
Other Salad Recipes To Try
More Summer Recipe Inspiration
Looking for even more vegan summer eats? Check out
Pin or bookmark this post so you can come back all summer long when you need a fresh, healthy recipe that’s anything but boring. Hope you enjoy these summer salads! Leave a comment with which ones you’re loving down below in the comments section! Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make any of these salad recipes!
