Summer salads are either the best thing you’ll eat all season… or a pile of damp leaves you regret paying £12 for. Summer is prime time for fresh produce, and salads should feel like a celebration, not a punishment. And when you skip the limp lettuce and think bigger—crunchy veg, fruit, grains, herbs, bold dressings—salads become actually exciting and filling meals.
And for anyone eating vegan—or just trying to eat more plants—they’re a smart way to hit your nutrition goals without cooking in a heatwave. Below are ten vegan summer salads that have real flavour, texture, and colour. Plus, some pro tips, clever dressing ideas, and ways to turn any salad into something you’ll crave. Because if we’re eating salads all summer, they’d better be good.
10 vegan summer salads to try this summer
These salads cover all sorts of moods and meals: sweet, savoury, crunchy, creamy, light sides, and hearty mains. Each one brings something different to the table – literally.
1. Vegan Mediterranean orzo salad — Minimalist Baker
This is a perfect example of how pasta can work beautifully in a summer salad. Orzo brings a tender, slightly chewy base, while cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and fresh herbs keep things bright and crisp. A simple lemon dressing ties it all together. It’s light enough to serve as a side but filling enough for lunch on its own—and it holds up well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep.
2. Rainbow Power Salad with Roasted Chickpeas
This is a fresh, vibrant salad featuring sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh herbs. The lime dressing keeps it sharp and fresh without being overpowering. It’s quick to make, works as a side dish or a light lunch, and holds up well if you’re taking it to a barbecue or picnic.
3. Strawberry Spinach Salad
Sweet strawberries pair beautifully with the slightly earthy flavour of baby spinach. Vegan feta brings creaminess and a touch of salt, while toasted pecans add crunch. Everything gets pulled together with a balsamic vinaigrette that’s just tangy enough. This one’s as good on a weeknight table as it is at a summer gathering.
4. Asian slaw with ginger peanut dressing
Forget heavy slaws drowning in mayo. This one is crisp, fresh, and packed with flavour. Shredded cabbage, carrots, and peppers bring crunch, while a savoury-sweet ginger peanut dressing adds depth and a gentle heat. It’s versatile enough to pair with grilled tofu or tucked into wraps for lunch.
5. Spicy vegan watermelon salad with corn nuts and basil
Now, this is watermelon spicy high for you. This salad combines sweet watermelon with a spicy chili dressing for a sharp kick. Corn nuts add a salty crunch, while fresh basil brings a light herbal note. It’s simple to put together and offers a mix of sweet, spicy, and crisp textures in each bite.
6. Mexican street corn salad with black beans
Inspired by the flavours of Mexican street corn, this salad delivers sweetness from charred corn, heat from chili powder, and tang from lime juice. Vegan mayonnaise gives it creaminess without being heavy. It’s great as a side for tacos, or simply eaten with a spoon. The flavours are bold and layered.
7. Thai mango salad
Green mangoes bring a firm texture and tartness that’s worlds away from ripe mangoes’ softness and sweetness. Combined with carrots, peppers, and a lively lime dressing, the salad hits sweet, sour, and spicy notes all at once. It’s bright, crisp, and perfect if you’re in the mood for something different from the usual greens.
8. Summer quinoa salad
Quinoa is the star of this hearty salad, which makes it filling enough for lunch or dinner. Chopped veg and herbs keep it fresh, while a lemony vinaigrette adds brightness. It holds up well in the fridge, so it’s perfect for packing into lunchboxes or taking on a picnic.
9. Apple, beet, carrot and kale salad
Shredded raw beets bring an earthy sweetness that pairs nicely with crisp carrots and the gentle tartness of chopped apple. Kale adds a sturdy, slightly bitter base that holds up well, while a lemon-maple dressing ties everything together with a bright, subtle sweetness.
10. Vietnamese noodle salad with tofu and peanut sauce
A vibrant mix of rice noodles, crisp vegetables like carrots and peppers, and fresh herbs, all topped with golden sesame-crusted tofu. The peanut sauce brings a rich, creamy depth with just enough sweetness and a touch of spice, tying everything together.
How to build an exceptionally good vegan summer salad
A great summer salad is a balance of taste, texture, and colour that feels both nourishing and satisfying. Quality produce is everything. Tomatoes, for instance, are sweetest in high summer; peaches add unexpected juiciness and floral notes; herbs like basil or dill lend bright, aromatic layers that elevate simple greens.
Think about contrast as you build your salad. Crisp elements like shaved fennel or radish bring freshness, while tender ingredients such as ripe avocado or roasted squash add softness and depth. Meanwhile, toasted nuts, seeds, or roasted legumes add a savoury crunch.
Don’t overlook seasoning. A pinch of flaky salt can draw out the natural sweetness of fruit and balance bitter greens. Acid is crucial: citrus juice or a splash of vinegar can sharpen flavours and lift heavier components, preventing a salad from tasting flat.
4 Dressings that brings salads to life
Lemon-Tahini blends the creaminess of sesame with the sharpness of citrus, perfect for hearty greens like kale or draping over grain bowls for added substance.
Maple Mustard Vinaigrette balances sweetness and tang, and is excellent for salads featuring fruit or roasted root vegetables, where it complements natural sugars.
Ginger Peanut offers savoury richness with an undercurrent of heat. It pairs beautifully with slaws, cold noodle salads, or crisp lettuces, adding complexity and umami.
Herby Green Dressing turns soft herbs, lemon juice, and good olive oil into a versatile sauce that works equally well on delicate spring greens or robust vegetable combinations.
The key to dressing is proportion. Taste as you whisk, ensuring acidity and fat are in balance. A dressing should be bold enough to stand up to fresh produce, yet restrained enough to let individual ingredients shine.
Feel inspired? See also breakfast ideas for your perfect summer breakfast, or London-based restaurants to gain even more inspo for lunch and dinner recipes.