If you've been a vegetarian for a while, you've probably had this happen: you're at a restaurant, or maybe someone's house, and they don't have anything for you to eat, so you end up with a side salad as your "meal." And it's the thought that counts—I mean, they tried, right? But a plate of lettuce and a stray tomato or two isn't exactly filling.
Well, these aren't those kinds of salads. These are meal-worthy vegetarian salads—over 50 of them! Salads built on beans, grains, lentils, pasta, and tofu, plus plenty of roasted and grilled vegetables, so you actually leave the table full.
50+ Meal-Worthy Vegetarian Salads
Roasted butternut squash, hearty lentils, and kale come together with a nutty tahini dressing for a salad that eats like a full dinner.
Nutty freekeh, roasted zucchini, and crunchy pistachios make this grain salad substantial enough for a main course.
A vegan, gluten-free take on classic tabbouleh that swaps in quinoa for a protein boost without losing the fresh herby flavor.
Tender spring greens and fluffy quinoa get tossed in a bright lemon-mustard vinaigrette for a light but filling salad.
Quinoa, feta, and fresh vegetables combine for a simple, protein-packed salad you'll want to make on repeat.
A colorful, protein-rich quinoa salad loaded with edamame, mango, and bell peppers in a zippy Asian-inspired dressing.
A cozy, unexpected pairing of nutty brown rice and crisp apples for a salad that works as a side or a light meal.
Roasted Garbanzo and Vegetable Salad with Garlic, Feta, Olives & Basil
Roasted garbanzo beans and vegetables get tossed with garlic, feta, olives, and basil for a Mediterranean-leaning main-dish salad.
Kidney beans, cucumber, and red onion in a lemony herb dressing make this a quick, protein-forward salad for busy weeknights.
Black beans and mango bring sweet and savory together, and the post includes a handy tutorial on cutting a mango.
A Southwestern-style black bean salad loaded with corn, peppers, and a zesty lime dressing.
Roasted cauliflower and chickpeas make a warm, satisfying salad that's just as good served as leftovers the next day.
Marinated artichoke hearts and chickpeas come together in a tangy lemon-Dijon dressing for a bright, protein-packed salad.
Creamy avocado and chickpeas get tossed in a tahini-maple dressing for a salad that's rich, filling, and just a little sweet.
Crisp cucumber and chickpeas in a lemony tahini dressing make for a refreshing, protein-rich salad that comes together fast.
Chickpea salad gets a fun presentation packed into lettuce cups for an easy, portable lunch.
Earthy mushrooms, bright lemon, and hearty lentils make a warm salad with plenty of umami depth.
French green lentils get tossed with fresh herbs in this simple, protein-packed salad that's satisfying enough for dinner.
Brown rice and lentils combine with roasted vegetables for a hearty grain-and-legume salad.
Chickpeas simmered with warming Indian spices and tossed with yogurt for a comforting, protein-rich salad.
Cheese tortellini, feta, and kalamata olives make this pasta salad indulgent enough for a potluck centerpiece.
A creamy, old-fashioned macaroni salad that proves classic potluck sides can be completely vegetarian and completely craveable.
Pasta, fresh summer vegetables, and a light dressing make this a go-to warm-weather salad that keeps well for meal prep.
Orzo, summer vegetables, and a bright dressing come together fast for a simple pasta salad that works as a light meal.
A classic potato salad made entirely plant-based, with all the creamy, tangy flavor you remember from the original.
Roasted delicata squash and kale get tossed in a citrus-maple vinaigrette for a fall-leaning salad that still eats like a meal.
Warm roasted cauliflower and Israeli couscous make a hearty, spiced grain salad perfect for cooler evenings.
Grilled summer vegetables sit atop creamy basil-parmesan polenta for a salad that's really a full plated dinner.
Grilled vegetables get topped with a creamy avocado-basil dressing for a smoky, satisfying warm-weather salad.
Hearty kale gets massaged tender and tossed in a bright lemon-Dijon dressing with creamy avocado for a filling green salad.
Crisp celery and apple get tossed with toasted walnuts in a sweet-savory honey miso dressing for a crunchy, unexpected salad.
Farro, Thai flavors, and a sweet-and-spicy dressing make for a grain salad with serious personality.
Crispy sesame-crusted tofu sits atop greens with a spicy peanut dressing for a salad with real staying power.
Rice noodles, crispy tofu, and fresh herbs get tossed in a Thai-inspired dressing for a light but filling noodle salad.
Baked tofu and a nutty almond-miso dressing turn this chopped salad into a well-rounded, protein-packed meal.
Soba noodles and crisp vegetables come together in a savory dressing for a light, slurpable noodle salad.
Napa cabbage and crunchy vegetables get tossed in a peanut dressing for an Asian-inspired chopped salad with great texture.
Tofu Greek Salad with Char-Grilled Vegetables and Lemon-Dill Dressing
Char-grilled vegetables and tofu stand in for feta in this Greek-inspired salad with a bright lemon-dill dressing.
A lettuce-free take on Greek salad that leans into juicy tomatoes, cucumber, and feta as the real stars.
Sweet strawberries and salty feta make an unexpectedly perfect pair in this balsamic-dressed salad.
A vegetarian spin on the French classic, with tender potatoes, green beans, and olives in a Dijon vinaigrette.
Toasted pita, chopped vegetables, and a tangy sumac dressing make this Lebanese-style bread salad wonderfully filling.
Torn crusty bread soaks up a garlicky vinaigrette alongside ripe tomatoes in this crunchy Italian panzanella.
Grilled peaches add smoky sweetness to this summer salad, balanced by a spicy jalapeรฑo vinaigrette.
Baby spinach, creamy avocado, and marinated artichokes make a simple, satisfying green salad.
Three different grains and a sweet red onion dressing make this a substantial, texture-packed salad.
Classic Greek salad gets tucked into whole grain spelt pitas for a fun, portable lunch option.
Seasoned black beans, corn, and avocado over crisp romaine make this taco salad completely meat-free and completely satisfying.
All the flavors of taco night, from seasoned beans to crunchy tortilla strips, piled onto a big bowl of greens.
A raw, no-cook taco salad built on a walnut-based "taco meat" for a lighter, plant-forward take on the classic.
Crispy homemade falafel sits atop a fresh vegetable salad with a creamy tahini dressing.
Cauliflower rice stands in for grains in this Mexican-inspired salad that's sturdy enough to pack for lunch ahead of time.
And if you love these meal-worthy vegetarian salads, be sure to check out these other delicious ideas:








Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love salads and am always looking for fresh inspiration - such a great round-up!
Viswa says
I have a request, Could you put it in an ebook or pdf, that way I can have it printed!
These are awesome recipes and I cannot wait for your book to come out.
Viswa says
Oops, I just realized that they are not all yours!! ๐ Nevertheless, good collection
Kiersten says
Sorry, you'll have to print them off one-by-one! ๐
Madeleine says
These all look delicious! I have salad as dinner several times a week, and it's always nice to find different kinds to vary it up a little!
Kiersten says
August is DEFINITELY a good time for salads for dinner. ๐
Liz @ I Spy Plum Pie says
I have salads as a meal ALL the time! I make a big salad on a Sunday night and take it to work for lunch for a few days - as long as it's got beans or lots of veggies then it keeps me nice and full. Thanks for all the inspiration for new salads to try!
Nicole says
Awesome list! Thanks for sharing. I really want to try the grilled cheese chop salad!
Kare @ Kitchen Treaty says
I've been wanting to do a round-up like this for awhile! It is so counter-intuitive that salads on the menusat restaurants are rarely vegetarian, and if one happens to be, it's designated as a side. Or if you have them leave the meat off, you still pay for the meat, but all you get is a dissatisfying pile of lettuce. IT'S SO NOT COOL!
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Thanks for including my recipe!
Kiersten says
Yes! Like at Panera. Why Panera? Why so many meaty salads?!
Alissa N says
I love hearty salads in the summer!! These all look fantastical, and thank you so much for including one of mine, it totally made my day!! You are the best ๐
Kiersten says
Thank you for the recipe! ๐
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
So many delicious vegetarian salad recipes!! Thanks for sharing, Kiersten ๐
Molly says
I am so happy to see the 50-meal-worthy-vegetarian-salads, I am a lover of salads, I could eat them year-round. Thanks Love it!!
Brittany @WeHeartVegan says
YAY I just bookmarked this page. Salads are so so great for summertime!! Thankkk you (:
Lisa @ Greek Vegetarian says
Wow, another fabulous list! There are enough salads here to last me a lifetime! Summer Samosa, Strawberry Feta, Falafel Salad โ they all sound amazing! And thanks for including one of my recipes ๐
Kiersten says
Of course! ๐
Grace @ FoodFitnessFreshAir says
It's funny. Salads as meals get such a stigma because of that dinner scenario you described above. But with enough of the right ingredients, they really can make a hearty and awesome dinner or lunch. Great roundup!
Connie says
oh wow. saving this one for later reference. Thanks for the post!
Shruti@PartTimeChef says
This is a great list! Thanks for putting this together.
Julia says
What a great reference! I am a salad lover so this will come in handy!
Katie (The Muffin Myth) says
What a great list! I love making big salads for dinner a couple of nights a week, and I'm always looking for inspiration. So many things to try here! Thanks Kiersten!
Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom says
I love eating salads but get in a salad rut - these are great inspiration!
Mackenzie says
I LOVE salads... and these all look amazing!