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 jalapeño 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:
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
Great recipe round up! If I had any veggie friends to cook for, I would certainly come here because you always have such creative recipes (and round ups like these!) I'm a people pleaser when it comes to entertaining and a side salad just wouldn't do! I'd want people to be impressed I did more than throw lettuce in a bowl! 🙂
Kiersten says
Usually in addition to the salad, you get offered a dinner roll. "Um, hey, we forgot that you don't eat meat, but here's salad and a roll. And you can help yourself to more rolls too."
Ashley says
Love this list! I'm always looking for new salad ideas and trying to find vegetarian salads (or really meals, let's be honest) that my husband will like : ) haha Or doesn't immediately say where's the meat?
Kiersten says
Yeah, my husband doesn't eat meat, but he's the same way. There has to be a LOT going on in a salad for him to think it's a meal.
Jade says
This post has reminded me to make some more of that couscous,
olive and cauliflower salad.. Yum!
Kiersten says
I make variations of that one constantly. 🙂 You can never go wrong with olives! Or couscous!
Angela says
I laughed at the opening statement about getting a side salad for a meal. That's happened to me at restaurants countless times (just last week actually!). If only the chefs could see this post. 😉 Thanks for the great round-up and for including a link to my taco salad!
Kiersten says
I can't wait to make that salad! Definitely soon. 🙂
Julia says
Awesome salad roundup!! There's nothing like a fresh salad chock full of goodies that leaves you satisfied. There's a whole lot of summer left, so I'll definitely be checking these recipes out!
Sommer @ ASpicyPerspective says
Great salads list!! Thanks! 🙂
Christina @ Pinch of Healthy says
Great list! I'm on a bit of a salad kick right now so am definitely bookmarking this one. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
LOVE this post!! I have been getting tired of my usual salads and want to spice things up. I guarantee I will not be bored anymore with all of these recipes. The BBQ tofu one sounds especially tasty!
Kiersten says
I want to try that one too. 🙂 I love tofu in a salad!
Marta @ What Should I eat for breakfast today says
I am writing down each one of them. I am always looking for a new salad, and here I have 50 recipes 😀
Ricki says
What a fabulous roundup of SO. MANY. GREAT. SALADS!!! I love salad in summer. . . so much fantastic inspiration here. Thanks so much for putting this together--and for including my Pesto-Bean Topped Salad, too! 🙂
Kiersten says
Thank you for the recipe! 🙂
Courtney @ The Fig Tree says
Amazing round-up! I love huge, hearty salads that act as a full meal. It's a great way to get a huge dose of veggies in your day. Thank you for this awesome list. Cannot wait to try many of the recipes! 🙂 And thank you for including my farro salad! xoxo
Kiersten says
I LOVE that salad! I need to make it again soon. 🙂
Ash- foodfashionparty says
Love couscous, just got a huge bag of pearls, I am inspired by your roundup. Never have to go around searching.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
A great round up, Kiersten.
Laura @ Kneadwhine says
What an excellent round up of recipes! Another one to pin and return to at leisure. I completely suck at adventurous salads...
Grace @ Earthy Feast says
What an amazing collection of delicious and hearty veggie salads - love it! I see so many that I want to make! Very pin-worthy post!
P.S. Thanks so much for including my Samosa Salad! 🙂
Kiersten says
That salad has been on my to-make list for a while now! 🙂
Kristina says
salads are one of my favorite things, and they can definitely be a meal! I will refer to this list often, thanks for compiling!
Emma says
Wow, what a great selection! I don't know where to start!
dishing up the dirt says
love this list!
Eat Good 4 Life says
I could totally eat all of them all day every day. They look so refreshing, healthy and colorful. I love salads especially when the weather is hot outside. What a great variety of salads!
JulieD says
Awesome round-up, Kiersten!! 🙂
Maria says
Love this post! So many tasty salads! Pinned it! Thanks for including our recipe:)
Kiersten says
You're welcome! 🙂
EA-The Spicy RD says
Oh, my goodness! So many delicious vegetarian salads...where to dig in first??? Thanks so much for including my Asian Chopped Salad Kirsten!
Kiersten says
I can't wait to make that salad--I know I'm going to love it!
Colleen @ Culinary Colleen says
Thanks for including me in this incredible list! Everything on here looks beyond meal-worthy!
Kiersten says
Thank you for the recipe! 🙂
Nancy/SpicieFoodie says
I'm not a vegetarian but I do enjoy salads as meals -- specially in the summer. Your roundup is scrumptious. Thanks for putting it together Kiersten.:)
Archana @ FeedingTheFoodie says
Wow - what a great list. If I made one salad a day I could eat a different salad for almost 2 months!!