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:





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