7 Easy Vegan Salads for Busy Weeknights

I’ve perfected these seven vegan salads that’ll transform your busy weeknights into delicious, stress-free dining experiences. From my cozy butternut squash and chickpea winter salad to a vibrant citrus-avocado mix with crispy chickpeas, each recipe brings unique flavors and textures to your table.

These plant-based combinations aren’t just quick to prepare – they’re packed with nutrients and seasonal ingredients. Let me show you how simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals.

Cozy Roasted Butternut Squash & Chickpea Winter Salad

While winter’s chill calls for hearty comfort food, I’ve found that this Cozy Roasted Butternut Squash & Chickpea Winter Salad strikes the perfect balance between nourishing and satisfying. I simply toss cubed butternut squash and chickpeas with olive oil and seasonings, roast until caramelized, then combine with crisp greens and a balsamic vinaigrette. It’s my go-to winter salad, especially topped with pumpkin seeds.

roasted butternut squash salad

Warm Mediterranean Lentil & Spinach Salad Bowl

Three delightful elements come together in this Mediterranean-inspired lentil and spinach salad that I’ve perfected over countless cozy dinners: tender warm lentils, fresh crisp vegetables, and a bright lemon-garlic dressing. I’ve found that simmering the lentils for exactly 20 minutes creates that perfect texture, while layering them over fresh spinach gently wilts the greens for an irresistible contrast.

mediterranean lentil spinach salad

Spicy Southwest Sweet Potato & Black Bean Salad

Every busy home cook needs a vibrant, protein-packed salad in their repertoire, and I’ve found this Spicy Southwest Sweet Potato & Black Bean salad to be an absolute winner. I roast sweet potatoes with warming spices until they’re tender, then toss them with black beans, corn, and peppers. The lime juice brightens everything up, while cilantro adds that perfect fresh finish.

sweet potato black bean salad

Crunchy Cabbage & Apple Slaw with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette

A perfectly crisp slaw can brighten any meal, and I’ve found this Cabbage & Apple slaw version to be an absolute treasure in my kitchen. I love how the julienned Granny Smith apples and carrots nestle among ribbons of green cabbage, while the maple-Dijon vinaigrette adds just the right balance of sweet and tangy notes. It’s a wholesome dish that’s both nutritious and delightfully refreshing.

crispy slaw with vinaigrette

Zesty Citrus & Avocado Salad with Crispy Chickpeas

When bright winter citrus meets buttery avocado and crispy roasted chickpeas, I’m reminded of how a simple salad can become something extraordinary. I’ll show you how to segment oranges and grapefruit, perfectly roast chickpeas until they’re golden, and whisk up a citrus vinaigrette that’ll make every bite sing. Don’t forget the fresh mint garnish—it’s sublime.

crispy chickpeas with avocado

Colorful Winter Rainbow Salad with Tahini Dressing

During the coldest months of winter, I’m drawn to create this stunning rainbow winter salad that brings warmth and vibrancy to my dinner table. I layer golden-roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts over massaged kale, then add shredded cabbage and delicate carrot strands. A scattering of pomegranate seeds and pumpkin seeds, finished with tahini dressing, creates a soul-warming meal that’s both nourishing and beautiful.

vibrant salad with dressing

Cozy Pear & Arugula Salad with Maple-Glazed Walnuts

Throughout the crisp autumn months, I’ve found that nothing quite matches the elegant simplicity of my pear and arugula salad. I’ll show you how to toss peppery arugula with a bright balsamic dressing, layer it with thinly sliced pears, and crown it with maple-glazed walnuts. It’s my go-to starter that perfectly captures fall’s bounty while keeping things delightfully plant-based.

pear arugula walnuts salad

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