Tired of living off chips and watermelon at BBQs? These vegan BBQ salads are hearty, flavor-packed, and made to share. They might even steal the show from the main dishes! From creamy potato salad to crisp, veggie-loaded options, you'll find plenty of plant-based options to enjoy all summer long.
We've all been there - you get to a party or BBQ and realize the only "vegan" food is a lackluster veggie tray or a half-eaten bag of chips.
Instead of going hungry, do yourself a favor and bring a salad (or two) to share. The best vegan salads are loaded with fiber and protein to keep you full, so you can actually make a meal of these "sides."
I promise - no one will even know they're plant-based and they'll definitely ask for the recipe!
P.S. These recipes meal prep like a dream. Make them a day or two before your party, or keep them in the fridge for an easy no-cook lunch any day of the week.
Why these vegan BBQ salads work
Never end up with an empty plate.
Cookouts tend to be a meat-fest, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out. These salads are loaded with beans, grains, veggies, and bold flavors to keep you full and happy.
Please even the meat eaters.
These salads aren't about subtle flavors - they're big, bold, and in your face. Whether it’s a zesty tahini dressing or smoky roasted chickpeas, they’ll have guests asking, "Wait, this is vegan?"
Easy way to sneak in more veg.
Most of us run a little short of our daily 5 servings of fruits and veggies. If you can serve up some extra cabbage or kale alongside a killer sauce, it makes it easy for everyone to eat a little better.
26 Best Vegan Salads for BBQ Season
Best Kale Crunch Salad
There is absolutely no reason to eat bland, boring salads anymore. This kale salad is a step above all the others out there since it's loaded with crunch, flavor, and color.
The red bell peppers, shaved carrots, white beans, and almonds are totally delicious together, especially with the slightly sweet maple Dijon dressing.
Plus, it tastes even better the next day, so you can easily make it ahead of time.
Dill Pickle Potato Salad
This tangy recipe is more like a German potato salad thanks to its sweet and sour vinaigrette dressing.
The fresh dill, white vinegar, and cucumbers echo that iconic dill pickle flavor but without actually including any pickles. It's light, fresh, and always a hit!
Mediterranean Dense Bean Salad
Dense bean salads are a dream for hungry vegans. They're loaded with several types of beans, so you get plenty of protein, fiber, and texture in addition to all the fresh veggies, herbs, and dressing.
This one reminds me of the gorgeous Mediterranean with lots of tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives plus fresh lemon juice and basil. Eat it with sliced bread (or a spoon) for a meal-in-one.
Best Vegan Pasta Salad
I love making my pasta salads extra hearty with lots of beans, greens, and roasted veggies.
The crispy chickpeas and cauliflower have a smoky flavor from the smoked paprika that lends itself well to summer BBQs. This one has everything you need, so vegans can eat it as a main meal or enjoy it as a satisfying side.
White Bean and Orzo Salad
This orzo white bean pasta salad always reminds me of late summer. You've got the roasted veggies plus all the crisp, fresh ones, and the roasted red pepper dressing just adds a touch of magic.
It's a little sweet and nutty, yet still bright and fresh. I could easily eat this one every day!
Italian Farro Vegetable Salad
I'm obsessed with Mediterranean flavors and eat them year-round, but look forward to them the most during the warm summer months.
The combination of roasted veggies plus the freshest summer greens, kalamata olives, and artichokes would be good enough on its own. But, add in some tender farro and a simple oregano dressing for a punch of brightness, and you'll quickly understand why this is one of my go-to vegan BBQ side dishes.
It's hearty and light at the same time and honestly, it tastes even better the next day after all the flavors meld together. Such a great recipe!
Kale and Bean Salad
If you have a hard time eating enough kale, try serving it with corn, black beans, and tomatoes.
Massage the kale until tender, slather it with a tahini lime dressing, and watch it disappear. Even people who can't stand kale like it like this!
Mexican Black Bean Corn Salad
Corn is the perfect ingredient for all your vegan BBQs. It can be cooked on its own, topped with vegan cheese and seasonings for Mexican street corn, or turned into countless different salads and salsas. Plus, that sweet-savory combo is a classic!
I love to serve this hearty black bean corn salad as a side dish, but honestly, it's a go-to for meal prep, too. You get plenty of plant-based protein and fiber to actually fill up.
Keep a bowl in the fridge and either eat it over a bed of leafy greens, spoon it into tacos, or scoop it up with tortilla chips.
Street Corn Slaw
If you're into Mexican-inspired flavors and love mixing sweet with savory, this one is for you.
It's starts with a base of cabbage, like other slaws, but it certainly does not stay there.
Load up with corn, peppers, cilantro, and vegan feta for that elote-style flavor. Mix everything with a tangy lime dressing and watch it disappear before your eyes.
Rainbow Vegan Chop Salad
This simple chopped salad goes over-the-top with color. We're talking watermelon radishes, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and more with my tahini orange vinaigrette.
Since all of the ingredients are served raw, it couldn't get much easier to make, but it has the best flavors. Super fresh, too!
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
The tanginess of dill pickles plus a creamy yogurt dressing just works. This updated mac salad is truly perfect for BBQs, and doesn't even taste "vegan"!
Blueberry and Lemon Poppyseed Salad
I don't think I have to say too much about this one. The combo of a creamy vegan poppyseed dressing plus fresh blueberries, brussels sprouts, cabbage, lentils, and cucumbers is truly exceptional.
This is a meal-in-a-bowl if I've ever seen one and the sweet-tart pop of fresh blueberries is killer.
Vegan Tortellini Pasta Salad
I have a special place in my heart for pasta salads, especially tortellini salad. It's something I grew up with, but it seemed impossible to make a vegan version until now.
There are some great vegan tortellini brands out there that have that same creamy texture and flavor but without a speck of cheese!
Toss the cooked pasta with chickpeas, peppers, tomatoes, and my vegan Italian vinaigrette for a sweet, tangy, and hearty bite.
Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad
Pasta salads are always a hit at BBQs, and who doesn't love Caesar? This one is extra special.
The tender pasta, white beans, baby bell peppers, kale, and cabbage make it hearty enough to eat as a meal-worthy salad on the hottest of summer days or pair it with your favorite vegan burgers as a showstopping side.
Summer Chopped Kale Salad
Yes, kale salads are good enough to bring to a cookout! Especially when loaded with seasonal fruit, lots of fresh veggies, and more.
This one pairs chili lime brussels sprouts with cabbage, nectarines, chickpeas, pepitas, and cilantro with a simple lime dressing. It's so simple, yet layered with texture and flavor. Perfect for summer backyard barbecues!
Vegan Potato Salad (Dairy-Free)
Is it even a BBQ without homemade potato salad?
Although many of us grew up on the mayo-laden version, this dairy-free potato salad is coated with a flavorful maple Dijon dressing. Between that and the bacon-flavored walnuts, corn, tomatoes, and vegan smoked gouda, this one is a total must-try!
Bacon walnuts, you say? Yep! I like to toast the walnuts with maple syrup, smoked paprika, and soy sauce for a slightly sweet and smoky flavor. It gives bacon vibes all day.
Pretty Beet Potato Salad
This beet potato salad is the prettiest pink salad you'll ever see!
The pink color comes from the blood-red beets, which add a tender, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor. Fresh dill, white balsamic vinegar, and olives infuse a sharp brightness while the cauliflower, potatoes, and chickpeas offer loads of texture.
It's one of my favorite barbecue salads - surprisingly hearty, utterly delicious, and absolutely gorgeous.
White Bean and Farro Salad
For something a little heartier, try pairing nutty farro with white beans, tomatoes, cabbage and lots of fresh herbs in an herby yogurt dressing. It takes a little time to cook the farro grains, but it is so worth it!
Zesty Rainbow Cole Slaw
Did you know the colors in your favorite fruits and veggies come from different phytonutrients, each with their own unique benefits?
I love layering in different colors for visual appeal knowing that I'm also getting fiber, flavor, and essential nutrients all at the same time.
And if you think coleslaw has to be soggy...think again. The chunky pieces of cabbage, kale, bell pepper, and red onion make this one more fun to eat!
Southwestern Bean Salad
Black beans and corn are always good together, so why not turn them into a main meal? This vegan bean salad is hearty enough to eat on its own or alongside veggie burgers, vegan hot dogs, and more.
Plus, that cilantro lime dressing makes it easier than ever to eat lots of crunchy cabbage and beans at once.
It's cool and satisfying with so much crunch, a little heat, and just enough sweetness to keep you coming back for more.
Watermelon and Cucumber Salad
This one leans a little more sweet than savory with plenty of ripe, crisp watermelon and fresh cucumbers. Pair these two ultra-hydrating options with some lime juice, pepitas, and cilantro to top it off.
It's the perfect way to cool down and fill up during those scorching hot days of summer!
Creamy Tahini Lime Slaw
The nutty, earthy, slightly bitter taste of tahini truly elevates anything, including the humble cabbage.
This slaw has tons of texture and flavor from the chickpeas, cabbage, peppers, and more, but it's the tahini lime dressing that really makes it special. Such simple ingredients, yet seriously satisfying.
Rainbow Raw and Roasted Salad
Fresh summer produce doesn't require a lot of sauces or flavorings for the best flavor, and this asparagus salad is proof.
The combo of roasted asparagus and bell peppers works wonderfully with the crisp, crunch of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, and lots of greens and herbs. The colors are gorgeous and it feels good from the inside out!
Nut-Free Vegan Caesar
The sharp bite of traditional Caesar salad is a popular choice for BBQs and picnics, especially alongside grilled meats.
Ditch the meat, dairy, and anchovy-laden dressing with this easy tofu-based version. I like to use kale and white beans to make it a little more robust, but it's the Cajun tofu that really kicks it up a notch.
Vegan Cucumber Yogurt Salad
Cucumber salads are an essential part of summer entertaining, but many rely on yogurt, mayo, or sour cream for the creaminess.
A little vegan yogurt works some magic here and the tanginess works perfectly with a bunch of fresh dill.
Puttanesca Pasta Salad
This vibrant pasta salad is a total charmer. It's intensely flavorful thanks to the capers, olives, and tomatoes (no anchovies required!), and can really stand out from a crowd.
It's one of those simple throw-it-together recipes you find yourself making all the time.
Love this post? Drop a comment below to share your experience with others!
Craving more? Explore all of my free ebooks or come hang out with over 1 million other plant-based foodies on Instagram!