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Vegan Salad Bowl

Vegan Salad Bowl

A vibrant and nutritious Vegan Salad Bowl recipe combining fresh greens, cooked grains, protein-rich legumes, crunchy vegetables, creamy avocado, and zesty dressing. Quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for wholesome, satisfying plant-based meals any day of the week.

Ingredients

Salad Base

  • Mixed greens (spinach, kale, or arugula) – 2 cups
  • Cooked quinoa or brown rice – 1 cup
  • Chickpeas or black beans (canned or cooked) – 1 cup

Fresh Vegetables

  • Cucumbers, diced – 1/2 cup
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved – 1/2 cup
  • Bell peppers, diced – 1/2 cup
  • Shredded carrots – 1/2 cup

Additional Ingredients

  • Avocado, sliced – 1 medium
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or mint), chopped – 2 tablespoons

Dressing Options

  • Lemon-tahini dressing – 3 tablespoons (or)
  • Balsamic vinaigrette – 3 tablespoons

Optional Toppings

  • Toasted pumpkin seeds – 2 tablespoons
  • Chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts) – 2 tablespoons
  • Edible flowers (optional) – for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: Wash and dry mixed greens thoroughly. Arrange the greens as the foundation of your bowl to build layers of flavor and texture.
  2. Cook Grains and Legumes: Cook quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions and let it cool slightly. Rinse canned chickpeas or black beans well and pat dry.
  3. Chop Fresh Vegetables: Dice cucumbers, halve cherry tomatoes, shred carrots, and dice bell peppers. Keep the pieces bite-sized for easy eating.
  4. Assemble the Bowl: Layer cooked grains, legumes, and fresh vegetables over the bed of greens. Add ripe avocado slices on top for creaminess.
  5. Drizzle Dressing and Garnish: Whisk your chosen dressing until smooth and drizzle generously over the salad. Sprinkle fresh herbs and optional crunchy toppings like toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts to finish.

Notes

  • Prep grains and legumes in advance to save time during busy days.
  • Store greens separately from dressing to keep them crisp.
  • Balance textures by combining creamy, crunchy, and chewy elements.
  • Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for optimal flavor and nutrition.
  • Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed to avoid overpowering the salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan salad, plant-based, healthy, quick meal, quinoa salad, grain bowl, gluten free, nutritious salad, chickpea salad