14 Plant-Based Salads That Are More Than Just Greens (Oil-Free)

Salads don’t have to be boring bowls of greens—they can be vibrant, filling, and packed with flavor!

This compilation features 14 delicious, plant-based salads that are entirely oil-free or can easily be made so.

These recipes highlight fresh, wholesome ingredients and bold flavors, proving that healthy eating doesn’t mean compromising on taste.

How to Omit Oil in Recipes

Some salad recipes use oil for roasting vegetables or in dressings, but it’s easy to go oil-free:

Roasting Vegetables: Replace oil with a light coating of vegetable broth or water. This keeps the vegetables moist and prevents them from sticking.
Dressing Substitutions: Use creamy alternatives like tahini, almond butter, or avocado, or mix vinegar with water for a lighter option.
Enhance Flavor: Add spices, citrus juice, or fresh herbs to boost flavor without the need for oil.

These simple swaps ensure you can enjoy flavorful, nutrient-packed salads without added oil.

Now, let’s dive into the recipes!

happykitchen

Vegan Mexican Chopped Salad with Avocado Dressing • Happy Kitchen

A fiesta of flavors with fresh vegetables, beans, and an avocado-lime dressing.

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zardyplants

Vegan Waldorf Salad

A refreshing twist on the classic Waldorf salad with crunchy apples, juicy grapes, and creamy, dairy-free dressing.

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fitlizkitchen

Kale Sweet Potato Salad (Oil-Free)

This hearty salad combines roasted sweet potatoes with massaged kale and a tangy oil-free dressing.

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Chickpea Beet Salad

Crafted with vibrant beets, hearty chickpeas, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, juicy tomato, and red onion, this nutritious salad is a breeze to whip up. Vegan-friendly and bursting with flavor, it requires just a few simple ingredients for a truly delightful dish.

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sunglowkitchen

Spring Roll Salad

A fresh and vibrant salad featuring veggies and rice noodles with an oil-free peanut sauce.

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hellofrozenbananas

Arugula Quinoa Salad – hellofrozenbananas.com

A hearty salad with quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and arugula.

Adjustments: Replace the drizzle of olive oil for roasting the sweet potatoes with vegetable broth or water to keep them moist.

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Roasted Peppers Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas

This vibrant roasted peppers quinoa salad with chickpeas and a creamy garlic tahini dressing is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. It is easy to prepare in under 20 minutes with simple, nutritious ingredients.

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happykitchen

Vegan Couscous Salad • Happy Kitchen

Easy vegan couscous salad with pearl couscous, fresh vegetables, olives, and a zesty lemon garlic dressing is full of Mediterranean flavors!

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zardyplants

Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with Chickpea Croutons and Pickled Onions

This Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with Chickpea Croutons & Pickled Onions is a delicious twist on a classic salad. This salad takes less than 15 minutes to make.

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everydaynourishingfoods

Spicy Indian Cucumber Peanut salad – Quick & Easy recipe – Everyday Nourishing Foods

This Indian cucumber salad recipe is a simple yet flavorful salad that combines cucumbers, roasted peanuts, aromatic spices, and lemon juice.

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sunglowkitchen

Black Bean Mango Salad

A tropical delight with sweet mangoes, black beans, and lime for a refreshing meal.

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Easy Summer Quinoa Salad

Easy summer quinoa salad that combines juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, vibrant greens, and olives tossed with a flavorful oil-free basil dressing. It can be served as a side or main dish that is satisfying and filling.

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dishingoutplants

Lupini Bean and Caper Salad – Dishing Out Plants | Vegan food recipes

Looking for a protein-packed, refreshingsalad? Try this lupini bean and caper salad, full of vibrant veggies, perfect for a nutritious, high-protein boost!

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