Johnnie May McDonald - Salad Station Blogger Contributor
Happy Salad Month! May has finally arrived and we're celebrating this awesome month by sharing some fun vegan salad recipes. Salads don't have to be bland or boring. They should be bright, colorful, flavorful, and packed with nutrient-rich foods.
Just like other foods, creating a delicious salad recipe that you love is key. Using in-season fruits and vegetables is a creative way to keep your salads fresh. Whether you're looking to up your salad game or you want to try new things, below are three vegan salad recipes that everyone will like.
Southwest Salad
Arugula
Kale
Corn
Black beans
Pico De Gallo
Broccoli
Jalapenos (optional)
Quinoa
Shredded cheese
Always start with a good base of greens. Kale is one of the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet. It contains vitamins A, K, C, B6, manganese, copper, calcium, and potassium. Black beans contain complex starch and will keep you fuller longer without spiking blood sugar levels.
I love quinoa and add it to salads often. Cooked quinoa is a great source of fiber. 80-90% of the fiber is insoluble fibers like cellulose. These types of fiber have been linked to reducing the risk of diabetes and overall gut health.
The Vegan Southwest Salad is sure to please your taste buds while satisfying your hunger.
Avocado Chickpea Salad
Avocado
Chickpeas
Diced red onions
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Spinach
Feta
I love this salad because all the flavors compliment each other. Avocados are a highly nutritious fruit. It also contains vitamins K, C, E, B5, B6, potassium, and folate. Chickpeas are my next favorite thing about this salad recipe. They're mineral-rich and help with digestion. Finally, let's talk greens. Spinach is a great source of iron, calcium and magnesium. It has also been linked to asthma and cancer prevention.
Avocados and chickpeas have mild flavors and pair well with just about anything. To elevate the flavor of this vegan salad, top with red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Summer Strawberry Salad
Spinach
Arugula
Strawberries
Avocados
Almonds
Red onion slices
Feta
Summer is around the corner and this salad celebrates all things summer and fresh. Don't be afraid to try strawberries in your salad, not just for the flavor, also for the health benefits. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and plant compounds that promote healthy blood sugar levels.
Next is arugula. This green is a great source of vitamin K. It also contains calcium, vitamin C, iron, folate, magnesium, potassium, and provitamin A.
To make a great said dressing, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dijon mustard, strawberry jam, salt, and pepper.
Celebrate Salad Month all this May by trying these fun salad recipes and creating your own! Have fun with it and remember that no change towards the better is too small. Happy Salad Month! In the comments, let us know your favorite vegan salad recipe.
For more salad recipe inspiration visit Salad Station Recipes.