Think salad is just a boring side dish? Salads have gained an unfair reputation if you ask me! The good news is they don't have to be wimpy piece of iceberg lettuce — salads can be the star of your meal! So if you're new to a whole food plant-based diet, give salad a chance with these ten mouth-watering and super hearty simple plant-based recipes that'll surely change your mind about eating salad for dinner.
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10 Hearty Salad Recipes for People Who Hate Eating Salad
1. Delicata Squash Kale Salad with Maple Miso Dressing
Image and Recipe from The Plant-Based Catholic
There is something so comforting about roasted squash in a salad, and this delicata winter squash kale salad recipe is the seasonal boost your WFPB diet needs. Plus, the maple miso dressing is finger-licking good.
2. Maple Butternut Squash Autumn Salad Bowl
Image and Recipe from Earth Of Maria
Yep, more squash! A nutrient-dense way to bulk up your salad! Packed with Vitamin A and essential minerals, this is one of those amazing simple plant-based recipes that will keep you full for hours.
3. Massaged Kale Salad with Sweet Potatoes and Pumpkin Seed Dressing
Image and Recipe from Fat Free Vegan
Did you know you can easily get rid of the bitterness in kale by massaging it for just a few minutes? Put it to the test and enjoy this amazing salad with fiber-rich sweet potato and oil-free pumpkin seed dressing.
4. Simple Quinoa Chickpea Salad
Image and Recipe from Eat Plant-Based
Not everything needs to be complicated. Keep your WFPB diet simple with this quick and easy (not to mention super health) quinoa salad. Packed with plant-based protein and flavor.
Pro tip: make a big batch of quinoa, refrigerate and add in your salads for the next few days!
5. Beet and Quinoa Salad with Maple-Balsamic Reduction
Image and Recipe from Fat Free Vegan
Back with more quinoa, but this time paired with the mighty beetroot. Beetroot is high in antioxidants and a heart healthy choice as it's been known to reduce blood pressure. This nutrient-dense salad recipe is topped with a tangy maple-balsamic reduction!
6. Broccoli Salad With Raisins
Image and Recipe from Running on Real Food
Not a fan of broccoli? This heavenly broccoli salad may just change your mind. Naturally sweetened with raisins and packing a protein punch thanks to its tofu-based dressing, you'll be delightfully full for hours to come.
7. Summer Chickpea Salad
Image and Recipe from Dreena Burton
One of my favorite combinations: chickpeas and avocado! And this hearty, healthy chickpea salad does it right. Another protein-packed meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner!
8. Southwestern Black Bean Potato Salad
Image and Recipe from Fat Free Vegan
You can't go wrong with this comforting Southwestern salad. Featuring black beans and potatoes, this spicy dish can be a side or your main, as it's hearty enough for the whole family.
9. Curried Chickpea Salad
Image and Recipe from MamaSezz
This curried chickpea salad has everything you need in a meal: flavor, nutrition, and tons of fiber! Oh, and it goes great with a balsamic reduction for an extra oomph!
Need More Salad Inspiration? Top Tips for Making a Beautiful and Delicious Vegan Salad (That Fills You Up!)
No recipe, no problem! Here are some chef-inspired ways to transform your salad from a boring side dish to a hearty meal for your WFPB diet.
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Rafaela Michailidou is a Vegan Lifestyle Coach, and a freelance health and wellness content writer, with a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies.