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Top 10 Vegan Summer Salads for a Refreshing & Flavorful Season made by Chef Francesca Nardelli

Updated: Mar 24

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light, vibrant, and refreshing meals. With the abundance of fresh produce, a great summer salad can be a game-changer—packed with nutrients, flavor, and color. Whether you're meal-prepping, heading to a picnic, or just craving something crisp and delicious, these 10 vegan summer salads (approved by Chef Francesca Nardelli) are here to keep things exciting.





1. Watermelon Basil Feta Salad

Nothing screams summer quite like watermelon! This juicy, sweet, and savory salad is hydrating and bursting with fresh flavor.🥗 What you’ll need:

  • Cubed watermelon

  • Vegan feta (or crumbled tofu with lemon & salt)

  • Fresh basil leaves

  • Sliced cucumber

  • A drizzle of balsamic glaze

The combo of sweet watermelon, tangy feta, and fresh herbs makes this a must-try!





2. Mango Avocado Black Bean Salad

Tropical, creamy, and packed with plant protein, this salad is perfect for a BBQ side or a light meal.🥭 What you’ll need:

  • Diced mango

  • Avocado chunks

  • Sprouted Black beans

  • Red onion

  • Fresh cilantro & lime juice

  • Cabbage

  • Chopped Toamto




Pro tip: Let the flavors marinate for 10 minutes before serving for the best taste!








3. Spicy Taco Salad

Grilled corn adds a smoky-sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with juicy cherry tomatoes.🌽 What you’ll need:

  • Charred corn (cut off the cob)

  • Cherry tomatoes, halved

  • Diced red bell pepper

  • Green onion

  • Lime-cilantro dressing

Serve it with tortilla chips, garnish with mango habanero hot sauce, and fresh cilantro






4. Asian-Inspired Cabbage Slaw Perfect for a RAW dish!




Crunchy, colorful, and full of flavor, this no-mayo slaw is an easy go-to for summer.🥢 What you’ll need:

  • Shredded purple & green cabbage

  • Carrot ribbons

  • Sesame seeds

  • Edamame

  • Ginger-tahini dressing

Great as a side dish or even as a taco topping!





5. Strawberry Spinach Sprout Salad

A classic that never fails. The sweetness of strawberries, crunch of pecans, and tangy balsamic dressing make this a summer favorite.🍓 What you’ll need:

  • Fresh spinach

  • Sliced strawberries

  • Toasted pecans

  • Clover Sprouts

  • Maple balsamic dressing

Perfect for a light lunch or potluck dish!










6. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Packed with protein and Mediterranean goodness, this is a hearty and refreshing salad.🍋 What you’ll need:

  • Chickpeas

  • Cucumber

  • Cherry tomatoes

  • Red onion

  • Kalamata olives & lemon-oregano dressing

Enjoy it as a side or in a pita for a satisfying meal!





7. Francesca's Peace Salad

My all time most popular salad! What you’ll need:

  • Fresh Bean Sprouts

  • Cabbage sliced

  • Shredded carrots

  • Cilantro

  • Fresh lemon garlic, tahini,. ACV, olive oil dresing

  • Chopped cherry toamtoes

  • Greens like butter lettuce

  • diced cucumbers

  • Cooked chickpeas








8. Zucchini Noodle Pesto Salad

This no-cook salad is ideal when you want something fresh and low-carb.🥒 What you’ll need:

  • Spiralized zucchini

  • Cherry tomatoes

  • Basil pesto (bonus: mix in broccoli sprouts for extra nutrition!)

  • Pine nuts

  • Lemon zest

A light yet flavorful meal that pairs well with grilled tofu or tempeh!







9. Heirloom Tomato & Peach Salad

Juicy peaches and heirloom tomatoes? A summer match made in heaven.🍑 What you’ll need:

  • Sliced heirloom tomatoes

  • Juicy peaches

  • Fresh basil

  • Vegan ricotta

  • Olive oil & balsamic drizzle

Serve with crusty sourdough bread for an extra indulgence!









10. Cucumber Melon Mint Salad

A hydrating and cooling salad that’s unexpectedly delicious.🥒 What you’ll need:

  • Cucumber slices

  • Honeydew & cantaloupe

  • Fresh mint

  • Lime juice

  • Chili flakes (optional for a kick)

This one is super refreshing and works as a snack or side dish!






Final Thoughts

These vegan summer salads prove that eating fresh and healthy can be both easy and exciting. Whether you love sweet, savory, or a mix of both, there’s something here to keep you cool and satisfied all season long.

Inspired by Chef Francesca Nardelli, these salads focus on real, nourishing ingredients that celebrate seasonal produce. Want more plant-based recipes? Stay tuned for more delicious and creative dishes!

Which one are you trying first? Let me know in the comments! ☀️🥗

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