My garden is flourishing! This sassy vegan salad, packed with fresh green onions from my own backyard, adds the perfect hint of zestiness. Thick, protein-packed chickpeas offer a satisfying bite, while crisp cucumber and juicy tomatoes bring refreshing crunch and vibrant colour. The spicy pickles give it a sassy twist that ties the whole salad together. For on-the-go convenience, I used my colorful Caraway food storage duo, perfect for meal prep. This plant-based salad is my ultimate summer craving: a joyful, delicious celebration of the sunny season in every bite!

If you love this recipe, you may also like my Loaded Rainbow Veggie Bowl and Rainbow Pineapple Salad!

COURSE: Main, Side Dish

CUISINE: Contemporary Plant-based

NUTRITIONAL FACTS: (Per 2 Cups Serving)

Calories 358
Protein 25g
Dietary Fiber 24g

Why You Will Love This Fresh Garden Salad:

You will love this fresh garden salad for its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. The zesty green onions from my garden add a unique touch, while protein-packed chickpeas provide a hearty bite. Juicy tomatoes and spicy pickles create a deliciously exciting contrast. The fresh arugula adds a peppery note, tying all the flavours together into a perfect summer dish. Plus, with the convenience of my colourful Caraway food storage duo, you can enjoy this delightful salad on the go.

About the Ingredients:

This fresh garden salad is a delightful blend of flavours and textures, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick and healthy lunch or hosting a summer picnic, this salad fits the bill. Vegans and vegetarians will appreciate the plant-based ingredients, while health enthusiasts will love its nutrient-packed profile. The spicy pickles add a sassy twist, ensuring every bite is exciting. Easy to prepare and store, thanks to my colourful Caraway food storage duo, this salad is a versatile and delicious addition to your summer menu.

Chopped Green Onion

Chopped green onion brings a burst of freshness to this fresh green salad. Its mild, zesty flavour adds the perfect hint of sharpness, balancing the richness of chickpeas and the sweetness of tomatoes. This simple yet vibrant ingredient elevates the overall taste, making each bite refreshing and satisfying. Also, you can actually grow your own green onions by sticking the white end of the onions into some dirt and watering it. In just a few days, you will see rich, green onions, growing from the ground!

Green onions are not only flavourful but also packed with health benefits. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which support immune function, skin health, and bone strength. Green onions also contain antioxidants that help fight inflammation and boost overall health, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.

Cooked Chickpeas

Cooked chickpeas add a hearty and satisfying element to this fresh garden salad. Their creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the crisp vegetables, making each bite delightful. Chickpeas also absorb the flavours of the dressing and other ingredients, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.

Rich in protein and fiber, cooked chickpeas support muscle health and aid digestion. They are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, and magnesium, which contribute to energy production and overall well-being.

Chopped Tomatoes

Chopped tomatoes add a juicy burst of flavour and vibrant colour to this salad. Their natural sweetness balances the other ingredients, creating a harmonious blend of tastes. The tomatoes' refreshing texture complements the crisp cucumbers and hearty chickpeas, making each bite a delightful experience.

To add, tomatoes are a powerhouse of nutrients. They are rich in vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate, supporting immune function, heart health, and bone strength. Tomatoes also contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of chronic diseases and improved skin health.

Diced Pickles

Diced pickles add a tangy and spicy twist to this salad, enhancing its overall flavour profile with their zesty bite. They offer a delightful contrast to the sweetness of tomatoes and the creaminess of chickpeas. Their crunchiness complements the salad’s textures, making every bite exciting and satisfying.

Beyond their flavour, diced pickles provide some health benefits. They are low in calories and can aid in digestion due to their probiotic content. Pickles also contain essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin K and potassium, which support bone health and help maintain electrolyte balance.

Fresh Arugula

Fresh arugula adds a peppery kick to this salad, enhancing its flavour profile with a delightful, slightly spicy note. It complements the other ingredients beautifully, bringing a crisp texture and vibrant green color.

In terms of health benefits, arugula is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which support vision, skin health, and bone strength. Additionally, arugula contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help improve overall health and may support digestion and heart health.

Questions and Tips:

What equipment can I make this recipe in?

You can whip up this recipe with just a few basic kitchen tools! Use a large mixing bowl for combining all the ingredients. A sharp knife and cutting board will help you chop everything easily. For quick storage, my colourful Caraway food storage duo works perfectly.

Are the extra toppings necessary?

Extra toppings aren’t necessary, but they do add fun and variety! Try adding crunchy almonds, sweet pomegranate seeds, or tangy olives for an extra burst of flavour and texture. Mix and match to make this salad your own!

What else can I serve with this Fresh Vegan Salad?

You can serve this fresh vegan salad with a side of crusty sourdough bread or gluten-free crackers with vegan pepperoni, fresh fruit, raw nuts, or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. Add berries or a light smoothie to round it out. For a more substantial option, try pairing it with roasted vegetable skewers or a creamy avocado dip. A refreshing sparkling water or herbal iced tea will complete the meal perfectly.

How long does this recipe last?

This salad stays fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep! Just keep it in an airtight container to enjoy crisp and delicious bites every day. For the best taste, add any dressings just before serving. If you want to extend its freshness, consider storing the ingredients separately and mixing them when you’re ready to eat.

Will non-vegans like this?

Absolutely! Non-vegans will love this salad too. It’s packed with flavor and satisfying textures that everyone can enjoy. The vibrant ingredients and zesty pickles make it a hit for all tastes. The combination of fresh produce and bold flavours creates a deliciously unique experience. Plus, it's a light yet filling option that anyone can appreciate. You might even convert a few sceptics with this tasty dish!

Fresh Garden Salad