Print

Fresh Vegan Gluten-Free Summer Salads

fresh vegan gluten-free summer salads - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick, light, and wholesome vegan and gluten-free salad perfect for summer, featuring fresh veggies, chickpeas, avocado, and a tangy citrus dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced (peeled if preferred)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium carrot, shredded
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, or basil), chopped
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (fruity variety recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry mixed greens thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
  2. Dice cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and avocado. Shred carrot using a box grater or food processor.
  3. Drain and rinse canned chickpeas well under cold water and let drain thoroughly.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until dressing emulsifies.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add greens, diced veggies, chickpeas, and fresh herbs. Pour dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  6. Add diced avocado last to avoid mashing.
  7. Sprinkle toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds on top for crunch.
  8. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed. Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Dry greens well to avoid sogginess. Rinse chickpeas thoroughly to remove canned taste. Add dressing just before serving to keep greens crisp. Toast seeds lightly for added flavor. Use ripe avocado for creaminess. Adjust lemon juice to taste. Dressing can be whisked again if left sitting too long.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan, gluten-free, summer salad, light meal, healthy, fresh, quick, easy, plant-based

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/fresh-vegan-gluten-free-summer-salads-easy-recipes-for-light-meals/