Quick & Easy Vegan Summer Berry Salad: Refreshing, Gluten-Free & No-Cook

Inspired by: @veganfoodcrazy

Dive into the vibrant flavors of summer with this incredibly easy and refreshing vegan berry salad! This recipe, inspired by abillion user @veganfoodcrazy, perfectly captures the essence of the season with plump, sweet strawberries, juicy vine tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant cilantro. It’s the ultimate no-cook solution for a light lunch, a quick side dish, or a healthy snack that bursts with natural sweetness.

As one delighted commenter shared, "OMG how do you do this?! 😂😍 This looks beautiful and delicious!" Another user echoed the sentiment: "Thanks so much, this dish is so easy to make!" This salad proves you don't need complicated steps to create something truly beautiful and satisfying. It’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a fantastic choice for a variety of dietary needs, including those following a whole food plant-based lifestyle.

Why You'll Love This Summer Salad

This recipe is designed to answer common questions like "What are easy vegan summer recipes?" or "How can I make a healthy, no-cook meal quickly?".

• Effortless & Quick: Ready in minutes, requiring absolutely no cooking! Perfect for busy days.
• Bursting with Fresh Flavors: Highlights the best of summer's bounty, bringing a sweet, savory, and tangy symphony to your plate.
• Healthy & Hydrating: Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and natural hydration, making it a truly wholesome "eat the rainbow" dish.
• Diet-Friendly: Naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and perfectly aligns with whole food plant-based (WFPB) eating.
• Visually Stunning: This colorful salad is as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate, great for impressing guests or brightening your day.

Ingredients

To create this delightful, protein-packed plant-based salad, you'll need:

• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1 cup sliced tomatoes
• 2 baby cucumbers, sliced
• Bunch cilantro chopped
• 1 spring onion chopped
• 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
• Grey sea salt
• Drizzle of olive oil
• Drizzle of balsamic vinegar
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions: How to Make Your Sweet Summer Salad

Follow these simple steps for a refreshing and vibrant meal:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, tomatoes, and baby cucumbers.
2. Add the chopped cilantro and spring onion to the bowl.
3. Sprinkle in the pumpkin seeds.
4. Add a pinch of grey sea salt to taste, adjusting to your preference.
5. Drizzle generously with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
6. Squeeze in the fresh juice of one lime for a bright, zesty finish.
7. Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined, ensuring every piece is coated with the dressing.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that make this salad a true summer gem!

Variations & Tips for Your Salad

This versatile salad can be easily adapted to your taste, dietary preferences, or what you have on hand. It's perfect as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a picnic highlight.

Creative Variations

• Add More Fruits: Experiment with other sweet summer fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Boost Protein: For a more substantial meal, perfect for a vegan Buddha bowl, mix in some cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or a handful of your favorite plant-based protein.
• Tangy Twist: Crumble some vegan feta or a dairy-free goat cheese alternative for a creamy, tangy addition that complements the fruit beautifully.
• Herb Swap: If cilantro isn't your favorite, fresh basil or chopped mint would also be delicious and offer a different aromatic profile.
• A Hint of Heat: A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can add a surprising and welcome warmth to this sweet salad.

Handy Tips

• Chill for Optimal Refreshment: For the most invigorating experience, chill your prepared salad in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Prioritize Freshness: Use the ripest, most fragrant summer produce you can find. The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the deliciousness of this simple dish.
• Smart Meal Prep: You can slice your fruits and vegetables ahead of time, but for the best texture and to prevent sogginess, wait to add the dressing and salt until just before serving.
• Customize Your Dressing: Adjust the amounts of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and lime juice to perfectly suit your preference for sweetness, tanginess, and richness.

Image Gallery

Here's a glimpse of the beautiful Sweetest Summer Salad, showcasing its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients:

Related Articles

Looking for more easy, plant-based recipes? Explore these delicious options from abillion:

• Crispy Fried Vegan Goat Cheese Salad - Discover another exciting salad option for any occasion.
• Summer Pasta Salad - Perfect for your next summer gathering or potluck.
• Easy Homemade Vegan Falafel Bowl with Charred Eggplant & Tahini - Learn how to build a hearty and flavorful plant-based bowl.
• Refreshing Cold Cucumber Soup - Cool down with another quick and fresh recipe featuring cucumber.
• Creamy Vegan Avocado Toast - A simple and satisfying breakfast or snack idea.

Ready to try this simple, sensational salad? Whip it up today and share your delicious creations on abillion!