Feel-Good Green Summer Salad (So Light & Satisfying)

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feel oh so good green summer salad

if you’re craving a salad that’s fresh, flavorful, satisfying, and packed with good-for-you ingredients, this is the one.

the feel oh so good green summer salad is the ultimate green bowl — with vibrant veggies, crunchy seeds, a touch of parmesan, and a zesty cilantro-honey vinaigrette. it’s perfect for warmer weather!!

it’s easy to make, full of texture, and loaded with nutrients that’ll leave you feeling energized and nourished.

this salad is super easy to make vegan with dairy free cheese and maple syrup instead of honey!

taste and texture

this salad has it all: it’s bright, herby, savory, and a little sweet.

the roasted brussels sprouts and peas add a cozy, caramelized flavor that plays perfectly with the fresh cucumber and chopped spinach.

parmesan bring richness, while sunflower and pumpkin seeds add a nutty crunch in every bite.

the vinaigrette is tangy and slightly sweet with fresh cilantro, garlic, lemon, and honey — light but flavorful, and it ties everything together beautifully.

nutrient-dense and feel-good

this salad is loaded with fiber, healthy fats, plant-based protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. you’re getting:

  • leafy greens like spinach and brussels sprouts for vitamin k and antioxidants
  • avocado oil for heart-healthy fats and potassium
  • peas for protein and fiber
  • seeds for zinc, magnesium, and a crunchy dose of healthy fat
  • marinated artichokes for fiber and gut-supportive prebiotics
  • a vinaigrette made with avocado oil and fresh herbs to support brain and skin health

it’s not just delicious — it’s a true powerhouse.

how to make it

you’ll start by finely chopping the brussels sprouts in a food processor, then roasting them with green peas in the oven until golden and crispy.

while they roast, you’ll dice the cucumber, chop the spinach and artichokes, and make the vinaigrette with avocado oil, lemon, apple cider vinegar, honey, dijon, garlic, and cilantro.

once everything is prepped, toss it all together in a big bowl with seeds, and vegan parmesan. drizzle with dressing and give it a good mix.

substitutions and swaps

  • make it vegan: just swap the honey in the vinaigrette for maple syrup or agave. everything else is already plant-based.
  • no cilantro? use fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley instead.
  • no peas? try roasted edamame or chickpeas.
  • no brussels sprouts? shredded cabbage or kale works great.
  • nut-free? this salad is already nut-free — just double-check your parmesan and artichokes.

how to serve it

this salad is satisfying enough to eat on its own as a light lunch or dinner, but also pairs well with a protein like grilled tofu, lentil patties, or tempeh.

you can also stuff it into a wrap or pita with hummus, or serve it alongside roasted sweet potatoes or a chilled quinoa salad.

it’s the perfect fresh side dish for summer gatherings.

storage tips

if you’re meal prepping, store the vinaigrette separately and add just before serving to keep the salad crisp.

the roasted brussels and peas can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

fully assembled, the salad will keep for about 2–3 days in the fridge.

if you like Feel-Good Green Summer Salad (So Light & Satisfying), you’ll also love these other recipes of mine!

Quick and Easy Farro Chickpea Salad with Vegan Feta Crumbles

Spaghetti Squash Enchilada Casserole (Higher-Protein, Plant-Based & Delicious)

Plant-Based Protein Chickpea Salad Wraps (Dairy-Free & Delicious!)

Creamy and Nourishing High Protein Green Glow Soup

Protein-Packed Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Lentil, Chickpea & Edamame Salad

Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Creamy Stewed Butter Beans

Plant Powered Protein Crispy Rice Salad

Comforting French Onion Soup Protein Pasta Bake

Low Carb Pizza Cauliflower Steaks

No-Reheat Sweet Potato and Tofu Wraps with Spicy Brown Mustard Hummus

Nourishing Spinach and Mushroom Curry Orzo Bake

Low Carb Plant Based Protein-Packed Lasagna

The Best Vegan Tortilla Soup – Creamy and Protein-Packed

Lower Carb Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti Squash Bake

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Feel-Good Green Summer Salad (So Light & Satisfying)

Recipe by Mary
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

12

minutes
Calories

307

kcal

APPROXIMATE MACROS
Calories: 307
Protein: 8.5g
Carbohydrates: 18.2g
Fat: 24.6g

Ingredients

  • 2 cups chopped spinach
    2 cups chopped roasted brussels sprouts (roasted with peas)
    1/3 cup chopped marinated artichokes
    1/4 cup sunflower seeds
    1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
    1 large cucumber, chopped
    1 cup roasted peas
    1/3 cup vegan parmesan
    1/2 cup chopped cilantro

    for the dressing:
    1/4 cup avocado oil
    1 tbsp lemon juice
    1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    1 tsp dijon mustard
    1/2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan version)
    1 garlic clove, minced
    1/2 tsp sea salt or to taste
    1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  • prepare the roasted veggies and peas:
    preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). toss the brussels sprouts and peas with a bit of olive oil, sea salt, and pepper. spread them on a baking sheet and roast for about 12 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  • prep the salad ingredients:
    while the veggies roast, chop the spinach, cucumber, marinated artichokes, cilantro, and vegan parmesan. set aside.
  • make the dressing:
    in a small bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
  • assemble the salad:
    once the brussels sprouts and peas are roasted and cooled slightly, combine them in a large bowl with the chopped spinach, cucumber, marinated artichokes, cilantro, vegan parmesan, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
  • dress the salad:
    drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. serve immediately, or chill for an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.

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hi, i'm mary!

I create healthy recipes using real foods that will nourish both your body and soul.

Here, you’ll find everything from scrumptious desserts to savory and nourishing comfort food. Thank you for being here and I hope you enjoy my delicious creations

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