What vegetables work best in a vegan ribbon salad?

The best vegetables for a ribbon salad are firm, water-rich, and able to hold their shape when sliced thin. Top choices include: Zucchini – mild and soft, perfect for beginners Carrots – vibrant and slightly sweet Cucumbers – crisp and hydrating Yellow squash – buttery and tender Beets – earthy and bold in color Daikon radish – crisp with a peppery kick Use a peeler or mandoline for best results, and rotate the veggie as you slice to get long, elegant strips. Want a stunning one-veggie version? Try our Zucchini Ribbon Salad.

Is vegan ribbon salad low in calories?

Yes, it’s incredibly low in calories. Most of the vegetables used in ribbon salads are around 15–50 calories per cup, making this an excellent option for anyone watching their caloric intake. Even with a light dressing, most servings fall under 250 calories. The secret to keeping it low-cal lies in: Avoiding creamy or sugary dressings Skipping cheese or crouton-style toppings Letting herbs, citrus, and spices bring the flavor

How do you make vegetable ribbons without a spiralizer?

You don’t need a spiralizer to make beautiful ribbons. Here’s how to do it: Vegetable peeler: Ideal for zucchini, carrots, cucumber, and squash Mandoline slicer: Great for firm veggies like beets and radishes Sharp knife: Useful for creating ultra-thin strips of peppers or cabbage Just peel the veggie along its length, apply light pressure, and rotate as you go to get even ribbons. For a step-by-step breakdown, revisit Part 3 of this article.

Can I make a vegan ribbon salad ahead of time?

Definitely. Ribbon salads hold up surprisingly well if prepped the right way: Store veggie ribbons dry and undressed in an airtight container Keep the dressing separate until serving Add soft herbs or avocado at the last minute This makes ribbon salads great for work lunches, meal prep, or picnics. Follow the tips in Part 6 for full storage instructions.

What dressing goes well with a vegan ribbon salad?

Ribbon salads are flexible and work with both light and creamy dressings. Popular options include: Lemon-Dijon vinaigrette Apple cider herb dressing Tahini-garlic or avocado-lime cream Stick with citrus and vinegar for crunchier veggies, or add richness with cashew cream or nut-based blends. If you’re feeling bold, explore bold combos like we use in our Pickle Ranch Pizza.

Is vegan ribbon salad good for weight loss?

Yes, vegan ribbon salads are ideal for weight loss. They’re: High in fiber Low in calories Hydrating Packed with vitamins Plus, they’re satisfying enough to be a main course or paired with lean proteins. If you're cutting carbs or reducing processed foods, this salad checks all the boxes. Looking for an even leaner twist? Try the Low-Carb Ribbon Salad for a keto-friendly version.

Vegan Ribbon Salad : 7 Delicious Reasons to Try This Light & Fresh Meal

Name: Vegan Ribbon Salad A Colorful, Low-Calorie Delight for Plant-Based Eaters
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 zucchini; 2 carrots; 1 cucumber; 1 yellow squash; 1 small beet (optional); 1 daikon radish (optional); 1 bell pepper; Fresh herbs (mint, parsley, or basil); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

A fresh, crisp, and colorful vegan ribbon salad made with shaved vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and cucumbers. Perfectly hydrating, low in calories, and packed with nutrients—ideal for warm days or light meals.

Ingredients

2 zucchini
2 carrots
1 cucumber
1 yellow squash
1 small beet (optional)
1 daikon radish (optional)
1 bell pepper
Fresh herbs (mint, parsley, or basil)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Wash all vegetables and peel if necessary.
Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, slice the zucchini, carrots, cucumber, yellow squash, beet, daikon, and bell pepper into long ribbons.
Pat ribbons dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a large bowl, combine all the vegetable ribbons.
Add chopped fresh herbs.
Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper.
Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

Notes

Use firm and fresh vegetables for the best ribbon texture. Dress just before serving to maintain crispness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Vegan