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Michelle Johnson

Whether you are already vegan, interested in what vegans eat or just want some new salad recipes, this course is for you. Vegans get the bad rap of eating "rabbit food." This course will show you how to transform vegetables into delicious salads that are good enough to take to a potluck or cookout. There are a few salads that have greens as the base, but many of the recipes feature the beans, grains and pasta that make a heartier salad.

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Whether you are already vegan, interested in what vegans eat or just want some new salad recipes, this course is for you. Vegans get the bad rap of eating "rabbit food." This course will show you how to transform vegetables into delicious salads that are good enough to take to a potluck or cookout. There are a few salads that have greens as the base, but many of the recipes feature the beans, grains and pasta that make a heartier salad.

You may be thinking, "Aren't all salads vegan?" Actually, no they aren'tespecially when they are made with traditional ingredients. Salads like caesar salad, potato salad, and macaroni salad fall in this category. I've created vegan versions of these salads in this course. I've also created a dressing/dip that is a great ranch dressing substitute.

If you're curious, don't hesitate to enroll in this course and learn how to make these delicious, satisfying salads.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Take simple ingredients and turn them into satisfying, colorful salads
  • Make flavorful versatile dressings
  • Make vegan versions of salads and dressings that are traditionally made with egg-based mayonnaise
  • Gain the confidence to make something for a social event that will be readily accepted

Syllabus

Introduction

What to expect from this course.

Learn how to replace non-vegan ingredients for the salads in this course.

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Learn how to press tofu without a tofu press.

Chickpeas really shine in this simple salad. You can eat this on it's own or even on top of greens.

This recipe turns plan rice into something special. The combination of the lime, mango and jalapeño will make your taste buds sing!

This traditional macaroni salad was easily "veganized" with a simple mayo substitution.

This is the perfect pasta salad for your summer celebration! It's quick, easy and flavorful. What more can you ask for?

Udon noodles form the base of this recipe, but could be easily substituted with thick rice noodles. The peanut sauce is also very versatile and can be used with anything or own its own as a dipping sauce.

If you miss eggs, this vegan egg salad will hit the spot. Thanks to Indian black salt and tofu, you get the taste and texture of eggs in this salad.

If you grew up eating creamy, sweet potato salad, you absolutely must try this recipe! It was so good it took me back to my childhood.

What's simpler than some chopped veggies and a tasty vinaigrette? Not much. Make this for your next cookout or potluck!

This is my Ukrop's (now Martins…) knock off marinated cucumber salad. It's always been one of my favorites. Try it! I think you'll like it.

Always a favorite at our family dinners, this Zesty Marinated Vegetable Salad is simple yet full of flavor. Your guests won't guess that it most of the vegetables come from a can. Be sure to rinse and drain them really well and you'll have nothing to worry about. If you're serving a large crowd, you'll probably want to double this recipe.

Somehow kale has become “all the rage.” Kale chips are popping up all over the place. People are blending it in green smoothies. We can't get enough of this nutritional powerhouse. Here's another way you can enjoy kale…raw! Watch my video below and watch it transform.

You can now enjoy a creamy dip for your carrot sticks or potato chips at parties! This recipe takes minutes to throw together. Add enough non-dairy milk to make it thinner and you have a delicious dressing too.

This salad dressing is one of my favorite things about going to a Japanese Steakhouse (or Hibachi Grill). The salad itself was always very simple: iceberg lettuce, carrots, tomato and cucumbers. It's funny how no one eats iceberg lettuce anymore when growing up, that's all I ate.

Salads in jars have been popular for some time. Check out Pinterest for all the inspiration you could ever want. The only rule is to put the wetter ingredients on the bottom so it's away from the lettuce. You don't want that to wilt. I like keeping my dressing separate, but lots of people put theirs in the bottom of the jar.

These candied walnuts are perfect on a salad or even as an appetizer.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers vegan versions of classic salads like Caesar, potato, and macaroni salad, making familiar favorites accessible to those with dietary restrictions or ethical eating habits
Focuses on transforming simple ingredients into satisfying and colorful salads, which is ideal for those looking to create visually appealing and flavorful dishes
Teaches how to make flavorful and versatile dressings, which can be applied to a wide range of salads and other dishes, enhancing the overall culinary skill set
Includes recipes featuring beans, grains, and pasta, which provides options for creating heartier and more substantial salads that go beyond traditional leafy greens
Features a recipe for a creamy veggie dip/dressing, which can be used as a substitute for traditional ranch dressing, catering to those seeking healthier or vegan alternatives
Includes a recipe for massaged raw kale salad, which may require learners to handle and prepare kale in a specific way to achieve the desired texture and flavor

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Reviews summary

Delicious vegan salads for any gathering

According to learners, this course provides delicious and satisfying vegan salads that are perfect for potlucks and social events. Students frequently highlight the success of the vegan versions of classic dishes like macaroni and potato salad, noting they were enjoyed even by non-vegans. The recipes are generally easy to follow, making vegan cooking feel accessible. Many reviewers gained confidence in bringing these dishes to gatherings. While some experienced cooks found certain recipes simple, the versatile dressings and reliable, crowd-pleasing results were highly valued.
Dressings are flavorful and highly versatile.
"The dressings were excellent and very versatile."
"The dressing recipes alone are worth the enrollment."
"I made the Creamy Veggie Dip/Dressing... it was devoured instantly."
Instructions are clear, making vegan cooking accessible.
"The instructions were super clear and easy to follow."
"The course makes vegan cooking feel very accessible and fun."
"Some recipes are quite simple, but effective."
"Simple ingredients, fantastic results."
Successfully veganizes traditional favorite salads.
"Loved the Macaroni Salad and Potato Salad recipes! So creamy and nobody could tell they were vegan."
"The Tofu 'Eggy' Salad was surprisingly good, the black salt really made it taste authentic."
"Absolutely loved the Vegan Caesar Salad and the homemade croutons recipe! This is now my go-to Caesar."
"I gained so much confidence taking these dishes to a non-vegan event."
Recipes are flavorful and great for sharing.
"Loved the Macaroni Salad and Potato Salad recipes! So creamy and nobody could tell they were vegan. Made them for a family BBQ and got rave reviews."
"Perfectly named course! These salads are indeed perfect for potlucks... Made the Macaroni Salad and the Creamy Veggie Dip/Dressing, both were devoured instantly."
"Every recipe I tried was a hit... This course delivered exactly what it promised - perfect potluck dishes."
"This course makes vegan cooking feel very accessible and fun... Great value for money."
One specific recipe didn't work for one reviewer.
"Disappointed. The Southern Potato Salad recipe didn't turn out creamy for me, not like the picture."
Video production quality felt a bit old-fashioned.
"The video quality felt a bit dated in places."
"Videos were clear enough."
May be too simple for experienced vegan cooks.
"Some of the other salads were a bit too simple for my taste..."
"...maybe less so if you already cook a lot of vegan food."
"The recipes are okay, but nothing groundbreaking if you're already familiar with vegan cooking."
"Not worth it if you're an experienced cook."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Perfect Potluck Vegan Salads with these activities:
Review Vegan Ingredient Substitutions
Familiarize yourself with common vegan ingredient substitutions to better understand the 'veganizing' process used in the course recipes.
Show steps
  • Research common egg and dairy replacements in vegan cooking.
  • Identify vegan alternatives for mayonnaise, cheese, and other non-vegan ingredients.
  • Make a list of readily available vegan ingredients.
Review 'Vegan Richa's Everyday Kitchen'
Explore a vegan cookbook to gain inspiration and learn new techniques for creating delicious vegan salads and dressings.
Show steps
  • Browse the cookbook for salad recipes and dressing ideas.
  • Select a few recipes to try and adapt to your own preferences.
  • Note any interesting ingredient combinations or techniques.
Vegan Salad Potluck with Friends
Organize a potluck with friends where everyone brings a vegan salad to share and sample.
Show steps
  • Invite friends to participate in a vegan salad potluck.
  • Assign categories or themes to each participant.
  • Prepare and bring your vegan salad to the potluck.
  • Share recipes and ideas with other participants.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Create Your Own Vegan Salad Recipe
Design and prepare your own unique vegan salad recipe, incorporating the techniques and ingredients learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Choose a base (greens, grains, pasta, or beans).
  • Select complementary vegetables, fruits, and toppings.
  • Create a flavorful vegan dressing.
  • Prepare and assemble the salad.
  • Document the recipe for future use.
Review 'Crossroads'
Explore a gourmet vegan cookbook to discover advanced techniques and flavor combinations that can be applied to salad creation.
Show steps
  • Browse the cookbook for interesting flavor combinations and techniques.
  • Identify recipes that can be adapted for salads or dressings.
  • Experiment with new ingredients and techniques in your own salad creations.
Share Your Salad Creations Online
Document your vegan salad creations and share them on social media or a food blog to inspire others.
Show steps
  • Take appealing photos of your vegan salads.
  • Write a brief description of the recipe and its ingredients.
  • Share the photos and description on social media or a food blog.

Career center

Learners who complete Perfect Potluck Vegan Salads will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Personal Chef
A personal chef prepares meals for individuals or families, often catering to specific dietary needs. This course, focusing on vegan salads, could enable a personal chef to expand their repertoire and offer clients a variety of flavorful, plant-based dishes. The course's emphasis on transforming simple ingredients into satisfying meals, plus the recipes for vegan versions of traditionally non-vegan salads, can help a personal chef impress their clients. Knowing to make a vegan ranch dressing substitute also demonstrates an ability to provide for clients with specific dietary goals. This course helps build a foundation in making attractive vegan dishes for clients.
Recipe Developer
Recipe developers create and test recipes for various publications, food companies, or restaurants. The course, focused on creating tasty and appealing vegan salads, directly aligns with the work of a recipe developer seeking to expand their plant-based recipe portfolio. This course helps a recipe developer learn how to create vegan versions of traditionally non-vegan salads; furthermore, they'll learn to use simple ingredients to make delicious and varied dishes. The course would be especially useful for a recipe developer who needs to create vegan recipes for a particular publication or business. This course helps build a foundation in developing compelling plant based recipes.
Food Blogger
Food bloggers create engaging content about food, often including recipes, reviews, and cooking tips. This course would help a food blogger interested in plant-based cuisine to develop new, exciting recipes to share with their audience. The knowledge gained from this course could help a food blogger create compelling content, from vegan versions of traditional salads to original flavorful salads. This food blogger could impress readers with their ability to transform basic ingredients into delightful, party-ready creations. This course can help a food blogger expand their repertoire.
Caterer
A caterer plans, prepares, and serves food for events, and a knowledge of vegan options is increasingly important. This course would be beneficial to a caterer because it teaches how to make satisfying and visually appealing vegan salads that are suitable for social gatherings. The course's focus on salads that include beans, grains, and pasta, as well as vegan versions of classic salads, gives caterers a wider range of options. A caterer who knows how to make a dressing and dip, as well as other flavorful and flexible recipes, can serve a wider array of clients. This course helps a caterer develop attractive dishes that can be used in the catering business.
Dietitian
A dietitian provides expert advice on food and nutrition. This course is helpful for dietitians who are interested in creating plant-based meal plans for their clients. The course shows how to make satisfying and delicious vegan salads using a variety of ingredients like beans, grains, and vegetables which are great for client meal plans. The course also features vegan versions of traditionally non-vegan salads, expanding a dietitian's ability to create meal plans that are both healthy and familiar to clients. This course helps a dietitian offer a variety of tasty salad options.
Culinary Instructor
Culinary instructors teach cooking techniques and recipes to students in various settings. This course helps a culinary instructor who wants to teach plant-based cooking how to create and demonstrate satisfying and flavorful vegan salads. The course's emphasis on transforming vegetables into delicious salads, plus the variety of options in the course, would allow this culinary instructor to provide a well-rounded educational experience. Knowing how to make vegan versions of classic salads and versatile dressings helps this instructor enhance their course. This course may be useful for developing a class on vegan salads.
Restaurant Chef
A restaurant chef manages the kitchen of a food service establishment. This course may be useful to a restaurant chef who seeks to expand their menu with vegan options. This course teaches how to use a variety of techniques and ingredients to create flavorful vegan salads. Knowing how to make vegan versions of traditionally non-vegan salads can help a chef keep up with trends in the restaurant industry. The course's emphasis on visually appealing dishes helps create menu options that are both delicious and attractive to customers. This course may be useful for a chef wanting to expand their restaurant's menu.
Nutrition Consultant
A nutrition consultant provides advice on diet and healthy eating habits. This course may help the nutrition consultant who wants to create plant-based meal plans for clients. The course's focus on creating delicious vegan salads using ingredients like beans, grains, and vegetables would make a consultant's recommendations more appealing. This consultant could emphasize the satisfying nature of these salads to clients. By learning ways to transform simple ingredients, they may come up with good meal options. This course may be useful for providing clients with vegan salad options.
Food Stylist
A food stylist works with photographers to arrange food in an appealing way for photos and videos. This course in creating visually appealing vegan salads may be useful for a food stylist. The course showcases the use of simple, fresh ingredients in a variety of colors and textures. The skills learned in creating these salads can help a food stylist to produce attractive food that is camera ready. This course might be helpful for those interested on expanding their food styling techniques. A food stylist should have a broad range of recipes in their toolkit, and this course might be a great starting point.
Food Product Developer
Food product developers create new food items for sale in grocery stores and other markets. This course may be useful for a food product developer as it focuses on creating a variety of vegan salads from simple ingredients. The course's approach to making classic salads vegan, as well as the dressing and dip recipes, could inspire the product developer to create a new line of products. Furthermore, knowing how to transform simple ingredients into something novel and tasty would help a food product developer to create new, appealing products. This course may be useful for learning how to make salads that appeal to a wide audience.
Health Coach
A health coach helps clients adopt healthier lifestyle habits. This course may be useful to a health coach who is helping clients transition to a more plant-based diet. This course provides a range of recipes for delicious vegan salads that can be incorporated into a client's meal plan. The course also teaches techniques for transforming simple ingredients into satisfying meals, which can help clients feel they are not sacrificing flavor or variety when changing dietary habits. This course is helpful for introducing new recipes to clients.
Event Planner
An event planner organizes and coordinates events, which often includes food selection. This course may be helpful to an event planner who needs to manage an event that includes vegan options. The course shows how to create satisfying and visually appealing vegan salads, which can be a great option for event guests. Knowing how to make vegan versions of traditional salads, as well as versatile dressings and flavorful recipes, can help an event planner meet the needs of a variety of guests. This course may be useful for providing delicious vegan salad options for events.
Food Science Technician
A food science technician typically works in laboratories or food processing plants. Although this course is not directly related to lab work, some aspects may be useful to a technician who is curious about how to transform simple vegetable ingredients into palatable and interesting salads. The course's focus on vegan versions of traditionally non-vegan salads may offer insight into the potential of plant based ingredients. A technician who better understands plant based cooking may be better at experimenting with vegan food. This course may be useful for a greater understanding of plant based ingredients.
Agricultural Scientist
An agricultural scientist studies methods for improving crops and livestock. While this course is not directly related to agricultural science, some aspects may be useful in understanding the applications of various plant-based crops. The course's focus on using vegetables, beans, grains, and pasta, might offer some general insight. An agricultural scientist may gain insight into the various ways crops can be used to create delicious, nutritious dishes. This course may be useful for broadening knowledge of practical applications of produce.
Food Photographer
A food photographer captures images of food for publications, advertisements, or social media. This course may help a food photographer who wants to learn more about vegan dishes and how they can be styled. The course itself does not provide knowledge of photography. However, the course includes a wide variety of colorful and interesting vegan salad recipes. This course might inspire a food photographer to create new and attractive images of a variety of dishes. This course may be useful for food photographers interested in shooting new subjects.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Perfect Potluck Vegan Salads.
This cookbook provides a wide range of vegan recipes, including many salad variations and dressings. It offers inspiration for creating flavorful and satisfying vegan meals. The book great resource for understanding how to build balanced vegan dishes. It can be used as a reference for ingredient combinations and flavor profiles.
This cookbook, from the chef of the famous Crossroads restaurant, elevates vegan cuisine to a gourmet level. While not exclusively focused on salads, it provides sophisticated techniques and flavor combinations that can be applied to salad creation. The book good source of inspiration for advanced vegan cooking. It is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.

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