Vegan Sushi Salad

This vegan Sushi Salad is power-packed with flavor! It will give you all the bells and whistles that come with traditional sushi. This salad is topped with a delicious Creamy Tahini Ginger Dressing. Trust me, if you love sushi, you'll love this salad.

Have you ever been in the mood for homemade sushi but didn’t feel like rolling up your sleeves or the sushi, for that matter? This is how I felt when I created this vegan Sushi Salad. Talk about thinking outside the roll.

Why You'll Love This Sushi Salad

• You get the sushi experience without the fuss of rolling or handling raw seafood.
• It’s intentionally plant-based, whole-food, and packed with flavor. Perfect for elevating your lunch or dinner with something light yet satisfying.
• You’ll love the texture interplay: crisp greens, air fryer tofu nuggets (or edamame), chewy black (or red/brown) rice, seaweed ribbons, and fresh veggies.
• It’s flexible. Swap in your favorite sushi-style veggies or grains, and the flavor stays top-notch.
• Meal-prep friendly: Once the components are cooled and assembled, you’re ready for a grab-and-go lunch or a make-ahead dinner.

Health Benefits

• Mixed salad greens, Romaine, and other lettuces deliver antioxidants and compounds considered anti-inflammatory and heart-protective.
• Black rice is rich in antioxidants (anthocyanins), compounds that can protect cells against oxidative stress from free radicals.
• Tofu provides a plant-based source of protein, aiding in muscle repair and supporting heart and bone health.
• Nori seaweed adds iodine for thyroid support.
• Dressing adds healthy fats and minerals from sesame (tahini), as well as anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits from fresh ginger root.

Sushi Salad Ingredients

1. Mixed salad greens provide a crisp, fresh backdrop and lighten the meal.
2. Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets bring firmness and protein.
3. Black rice adds a chewy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. Learn how to cook black rice in the Instant Pot.
4. Creamy Tahini Ginger Dressing brings a nutty-sesame base, bright zing from ginger, gentle sweetness, and savory depth.
5. Nori seaweed adds that familiar sushi flavor, umami, and a subtle sea taste.

A full list of ingredients with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions and Variations

• Substitute brown rice or red rice for black rice if you prefer or can’t find it.
• Use shelled edamame instead of tofu for a soy-bean protein option.
• In place of mixed baby salad greens, use chopped Romaine, kale, or arugula.
• Swap out any of the listed veggies for your personal favorites: zucchini ribbons, red bell peppers, mango chunks, radishes, or snap peas. All of these still keep the sushi-salad vibe.
• Our carrot-based Vegan Tuna Salad would also be fantastic in this salad.
• Make it spicy by drizzling some of our Wasabi Ginger Sauce over the salad.

How to Make This Sushi Salad

Step 1

Make the black rice according to package instructions. Check out how to make black rice in the Instant Pot. This takes about 30-35 minutes.

Step 2

Make the Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets according to recipe instructions. This takes about 15-20 minutes.

Step 3

Prepare the Creamy Tahini Ginger Dressing according to the recipe instructions. This takes less than 10 minutes. Set aside.

Step 4

While the black rice and tofu are cooking and cooling, chop your vegetables.

Step 5

Assemble the salad by adding the mixed salad greens as the base and then layer on all the toppings: black rice, tofu, veggies, and sliced avocado.

Step 6

Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and then drizzle a generous amount of the dressing on top. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

1. Use clean (and dry) kitchen scissors to cut nori seaweed sheets into bite-sized pieces.
2. Let your rice and tofu cool to lukewarm or room temperature before adding to the greens. Hot ingredients will wilt the salad greens and change their texture.
3. For a warm salad, consider using a hearty green, such as chopped kale or collard greens.
4. For that sushi roll experience, drizzle a small amount of low-sodium tamari or soy sauce over the top.

What to Pair With This Sushi Salad

• A cup of our Miso Mushroom Soup or a slice of Mushroom Avocado Toast would not only be a delicious addition to pair with this sushi salad, but it would also provide mushrooms to the meal in terms of nutritional value.
• A slice of our Natto Avocado Toast would boost the probiotic benefits of this already gut-friendly meal.
• Pair this salad with a starchy side dish, such as a slice of our Sweet Potato Toast, a cup of Butternut Squash Soup, or a few Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes.
• Sip on one of our matcha drinks, like our Mango Matcha Latte or Blueberry Matcha Latte, paired with this vegan sushi salad.

No judgment, but if you're someone who has to roll your sushi, check out the recipe Avocado Veggie Nori Rolls with Edamame and our Veggie Sushi Handroll. But for me and my household, this is now my new favorite way to eat sushi. 

More Asian Inspired Recipes to Check Out