Blog
Darlene Murphy
7 min read
June 26, 2025
Milwaukee has always been known for its comfort food, but lately, something fresh is happening. A lot of us are craving meals that feel a little lighter, cleaner, and more energizing. That’s probably why vegan salads are showing up everywhere, not just on menus, but in people’s regular lunch routines.
These aren’t boring side salads, either. We’re talking about colorful bowls packed with real flavor, protein, and texture. Think crisp veggies, hearty toppings, and dressings you actually look forward to.
We’ve rounded up some of the best vegan salads you can find in Milwaukee. And if you haven’t been to Forage Kitchen yet, it’s worth checking out for one of the freshest plant-based meals around.
A good vegan salad isn’t just about tossing some lettuce in a bowl. It’s about combining fresh ingredients that actually fill you up and taste great too.
The best salads start with variety. Crunchy cucumbers, roasted sweet potatoes, shredded cabbage, juicy tomatoes, and fresh kale all bring different textures and flavors. These veggies add fiber and make each bite more satisfying.
Then there’s protein. You need something hearty in there, like chickpeas, tofu, or lentils. Add a few slices of avocado or a sprinkle of seeds for some healthy fats, and now you’ve got a salad that can actually keep you full.
Dressing brings everything together. A bright lemon vinaigrette, a smooth tahini blend, or a light herb dressing can turn a simple mix of veggies into something you’ll actually look forward to eating. It’s the finishing touch that makes all the difference.
Together, smart ingredients and killer dressings are what make vegan salads not only satisfying but memorable.
Milwaukee is home to a growing list of spots where plant-based eaters can find fresh, colorful vegan salads. But not all salads are created equal. So, how do we know which one is really worth it? Here are a few things to consider:
The best vegan salads come from kitchens that work closely with local farms and rotate their menus seasonally. This ensures the freshest, most nutrient-dense produce, such as juicy tomatoes in summer, roasted root veggies in fall, and bright greens in spring.
Curious about where our ingredients come from? Check out this behind-the-scenes look from Forage Kitchen, featuring a visit to Flynn Creek Farm and a glimpse into our fresh produce:
Not everyone wants the same salad, and that’s why customizability matters. Great salad spots give you the flexibility to build a bowl based on your personal preferences, dietary needs, or mood.
Whether you want something crunchy, spicy, citrusy, or creamy, having control over your ingredients means you’ll always be satisfied.
A truly great vegan salad spot emphasizes whole, minimally processed ingredients. That means real veggies, real herbs, and house-made toppings; not pre-packaged shortcuts. Look for bowls that feature roasted vegetables, fermented add-ons, or house-pickled ingredients for a clean-eating experience you can trust.
These factors all contribute to a salad that’s not only fresh and nutritious but also delicious enough to keep you coming back.
At Forage Kitchen, we believe building a salad should feel exciting, not like a compromise. Our fully customizable bowls are filled with clean, plan-forward ingredients that nourish and energize.
Our Build-Your-Own bowl format makes every order a unique creation. Start with a fresh base of greens like kale, spinach, or mixed greens, then load up on vegan-friendly toppings like roasted sweet potato, chickpeas, pickled onions, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and crunchy poblano cabbage slaw.
From there, layer on house-made dressings like avocado green goddess or zesty Thai cashew for the perfect finishing touch. Whether you want something creamy, spicy, or citrus-bright, you’ll find a blend that ties it all together.
Our menu adapts with the seasons, so you’ll always get the best of what’s available from local purveyors.
At Forage Kitchen, everything is intentional from the ingredients we source to the way we prepare every bowl. We focus on real, whole foods that help you feel good and stay energized throughout the day.
Whether you’re fueling up after a workout or need a lunch that keeps you going, our bowls are built to be clean, colorful, and always satisfying.
You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy our salads. You just have to love food that’s made with care, packed with flavor, and actually makes you feel better after eating it.
Milwaukee’s culinary scene is thriving, and vegan salads are leading the way in proving plant-based food can be exciting, nourishing, and seriously crave-worthy.
If you’re exploring plant-forward meals or simply want a satisfying option that doesn’t compromise on flavor, Milwaukee offers plenty of options. And Forage Kitchen remains one of the top choices for vibrant, healthy vegan salads made fresh to order.
Craving something clean, filling, and full of flavor? Build your next favorite vegan salad at Forage Kitchen.
Darlene is the co-owner of Forage and an expert in restaurant and food marketing, brand development, and public relations for small businesses. She specializes in creating compelling marketing materials, including ad copy, websites, and catalogs, to help brands connect with their audience.
