Five Delicious Vegetarian Salad Recipes, Each Under 500 Calories:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**1. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad (Approx. 350 Calories)**

*Ingredients:*
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish

*Instructions:*
1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

**2. Quinoa and Black Bean Salad (Approx. 400 Calories)**

*Ingredients:*
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Avocado slices for garnish (optional)

*Instructions:*
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, red bell pepper, corn, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Garnish with avocado slices if desired and serve.

**3. Spinach and Strawberry Salad (Approx. 250 Calories)**

*Ingredients:*
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Feta cheese crumbles for garnish (optional)

*Instructions:*
1. In a large bowl, combine fresh spinach and sliced strawberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
4. Sprinkle sliced almonds and feta cheese crumbles on top and serve.

**4. Asian-Inspired Tofu Salad (Approx. 350 Calories)**

*Ingredients:*
- 8 oz firm tofu, cubed and baked
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Sriracha sauce (optional, for heat)
- Sesame seeds for garnish

*Instructions:*
1. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, julienned carrot, sliced cucumber, and chopped peanuts.
2. Add the baked tofu cubes on top.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and Sriracha (if desired).
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve.

**5. Greek Couscous Salad (Approx. 450 Calories)**

*Ingredients:*
- 1 cup couscous, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish

*Instructions:*
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked couscous, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, and feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Enjoy these flavorful and nutritious vegetarian salad recipes, all under 500 calories!