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When summer rolls around, I’m all about fresh salads that make the most of the season’s bounty. I’ve rounded up over 50 of my favorite summer salad recipes to share with you. Whether you’re craving a crisp, leafy green salad, something sweet with fruit, or a hearty pasta salad, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.

I’ve personally tested and loved each of these recipes—they’re perfect for everything from backyard barbecues to quick weekday lunches. You’ll find classics like Caesar and Greek salads alongside some creative new favorites that showcase the best of what summer produce has to offer. So, grab your salad bowl and dive into these easy-to-make salads.

Tips for Making Summer Salads

1. Choose fresh produce. The best summer salad recipes always start with fresh ingredients when possible. Save the old, wilted veggies for soups and stir-fries, and use your freshest veggies for salads.
2. Dry vegetables well. Ensure your produce is washed and dried well. Otherwise, your salad dressing will not adhere to the salad ingredients. For best results, use a salad spinner to help remove any extra moisture and air dry if time permits.
3. Add dressing last. For some summer salads with fruit, leafy greens, and other delicate ingredients, it’s best to wait to add the dressing just before serving to help maintain their flavor and texture.
4. Give time for flavors to meld. While delicate salads need to be dressed last, some heartier salads, such as those with bulgur, grains, or summer pasta salads, benefit from dressing ahead of time.
5. Deseed watery vegetables. Summer vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers have many seeds, which can make a salad watery and soggy. Scoop the seeds out with a paring knife or a spoon.
6. Keep it chilled. If you’re serving your salad outdoors or at a picnic, make sure to keep it chilled in a cooler to prevent wilting and maintain freshness.

Salad Essentials

• Salad basics: Have boiled eggs ready to go for your hearty salads. And knowing how to cut celery, romaine lettuce, and mango properly makes salad prep go smoothly and quickly. Roasted red peppers and zucchini noodles add wonderful texture to refreshing summer salads.
• Salad dressing how-to’s: Make sure you know the correct formula for how to make salad dressing or vinaigrette. Add balsamic glaze or lemon zest for a touch of brightness, and fresh garlic for incredible flavor in your summer salad dressing.
• Add creaminess: Learn how to make yogurt to add creaminess to your summer side salads. If you want a more hands-off approach, consider Instant Pot yogurt. Homemade mayonnaise also adds depth of flavor and richness.
• Zesty toppings: Consider adding pickled red onions, cut herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, and green onions for a fresh touch.
• Crunchy textures: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds, roasted chickpeas, and toasted almonds to add some crunch to your great summer salad recipes.

Best Summer Salad Recipes

As warmer weather sneaks up on us, this list of the best summer salad recipes will prepare you for any occasion.

Leafy Greens Salads

• Fresh Garden Salad – This house salad is a delicious combination of crunchy fresh vegetables and romaine tossed in a light, zesty summer salad dressing to make one of the easiest summer side salads for your meal.
• Lebanese Fattoush Salad – Made with seasoned fried pita bread, crispy lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes and some fresh herbs.
• Mediterranean Chopped Salad – One of my favorite summer salads – this one is filled with simple veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions and mixed with chickpeas, feta, and olives. Goes great with Greek salad dressing.
• Kale Tabbouleh Salad – This salad adds a unique twist to the traditional tabbouleh salad, swapping parsley for kale. Tossed with tomatoes, green onions, bulgur, and bright lemon juice, it’ll be one of the best summer salad recipes this year.
• Classic Caesar Salad – It goes well with grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or salmon to make a balanced and healthy summer meal.
• Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese – You can’t go wrong with one of the easiest summer side salads. Iceberg wedges are drizzled with a creamy blue cheese dressing and topped with tomatoes, red onions, and blue cheese crumbles.
• Vegetarian Cobb Salad – A bed of romaine lettuce and spinach makes way for a delicious assortment of toppings, including eggs, chickpeas, tomatoes, avocados, and blue cheese. Serve in a large salad bowl or pack it up in jars for an easy grab-and-go option.

Summer Salads with Fruit

• Peach Salad – This simple and delicious peach salad is packed with fresh and exciting texture and flavor. It’s made with spinach, peaches, avocado, and topped with a tangy red wine vinegar dressing.
• Strawberry Caprese Salad – If you love Caprese salad, you will love this new sweeter version. It’s made with cavatappi pasta, mozzarella balls, strawberries, and basil for a tasty, refreshing, and unique summer salad.
• Watermelon Cucumber Salad – If you’re looking for a summer salad with fruit that’s hydrating, fresh, and delicious, this watermelon cucumber salad is your answer. The balsamic vinegar adds a depth of flavor while basil brings brightness. It’s a must-try!
• Spinach Strawberry Salad – This salad has the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with crumbled feta, crunchy almonds, and a fresh basil vinaigrette.
• Tropical Fruit Salad – This one is made with fresh pineapple, tangy kiwi, juicy mango, plump blueberries, and juicy strawberries.
• Avocado Mango Salad – This refreshing and easy salad is full of flavor and texture. It has rich savory notes of cumin and chili powder that pairs well with creamy avocado and juicy mango.
• Watermelon Blueberry Salad – Juicy chunks of watermelon and sweet blueberries are tossed with mint, lemon, and honey for a tasty summer salad with fruit.

Refreshing Summer Salads

• Red Cabbage Slaw – Mayo-free and full of flavor, this is one of the easiest summer side salads to add to your summer meats, like grilled chicken or blackened salmon, for a complete meal. It’s vibrant, delicious, and fresh!
• Classic Greek Salad – This is one of my favorite healthy summer salad recipes. It’s made of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta cheese, and olives and tossed with a light olive oil-based vinaigrette.
• Tomato Avocado Cucumber Salad – Quick and easy to make, this makes a wonderful summer side salad to serve for cookouts and summer parties. The fresh lemon and dill add a touch of brightness to the veggies that everyone will love.
• Cowboy Caviar – Also known as Texas caviar, this is one of those recipes that can work as a delicious dip with tortilla chips, a topping to all your Tex-Mex dishes, or a salad on its own.
• Corn Tomato Avocado Salad – This is a great way to use leftover corn you may have from your weekend cookout.
• Tahini Salad – A blend of crispy summer veggies like Persian cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and fresh parsley tossed in a tahini dressing that’s seasoned with lemon juice and garlic.
• Healthy Coleslaw – This classic summer salad checks off all the boxes: delicious flavor, crunchy texture, and nutrition.
• Creamy Cucumber Salad – Made with crunchy cucumbers, fresh dill, sour cream, and onions, this is one of my favorite summer salads.

Healthy Summer Salad Recipes

• Caprese Salad – This simple classic summer salad is a must during the hot months. It’s made with very few fresh ingredients, including tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil but the visual appeal is always enticing and captivating.
• Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad – This popular Mediterranean salad is also one of the best summer side salads. Made with lots of fresh parsley, bulgur, and tomatoes – it’s wholesome, fresh, and nutrient-rich.
• Chickpea Couscous Salad – This light and fluffy couscous salad makes a perfect summer dish. It’s packed with bright flavors from crunchy cucumbers, peppery radishes, and sweet bell peppers for one of the best summer side salads.
• Zucchini Salad – Simple and quick to make, this raw zucchini salad is fresh and vibrant, full of texture and flavor.
• Mexican Street Corn Salad – Easily made with frozen corn, cotija cheese, lime, and cilantro, this elote salad is mayo-free, flavorful, and a great addition to your lineup of other great summer salad recipes.
• Chopped Green Goddess Salad – With green cabbage, cucumbers, and a simple homemade green goddess salad dressing, this will be one of your new favorite salads.

Summer Pasta Salads

• Tahini Pasta Salad – Fresh and full of flavor, this is one of my favorite summer pasta salads, and for good reason. It’s made with rotini pasta, seasonal veggies, and hearty chickpeas and tossed with creamy tahini dressing. Easy, flavorful, and oh-so-good!
• Tuna Pasta Salad – Creamy, tangy, and perfect for summer, this pasta salad can be enjoyed as a side dish or a hearty meal on its own. It’s light, flavorful, and can be prepped in advance, making it one of the easiest summer pasta salads to add to your summer menu this year.
• Italian Pasta Salad – This cold, creamy pasta salad is meatless and packed with flavor! It’s made with fresh veggies, rotini pasta, and bite-sized mozzarella balls that’s tossed in a zesty yet creamy Greek yogurt dressing.
• Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad – Orzo pasta, diced Persian cucumbers, lemon zest, fresh dill, and green onions are tossed in the most delicious summer salad dressing made of olive oil and lemon juice for one of the best summer pasta salads you’ll ever try.
• Caprese Pasta Salad – Made with chunks of pearl mozzarella and juicy grape tomatoes that are tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette, this makes a refreshing summer dish that you will go back to again and again.
• Mediterranean Pasta Salad – Add this to your list of the best summer pasta salads. Fusili pasta is tossed with baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, and crispy cucumbers and the refreshing summer salad dressing is incredibly delicious.
• Vegan Macaroni Salad – If you’re looking for summer pasta salads that hold up well for potlucks or picnics, this salad is your answer. It’s tossed in a light dressing made of red wine vinegar, a little Dijon mustard, and a touch of maple syrup. So good!
• Chicken Pasta Salad – If you have some leftover chicken, pasta, and summer veggies, then you need to make this salad. It’s fresh and flavorful and great for busy summer nights or even meal prep.

Creamy Summer Side Salads

• Yogurt Chicken Salad – Bright and fresh, this yogurt-based chicken apple salad is tart, tangy, and perfectly savory. The yogurt adds creaminess and a boost of protein.
• Healthy Tuna Salad – Whether eaten from a bowl or tucked between two slices of bread, this classic tuna salad is one of those hearty, flavorful, and satisfying salad recipes that can be enjoyed all year long.
• Broccoli Salad – This one has the perfect balance between nutritious and delicious and goes great with salmon, steak, or chicken.
• Macaroni Egg Salad – This creamy and delicious macaroni salad is made with yogurt instead of mayonnaise, making it a lighter option.
• Healthy Egg Salad – You’ll love how the Greek yogurt is subbed in for mayo to add a lovely tang and protein.
• Waldorf Salad – Whether you’re looking for a hearty picnic dish or need a summer salad with fruit that’s also filling and delicious, this timeless salad is a great choice. With juicy pieces of grapes and apples in every bite, it’s equally refreshing as it is delicious.
• Mediterranean Potato Salad – Refreshing salad with tender potatoes, fresh herbs, onions, and a simple citrusy dressing – this potato salad is perfect for all your summer get-togethers. It’s light, flavorful, and oh-so-good!

Summer Salad Meal Ideas

• Steak Salad – This summer salad is a mix of juicy steak, crispy greens, cherry tomatoes, and pickled red onions for a salad that is as delicious as it is satisfying. Drizzle with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, and you have a refreshing meal.
• Chicken Shawarma Salad – Chicken is marinated in an authentic Lebanese style marinade with simple spices and comes out moist and juicy. Serve it over a bowl of lettuce, tomatoes, banana peppers, and drizzle with a tahini dressing.
• Mexican Chopped Salad – Full of color, texture, flavor, and nutrition, this Mexican chopped salad will become your favorite healthy summer salad. It’s light yet super satisfying, and you can add some grilled chicken tenders to bulk it up.
• Mediterranean Chicken Salad – Light and refreshing, this salad is one of the best summer salad recipes. Seasoned chicken breast is quickly grilled and added on top of a bed of crisp summer veggies.
• Chopped Asian Chicken Salad – It’s made with two different types of cabbages, lots of vegetables, and shredded chicken for protein. So easy and so good!
• Tuna Nicoise Salad – Healthy summer salad recipes are packed with nutritious veggies and healthy proteins, and this salad has both of those things. It’s the ultimate, fresh, feel-good meal that’s great for hot summers!
• Shrimp Orzo Salad – This easy and refreshing summer recipe is made with orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and feta cheese. Top it with cooked shrimp and it’s perfect for picnics and cookouts.
• Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad – You’ll love this hearty twist on one of the best summer side salads. It’s made with lettuce, pasta, croutons, and chicken making it a satisfying meal in the hot summer months.
• Shrimp Avocado Salad – Made with just a few ingredients, this is one of those great summer salad recipes that’s excellent for a complete meal. It comes together quickly and has healthy fats and fresh ingredients that will keep you full longer.

How To Store All the Leftovers

• Follow the recipe instructions. Some salads require immediate refrigeration, while others can be safely left out at room temperature. It’s important that you follow the recipe recommendations to maintain freshness and ensure food safety.
• Store wet and dry foods separately. If possible, keep green salads undressed and serve the summer salad dressing on the side.
• Divide into smaller portions. Transfer leftover summer salad into individual servings that can be easily pulled out of the fridge for a quick lunch the next day. This works especially great with summer pasta salads and other hearty dishes.
• Don’t store wilted salads. Some salads just don’t lend themselves to any length of storage. These salads are generally those with ingredients such as mixed greens, watermelon, tomatoes, and other produce with high water content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now you can start planning cookouts, picnics, and get-togethers with confidence having these great summer salad recipes at your fingertips. From summer salads with fruit to refreshing and hearty dishes, you have everything you need to enjoy the flavors of summer.

Full List of Recipes

Check out the picture cards for all the recipes listed above. You can click on any of the recipes cards to take you directly to those recipes.

For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Best Lemon Recipes, Must-Try Strawberry Recipes, Best Summer Grilling Recipes, and Easy No-Bake Summer Desserts.

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