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Do you get as excited about summer as I do? Because for me, it’s all about one thing—salad season! You’re in just the right place if you love those cool, crisp summer salads that make every meal a celebration of the season.
Looking to jazz up your next picnic? Or maybe you need a quick and healthy option for a relaxed day at home? I’ve got you covered.
We’re going to put together some seriously tasty and refreshing salads that are as easy to assemble as they are delicious.
Let’s dive in and make this summer one to remember with some fantastic salad creations!
1. Mixed Berried Salad
Check out the recipe at One Lovely Life
This mixed berries summer salad is a delightful mix of fresh berries, nuts, and cheese over a bed of tender greens. Drizzled with a light vinaigrette, this salad strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory. Whether it’s for a quick snack or a side dish at your next barbecue, this salad is sure to please everyone with its bright flavors and satisfying crunch.
2. Creamy Avocado And Corn Salad
Check out the recipe at Julia’s Cuisine
If you like creamy salads, this avocado and corn salad is for you. It has smooth avocado slices and sweet corn with some cherry tomatoes and greens, all topped with a scoop of sour cream for extra richness. It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and just perfect for a chill summer meal.
3. Grilled Salmon Salad
Check out the recipe at Jessica Gavin
This grilled salmon salad is one of my favorites for dinner. It features a nicely grilled salmon fillet on top of fresh salad greens. It’s rich in flavor and packed with good nutrients, making it a hearty yet refreshing choice. Trust me, the combination of smoky fish and fresh salsa is amazing!
4. Teriyaki Chicken Salad
Check out the recipe at Creme De La Crumb
This teriyaki chicken salad is a real crowd-pleaser, especially when I’m craving something a bit more filling. It’s got tender pieces of chicken with a sweet teriyaki glaze, tossed with crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and onions. It’s a wonderful mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures that makes a perfect meal for a sunny day.
5. Peach And Avocado Green Salad
Check out the recipe at Cookie and Kate
You’ve got to try this green salad when you want a sweet and creamy treat. It’s got juicy peaches and smooth avocado slices mixed with fresh spinach leaves, all sprinkled with sesame seeds. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and fresh, and it’s so easy to whip up for a quick, fancy-feeling lunch.
6. Rainbow Veggie Salad
Check the recipe at Recipes From A Pantry
I absolutely love this! It’s a rainbow in a bowl with crunchy yellow and red bell peppers, cool cucumbers, crispy purple cabbage, and fresh greens, all topped off with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds. Not only is it super pretty, but it’s also loaded with good stuff to keep you feeling great. It’s my go-to when I want something light yet satisfying!
7. Ultimate Taco Salad
Check out the recipe at The Cozy Cook
OMG! I’m OBSESSED with this taco salad!!! It’s a fiesta in a bowl, loaded with crispy tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, black beans, and topped with a dollop of sour cream and guacamole. This is my go-to when I’m craving something hearty yet refreshing. It’s perfect for a summer party or just a fun family dinner outdoors.
8. Italian Pasta Salad
Check out the recipe at The Cozy Cook
You can’t go wrong with this Italian pasta salad! It’s packed with colorful spiral pasta, tangy salami, black olives, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This salad is a hit at gatherings and always leaves everyone wanting seconds. It’s super easy to put together, making it ideal for quick lunches or picnic take-alongs.
9. Arugula Grape Salad
Check out the recipe at Love & Lemons
This arugula grape salad is a lovely blend of peppery arugula and sweet, juicy grapes, topped with crunchy almonds and shaved Parmesan. It’s light, yet flavorful, with a simple olive oil and lemon dressing that brightens up the flavors. I love serving this when I want something that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make.
10. Tropical Shrimp and Mango Salad
Check out the recipe at Tatyana’s Everyday Food
Dive into this tropical shrimp and mango salad and you’ll feel like you’re on vacation! It’s a refreshing mix of juicy mango, crisp cucumber, and succulent shrimp, all tossed with fresh herbs in a light dressing. This salad is a wonderful choice for a hot summer day, bringing a bit of tropical flair to your meal.
11. Chickpea Avocado Salad
Check out the recipe at Healthy Fitness Meals
The chickpea avocado salad is where hearty meets healthy! It features roasted chickpeas with creamy avocado slices, tossed in a bed of fresh greens and topped with a tangy dressing. It’s filling, nutritious, and packed with flavors that’ll keep you coming back for more.
12. Sunny Greek Orzo Salad
Check out the recipe at Chelsea’s Messy Apron
Check out this Greek orzo salad, guyssss! It’s a delightful mix of orzo pasta with kalamata olives, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese, all dressed in a light, herby vinaigrette. This salad is perfect for a light dinner or a side dish at your summer barbecue.
13. Caprese Salad
Check out the recipe at Downshiftology
This is a simple yet elegant dish made with slices of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s a timeless favorite that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for when I want something light yet packed with flavor.
14. Creamy Corn Salad
Check out the recipe at Eat Well 101
This salad is a blend of sweet corn, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, all mixed into a creamy sauce that’s both tangy and sweet. I sprinkle a little paprika on top for a kick. It’s incredibly easy to whip up and is a hit at any gathering!
15. Grilled Corn Salad
Check out the recipe at Spend With Pennies
The grilled corn salad is a must for any barbecue. It features charred corn off the cob, mixed with cherry tomatoes and scallions, all dressed in a light vinaigrette. The smoky flavor of the corn with the burst of juicy tomatoes makes it an irresistible side dish that pairs perfectly with any grilled meal.
16. Watermelon Salad
Check out the recipe at Two Peas & Their Pod
This salad is a fantastic way to cool down on a hot day, and it’s so pretty to look at too. Super simple to make, it’s my go-to for a quick, refreshing snack or side.
17. Broccoli Salad
Check out the recipe at Skinny Taste
You have to try the broccoli and bacon salad. It’s a real treat with fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon bits, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together beautifully. I toss in some dried cranberries and chopped onions for a sweet and savory punch. It’s absolutely perfect for potlucks or as a satisfying side at dinner.
18. Celery And Apple Salad
Check out the recipe at Bon Appetit
I just made this salad, and it’s so refreshing! It’s packed with crisp celery, juicy apple slices, and topped with a handful of roasted peanuts for that perfect crunch.
19. Tuna Salad
Check out the recipe at A Southern Soul
The tuna salad is a staple in my kitchen! Flaky tuna mixed with crisp celery, red onions, and a creamy dressing flavored with lemon and herbs, all piled onto fresh lettuce leaves. It’s super refreshing and makes for a fantastic light dinner or a satisfying lunch.
20. Strawberry Salad
Check out the recipe at Family Style Food
This strawberry spinach salad is one of my favorites for a quick lunch. Fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, and tangy feta cheese make a great trio, topped with sliced onions for a little bite. I drizzle it with a simple vinaigrette, and it’s ready to go! It’s so simple and fresh, perfect for a sunny day meal.
21. Asian Vermicelli Salad
Check out the recipe at Lazy Cat Kitchen
This vermicelli salad with Shrimp is a real treat. It has tender rice noodles mixed with juicy shrimp, fresh herbs, and a light dressing that brings it all together. I love adding a few slices of spicy chili for a kick. This salad is perfect for when you want something that’s filling but not heavy, and it’s always a hit at summer parties.
22. Vietnamese Summer Roll Salad
Check out the recipe at Closet Cooking
This summer roll salad in a bowl is all the goodness of a Vietnamese summer roll, but easier to make! It’s packed with fresh greens, herbs, and plump shrimp, all topped with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts and a splash of tangy sauce. I absolutely adore the freshness and how every bite is packed with so many vibrant flavors.
23. Thai Green Papaya Salad
Check out the recipe at Beyond Kimchee
This green papaya salad is a game changer on hot days. Freshly shredded green papaya, juicy tomatoes, and crisp green beans get tossed with a tangy, sweet and sour dressing, then sprinkled with roasted peanuts for that perfect crunch. I whip this up when I’m in the mood for something light yet bursting with flavor.
24. Tortellini Salad
Check out the recipe at A Couple Cooks
You’ll love this cheery basil tortellini salad! Juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and soft cheese-filled tortellini come together in a delightful combination. I like to toss everything with a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for an extra zing. This dish is my summer picnic favorite because it’s not only delicious but also so easy to pack!
25. Creamy Coleslaw
Check out the recipe at Foodie Crush
This refreshing coleslaw with crab is so easy to whip up and is incredibly refreshing. With crisp cabbage, sweet carrots, and tender crab meat, all tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for picnics or a quick lunch.
26. Couscous Salad
Check out the recipe at Making Thyme For Health
Here’s my crispy chickpea and couscous salad, bursting with fresh veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions, all mixed with crunchy chickpeas and tiny pearls of couscous. It’s dressed lightly, making it a refreshing side or a wholesome meal on its own.
27. Grilled Shrimp Salad
Check out the recipe at A Couple Cooks
This grilled shrimp and avocado salad is absolutely divine. Juicy grilled shrimp, creamy avocado, and fresh spinach make up the base, topped with a tangy mustard dressing that just ties everything together beautifully. It’s fresh, it’s zingy, and it’s a perfect light meal for any day.
28. Korean Japchae Noodle Salad
Check out the recipe at Recipe Tin Eats
This Korean Japchae Noodle Salad is a delightful treat. It combines stir-fried sweet potato noodles with strips of beef, fresh spinach, and a medley of bell peppers, all tossed in a light and savory sesame soy sauce. The sesame seeds sprinkled on top add just the right touch of crunch. It’s a wonderful, light option that’s both nourishing and packed with flavor. Perfect for those who love a little adventure in their meals!
29. Avocado Egg Salad
Check out the recipe at Eating Well
This creamy avocado egg salad is my go-to when I want something super fulfilling yet light. It has chunks of avocado, boiled eggs, and is sprinkled with green onions, making each forkful rich and flavorful. I love how the creamy avocado blends so well with the eggs, creating a perfect lunch option.
30. German Potato Salad
Check out the recipe at Oh Sweet Basil
You have to try this golden potato and bacon salad. It’s a comforting mix of baby potatoes, crispy bacon bits, and fresh parsley. Every bite gives you that perfect mix of heartiness from the potatoes and a delightful crunch from the bacon. This one’s a star at barbecues or as a hearty side that everyone enjoys.
31. Crispy Tofu Salad
Check out the recipe at Foodie With Feeling
I recently whipped up this crispy tofu salad, and it’s quickly become one of my favorites! It features golden, crispy tofu cubes laid on a bed of fresh, crunchy lettuce with slices of ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers. I drizzle it with a creamy herb dressing that just brings all the flavors together. It’s a perfect choice for anyone looking for a protein-packed salad that’s both filling and refreshing.
