A comprehensive lists of summer salad recipes featuring savory meats, colorful veggies, fruits, flavors from around the world and other favorites. These fresh and colorful salads are perfect as side dishes or light meals.
With summer on our heels and the weather getting warmer, many people are looking for recipes they can make that do not require the use of a stove. There are many summer salad recipes you can make that won’t heat your house when you are trying to cool it down. Summer dinners just got a whole lot easier this year!
I have gathered up 45 summer salad recipes to share with you as new ideas for sides at your barbecues, gatherings or just family dinners. Need dessert options? Here are plenty of summer dessert recipes to choose from.
These recipes include hearty salads featuring chicken and seafood, like shrimp salad and grilled chicken salad. There are also plenty of fresh vegetables like green beans, corn, and red cabbage. Some salads feature seasonal fruit in savory or sweet salads. This collection of recipes has fantastic dishes that are favorite crowd-pleasers for any gathering.
What is on your summer bucket list this year? I have you covered with creative ideas for meal times so that you can enjoy your family time stress-free.
45 Summer Salad Recipes
Hearty Protein Packed Salads
Some of the best salads include chicken, bacon or seafood and are are perfect as an entrée for picnics, parties or as an easy meal. Try some recipes that showcase fresh seafood like crab salad or shrimp salad. Seafood salads are perfect when served with bread or crackers. Taste these amazing salads today!
Avocado Tuna Salad
This avocado tuna salad is loaded with chunks of tuna, avocado and colorful veggies for a fresh and lighter take on the classic dish! It's the perfect lunch or dinner that's packed with protein and nutrition.
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BBQ Chicken Salad
This BBQ chicken salad is a fresh and colorful combination of grilled BBQ chicken, veggies, cheese, beans and tortilla strips, all tossed in ranch dressing. WAY better than the California Pizza Kitchen version!
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BLT Pasta Salad
This BLT pasta salad recipe is full of veggies, avocado, pasta and crispy bacon, all tossed in a cool and creamy dressing. The perfect easy meal or side dish!
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Italian Pasta Salad
This Italian pasta salad is loaded with meat, cheese and vegetables, all tossed together with noodles in a homemade Italian dressing. A quick and easy side dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd!
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Crab Salad
This crab salad is a blend of imitation crab, vegetables and herbs, all tossed in a simple creamy dressing. A quick and easy salad that’s perfect served over lettuce, with crackers, or in a sandwich.
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Curry Chicken Salad
This curry chicken salad is a blend of diced chicken, fresh veggies, dried fruit and nuts, all tossed together in a creamy spiced dressing. A quick and easy meal that's perfect when served in a sandwich, with a side of buttery crackers or in refreshing lettuce cups.
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Seafood Salad
This seafood salad is a blend of imitation crab and shrimp in a creamy dill dressing with fresh vegetables. An easy high protein lunch option that takes just minutes to make!
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Shrimp Salad
This shrimp salad is a blend of tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, dill and seasonings, all coated in a creamy dressing. An easy make-ahead lunch option that’s high in protein and easy to make!
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Grilled Chicken Salad
This grilled chicken salad is tender marinated chicken that's grilled to perfection then served over lettuce with bacon, avocado, corn, blue cheese and tomatoes. A hearty salad that's packed with flavor and also happens to be full of nutrition.
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Lobster Salad
This lobster salad is a combination of fresh lobster meat, vegetables and herbs in a light and creamy dressing. An easy yet elegant dish that makes for the perfect lighter main course option!
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Salads From Around The World
Salads can include bold bright flavors from everywhere on Earth. These recipes feature spices and ingredients from Mexico, Europe and Asia. Try some of these salads to liven up your meals!
Asian Noodle Salad
This easy Asian noodle salad recipe is ramen noodles and colorful veggies all tossed in a sesame hoisin dressing. The perfect side dish for any summer celebration!
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Couscous Salad
This Mediterranean couscous salad is pearl couscous with vegetables and feta cheese, all tossed in a homemade dressing. A quick and easy side dish that's fresh, colorful and always gets rave reviews.
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German Potato Salad
This German potato salad is boiled baby potatoes tossed in a warm bacon and mustard dressing, then garnished with fresh herbs. A unique, mayonnaise free salad that's great for parties and potlucks.
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Italian Pasta Salad
This Italian pasta salad is loaded with meat, cheese and vegetables, all tossed together with noodles in a homemade Italian dressing. A quick and easy side dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd!
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Italian Salad
This Italian salad is a blend of fresh greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, cheese and croutons, all tossed together in a homemade dressing. A colorful and easy salad that is quick to make and always gets rave reviews from family and friends!
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Mexican Caesar Salad
This recipe for Mexican Caesar salad is crisp romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy cilantro dressing, then finished off with a variety of fun toppings. It's Caesar salad in a whole new way that might be even better than the original!
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Mexican Corn Salad
This Mexican corn salad is corn kernels and vegetables tossed in a creamy lime dressing, then topped with cotjita cheese. A twist on the classic Mexican street corn that’s easy to eat and perfect for a potluck!
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Mexican Fruit Salad
This recipe for Mexican fruit salad is a blend of tropical fruit topped with chili lime seasoning – a sweet and savory delight that everyone will want seconds of!
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Taco Salad
This taco salad recipe combines ground beef, lettuce, beans, cheese, tomatoes, tortilla strips and avocado, all tossed in a zesty dressing. A fun and festive salad that’s perfect for a lighter main course or as a side dish at a potluck.
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Thai Cucumber Salad
This Thai cucumber salad recipe tastes just like the restaurant version, and it only takes minutes to make!
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Vegetable Salads
When you want something more than a lettuce salad, a veggie based offering is the perfect solution. You can make amazing salads with sweet corn, fresh broccoli, ripe tomatoes and more. Don’t forget the summer classic, three bean salad!
Tomato Avocado Salad
This tomato avocado salad is a zesty blend of avocado, tomato, cilantro, jalapeno and red onion, all tossed in a lime dressing. A simple yet satisfying dish that is great for picnics and potlucks.
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Black Bean Salad
This black bean salad is a colorful and refreshing blend of beans, corn, peppers, herbs and avocado, all tossed in a zesty lime dressing. A quick and easy salad that pairs well with grilled meats, and makes for a perfect light lunch.
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Broccoli Salad
This broccoli salad recipe is a blend of fresh broccoli florets, apples, bacon, red onion and sunflower seeds, all tossed in a creamy dressing. A classic salad that feeds a crowd and is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
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Cherry Tomato Salad
This summery cherry tomato salad is made with ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, herbs and red onions, all tossed in a light garlic and herb dressing. A fun take on the classic caprese salad!
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Chickpea Salad
This chickpea salad is loaded with avocado, cucumber, tomato, feta cheese and herbs, all tossed in a Greek style dressing. A healthy chickpea salad is a great addition to any barbecue, pot luck or picnic!
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Corn Salad
This corn salad is filled with sweet corn kernels, avocado, tomato, jalapeno and red onion, all tossed in a zesty cilantro lime dressing. An easy and colorful side dish that pairs well with chicken, beef and seafood.
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Cucumber Tomato Salad
This cucumber tomato salad is full of fresh sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion and green peppers, all tossed in an herb dressing. The perfect light and refreshing side dish for any summer meal!
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Green Bean Salad
This green bean salad is made with fresh green beans, tomatoes, feta cheese and olives, all tossed in a Greek style dressing. An easy and satisfying salad that’s full of bright flavors and colors.
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Red Cabbage Slaw
This red cabbage slaw is a blend of shredded carrots, cabbage, red onions and herbs, all tossed in a homemade dressing. A quick and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats and seafood, and can even be served in wraps or sandwiches.
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Three Bean Salad
This three bean salad is a blend of kidney beans, green beans and garbanzo beans, all tossed in a sweet and sour dressing. A classic salad that’s easy to make and is the perfect addition to almost any meal!
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Our Favorite Summer Salad Recipes
Here are salads that are perfect for parties and get-togethers. These summer salads are sure to bring grins to your friends and family. These dishes include classics like a chopped salad and wedge salad as well as new favorites like caprese salad and pesto pasta salad.
Asian Slaw
This Asian slaw is a blend of cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, almonds and fresh herbs, all tossed in a homemade sesame ginger dressing. A fresh and delicious side dish that pairs well with chicken, seafood and beef.
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Caprese Salad
This traditional caprese salad is a blend of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil and seasonings, all drizzled with balsamic glaze. A classic summer salad that is a must-have at any picnic or gathering!
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Chopped Salad with Chicken
This chopped salad is a mix of grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, bacon, chickpeas and fresh mozzarella cheese, all tossed together in a homemade vinaigrette. A delicious blend of flavors and textures that makes for the perfect lighter meal.
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Creamy Cucumber Salad
This creamy cucumber salad, also known as German cucumber salad, is a refreshing combination of cucumbers, red onion and dill tossed in a simple dressing. Dill cucumber salad takes just minutes to make and is the perfect side dish for any summer meal.
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Mediterranean Salad
This Mediterranean salad is a blend of tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, olives and feta, all tossed together in a homemade dressing. A quick and easy side dish option that's perfect for parties and always gets rave reviews!
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Cucumber Feta Salad
This cucumber feta salad is loaded with sliced cucumbers, avocado, fresh dill, red onion and feta cheese, all tossed in a Greek style dressing. A refreshing salad that’s ready in just 10 minutes!
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Orzo Salad
This greek orzo salad is made with cucumbers, chickpeas, tomatoes, red onion, feta and herbs, all tossed in a herb dressing. A simple yet hearty pasta salad that can be served as a main course or side dish.
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Pesto Pasta Salad
This pesto pasta salad is pasta with mozzarella cheese, olives, tomatoes and pine nuts, all tossed with fresh basil pesto. An easy side dish that’s perfect for a potluck or picnic.
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Cucumber Dill Salad
This cucumber dill salad is fresh sliced cucumbers, red onions and plenty of dill, all tossed together in a homemade dressing. A super easy side dish that is perfect for those hot summer days!
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Wedge Salad
This wedge salad recipe is chunks of iceberg lettuce topped with homemade blue cheese dressing, bacon, tomatoes and chives. A classic salad that's easy to make, yet elegant enough to serve to company.
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Fruit Salads
There is nothing better on a summer day than a salad that is full of ripe, delicious fruit. Salads can be sweet or savory while showcasing summer fruits like berries, melons, pineapples and kiwis. Try these salads for a burst of sweetness in your summer.
Berry Fruit Salad
This berry fruit salad is a combination of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, all tossed in an easy honey lime poppy seed dressing. This berry salad is a must-make for all your summer celebrations!
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Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber
This watermelon salad is full of sliced cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese and mint, all tossed in an easy lime dressing. A simple yet unusual summer salad that’s sure to get rave reviews.
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Ambrosia Salad
This recipe for ambrosia salad is a variety of colorful fruit with marshmallows and coconut, tossed in a light and creamy dressing. An easy salad that’s a classic for good reason, people always beg me for the recipe!
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Tropical Fruit Salad
This recipe for tropical fruit salad is a colorful mixture of mango, pineapple, papaya, kiwi and raspberries tossed in a honey lime dressing.
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Strawberry Spinach Salad
This strawberry spinach salad is a blend of baby spinach leaves, fresh strawberries, red onion, almonds, feta cheese and avocado, all tossed in a poppy seed dressing. A fresh and colorful salad that's fit for any occasion!
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These salads are a perfect way to beat the heat and enjoy everything that summer offers. You owe it to yourself to make some refreshing summer salads this year!
David Allen Elliott says
I was looking for a way to put more healthy into my diet. And you just provided all of that to me right here. And they all look so delicious. I will have to try several of those out this summer.
Sara says
I am all over this! We love salads in our house. Thank you for the recipes. They all sound so amazing.
Simply Apostolia says
I love salads in the summer days! They are so refreshing and healthy! Supper helpful post.. totally adding this to my bookmarks!
Casey says
All of these are amazing salads. Will try them one by one! Thanks for the great article.
Andrea says
i love all the summer produce, it is so much fun and so colorful and amazing to eat. i like making the colorful salads and different texture.
Sondra barker says
Salads are healthy but can get old! Thank you for this list!
Sarah Bailey says
There is nothing like a good salad in warm weather, I have to admit I do need some new recipes I’ll have to work through these 1 by 1.
Lisa says
So thrilled to have another batch of salad recipes to add to my healthy food recipe stash! Keep them coming!
ashley denae says
there is something about a nice refreshing salad during summer! i will have tocheck some of these out and make them for lunch this week!
Elizabeth says
What a gorgeous collection of summer salads! They all look so fresh, inviting and tasty! I’ll definitely be trying some of these out soon.
Manvika Reddy says
So many good choices! Broccoli is my favv
Wander With Ola says
Oh my, they are look sooo yum! I don’t know where to start coz I want to try them all! :’D
This Mum At home says
I love salads for summer !!!! I’m pinning for later what a great list !
GiGi Eats says
You’ve got me covered for EVERY SINGLE DAY for at least a month!!! A new salad a day! 😉
Jessica Joachim says
These all look so delicious! I love pasta salads in the summer to take to cookouts with me so there are a few new ideas for me!
LiveLoveAndAdventure says
I love summer salads (I actually like them year round) and the recipe for Watermelon Blackberry and Mint Salad sounds amazing!! Thanks for sharing this great idea.
Wilderness Wife says
Salads… that’s all I want to eat in the summer. I hate eating heavy and hot on humid summer days so these recipes will give me quite a few crispy alternatives.
Amber Myers says
I would try ALL of these salads. They all look fabulous, and I am trying to eat somewhat healthier.
Tara Pittman says
I was thinking of making a salad for my book club tonight. So many good choices to choose from.
Debke says
So many good choices! Can’t wait to try these!