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Home » Roundups » 45 Summer Salad Recipes

Published: April 28, 2022 Last Modified: April 28, 2022 By Sara 26 Comments

45 Summer Salad Recipes

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A list of summer salad recipes with meats, veggies, fruits and international flavors.
A list of summer salad recipes with meats, veggies, fruits and international flavors.

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.

A collection of refreshing summer salad recipes.

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!

A collection of summer salads featuring chicken and seafood.
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.
Get the Recipe
A serving bowl of avocado tuna salad topped with cilantro.
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!
Get the Recipe
A bowl of BBQ chicken salad topped with a drizzle of ranch dressing.
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!
Get the Recipe
BLT pasta salad in a creamy ranch dressing.
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!
Get the Recipe
Italian pasta salad with rotini noodles, salami and pepperoni.
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.
Get the Recipe
Creamy crab salad with fresh vegetables and dill in a mayonnaise dressing.
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.
Get the Recipe
Curry chicken salad served on a croissant.
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!
Get the Recipe
A serving bowl of seafood salad made with shrimp and imitation crab in a creamy dill dressing.
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!
Get the Recipe
Shrimp salad in a serving bowl, topped with fresh dill.
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.
Get the Recipe
Grilled chicken salad with bacon, veggies and blue cheese.
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!
Get the Recipe
A bowl of lobster salad in a creamy dressing.

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!

A group of refreshing summer salad recipes such as Mexican corn salad, Thai cucumber salad and Italian salad.
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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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!
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.
Get the Recipe
A bowl of couscous salad garnished with parsley.
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.
Get the Recipe
A bowl of German potato salad topped with fresh herbs.
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!
Get the Recipe
Italian pasta salad with rotini noodles, salami and pepperoni.
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!
Get the Recipe
A bowl of Italian salad with cucumber, cheese and croutons.
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!
Get the Recipe
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!
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!
Get the Recipe
A bowl of Mexican corn salad topped with cheese and cilantro.
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!
Get the Recipe
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!
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.
Get the Recipe
Taco salad made with ground beef, romaine lettuce and vegetables, topped with sour cream and tortilla strips.
Thai Cucumber Salad
This Thai cucumber salad recipe tastes just like the restaurant version, and it only takes minutes to make!
Get the Recipe
A bowl of Thai cucumber salad topped with peanuts and cilantro.

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!

A group of summer salads featuring vegetables like chickpea salad, red cabbage slaw and cucumber tomato 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.
Get the Recipe
Tomato avocado salad with red onion and a cilantro lime dressing.
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.
Get the Recipe
A bowl of black bean salad with a serving spoon in it.
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.
Get the Recipe
Broccoli salad in a creamy dressing topped with sunflower seeds and bacon.
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!
Check out this recipe
Cherry tomato salad with halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and red onion, all tossed with herbs and dressing.
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!
Get the Recipe
A bowl of chickpea salad with tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, feta cheese and herbs.
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.
Get the Recipe
A bowl of corn salad with avocado and tomato, all tossed in a lime dressing.
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!
Get the Recipe
A bowl of cucumber tomato salad garnished with fresh herbs.
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.
Get the Recipe
A bowl of green bean salad made with feta cheese, tomatoes, red onion and kalamata olives.
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.
Get the Recipe
Tongs serving up a portion of red cabbage slaw.
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!
Get the Recipe
A serving bowl of three bean salad topped with parsley.

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.

A group of summer salad recipes including favorites like a wedge salad, creamy cucumber 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.
Get the Recipe
Tongs serving up a portion of Asian slaw.
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!
Get the Recipe
Caprese salad with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves and balsamic glaze.
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.
Get the Recipe
A bowl of chopped salad made with chicken, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, bacon and chickpeas.
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.
Get the Recipe
Creamy cucumber salad with red onion and dill, topped with fresh herbs for garnish.
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!
Get the Recipe
A bowl of Mediterranean salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and olives.
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!
Get the Recipe
Cucumber feta salad with avocado, dill and red onions, all tossed in a Greek style dressing.
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.
Get the Recipe
Orzo salad in a serving bowl with tomatoes, cucumbers and chickpeas.
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.
Get the Recipe
Pesto pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, olives, mozzarella balls, pine nuts and red onion.
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!
Get the Recipe
A bowl of cucumber dill salad with a spoon in it.
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.
Get the Recipe
A wedge salad topped with bacon, tomatoes and cheese.

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.

A group of salads featuring fruit like berry fruit salad, strawberry spinach salad and ambrosia salad.
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!
Get the Recipe
A berry salad with raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and strawberries all in a honey based dressing.
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.
Get the Recipe
Watermelon salad with cucumbers, feta cheese and mint in a serving bowl.
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!
Get the Recipe
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!
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.
Get the Recipe
A bowl of tropical fruit salad with mango, raspberries, papaya, kiwi and pineapple tossed in honey lime dressing.
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!
Get the Recipe
A bowl of strawberry spinach salad with poppy seed dressing, feta cheese and sliced avocado.

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!

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    Comments

    1. David Allen Elliott says

      June 3, 2018 at 6:56 am

      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.

      Reply
    2. Sara says

      June 3, 2018 at 5:04 am

      I am all over this! We love salads in our house. Thank you for the recipes. They all sound so amazing.

      Reply
    3. Simply Apostolia says

      June 3, 2018 at 1:49 am

      I love salads in the summer days! They are so refreshing and healthy! Supper helpful post.. totally adding this to my bookmarks!

      Reply
    4. Casey says

      June 2, 2018 at 11:52 pm

      All of these are amazing salads. Will try them one by one! Thanks for the great article.

      Reply
    5. Andrea says

      June 2, 2018 at 6:02 pm

      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.

      Reply
    6. Sondra barker says

      June 2, 2018 at 12:30 pm

      Salads are healthy but can get old! Thank you for this list!

      Reply
    7. Sarah Bailey says

      June 2, 2018 at 11:22 am

      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.

      Reply
    8. Lisa says

      June 2, 2018 at 8:17 am

      So thrilled to have another batch of salad recipes to add to my healthy food recipe stash! Keep them coming!

      Reply
    9. ashley denae says

      June 2, 2018 at 7:59 am

      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!

      Reply
    10. Elizabeth says

      June 2, 2018 at 2:27 am

      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.

      Reply
    11. Manvika Reddy says

      June 1, 2018 at 11:10 pm

      So many good choices! Broccoli is my favv

      Reply
    12. Wander With Ola says

      June 1, 2018 at 6:32 pm

      Oh my, they are look sooo yum! I don’t know where to start coz I want to try them all! :’D

      Reply
    13. This Mum At home says

      June 1, 2018 at 5:40 pm

      I love salads for summer !!!! I’m pinning for later what a great list !

      Reply
    14. GiGi Eats says

      June 1, 2018 at 5:17 pm

      You’ve got me covered for EVERY SINGLE DAY for at least a month!!! A new salad a day! 😉

      Reply
    15. Jessica Joachim says

      June 1, 2018 at 4:38 pm

      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!

      Reply
    16. LiveLoveAndAdventure says

      June 1, 2018 at 4:27 pm

      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.

      Reply
    17. Wilderness Wife says

      June 1, 2018 at 12:43 pm

      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.

      Reply
    18. Amber Myers says

      June 1, 2018 at 11:51 am

      I would try ALL of these salads. They all look fabulous, and I am trying to eat somewhat healthier.

      Reply
    19. Tara Pittman says

      June 1, 2018 at 10:55 am

      I was thinking of making a salad for my book club tonight. So many good choices to choose from.

      Reply
    20. Debke says

      June 24, 2017 at 1:58 pm

      So many good choices! Can’t wait to try these!

      Reply
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