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5 Comments

The Best Summer Salad Recipes

Kathleen

by Kathleen Pope Oct 18, 2023

Ahh, nothing says summertime like a fresh summer salad, however, you get bored with the same old salad! If you are searching for fresh new recipes, stop!

I’ve rounded up 50 of the best summer salad recipes. Whether you are looking for a great new potluck or barbecue recipe or simply to serve something new and different to your family, I’ve got you covered!

50 of the Best Summer Salad Recipes

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure & privacy policy.

Best Salad Tools!

Sometimes having the right tool makes the job so much easier! I have bought these tools over the years, to make salad making so much easier!

  • A good knife! Essential in my book as you chop, chop, chop all those ingredients! This Wusthof knife is my favorite one, it was worth the investment years ago!
  • A large cutting board | when making salads, you are generally prepping many veggies at once, I love these eco-friendly bamboo cutting boards, they are sturdy, easy to clean and relatively inexpensive!
  • Large Bowl | Sometimes I use my wooden bowl, other times I love my big porcelain bowl, either way you need a couple of good sized bowls for your salads.
  • Lemon/Lime Squeezer | I use this tool ALL THE TIME in my kitchen, many great salads, have citrus in them or in the dressing.
  • Peeler | I have gone through a lot of peelers in my day, but this one from Oxo is truly one of the best!
  • Chopper | If you are chopping averse, and I have several friends who are, then a chopper is your friend. I have an old Zyliss chopper but Oxo also makes a great chopper.
  • Mandolin | A totally optional kitchen gadget, I have an older one and I love it for slicing onions paper thin, for slicing my potatoes for my gratin potatoes and so much more!

SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS?

There are salad recipes to fit everyone’s palate, restrictions, diet, sensitivities, allergies and more. From healthy to healthy-ish; Paleo, Gluten Free, Keto, Vegan, Vegetarian and more. 

  • Green salads
  • Pasta salads 
  • Fruit salads
  • Antipastas
  • Chicken salad
  • Egg Salads
  • Potato salads
  • Macaroni salads
  • Orzo, CousCous, and Farrow salads
  • Asian salads
  • Greek salads 
  • Roasted Corn, Broccoli, and Slaws
  • Instant Pot, Make ahead and no cook recipes and more!

    Jump on board and check out the best summer salad recipes from around the web.

The Best Summer Salad Recipes

1

Antipasto Pasta Salad

An easy Italian antipasto pasta salad recipe is made with cucumbers, red and orange bell peppers, pasta, artichoke hearts, olives, meat, cheese, and homemade Balsamic dressing! The perfect dish to bring to a summer picnic, potluck or barbecue!

2

Wild Rice Harvest Salad

Wild Rice Harvest salad is overflowing with lots of satisfying crunchies, and you'll enjoy eating the rainbow of toppings. Dressed with this easy to prepare maple Dijon vinaigrette.

3

Sweet Maple Apple Pecan Salad

A delightfully light and filling salad, with bright colors and a light dressing. Wonderful for any season, throughout the year, easily adapt to seasonal fruits and flavors.

4

Blackberry Grilled Chicken Salad with Fried Goat Cheese

The perfect salad to serve for a luncheon. Blackberry Grilled Chicken salad with blackberry balsamic vinaigrette, fresh blackberries, pistachios, avocado and topped with crispy, creamy fried goat cheese!

5

Carrot Quinoa Salad With Yogurt Tahini Dressing

Photo Credit: code2cook.com

Carrot quinoa salad with yogurt tahini dressing is a healthy, nutrient-rich and delicious fresh salad. This quinoa bowl salad is gluten-free.

6

Corn and Farro Salad with Spiced Chick Peas

Photo Credit: www.theorganickitchen.org

Ancient grain, greens and sweet corn come together to make a fantastic summer salad!

7

Mediterranean orzo salad | orzo salad recipe

Photo Credit: www.madhuseverydayindian.com

This Mediterranean orzo salad is a delicious side dish or a lunch recipe bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

8

Grilled Corn and Halloumi Salad

Photo Credit: girlwiththeironcast.com

This grilled corn and halloumi cheese salad with avocado is the perfect side dish for your summer BBQ’s! Nothing beats a fresh grilled summer salad.

9

Pasta Salad With Roasted Corn And Edamame

Photo Credit: www.mycookingjourney.com

Love a chilled pasta salad for summer and this is the perfect recipe with roasted corn and edamame. Healthy and filling to serve for a backyard barbecue.

10

Simple, Easy Greek Salad

Photo Credit: www.goodiegoodielunchbox.com.au

This simple and easy Greek Salad is bursting with freshness and flavour.

11

Lemon Basil Chicken Salad – Gluten Free

Photo Credit: thehonoursystem.com

This easy and healthy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad recipe is one you will make over and over. Use leftover rotisserie to make it even easier!

12

Easy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

Photo Credit: cookeatgo.com

Use homemade ranch to pair up wtih bacon for the perfect Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad!! Make it up the night before for even more flavor and serve it up!

13

Grilled Steak Salad with Chive Yogurt Dressing

Photo Credit: mommyevolution.com

Make a salad the star of your dinner table with a simply seasoned grilled steak salad with plenty of veggies and a tart twist on a creamy dressing made with yogurt and milk!

14

Pressure Cooker Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe

Photo Credit: www.fromvalskitchen.com

Pressure Cooker Amish Macaroni Salad features red bell pepper, eggs, celery and sweet onion in a sweet dressing. It’s a perfect side for many dishes.

15

Summer Corn Salad

Photo Credit: www.cookingwithcarlee.com

This salad is a great way to enjoy the abundance of cucumbers, corn and tomatoes coming out of the garden right now. The fact that it is so easy to assemble just makes it even better!

16

Mexican Watermelon Salad Recipe

Photo Credit: www.ourhappymess.com

This watermelon salad gets a Mexican makeover with crunchy toasted pepitas, salty queso fresco, fresh cilantro and a tangy lime vinaigrette. Serve with tacos or any grilled meat for an easy Mexican feast!

17

Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries and Blueberry Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Photo Credit: cupcakesandkalechips.com

Blueberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad is packed with flavor! Juicy marinated chicken, fresh berries, goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and an easy homemade vinaigrette salad dressing, it’s a healthy and gluten free family friendly meal!

18

The Best Homemade Coleslaw (Brazilian-Style)

Photo Credit: www.easyanddelish.com

Brazilian Homemade Coleslaw (kale slaw) is a fresh, colorful salad made with kale, onions, and coleslaw mix, tossed with a lime-garlic vinaigrette. A must for all year round, including as a side for barbecued meats and sandwiches.

19

Make A Tasty Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad

Photo Credit: ourcraftymom.com

Perfect for summer barbecues, this tortellini caprese pasta salad is hearty and delicious.

20

Mediterranean Greek Cucumber Salad

Photo Credit: emilykylenutrition.com

This Garden Fresh Mediterranean Greek Cucumber Salad allows you to use up abundant fresh summer produce like tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs quickly and easily in a delicious plant-based, naturally gluten-free salad that comes together in just minutes

21

Grilled Steak Salad with Feta and Clamato Dressing (Moxie’s Copycat): Weight Watchers Friendly

Photo Credit: foodmeanderings.com

This healthy Grilled Steak Salad with Feta and Clamato Dressing is a lighter copycat version Moxie's Steak Salad but it's Weight Watchers friendly at only 7 smart points!

22

Grilled Corn Salad - House of Nash Eats

Photo Credit: houseofnasheats.com
Make this delicious Grilled Corn Salad with all the fresh produce from the farmer’s market this summer. It’s creamy, cool, and full of amazing flavor, crunch, and just a little spice!
23

Panzanella: Traditional Italian Bread and Tomato Salad

Photo Credit: www.christinascucina.com

This traditional Italian dish is made with stale bread and is absolutely one of the best things you'll eat all summer! Try this authentic version and pretend you're in Italy!

24

Feta Corn Salad A SUMMER favorite!

Photo Credit: saltandbaker.com

This summer salad features corn, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, and a light refreshing dressing to round out the dish. It's the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

25

Macaroni Dill Salad

Photo Credit: www.simplystacie.net

Whip up this Macaroni Dill Salad in no time to serve at your summer BBQs! Fresh dill and radishes give it an extra zip of flavor.

26

Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Mint Salad

Photo Credit: www.fashionedible.com

A blueberry and watermelon mojito salad is just what summer calls for! This delicious salad is topped with grilled halloumi cheese.

27

Copycat O’Charley’s California Chicken Salad

Photo Credit: www.thefoodhussy.com

O'Charley's California Chicken Salad is a new favorite! Grilled chicken with strawberries & mandarin oranges are then mixed with candied pecans, blue cheese and homemade Balsamic vinaigrette - so good!

28

Peach, Plum and Cherry Salad with White Balsamic Vinaigrette!

Photo Credit: www.theorganickitchen.org

A beautiful summer salad loaded with stonefruit!

29

Layered Salad

Photo Credit: www.coffeewithus3.com

This classic Layered Salad has layers of lettuce, peas, celery, hard boiled eggs, cheese, bacon, and more! Easy to make, and delicious to eat!

30

Summer Corn + Tomato Salad

Photo Credit: champagne-tastes.com

This fresh and easy tomato corn salad is a perfect summer side dish! Simply toss together roasted corn, tomatoes, avocado, herbs, and an easy vinaigrette.

31

Easy 7-Layer Chicken Taco Salad

Photo Credit: twohealthykitchens.com

This showstopper 7-Layer Chicken Taco Salad takes those potluck-classic layered salad recipes to whole new heights (literally!). Piled high in a trifle bowl, it’ll be the “Oooooh … who made that?” hit of the picnic, but we’ve got shortcuts and make-ahead tips to ensure that it’s quick and simple, too!

32

Italian Blue Salad with Homemade Apricot Dressing & Honey Pecans

Photo Credit: www.trialandeater.com

This Italian Blue Salad is the perfect summer salad! Inspired by a hometown pizza shop– mixed greens served with blue cheese, honey roasted pecans, fresh blueberries and a homemade apricot vinaigrette dressing.

33

Easy Black Bean and Corn Salad

Photo Credit: eatplant-based.com

When I need a quick crowd-pleasing dish that doesn’t require any cooking, my first go-to is this simple Black Bean and Corn Salad recipe.

34

Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad

Photo Credit: drivemehungry.com

A healthy Chinese chicken salad full of crunchy veggies like cabbage, carrots, sprouts, and snap peas! Served with a light, flavorful soy sesame dressing!

35

Broccoli Salad With Bacon And Sunflower Seeds

Photo Credit: lowcarbafrica.com

This broccoli salad with bacon and sunflower seeds is a great summer salad with an amazing combination of flavors that will keep you reaching for more!

36

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Photo Credit: whatagirleats.com

Mediterranean quinoa salad is a wonderfully healthy side dish or meatless main meal. Tender quinoa is tossed with fresh basil pesto, artichokes, Kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes. Filling and flavorful!

37

Feta Bruschetta Pasta Salad

Photo Credit: www.salads4lunch.com

This quick and easy Feta Bruschetta Pasta Salad packs bold flavours to pair perfectly with your summer grilling feasts and is sure to be a big hit at your next BBQ or cookout.

38

The Best Homemade Chicken Salad!

Photo Credit: www.theorganickitchen.org
39

Dorito Taco Salad with Catalina - Julias Simply Southern

Photo Credit: juliassimplysouthern.com
40

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad + Tutorial

Photo Credit: recipesfromapantry.com
41

Creamy Balsamic Summer Pasta Salad

Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com
42

Simple Antipasto Pasta Salad

Photo Credit: midwestfoodieblog.com
43

Instant Pot Potato Salad

Photo Credit: littlesunnykitchen.com
44

Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Photo Credit: www.mightymrs.com
45

Watermelon, Cucumber & Jicama Salad with Coconut Lime Dressing (Paleo & Vegan)

Photo Credit: www.therisingspoon.com
46

Healthy Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Photo Credit: www.earthfoodandfire.com
47

Asian Ramen Noodle Salad (All Natural)

Asian Ramen Noodle Salad is powered with crisp cabbage, organic ramen noodles, mandarin oranges, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, green onions, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, cashews; dressed in a sweet-sour (reduced sugar) Asian dressing.

48

Deviled Egg Potato Salad Recipe

Photo Credit: www.fromvalskitchen.com
49

Caesar Pasta Salad

Photo Credit: littlesunnykitchen.com
50

Sherried Chicken Salad

51

Taco Salad with Doritos and Western Dressing

Photo Credit: www.plattertalk.com
52

Purple Cauliflower Salad Recipe with Walnut Vinaigrette

Photo Credit: spinachtiger.com
53

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

All the right flavors, bright and colorful, packed into this beautiful pasta salad. Great for a crowd or your family, the leftovers are even better!

54

Easy Deviled Egg Salad | Midwest Foodie

Photo Credit: midwestfoodieblog.com
55

Pressure Cooker Texas Caviar

Photo Credit: twosleevers.com
56

Greek Potato Salad (No Mayo)

Photo Credit: www.veggiessavetheday.com
57

Easy & Healthy Cobb Salad

You will want to try this hearty, simple to make Cobb Salad, this is no side salad, this is a hearty and filling, loaded with meats, cheese and veggies! The perfect no cook meal

58

Creamy Vegan Broccoli Slaw for Cookouts, Picnics, Tacos, & MORE!

Photo Credit: www.glueandglitter.com
59

Broccoli Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Photo Credit: practicallyhomemade.com
60

Greek Fresh Pasta Salad

Photo Credit: profusioncurry.com
61

Cucumber Tomato Salad - Easy and Refreshing

Photo Credit: neighborfoodblog.com
62

Grilled Corn Salad

Photo Credit: vforveggy.com
63

Bacon Balsamic Macaroni Salad

Crisp bacon pieces strewn throughout this delectable, creamy bacon balsamic macaroni salad that is loaded with crunchy celery, bright red grape tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese and topped with a mouthwatering creamy balsamic ranch dressing.

64

Chickpea Salad + Lemon Dressing

Photo Credit: vforveggy.com
65

Uncle Jon’s Pasta Salad

Photo Credit: www.frieddandelions.com
66

Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon, Apple, Walnut and Pecorino Romano Cheese

Photo Credit: poshjournal.com
67

Fresh and Easy Three Bean Salad {GF, V}

Photo Credit: flavorthemoments.com
68

Pearl Couscous Salad (with Lemon Turmeric Vinaigrette)

Photo Credit: girlheartfood.com
69

Spinach Salad Recipe

Photo Credit: www.healingtomato.com
70

Zesty Fruit Salad with Coconut Milk and Basil

Photo Credit: www.theroastedroot.net
71

Basil Lime Charred Corn and Zucchini Salad

Photo Credit: flavorthemoments.com
72

Healthier Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Photo Credit: theschmidtywife.com
73

Antipasto Salad • Low Carb with Jennifer

Photo Credit: jenniferbanz.com
74

Pineapple Coleslaw: Simple & Delicious

Photo Credit: www.themomentsathome.com
75

Greek potato salad

Photo Credit: www.supergoldenbakes.com
76

Lemon Piccata Potato Salad | vegan gluten free potluck

Photo Credit: www.spabettie.com
77

Instant Pot Best Macaroni Salad - 15 Minute Recipe!

Photo Credit: thisoldgal.com
78

Avocado, Black Bean & Corn Salad w/ Cilantro Lime Dressing

Photo Credit: veganhuggs.com
79

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

Photo Credit: jonesinfortaste.com
80

Fresh Farro Caprese Salad Recipe

Photo Credit: anerdcooks.com
81

Orzo Pasta Salad with Asparagus - My Kitchen Love

Photo Credit: www.mykitchenlove.com
82

Sweet Broccoli Apple Pasta Salad ~ On My Kids Plate

Photo Credit: onmykidsplate.com
83

Quinoa Tabbouleh {Gluten Free Side Dishes}

Photo Credit: whatagirleats.com
84

Roasted Corn and Zucchini Salad | #SummerGrilling

Photo Credit: www.karenskitchenstories.com
85

Mixed Berry Salad (Low Carb)

Photo Credit: www.bobbiskozykitchen.com
86

Grilled Vegetable Potluck Salad with Creamy Avocado Ranch – Perry's Plate

Photo Credit: www.perrysplate.com
87

Tropical Mango Berry Salad

A vibrant ultra fresh fruit salad bursting with summer ripe mangoes & berries, dressing in an all natural light lime dressing that's sublime!

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Summer Salad Essentials

Mueller Austria Premium Quality V-Pro Multi Blade Adjustable Mandoline Cheese/Vegetable Slicer, Cutter, Shredder with Precise Maximum Adjustability

Lipper International 1174 Acacia Wave Serving Bowl for Fruits or Salads, Large, 12" Diameter x 7" Height, Single Bowl

Mary Lake-Thompson Summer Camping 9-inch Melamine Plates, Set of 4

I'm in love with these paper plate look alike plates!

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My Signature Recipes!

The recipes everyone asks for (plus a few I can't stop making)

Kathleen Pope

Meet Kathleen

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, Iโ€™m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.

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  1. Tasia ~ two sugar bugs

    Sun, Jul 12, 2020 at 6:28 pm

    This is a fantastic collection of salads! I crave salad year round, but even more so in the summer months.
    Thanks for sharing Kathleen!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Mon, Jul 13, 2020 at 7:38 pm

      Thank you Tasia, I love salads too!!

      Reply
  2. Miz Helen

    Sat, Aug 3, 2019 at 5:22 pm

    This is an outstanding collection of Summer Salad Recipes! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday. Hope you have a great week and come back to see us real soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Sun, Aug 4, 2019 at 5:16 am

      Have a beautiful week Miz Helen!!

      Reply

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Kathleen Pope

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Hey there! I'm Kathleen Pope, a proud wife, mom of two awesome college boys, and recipe nerd. Welcome to my world of easy recipes with a healthy twist! Join thousands who trust The Fresh Cooky as their go-to recipe source. Let's cook up some magic!

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