With summer in full swing, it’s time to explore fresh and exciting salads that go beyond the usual lettuce. These 17 summer salads are bursting with vibrant colors, unique textures, and delicious flavors that will make you forget all about the traditional leafy greens. Each recipe brings a refreshing twist, incorporating seasonal ingredients that are perfect for warm weather meals. You’ll find yourself enjoying these salads as a wholesome main course or a tasty side, adding a new level of excitement to your summer mealtime experience!
Chinese Chicken Salad
Here’s a salad that packs a punch with its bold flavors and satisfying crunch. This dish is a great way to bring something different to the summer table. Chinese Chicken Salad combines the best of several worlds with its tasty, tangy, and slightly sweet profile. It’s light enough for the hottest of days but filling enough to satisfy your hunger. And the best part? It’s just as colorful as it is flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
There’s something about grilled peaches that screams summer. Paired with tomatoes, this salad brings a unique twist to the table. Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes is a conversation starter with its mix of sweet and savory. It’s unexpectedly refreshing and will quickly become a seasonal favorite. Plus, it’s a beautiful way to add some color to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
For those who like a bit of uniqueness on their plate, Yellow Bean & Potato Salad offers just that. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes and is substantial enough to hold its own. The combination of ingredients adds a delicious contrast and texture that complements any summer meal. It’s a great addition to any cookout and always stands out as a colorful option on the table. Enjoy how it brings people back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
If you’re looking for a change from the usual sides, Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic is a refreshing twist. It works amazingly well for family picnics or as a hearty addition to a summer grill-out. The dish is robust enough to stand alone or complement other favorites. Expect a satisfying taste that makes it a frequent request at outdoor meals. It’s a classic favorite reimagined with a fresh approach.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
Classic Caprese Salad
If you’re looking for a fresh, no-cook option, this is a go-to for summer. With just a few ingredients, the simplicity of this salad lets each flavor shine. Classic Caprese Salad is a reminder that sometimes less is definitely more. It’s perfect for those balmy evenings when you want something light yet satisfying. Plus, it’s as pretty as it is delicious, making it a great choice for impressing guests.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad
Greek Salad
Who says you need lettuce to make a great salad? This dish is all about crisp cucumbers, plump tomatoes, and rich olives, making Greek Salad a cool and refreshing choice on hot days. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or as a side at dinner. Throw in some feta cheese, and you’ve got a salad that’s both filling and refreshing. And the best part? It’s so easy to toss together.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad
Cucumber Salad with Feta
On those scorching summer days, this salad comes to the rescue. Its coolness is a perfect match for any outdoor activity, from picnics to barbecues. Cucumber Salad with Feta melds the crispness of cucumber with the creamy texture of feta for a satisfying crunch. It’s so easy to throw together last minute, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings. Everyone seems to love its refreshing taste, too.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Coleslaw
Forget what you thought about coleslaw being just a side dish. This crunchy, creamy salad is a staple at any summer get-together. Coleslaw can easily be customized with your favorite add-ins, making it versatile and exciting every time. It’s a cool companion to any hot dish off the grill. And yes, it somehow tastes even better when eaten outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
For those days when you’re craving something hearty yet refreshing. This salad brings a wholesome dose of omega-3s to your plate. Easy Salmon Pasta Salad is a standout dish with its flaky salmon and tender pasta. It’s got a great mix of textures and flavors that scream summer. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, even on a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Pizza Pasta Salad
Yes, you read that right, it’s like your favorite pizza turned into a pasta salad. This dish is a game-changer for outdoor potlucks and picnics. Pizza Pasta Salad is where comfort food meets summer salad, creating a dish that’s sure to please everyone. It’s filled with all the flavors you love from pizza but in a refreshing, fork-friendly format. Plus, it’s robust enough to serve as a main dish or a hearty side.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Embrace the light and breezy flavors with Mediterranean Tuna Salad, an ideal dish for a sunny day. It’s perfect when you’re looking for something that doesn’t feel too heavy yet satisfies hunger. The combination of flavors fit beautifully with the season, embodying the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. It’s great for adding a touch of class to your casual outdoor meals. Plus, it often becomes the highlight of the table with its appealing appearance.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Imagine a salad that’s as filling as it is fresh. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp combines tender shrimp with orzo pasta, bringing a touch of the sea to your summer meals. It’s light enough not to weigh you down during the heat. Plus, it’s just fancy enough to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or need a quick meal, this salad has got you covered.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Egg Salad
When you want something simple yet comforting, Egg Salad is the way to go. It functions perfectly as both a standalone dish and a tasty sandwich filling. This salad is great for picnics, easy lunches, or as a quick fix for unexpected guests. It pairs well with crispy bread or can be enjoyed just by itself. The creamy texture makes it a favorite during both cool and warm days.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad
Southern Ham Salad
If you’re tired of the same old salads, this is what you need to shake things up. Southern Ham Salad brings a smoky twist to your meal, mixing diced ham with a creamy dressing for a satisfying combo. It’s a hit at picnics and potlucks or just when you want a hearty but refreshing lunch. This salad proves that salads can be both hearty and light. Just add your favorite crispy bread on the side, and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Wild Rice Salad
This is not your average salad; it’s a hearty, nutty, and totally satisfying option that goes beyond ordinary greens. Perfect for when you want something filling but still light enough for the heat. Wild Ripe Salad brings an earthy flavor that’s a nice break from your typical summer fare. It pairs well with just about anything coming off the grill. And it’s sure to win over anyone looking for a hearty meat-free option.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad
Coronation Chicken Salad
For something a bit more exotic, give this one a try. Coronation Chicken Salad mixes creamy and mild curry flavors with tender chicken, introducing a bit of regal flair to your meal. It’s always a crowd-pleaser at events and perfect for a high-noon meal to keep things light yet flavorful. Serve it on a bed of greens or with fruit, and you’ve got a meal that feels special. It’s both comforting and slightly exotic, making every bite interesting.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad
Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
Light, refreshing and not your ordinary salad, this one features asparagus as the star. Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan is all about freshness with a tangy touch from lemon, and a bit of richness from Parmesan. It’s exceptionally good during the spring and summer when asparagus is at its peak. This salad is ideal for a sophisticated, yet easy-to-prepare side dish. Whether it’s part of a fancy dinner or a simple family meal, it fits right in.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan