Summer is here, and I know you’re going to need allllll the salad recipes you can get in your arsenal!
I love an easy and cool salad for hot summer night dinners, it is the perfect meal during this season! Bonus points if it can be made ahead of time.
Chances are, you probably already have a few stand-by’s, so we created a list with some fun types you probably haven’t tried along with simple and classic recipes to get you started.
SUMMER SALAD RECIPES YOU’LL FIND HERE
If you’re looking for salads, you’re in the right place! We’ve included a selection from each of the following categories, in the order listed:
- Green Salads
- Pasta Salads
- Fruit Salads
- Side Salads
- Vegan Salads
I think it’s safe to say that you’ll find some new favorites here! If you haven’t tried a grape salad yet, be sure to try out the recipe you’ll find below. It’s a fun and unique one to bring to picnics or potlucks!
A NOTE ON PASTA SALADS
The trick to a good pasta salad is to avoid overcooking your pasta. Set the timer for a minute earlier than the minimum time, drain as soon as it’s cooked al dente; this means that your pasta will have a slight bite to it.
Immediately drain your pasta and rinse in cold water until it is completely cooled. Be sure to allow all excess water to drain off before assembling your salad.
making salads ahead of time
Most salads can be made ahead of time, which is a huge bonus to me during the summer months! As a family, we’re out playing much of the afternoon so it’s nice to have something quick to assemble for dinner.
Of course, pasta and fruit salads are usually prepared in advance, but for any kind of green salad you’ll want to prep your ingredients beforehand then store separately until it’s time to serve. When you’re ready to eat, pull everything out, add dressing, and eat!
WAIT! Pin these recipes for later!
Summer Salad Recipes
From simple standbys to knock-your-socks-off, here are all the Summer salad recipes you'll need!
This Copycat Chick-fil-A Superfoods Salad is the perfect summer salad. Light, refreshing and perfect for a picnic or potluck.
Strawberry Fields Salad is juicy strawberries, chicken, bacon, feta cheese and dried cranberries tossed in spring greens and a flavorful balsamic dressing. It’s the ultimate loaded spring and summer salad!
Rocca Salad is a tasty mix of arugula (rocket) with walnuts, pomegranate and a Persian dressing. It’s a delicious salad with a Middle Eastern flavor.
This Summer Berry Salad is light and refreshing, with fresh strawberries and blueberries, tangy feta cheese, candied pecans, and a simple homemade vinaigrette.
Southwest Salad – Bursting with small kidney beans, corn, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, cheese, crispy lettuce, onions and bathed in Creamy-smooth Avocado Dressing, topped with blue corn tortilla chips. A super simple and classic salad
This Grilled Peach Salad is the perfect summer side dish. Packed with grilled peaches, blueberries, goat cheese and almonds plus homemade blueberry dressing for a bright and fresh combination.
Vietnamese beef noodle salad (bun bo xao) is packed with fresh herbs, flavorful beef, and refreshing lime fish sauce dressing. It takes only 30 minutes to make, and you can enjoy it either as a main or side dish.
This colorful salad is a pretty and nutritious summer meal. Made with spinach, blueberries, goat cheese, and strawberry tahini dressing, it's full of flavor!
This Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad recipe has a delicious creamy dressing that’s tangy, sweet, and totally addicting! It tastes just like it came from a Hawaiian Food Truck. Plus it cots just $5.39 to make!
This Best Pasta Salad Recipe is made with Homemade Dressing & Roasted Tomatoes! It is the perfect healthy & flavorful make-ahead BBQ side dish full of fresh veggies, pepperoni and fresh mozzarella cheese!
This Caprese tortellini pasta salad recipe is easy, fresh, and bursting with summer flavors! Mozzarella balls, balsamic glaze, basil, and plenty of tomatoes make this dish a winner.
Make a Vietnamese-inspired vermicelli noodle salad with spiralized zucchini and carrot for the perfect, refreshing summer cold noodle dish.
This Large-Batch Chicken Pasta Salad is just the quick and easy recipe that you need for family reunions, potlucks, backyard barbecues, and easy dinners! It serves 16 people and costs just $10.67 to make!
This family favorite Southern Grape Salad requires only 10 minutes of prep and a few ingredients to whip up! It is creamy, crunchy and a great side dish that doubles as dessert for Potlucks, BBQ, meal trains and summer evenings.
Nectarine and Burrata Caprese Salad takes a classic dish and turns it up a notch and a half. Juicy nectarines and tomatoes and decadent Burrata come together to make one seriously delicious summer salad.
Refreshing, sweet, and crowd-pleasing Watermelon Salad with Cucumber, Feta and Mint. Enjoyed by kids and adults alike with 6 simple ingredients, this 10 minute salad is not to be missed!
A flavor bursting, healthy mango salad with refreshing cucumbers and red onions, drizzled with sweet and spicy dressing and topped with crunchy roasted peanuts. Best of all it is ready in 20 minutes!
This fresh and flavorful Heirloom Tomato and Peach Caprese salad makes a colorful side dish at your next BBQ - or enjoy it with some chicken or salmon and a hunk of bread for an easy weeknight meal.
This recipe for Mediterranean potato salad is made with no mayo and no mustard. Golden potatoes get tossed in a creamy greek yogurt tzatziki sauce that’s perfect for sharing!
This Summer Corn & Quinoa Caprese Salad is perfect for BBQs, picnics, and weeknight dinners al fresco! Packed with protein and summer's best veggies, this is a hearty, delicious salad to enjoy on a warm, sunny day.
Asparagus panzanella is a unique spring time take on a traditional summer salad. You’ll love this delightful salad of crisp asparagus, homemade croutons, fresh mint, and feta cheese!
Tomato lover’s tomato salad is piled high with summer’s best heirloom tomatoes and drizzled with a to-die-for smoky tomato dressing.
Creamy Pea Salad is truly tasty and soooo easy to make. A no-fuss, low-carb side dish that is perfect for those busy midweek meals.
Balela Salad (Bah-lay-la salad) is Middle Eastern-style Chickpea salad. This hearty refreshing salad is bursting with zesty flavor. So easy, so delicious, nutrient dense and satisfying meal! It is perfect for any party or busy weeknight meal.
This Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with Chickpea Croutons and Pickled Onions is a delicious twist on a classic salad. This salad is also protein-packed, super satisfying, and takes less than 15 minutes to throw together!
This versatile salad is happy to fulfil many roles. Serve it as a delicious side dish, as an appetiser as part of a meze, or enjoy it as a light main meal. It is nutritious, full of flavour and will suit many peoplewith specific dietary requirements as it is gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan.
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