Say goodbye to slaving away in a hot kitchen for hours. Try these easy summer salad recipes, and spend less time in the kitchen and more time soaking up the sun.
Summertime Staples: Easy Summer Salad Recipes Perfect for Lazy Days! 🥗
Who wants to spend hours in a hot kitchen when you could be out enjoying the sunshine?
Summer is all about fresh produce and is the time when we all crave light and refreshing meals, and that’s where easy summer salad recipes shine.
One of the best things about these easy summer salad recipes is that you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.
They’re perfect for lazy weekends, busy weeknights, or even a quick lunch!
Why Summer Salads Are a Must 💚
Full of Vibrant and Seasonal Veggies 🥗
Colorful and vibrant veggies are in abundance in summer, and these summer salad recipes take full advantage of these refreshing seasonal veggies. They’re not only a treat for your taste buds but also packed with nutrients. Think of crisp zucchini and cucumbers, juicy red ripe tomatoes, citrusy berries, zesty lemons, and loads of fresh herbs. These good-for-you ingredients make for super satisfying and delicious meals!
Healthy & Delicious 🥑
Salads are not meant to be just healthy and nutritious. This summer salad recipe rundown includes extremely delicious, flavor-bursting salads that are also packed with essential nutrients and vitamins. Say goodbye to boring and flavorless salads!
Quick and Easy Preparation ⏱️
This is the best thing about these recipes: who wants to spend hours in a hot kitchen when the temperatures are rising? All these summer salad recipes are effortless to prepare and don’t require you to spend hours in the kitchen. Minimal prep, a handful of seasonal produce, and minimal effort. Just chop, toss, and serve these super refreshing, healthy, and absolutely delicious summer salads!
Perfect for Any Occasion 🎉
When it comes to pleasing a large crowd, flavorful salads are the way to go! They are super versatile, easily customizable to different dietary needs and picky eaters, and easy to scale up for large gatherings like cookouts, potlucks, or BBQs. These salads are a hit at any party!
So, take advantage of this season’s fresh summer produce and get inspired with these easy summer salad recipes.
Try unique dressings, and different flavor and texture combinations, and create your own delicious summer salad that will be loved by everyone!
Common Summer Salad Mistakes to Avoid ❌
Too Much Dressing 🍯
It is easy to go overboard with the amazingly creamy, zesty, and delicious dressing that you make for your salad, but you want your salads to be dressed, not drowned. So, start small with the dressing and gradually add more if needed. Too much dressing can make your salad soggy!
Under Seasoned Salads 🧂
Don’t skimp on the seasoning! A pinch of salt and pepper or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can bring out the best flavors and do wonders for your salad.
Skipping the Fresh Greens 🥬
Many of us are not big fans of leafy greens, but when it comes to salads, adding a handful of spinach leaves, arugula leaves, or crisp mixed lettuces can make a big difference. Not only do they make the salad healthier and more nutritious, but they also create a great base!
Serving at Wrong Temperature 🌡️
Serving your salads at the right temperature is a must! If you are making salads with grilled veggies, they are best served at room temperature, while fruit or leafy green salads taste better when chilled.
And there you have it! These easy summer salad recipes will become your go-to favorite meal for sunny days, backyard BBQs, or summer cookouts!
With this collection of fresh summer salads, you’ll have all the recipes at your fingertips to whip up a quick meal anytime.
Cheers to fresh salads to enjoy a taste of summer in every bite!
Summer in a Bowl: Easy Summer Salad Recipes for Hot Days! ☀️
1. Summer Panzanella Salad
Recipe by Feasting at Home
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 10 mins
Yields ~ 6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ Bursting with fresh seasonal summer produce such as juicy tomatoes, radishes, crisp cucumbers, garlicky croutons, and loads of fresh basil, all tossed in a Panzanella salad dressing!
GET THE RECIPE FOR SUMMER PANZANELLA SALAD!
2. Grilled Salmon Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
Recipe by Feasting at Home
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 15 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ This summertime salad is made with perfectly grilled salmon fillets, over a bed of fresh arugula salad, with creamy avocados, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy red onions, all tossed in a Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing. Healthy, keto, low-carb, and easy to make.
GET THE RECIPE FOR GRILLED SALMON SALAD!
3. Quinoa Salad with Vegan Green Goddess Dressing
Recipe by Crowded Kitchen
Ready in ~ 35 minutes
Yields ~ 4-6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ A protein-rich salad made with fluffy and nutty quinoa, and seasonal veggies with a homemade vegan green goddess dressing. It is delicious, nutritious, easy to make, and works well for meal prep!
GET THE RECIPE FOR QUINOA SALAD!
4. Farmer’s Market Salad
Recipe by Simply Veganista
Ready in ~ 15 mins
Yields ~ 2-3 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ A fresh and delicious salad made with vibrant seasonal summer ingredients like sweet corn, crisp zucchini, and colorful bell pepper, all tossed in a tangy sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. The perfect healthy lunch or light dinner!
GET THE RECIPE FOR FARMER’S MARKET SALAD!
5. Thai Pomelo Salad (Yam Som O)
Recipe by Inquiring Chef
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 30 mins, Cook Time: 5 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ A fruit-based salad in a tart that is full of bright colors, and spicy and sweet dressing. It is the perfect meal for making in advance and just toss them together when you want to serve!
GET THE RECIPE FOR THAI POMELO SALAD!
💡 PRO TIP: Play With Texture
A good salad is a combination of both delicious flavor and a delightful crunch. Think of adding some toasted nuts or seeds right before serving the salad for an unexpected crunch, or add some crunchy veggies like cucumbers, zucchini, or bell peppers to improve the overall texture of your salad.
6. Crunchy Vegetable Rice Noodle Salad
Recipe by Family Style Food
Ready in ~ 25 minutes
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ Vegan and gluten-free noodle salad made with rice noodles, colorful veggies, and loads of herbs, all dressed in a tangy almond-lime dressing!
GET THE RECIPE FOR VEGETABLE RICE NOODLE SALAD!
7. Abundance Kale Salad with Savory Tahini Dressing
Recipe by Minimalist Baker
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 20 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ Made with loads of veggies such as roasted sweet potato, crisp zucchini, creamy avocado, protein-packed sprouts, crispy chickpeas, and delicious kimchi! All drizzled with a savory tahini dressing, this salad is perfect when you want something filling and nutritious!
GET THE RECIPE FOR KALE SALAD WITH TAHINI DRESSING!
8. Crunchy Garbanzo Summer Salad
Recipe by Vanilla and Bean
Ready in ~ 1 hour
Yields ~ 6-7 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ Full of vibrant veggies and garbanzo beans this hearty, healthy, and delicious meal is perfect for meal prep, picnics, potlucks, or packed lunches. It is vegetarian, vegan, and easily gluten-free!
GET THE RECIPE FOR GARBANZO SUMMER SALAD!
9. Pesto Pasta Salad
Recipe by Cookie and Kate
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 10 mins
Yields ~ 6 to 8 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ A light and fresh salad made with whole grain pasta, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, and sliced Kalamata olives, all tossed in a homemade pesto sauce. Perfect for parties, picnics, and weeknight dinners!
GET THE RECIPE FOR PESTO PASTA SALAD!
10. Heirloom Tomato Salad with Walnuts & Blue Cheese
Recipe by Feasting at Home
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 15 mins
Yields ~ 4 to 6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ A simple salad with sweet, juicy, and earthy flavors. Made with sweet and juicy heirloom tomatoes, smoked blue cheese, and crunchy walnuts. The perfect summer meal with seasonal summer produce!
GET THE RECIPE FOR HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD!
💡 PRO TIP: Herb It Up
Adding herbs is a simple way of adding a burst of freshness and flavor to your meals without adding extra calories. Think of adding fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, dill, or basil to your salad base, or add them right before serving to make the salad fresh and vibrant.
11. Crispy Rice Salad with Cucumbers & Herbs
Recipe by Pinch of Yum
Ready in ~ 30 minutes
Yields ~ 2 generous salad servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ Made with paper-thin veggies, loads of fresh herbs, a bed of fried crispy red curry rice, and a limey garlicky vinaigrette. If you like red curry, then this salad is a must-try for you!
GET THE RECIPE FOR CRISPY RICE SALAD!
12. Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
Recipe by Ambitious Kitchen
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 45 mins, Cook Time: 15 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ This easy and flavorful salad is packed with crunchy vegetables, juicy chicken, fresh herbs, and a flavorful sesame ginger dressing. It will become your go-to meal for sure!
GET THE RECIPE FOR SESAME CHICKEN CABBAGE CRUNCH SALAD!
13. Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Recipe by The Defined Dish
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 20 mins, Cook Time: 15 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ Packed with fresh green salad, topped off with BBQ chicken, all tossed in a herby ranch dressing. Perfect salad recipe for your next summer cookout!
GET THE RECIPE FOR GRILLED BBQ CHICKEN SKEWER SALAD!
14. Tequila Shrimp Taco Salad
Recipe by How Sweet Eats
Ready in ~ 1 hour
Yields ~ 2 generous servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ Made with tequila-marinated shrimp grilled or roasted to perfection with loads of colorful veggies, all drizzled with honey garlic vinaigrette. If you like shrimp cocktails, then this salad is a must-try for you!
GET THE RECIPE FOR TEQUILA SHRIMP TACO SALAD!
15. Chinese Chicken Salad
Recipe by Craving Home Cooked
Ready in ~ 20 minutes
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ A vibrant, flavor-packed meal made with crunchy veggies, juicy and tender chicken, and sweet mandarin oranges, all tossed together in a flavorful homemade dressing. It is refreshing, healthy, and absolutely delicious!
GET THE RECIPE FOR CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD!
💡 PRO TIP: Make it Protein Packed
To make your salad a wholesome and filling meal, consider adding a protein of your choice, even if the recipe doesn’t call for it. Think of adding grilled juicy chicken, succulent shrimp, or plant-based proteins such as tofu, chickpeas, or tempeh. This will make your salad a complete, satisfying meal!
16. Quinoa Black Bean Salad {with Mango and Avocado}
Recipe by Cooking Classy
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 20 mins
Yields ~ 6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ A vibrant, nutrient-packed salad made with nutty-flavored fluffy quinoa, protein-packed black beans, creamy avocado, and fruity mango. It is perfect as a light, healthy meal or a flavorful side dish.
GET THE RECIPE FOR QUINOA BLACK BEAN SALAD!
17. BLT Pasta Salad
Recipe by Carls Bad Cravings
Ready in ~ 20 minutes
Yields ~ 12 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ Enjoy the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich but in a summer salad bowl! Made by combining ripe tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, crispy bits of bacon, fresh asparagus, sweet green peas, and cooked pasta, all tossed in a tangy and creamy Lemon Chive Dressing. An amazing recipe for picnics, potlucks, or BBQs!
GET THE RECIPE FOR BLT PASTA SALAD!
18. Strawberry Kale Salad
Recipe by Kalefornia Kravings
Ready in ~ 10 minutes
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ A refreshing and bright salad made with juicy strawberries and blueberries, nutrient-rich kale, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed in a lemony poppy seed dressing, and topped with some toasted pecans for extra crunch. The perfect summertime salad for a healthy lunch or light dinner!
GET THE RECIPE FOR STRAWBERRY KALE SALAD!
19. Zucchini Ribbon Salad With Corn & Tomatoes
Recipe by Vanilla and Bean
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 20 minutes, Cook Time: 9 minutes
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ This beautiful and nutritious salad is made by combining refreshing zucchini ribbons, juicy plump tomatoes, and sweet corn, topped with crunchy toasted pepitas, all doused in a creamy and bright avocado lime dressing. It is vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free!
GET THE RECIPE FOR ZUCCHINI RIBBON SALAD!
20. Strawberry Avocado Salad
Recipe by Gimme Some Oven
Ready in ~ 15 minutes
Yields ~ 4 to 6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ Summertime in a bowl – a bright and beautiful salad made by combining sweet fresh strawberries, and creamy avocado slices, with toasted almond slices, all doused in a honey-sweetened poppyseed dressing. Full of amazing colors and flavors!
GET THE RECIPE FOR STRAWBERRY AVOCADO SALAD!
21. Chickpea Quinoa Salad Meal Prep
Recipe by Eatwell 101
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 10 mins
Yields ~ 2 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ This Chickpea Quinoa Meal Prep Salad is packed with good-for-you ingredients, and super easy to prepare. Say goodbye to boring meals and hello to colorful and filling meals!
GET THE RECIPE FOR CHICKPEA QUINOA SALAD MEAL PREP!
22. Italian Cold Rice Salad
Recipe by Gathering Dreams
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 20 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ A colorful mix of crisp veggies, herbs, tuna, and whole grains that is bursting with Italian flavors. Requires only 10 mins of prep time! Perfect for light meals, picnics, or potlucks!
GET THE RECIPE FOR ITALIAN COLD RICE SALAD!
23. Protein Salad Meal Prep
Recipe by Gathering Dreams
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 20 mins
Yields ~ 2 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ This meal prep salad is packed with plenty of protein from chickpeas, black beans, quinoa, and eggs. Has a whopping 35 grams of protein. Deliciousness in a jar!
GET THE RECIPE FOR PROTEIN MEAL PREP SALAD!
24. Thai-Inspired Peanut Chicken Salad
Recipe by Fed and Fit
Ready in ~ 15 minutes
Yields ~ 3 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ This Thai-inspired salad is bright, crunchy veggies, and tender chicken all drizzled with a ridiculously yummy peanut sauce! A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will leave you craving for more!
GET THE RECIPE FOR THAI-INSPIRED PEANUT CHICKEN SALAD!
25. Split Pea Salad
Recipe by Street Smart Nutrition
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 20 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ A quick, nutritious, flavorful, and zesty salad. Perfect for meal planning and meal prepping!
GETH THE RECIPE FOR EASY SUMMER SPLIT PEA SALAD!
And there you have it—Easy Summer Salad Recipes for you to try!
Thank you for taking the time to read the post! ❤️
I really hope you give one of the recipes a try, and love it! Don’t forget to leave a star rating ★ in the comment section below. Your feedback will help others and also means a lot!
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