Throughout Summer there's one thing I crave everyday... a big, fresh salad! This collection of Summer salad recipes includes my favorite light and refreshing salads, that are far from boring and packed with flavor. From Mediterranean salads, pasta salads great for crowds and simple sides perfect for BBQs, picnics and everyday meals.
If you've been around here for a while, you'll know I love love salads - I'm talking about big, colorful, flavor packed salads that will make you go back for seconds and you'll be making on repeat. The best part is that you'll forget that they're good for you too! I've rounded up my favorite summer salad recipes right here, from the popular orzo salad to my go-to healthy caesar salad, Persian shirazi salad and many more.
Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight side, a meal prep lunch for the week, or something to bring to a BBQ or picnic, there's something in here for everyone. No heavy dressings, no soggy salads - just fresh ingredients, easy homemade dressings and loads of flavor in every bite!
Table of Contents
My Favorite Summer Salads
To start, these are my top summer salads I find myself making on repeat. They’re fresh, flavorful and capture everything I love about summer — from a refreshing salad for hot days, a crowd-pleasing side for BBQs and an easy lunch you can feel good about.
Watermelon Feta Salad
Juicy watermelon, feta, mint and walnuts come together in this vibrant, refreshing salad perfect for summer
Avocado Salad
This quick avocado salad is light, creamy and fresh, ready in just 15 minutes. A simple, flavorful salad that pairs well with almost anything
Summer Fresh Tomato Pasta
A fresh and flavorful tomato pasta with marinated tomatoes, garlic and basil. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s like a bruschetta pasta
Pasta Salads
Orzo Salad
A light and fresh Mediterranean-inspired orzo salad packed with veggies, herbs and a zesty lemon dressing
Caesar Pasta Salad
Crisp lettuce, pasta and classic caesar flavors come together with a lighter homemade dressing in this crowd pleasing salad. Perfect for gatherings
Greek Pasta Salad
Packed with fresh veggies, classic Greek flavors and tossed in a creamy feta dressing. One bite and you’ll want to make this salad again and again!
Italian Pasta Salad
Simple, colorful and fresh, this Italian pasta salad is packed with flavor. Perfect for BBQs, gatherings, or enjoying as a meal on its own
Greek Orzo Salad - Feta Dressing
Bursting with flavor, this orzo salad combines colorful veggies, olives and a creamy feta dressing that brings everything together
BBQ & Picnic Salads
Persian Salad Olivieh (Olivier Salad)
A Persian twist on the classic Olivier salad, this creamy potato salad is packed with peas, eggs, and crunchy pickles. Perfect for picnics and meal prep
Crispy Smashed Potato Salad
Golden and crispy smashed potatoes are tossed with a creamy, tangy dressing in this fun twist on classic potato salad
Chopped Asian Salad
Colorful and fresh, this chopped salad combines crisp veggies with a flavorful miso dressing. Perfect for summer lunches, BBQs or light dinners
Fish Taco Slaw
Light, fresh and creamy, this crunchy slaw combines colorful veggies with a zesty dressing. A refreshing side dish perfect for BBQs, picnics and gatherings
Italian Potato Salad
Light and fresh, this mayo-free potato salad is packed with Italian flavors and a tangy dressing. Great for picnics, BBQs and summer gatherings
Chickpea Avocado Salad
Easy, fresh and full of flavor, this salad combines creamy avocado and hearty chickpeas for a versatile dish that works as a meal, side or snack
Mediterranean Salads
Fattoush Salad
Fresh, vibrant and full of texture, this salad combines crisp veggies, a zesty dressing and crunchy pita for a delicious bite every time
Lentil Salad
Packed with hearty lentils, fresh veggies, creamy feta and a tangy lemon dressing, this salad is perfect for lunches, meal prep or as a side dish
Farro Salad
Nutritious and hearty, this Mediterranean inspired salad combines whole grains, fresh veggies, feta, walnuts and a tangy dressing
Shirazi Salad
A Persian staple made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion. Crisp, refreshing and the perfect side to serve with any meal
Quinoa Tabbouleh
A fresh twist on classic tabbouleh, this salad swaps bulgur for quinoa with plenty of herbs, veggies and a bright lemon dressing
Chopped Greek Salad
A classic Greek salad chopped into bite sized pieces with fresh veggies, feta and bold flavors in every spoonful
Jennifer Aniston Salad
Packed with quinoa, crisp veggies, fresh herbs, chickpeas, feta and pistachios, this salad is full of flavor and texture
Tahini Kale Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
Creamy tahini dressing, crispy chickpeas, fresh veggies and pickled onions come together in this flavorful salad with plenty of texture
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Colorful and fresh, this salad is packed with quinoa, chickpeas and veggies. Perfect for meal prep and easy vegan lunches
Green Summer Salads
Arugula Salad
A simple 5 minute salad that pairs perfectly with pasta, seafood, pizza and just about any meal. Fresh and perfect for weeknights and gatherings!
Italian Chopped Salad
Packed with Italian flavors, this chopped salad combines crunchy veggies, marinated artichokes, and cheese with an easy homemade dressing
La Scala Chopped Salad
Packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, this famous chopped salad is simple to make and perfect as a satisfying meal or side dish
Protein Salads
Healthy Caesar Salad
A healthier take on the classic Caesar. Made vegetarian without anchovies and tastes just as good as the original
Edamame Salad
Crunchy and fresh, this salad combines edamame, crisp green veggies, avocado and a flavorful sesame dressing
Kani Salad
A Japanese crab salad thats light and refreshing. Made with strips of imitation crab, cucumbers, avocado and mango in a spicy mayo dressing
Matthew McConaughey Tuna Salad
Fresh and tangy with a hint of wasabi, this viral tuna salad is full of flavor. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, crackers or pita chips
Avocado Egg Salad
Creamy and delicious, this egg salad is a lighter take on the classic without using mayo. Perfect for a protein packed meal or easy lunch
Healthy Tuna Salad
Light and creamy, this tuna salad is made with a lighter mayo and yogurt dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, crackers or easy lunches
Tips & Tricks
- Buy ingredients in season, there is nothing better when salads are made with fresh produce. The quality will make a big difference in taste so its the first and most important step
- Its all about texture. The best salads I love include a blend of textures. Anything from creamy dressings mixed with crunchy veggies, seeds or nuts
- Make dressings ahead, homemade dressings can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, this way it will be easier to assemble salads quickly and you can add the dressing just before serving so it keeps the salad fresh
FAQs
For the freshest salads, store the ingredients without dressing and keep crunchy toppings like nuts, seeds or croutons separate until serving. Add the dressing and toppings right before eating to keep everything crisp. Pasta salads are a little different because they often taste better after resting, allowing the flavors to develop over time. The ideal timing depends on the ingredients and the type of pasta salad you’re making, as some hold up better than others
To make a salad more satisfying, add a mix of protein, healthy fats and hearty ingredients. Try adding chicken, tuna, eggs, beans, lentils, chickpeas, cheese, nuts, seeds, avocado or grains like quinoa and farro. These ingredients turn a simple salad into a more complete meal that will keep you feeling full for longer
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