Summertime Salads
Welcome to the ultimate summer salad roundup! As the weather heats up, there’s nothing quite like a fresh, vibrant salad to complement your BBQ spread or serve as a light, satisfying dinner. From tangy, fruit-filled options to hearty, protein-packed creations, these summertime salads are sure to be a hit at any summer gathering.
Helpful Tools for Making Irresistible Summer Salads
- Salad Spinner– The less moisture lettuce holds, the more the dressing can cling to the leaves, making your salad even more flavorful.
- Maldon’s Sea Salt– A good quality salt like Maldon’s sea salt flakes, adds a delicious gourmet twist to salads and intensifies the salads own bright flavors.
- Garlic Press– Nothing compares to the wonderful flavor of fresh garlic. However, preparing fresh garlic can be a bit of a hassle. With this approach and a garlic press, though, the task becomes much easier.
- Wooden Utensils– A set of comfortable wooden utensils can make the act of tossing and serving homemade salads much easier.
- Knife Set– Over the years, I’ve noticed both seasoned home cooks and newcomers facing challenges with dull knives, often due to the cost of quality ones. However, these knives are both affordable and durable, with the added bonus of a built-in knife sharpener.
Salads for a BBQ
Summertime Pasta salad
Irresistible Summer Pasta Salad has pan roasted corn, crisp sugar snap peas, savory feta and fresh herbs in a bright homemade lemon vinaigrette. A healthy summer side dish that is very easy to make and is always a hit. (Click Image For Recipe)
Heirloom Tomato Salad
Heirloom Tomato Salad is an incredibly fresh and flavorful side dish perfect for Spring and Summer meals. Juicy heirloom tomatoes are drizzled with a fresh herb, garlic and red wine vinaigrette. This salad is as appealing to the taste buds as it is to the eyes. (Click Image For Recipe)
Dill Pickle pasta salad
Bright and crisp, this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is mouthwateringly addictive. With absolutely no dairy, loads of chives and dill pickles makes it perfect for your summer cookout. (Click Image For Recipe)
Berry Fruit Salad
Berry Fruit Salad with a honey, lime and mint dressing is a beautiful and tasty addittion to summer parties. With strawberries, watermelon, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and dragonfruit, this recipe is perfect as a side dish or fun summer dessert. (Click Image For Recipe)
Italian Potato Salad
Italian Potato Salad is easy to make, healthy and full of the bright and delicious flavors of Italy. This is a perfect make-ahead side dish for picnics, BBQ’s, cookouts or potlucks because it has no-mayo. Additionally, without the garnish of parmesan cheese, this is a gorgeous vegan salad that everyone will love. (Click Image For Recipe)
Macaroni Salad
Creamy, crunchy and flavorful cold Macaroni Salad is an easy and foolproof side dish perfect for BBQ’s and get togethers. Included are tips and secrets to making an irresistible classic creamy pasta salad that is sure to become a family favorite recipe. (Click Image For Recipe)
Burrata Caprese
Perfect for summer, Burrata Caprese is a simple and delicious salad or Italian appetizer of heirloom tomatoes, basil, mozzarella Burrata and a balsamic glaze. (Click Image For Recipe)
Asian Cucumber Salad
Asian Cucumber Salad is one of the easiest side dishes that is made with simple ingredients. This recipe comes together in under 10 minutes and has mouthwatering Asian flavors. One of the best salads to have on a hot summer evening. (Click Image For Recipe)
Tabouli Salad
Tabouli Salad is a light and refreshing grain salad that works beautifully next to all kinds of meats or Mediterranean dishes. Made with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, English cucumbers, parsley and mint. This side dish is very easy to make and is delicious during the hottest months of the year. (Click Image For Recipe)
Mediterranean Risoni Salad
Mediterranean Risoni Salad (aka Orzo Pasta Salad) has the flavors of lemon, dill and feta. Quick and easy, this salad is wonderful as a side dish or as a light lunch or dinner with the addiction of your favorite protein. (Click Image For Recipe)
Cilantro Lime Cabbage Salad
Healthy and satisfying, this Cilantro Lime Cabbage Salad has shredded cabbage, chopped veggies and a delicious creamy Mexican dressing. Goes wonderfully with chicken, fish or as a low carb dinner. (Click Image For Recipe)
Skinny Red Potato Salad
My most requested side dish for BBQ’s, Skinny Red Potato Salad is an easy and healthy summer classic. With simple ingredients, great texture and the fresh flavor of dill, this potato salad is always a hit. (Click Image For Recipe)
Super Healthy Broccoli Salad
Super Healthy Broccoli Salad is a twist on a classic with extra nutrition packed in. It is crunchy, sweet and savory, a salad everyone gobbles up. (Click Image For Recipe)
Springtime Pasta Salad
Springtime Pasta Salad is an easy, light, refreshing and yet such a satisfying recipe with a simple lemon vinaigrette, olives and fresh veggies. It is the perfect make a ahead dish for company, potlucks or cold lunches during the week. (Click Image For Recipe)
Cream Cucumber Tomato Salad
Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad is a light, refreshing and easy side that is delicious next to all kinds of main dishes or on its own. One of the best cooling veggie dishes on a hot summer day. (Click Image For Recipe)
Blueberry Basil Chopped Veggie Salad
Blueberry Basil Chopped Veggie Salad recipe is a fresh and crisp summer side. Savory and slightly sweet, this salad is packed full of fresh veggies, blueberries and basil. Makes a perfect campion to grilled meats. (Click Image For Recipe)
Lemon White Bean Salad
Quick and healthy, Lemon White Bean Salad is perfect as a refreshing lunch, side dish or party salad. Takes just minutes to assemble making eating well on busy days so much easier. (Click Image For Recipe)
Mediterranean Delight Pasta Salad
Mediterranean Delight Pasta Salad is an absolute crowd pleaser with a balsamic vinaigrette, creamy mozzarella, Kalamata olives and artichoke hearts. A light meal that is great for dinners or work lunches. Beware, stopping at one bowl is almost impossible. (Click Image For Recipe)
Herbed Barley Salad
Satisfying and insanely delicious, Herbed Barley Salad has the fresh flavors of lemon, dill, mint and cilantro. We love having this has a wholesome and cold side dish next to chicken, beef, lamb, pork or fish. (Click Image For Recipe)
Summer Salads For Dinner
Chicken Berry Salad
This Chicken Berry Salad is sweet, savory and refreshing. Made with All-Purpose Chicken Breasts, three different kind of berries, avocado and a homemade White Balsamic Vinaigrette. Topped with crunchy toasted almond slivers, this is a divine summer chicken salad. (Click Image For Recipe)
Shrimp Salad
Easy Shrimp Salad with fresh dill, lemon, red onion and mayonnaise served on a bed of crisp lettuce. Fast and refreshing, this recipe is one of our favorite ways to eat dinner on hot summer days. So delicious that your taste buds will thank you. (Click Image For Recipe)
Simple Strawberry Salmon Salad
Simple Strawberry Salmon Salad feels indulgent and yet is so very healthy and easy to make. Comes together in under 30 minutes making it a favorite for busy weeknights or packed work lunches. Also, this salad is a delicious and healthful option to reset after over indulging. (Click Image For Recipe)
Asparagus Salad With Egg and Prosciutto
Asparagus Salad with Egg and Prosciutto is special enough for spring and summer holidays and parties or as a simple meal for warmer weather. With make-ahead ingredients, this salad has a quick 5 minute assembly. (Click Image For Recipe)
Apple Pecan Salad
Apple Pecan Salad is an easy and delicious fall salad with creamy and crunchy textures. Served with a homemade Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing, this becomes a delicious and satisfying side dish. (Click Image For Recipe)
Shrimp and Farro Salad
The complex nutty taste of the ancient grain Farro pairs well with the fresh flavors of dill, cucumber and asparagus. With the cheese and shrimp, this Shrimp and Farro Salad becomes over the top delicious. A great cold Mediterranean salad perfect for spring and summer dinners. (Click Image For Recipe)
Avocado Chicken Salad
Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad is a super delicious low-carb feast. Completely mouthwatering with a homemade ranch dressing, bacon, hard boiled eggs and loads of healthy veggies. (Click Image For Recipe)
Strawberry Walnut Salad
Strawberry Walnut Salad is an irresistible side that comes together quickly and is a perfect addition to all kinds of get togethers. Sweet strawberries, toasted walnuts, tangy feta and spring mix salad are tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette. (Click Image For Recipe)
Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons
Crisp, refreshing and filling! This Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons recipe has an easy dressing made with yogurt and no eggs. With shredded chicken this is one of my favorite summer meals. (Click Image For Recipe)
Shrimp Avocado Salad
Shrimp Avocado Salad is a tasty and low-carb recipe perfect for a refreshing lunch on a hot summer day. A balsamic, olive oil and garlic dressing surrounds chilled shrimp, avocado, mozzarella and tomatoes. (Click Image For Recipe)
Tarragon Chicken Salad
This homemade Tarragon Chicken Salad recipe has shredded chicken, a savory dressing, golden raisins and the fresh licorice taste of tarragon. With great textures and easy preparation, this salad is perfect for packed work lunches or simple dinners. (Click Image For Recipe)
Zesty Chicken Pasta Salad
Zesty Chicken Pasta Salad has a subtle balance of tang to spice with red chili pepper flakes, feta, onion and garlic. Simple, fresh and easy to make, this pasta salad is perfect anytime of year. (Click Image For Recipe)
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Mediterranean Tuna Salad is a fast and healthy recipe perfect for lunch or dinners with no cooking. This recipe is light, satisfying and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect meal to keep you in your skinny jeans. (Click Image For Recipe)
Lazy Day Chinese Chicken Salad
This Lazy Day Chinese Chicken Salad is a low stress recipe that makes eating your veggies a ton of fun. Crisp veggies, juicy tangerine slices, tender baked chicken and a homemade sesame dressing makes for an easy and delicious dinner perfect for lazy days. (Click Image For Recipe)
Arugula Pear Salad
Savory and sweet, this Arugula Pear Salad is a simple and healthy recipe. Perfect as a side dish or light meal with arugula, pear, honey glazed walnuts, parmesan and a balsamic vinaigrette. So delicious and easy, this is sure to become a fall favorite. (Click Image For Recipe)
These recipes look so good! Can’t wait to try them.
Thank you Janae. I hope you enjoy!