Summer is the season for sunshine, sandals, and seriously refreshing salads. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, packing a picnic, or just want a light and flavorful lunch, salads are the go-to meal that can be as hearty or as simple as you like. From sweet and savory combos to crisp veggies and protein-packed bowls, here are 15 of our favorite summer salads that taste as good as they look.
01 | Watermelon Feta Salad
Nothing says summer like juicy watermelon. Toss it with crumbled feta, fresh mint, and chopped red onion for the ultimate sweet-savory refresher. We love Mushroom Salus‘ recipe in particular. Check out their tips for picking the right watermelon!
02 | Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Pickled Onions
We’re practically addicted to Little Spice Jar’s charred corn and creamy avocado salad. This bowl of goodness screams summer BBQ and pairs perfectly with anything off the grill.
03 | Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
Sweet strawberries, baby spinach, goat cheese, and pecans make this a colorful crowd-pleaser. Well Plated by Erin’s recipe adds a poppy seed salad dressing that takes it over the top. Delicious!
04 | Thai Peanut Noodle Salad
We are loving From Vanilla and Bean’s thai salad, with yummy rice noodles, edamame, and a creamy peanut sauce make this salad irresistible. The textures in this salad make it addictive to eat! We love it with either grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein.
Related: 10 Clever Ways to Sneak More Greens into Your Recipes
05 | Fresh Peach Burrata Salad
Stop right here. This salad is an absolute must-try this summer! The combination of savory flavors with sweet peaches is to die for. Thank you to the Kitchen Girl for this amazing salad we can’t stop eating!
06 | Use-a-Spoon Chopped Salad with Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion & Kalamata Olives
This super simple, refreshing salad is perfect for hot days. Dress it with red wine vinegar and olive oil, and let the fresh ingredients shine. We love EatingWell’s idea to serve it along side grilled fish. Yum!
07 | Blackberry, Avocado and Arugula Salad
Peppery arugula, fresh blueberries, goat cheese, and hazelnuts tossed in a lime and mint vinaigrette—simple and so satisfying. Crowded Kitchen has absolutely perfected this summer salad recipe.
08 | Broccoli Grape Salad
This salad from Salty Side Dish is a summer staple and should be shared at every summer BBQ coming your way. The crunch of bacon and broccoli mixed with the softness and sweetness of red grapes makes it so addicting to eat. And the dressing? Perfection.
09 | Summer Quinoa Vegetable Salad with Fresh Mozzarella
Another fantastic salad from Vanilla and Bean, this quinoa salad features delicious seasonal vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and most uniquely, mozzarella. It is great as a side or a stand-alone meal, and something we love most is its versatility. Add the veggies you love most!
10 | Orzo Summer Salad
And finally, Julia’s Album’s delicious orzo salad. Tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, this salad has depths of flavor with brininess of the kalamata olives, the burst of cherry tomatoes, and the delicious rice-shaped orzo. It’s easy to make ahead of time and is the first to be scooped up at any BBQ or summer event.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for something light and fruity or hearty and savory, summer salads are the perfect way to eat fresh and feel great. Try mixing and matching ingredients, experimenting with dressings, and adding seasonal fruit or grilled proteins to make them your own.
Which one will you try first? Let us know your favorite summer salad in the comments!
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