40 Must-Try Summer Salad Recipes!
No matter the day, I always find myself asking the same question: What’s for lunch? More often than not, I’m craving something fresh, light, and full of flavor—aka, a really good salad. But not just any salad! I’m talking big bowls of colorful veggies, crunchy toppings, and dressings so good I could drink them. If you’re like me and feel like you’ve outgrown the same old lettuce-and-tomato combo, I’ve got you. Get inspired with this list of 40 must-try summer salad recipes—you’ll definitely find your new go-to here.
I’ve got something for everyone, whether you’re into the classics or looking for something new and exciting. If you usually only grab things like Greek salad, Caesar salad, Cobb salad, pasta salad, or Caprese salad when you’re eating out, this is your sign to start whipping them up at home. I’ve tested and loved every recipe here to make sure they’re easy to pull together and full of flavor, even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen.
Looking for something a little different? Take your favorite flavor combos and turn them into salad form! I’ve included things like watermelon feta salad, street corn salad, BLT pasta salad, taco salad, and more to help get those creative summer vibes going. Got a wild idea but not sure how to make it salad-ready? Drop it in the comments below—I’d love to help brainstorm with you!
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy hearty options too. I’ve got everything from BBQ chicken salads to steak salads to grain bowls that’ll keep you full and happy. Don’t forget to check out my favorite summer side dishes, grilled dinner ideas, and fruity desserts to round out your meal!
40 Must-Try Summer Salad Recipes!
1. Strawberry Spinach Salad
Fresh strawberries, baby spinach, goat cheese, and candied pecans with balsamic vinaigrette.
2. Greek Pasta Salad
Rotini, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta, and olives tossed in a zesty lemon-oregano dressing.
3. Watermelon Feta Salad
Juicy watermelon chunks with salty feta, mint leaves, and a drizzle of lime juice.
4. BBQ Chicken Salad
Grilled chicken, corn, black beans, cheddar cheese, and BBQ ranch over romaine.
5. Caprese Salad
Sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
6. Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Shredded chicken, cabbage slaw, mandarin oranges, and crispy wontons with sesame ginger dressing.
7. Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Simple, refreshing, and full of summer flavor with olive oil and lemon.
8. Southwest Quinoa Salad
Black beans, corn, red pepper, avocado, and quinoa in a spicy lime dressing.
9. Peach Burrata Salad
Juicy peaches, creamy burrata, arugula, and prosciutto with a honey balsamic drizzle.
10. Avocado Corn Salad
Grilled corn, diced avocado, red onion, and lime juice—fresh and creamy!
11. Taco Salad
Ground beef or turkey, romaine, cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and salsa ranch.
12. Kale Caesar with Grilled Chicken
A classic Caesar but made summer-ready with grilled chicken and crunchy croutons.
13. Chickpea Mediterranean Salad
Cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta, and chickpeas with olive oil and vinegar.
14. Panzanella Salad
Toasted bread cubes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion tossed in vinaigrette.
15. Tropical Fruit Salad
Pineapple, mango, kiwi, and berries in a honey-lime glaze.
16. Mexican Street Corn Salad
Charred corn, mayo, Cotija cheese, lime, and chili powder—so addictive.
17. BLT Salad
Bacon, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and croutons with a creamy ranch or mayo dressing.
18. Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad
Sweet beets, creamy goat cheese, and walnuts on arugula with balsamic vinaigrette.
19. Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Bow-tie pasta, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and parmesan.
20. Broccoli Bacon Salad
Crisp broccoli florets, bacon bits, raisins, and a tangy mayo dressing.
21. Mango Avocado Salad
Fresh mango cubes, avocado, red onion, and cilantro with lime dressing.
22. Grilled Peach & Arugula Salad
Grilled peaches on arugula with blue cheese and candied nuts.
23. Tuna Niçoise Salad
Tuna, green beans, hard-boiled eggs, potatoes, and olives on mixed greens.
24. Zoodle Caprese Salad
Zucchini noodles with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and pesto dressing.
25. Ramen Noodle Salad
Crunchy ramen noodles, cabbage slaw, almonds, and sesame vinaigrette.
26. Grilled Veggie Salad
Charred zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and corn over quinoa.
27. Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
Shredded chicken, dried cranberries, walnuts, and celery in a creamy dressing.
28. Couscous Summer Salad
Pearl couscous with cucumber, mint, tomatoes, and lemon dressing.
29. Spicy Thai Peanut Salad
Cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, and peanuts tossed in a spicy peanut sauce.
30. Spinach Apple Walnut Salad
Sliced apples, spinach, walnuts, and feta with an apple cider vinaigrette.
31. Antipasto Salad
Salami, pepperoncini, olives, mozzarella, and veggies on romaine with Italian dressing.
32. Orzo Feta Salad
Tiny orzo pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta in a lemony olive oil dressing.
33. Berry Poppy Seed Salad
Mixed greens, strawberries, blueberries, goat cheese, and poppy seed dressing.
34. Grilled Chicken & Pineapple Salad
Juicy grilled chicken and pineapple chunks on a bed of greens with teriyaki glaze.
35. Cold Soba Noodle Salad
Soba noodles with shredded carrots, cucumber, and sesame dressing.
36. Tomato Peach Salad
Heirloom tomatoes and ripe peaches with fresh basil and balsamic reduction.
37. Tex-Mex Rice Salad
Rice, corn, beans, avocado, and salsa—perfect for meal prep too!
38. Brussels Sprouts Slaw
Shredded sprouts with apples, dried cranberries, and creamy Dijon dressing.
39. Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad
Thin-sliced cucumbers in a light and creamy dill dressing.
40. Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps
Classic egg salad served in butter lettuce leaves for a light and tasty option.
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