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Looking for some fresh and delicious summer salad inspiration? Check out these 18 amazing summer salad recipes! Everything from easy side salads for BBQs, cookouts and picnics to hearty salads that make the perfect lunch or light dinner on those hot summer days.
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Summer is definitely salad season! There’s just something about a fresh, flavorful salad that really hits the spot on a hot day. And you’re going to find lots of good ones here – crisp cucumber salads, delicious pasta salads, veggie packed salads and more!
Whether you’re looking for:
- An easy side dish for BBQs and cookouts
- A make ahead salad for potlucks and picnics
- A satisfying main dish salad for those “it’s way too hot to cook” kind of days
- A fresh, colorful salad to toss on the table next to anything you’re grilling
… you’ll find plenty of delicious inspiration for every kind of summer moment below!
Cucumber Salads
Cucumber salads are a summer staple for a reason. They’re crisp, refreshing, easy to throw together and pair perfectly with just about anything coming off the grill.
Creamy German Cucumber Salad (Gurkensalat)
This creamy cucumber salad has the most delicious sour cream dressing. It’s a long-time family favorite. Try it and you’ll know why!
Spicy Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad
If you’re looking for a cucumber salad with big flavor, this is it! This Asian-style spicy cucumber salad is seriously hard to stop eating.
Cucumber Dill Salad
Thinly sliced cucumbers, fresh dill and a delicious sweet and tangy vinaigrette. This is an easy and refreshing side dish that goes with any summer meal.
Cucumber Yogurt Salad
Love tzatziki? Then you’re going to love this cucumber yogurt salad. It has all those delicious flavors but in salad form.
Summer Pasta Salads
I could happily live off pasta salad all summer long. These recipes are full of flavor and perfect for everything from backyard BBQs and cookouts to easy lunches and summer dinners.
My Go-To Summer Pasta Salad
I’ve been making this pasta salad forever. It’s loaded with two types of cheese, two kinds of meat, a rainbow of crunchy bell peppers, sweet onion and the most amazing homemade vinaigrette. SO GOOD!
Elote Street Corn Pasta Salad
All the flavors of Mexican street corn but in pasta salad form! Smoky charred corn, salty cotija cheese, a little jalapeno kick, fresh cilantro, red onions and a creamy, tangy chili lime dressing make every bite so good.
Chicken Macaroni Salad
Why choose between chicken salad and macaroni salad when you can have both? This chicken macaroni salad is perfect for BBQs, potlucks or easy lunches.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
This is THE pasta salad for pickle lovers! It’s loaded with crunchy pickles, sharp white cheddar, fresh dill and tossed in a creamy tangy pickle dressing – so good!
Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad
This Italian pasta salad is loaded with so much good stuff – salami, cheese, fresh and briny veggies, fresh basil and a zesty homemade Italian dressing. So much flavor in every bite!
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
This is not one of those bland, dry pesto pasta salads (no way!!). It’s tossed in a bright, flavorful pesto vinaigrette that keeps everything juicy and delicious.
Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad
Salmon and asparagus make a fantastic combo so why not turn it into a pasta salad! The lemon dill dressing brings it all together. It’s creamy, tangy and so good!
My Favorite Tomato Salad
This is my absolute favorite tomato salad – it tastes like summer on a plate! Creamy burrata + ripe summer tomatoes + fresh basil = a combo that never disappoints.
Burrata Caprese
This is your sign to buy the burrata! Juicy heirloom tomatoes and creamy burrata cheese are a match made in heaven. Perfect for tomato season!
Potato Salads
Potato salad is a summer staple. I like mine with plenty of texture and lots of flavor (and these recipes definitely deliver!).
Creamy Dill Pickle Potato Salad
If you love dill pickles… this Creamy Dill Pickle Potato Salad is calling your name! Creamy, crunchy, tangy and SO good.
Tuna Potato Salad
This is not your average potato salad recipe – it’s a full on meal! Features a combination of baby potatoes, green beans, tuna, radishes and red onion all tossed together with a delicious dill buttermilk dressing.
Veggie Packed Salads
Fresh summer veggies just can’t be beat and these salads let them shine. Packed with color, crunch and fresh flavors, they’re a delicious way to make the most of the season.
Summer Chopped Veggie Salad
This Chopped Veggie Salad is one of my favorite summer side salads! It’s loaded with fresh summer veggies and feta cheese tossed in a simple tangy vinaigrette. Easy, colorful and so yummy!
Healthy Nourish Bowls
Learn how to build your own healthy nourish bowl. It’s a great way to showcase all that delicious fresh summer produce. The combinations are endless so you’ll never get bored!
Warm Roasted Asparagus Salad with Eggs
This Roasted Asparagus Salad is a recipe that I make on repeat during late spring/early summer when local asparagus is in season. Feels a little fancy but so simple!
Roasted Pumpkin and Beetroot Salad
This is a fantastic salad to make near the end of summer when an abundance of fresh squash/pumpkin and beets are available.
FAQ
The best options for meal prep are pasta salads, potato salads and nourish bowls. That said, pretty much every salad can be prepped in advance in some way. For example, you can chop veggies, mix together dressings and store everything separately until ready to toss and serve.
If you are looking for a satisfying salad for lunch or dinner, try: Healthy Nourish Bowls, Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad, Antipasto Pasta Salad, Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad, Warm Roasted Asparagus Salad with Eggs, Tuna Potato Salad, Roasted Pumpkin and Beetroot Salad or My Go-To Summer Pasta Salad.
All of the salads in this collection are amazing sides except for the Warm Roasted Asparagus Salad, Nourish Bowls and Tuna Potato Salad which are better served as mains.
More Summer Recipe Collections
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