20 Refreshing Summer Salads
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These 20 refreshing summer salads are full of fresh summer produce, colorful add-ins and homemade dressings you’ll actually want to eat on repeat. From hearty meal-sized salads to easy sides for cookouts, there’s something here for every summer craving.
Summer is the one time of year where I genuinely do not need to convince anyone to eat more salads. The produce is at its best, the weather makes you crave something fresh and light, and a big beautiful bowl just hits differently when everything is in season!
Every recipe on this list is made with whole, nourishing ingredients, plenty of flavor and a balance of protein, healthy fats and fiber to keep you full. These are the salads I find myself making every summer because they’re simple, satisfying and actually exciting to eat. Most of them include their own dressing, but if you want more ideas, my homemade salad dressings are a great place to start.
Table of Contents
What Makes a Great Summer Salad
Before you dive into the list, here are a few things that take a summer salad from good to truly great:
- Fresh seasonal produce: This is the biggest one. Summer salads shine when you are working with produce that is actually in season. Ripe peaches, sweet corn, juicy watermelon, and fresh berries are what make these salads taste like summer.
- Lots of texture: The best salads have a little crunch, creaminess and freshness in every bite. I love adding things like toasted nuts, seeds, avocado, crispy chickpeas, tortilla strips or fresh herbs to keep things interesting.
- Protein to make it a meal: If you want your salad to actually keep you full, add a protein. Grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, or hard boiled eggs all work beautifully and turn a simple side salad into a hearty dinner.
Fruit Forward Salads
These salads celebrate the best of summer produce. Juicy berries, sweet peaches, crisp watermelon and fresh corn all paired with bold dressings that let the fruit shine.
Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Watermelon Salad with Feta and Basil
Summer Berry Salad with Candied Walnuts and Feta
Grilled Salmon Salad
Strawberry Kale Salad
Protein-Packed Salads
These are the salads that actually keep you full. Loaded with protein, fresh vegetables and satisfying toppings they work just as well for a weeknight dinner as they do for a summer cookout.
Grilled Chicken Salad
Superfood Salmon Salad
Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
Cottage Cheese Salad
Fresh and Simple Side Salads
Light, easy and endlessly versatile. These simple side salads come together quickly and pair beautifully with just about anything you are serving this summer.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Easy Quinoa Salad
Green Goddess Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Classic Caprese Salad with Fresh Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Summer Pasta Salads
Pasta salad season is officially here. These crowd pleasing recipes are perfect for potlucks, cookouts and meal prep and get even better the longer they sit.
Healthy Pasta Salad
Greek Pasta Salad
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad
