17 Best Summer Salad Recipes
1. Caprese Salad
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella
- Basil leaves
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
This classic Italian salad highlights the delicious flavors of ripe summer tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. For the best caprese salad, use only the freshest ingredients – vine-ripened tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/4 inch slices and arrange them in alternating order on a platter. Tuck whole basil leaves in between the tomato and mozzarella layers. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste. The beauty of this simple salad is that the quality of the ingredients really shines through.
Recipe
2. Greek Salad
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Kalamata olives
- Red onion
- Green bell peppers
- Romaine lettuce
- Feta cheese
- Red wine vinegar
- Olive oil
- Oregano
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Black pepper
This Mediterranean-inspired salad is bursting with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and olives. Crisp romaine lettuce and cucumbers provide crunch while tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers add sweetness. Crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives deliver a tasty salty punch. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, and lemon juice. Generously coat the salad with the Greek dressing and finish it off with some cracked black pepper. This veggie-packed salad makes a refreshing light summer meal.
Recipe
3. Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients:
- Baby spinach
- Strawberries, sliced
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Sliced almonds
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Honey
- Poppyseeds
Sweet, juicy strawberries pair perfectly with earthy spinach leaves in this fruit-filled salad. Start with a bed of fresh baby spinach. Top with sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, and thinly sliced red onion. Make a sweet and tangy dressing by whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and poppyseeds. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the strawberries from getting soggy. The combination of flavors and textures in this salad makes it a perfect summer treat.
Recipe
4. Watermelon Feta Salad
Ingredients:
- Watermelon, cubed
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh mint, chopped
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
Sweet watermelon and salty feta cheese come together for a flavorsome salad that screams summer. Cubed watermelon, crumbled feta, and fresh mint are layered together and then drizzled with a mix of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The sweet juiciness of the watermelon paired with the creaminess of the feta and the zesty dressing is simply divine. Scatter some thinly sliced red onion over the top for added bite. The salad comes together quickly with just a few ingredients, making it perfect for backyard barbecues and potlucks.
Recipe
5. BLT Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- Rotini pasta
- Cherry tomatoes
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Lettuce, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Ranch dressing
Crunchy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and lettuce combine with pasta and a creamy ranch dressing to create this twist on the classic BLT sandwich. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions. Toss with halved cherry tomatoes, cooked and crumbled bacon pieces, shredded lettuce, and grated parmesan. Mix in prepared ranch dressing until everything is evenly coated. Chill for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. With its mix of textures and tastes, this hearty pasta salad makes a satisfying lunch or BBQ side.
Recipe
6. Mexican Street Corn Salad
Ingredients:
- Grilled corn, cut off the cob
- Black beans, rinsed and drained
- Red onion, diced
- Queso fresco, crumbled
- Cilantro, chopped
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Jalapeño, minced (optional)
Inspired by elote, this salad captures all the flavor of Mexican street corn in an easy chopped salad. The salad starts with a base of grilled corn kernels cut from the cob. Next add pinto or black beans, diced red onion, crumbled queso fresco, cilantro, and jalapeño if you want some heat. For the dressing, mix together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and chili powder. Toss everything together and serve chilled. The lime and chili dressing gives this salad tons of fresh flavor.
Recipe
7. Apple Walnut Salad
Ingredients:
- Mixed greens
- Apples, sliced
- Dried cranberries
- Walnuts, toasted and chopped
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Maple syrup
- Salt and pepper
- Blue cheese, crumbled (optional)
For a light and refreshing salad, combine mixed greens, sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and salt and pepper. Toss the dressing with mixed greens, sliced apples, dried cranberries, and toasted chopped walnuts. Top with crumbled blue cheese if desired. The apples and cranberries add natural sweetness while the walnuts give crunch in this crisp fall-inspired salad.
Recipe
8. Cobb Salad
Ingredients:
- Romaine lettuce, chopped
- Chicken breast, cooked and diced
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Hard-boiled egg, chopped
- Tomato, diced
- Avocado, diced
- Blue cheese, crumbled
- Ranch dressing
This protein-packed salad features chicken, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomatoes, blue cheese, and lettuce, all tossed in a creamy ranch dressing. Start with chopped romaine lettuce as the base. Next, top with diced cooked chicken, crispy crumbled bacon, sliced hard-boiled egg, diced tomato, avocado, and crumbled blue cheese. Make a ranch dressing by combining mayo, buttermilk, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the salad with the dressing just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp. This hearty salad makes a filling lunch or dinner option.
Recipe
9. Caesar Salad
Ingredients:
- Romaine lettuce, chopped
- Croutons
- Parmesan cheese, shaved
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic
- Worcestershire sauce
- Anchovy fillets
- Salt and pepper
Crunchy romaine lettuce, savory parmesan cheese, crisp croutons, and a creamy garlicky dressing come together to make this classic salad. Tear romaine lettuce leaves into bite-sized pieces and combine in a large bowl with croutons and shaved parmesan. Make the dressing by combining olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy fillets, and salt and pepper. Drizzle the creamy Caesar dressing over the salad and toss to coat. With its cool, crispy lettuce and rich dressing, this salad is a reliable crowd-pleaser.
Recipe
10. Potato Salad
Ingredients:
- Yellow or red potatoes
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Sweet pickle relish
- Celery, chopped
- Hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Red onion, diced
- Parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Potato salad is a classic cookout side dish that’s easy to throw together. Boil petite yellow or red potatoes until tender but still firm. While the potatoes cool, whisk together mayo, mustard, lemon juice, celery, sweet pickle relish, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Stir in the cooled potatoes, chopped red onion, diced celery, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend. Crisp, creamy, and full of texture, this versatile potato salad is welcome at any summer gathering.
Recipe
11. Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- Bowtie pasta
- Cherry tomatoes, diced
- Cucumber, diced
- Olives, sliced
- Roasted red peppers, sliced
- Red onion, diced
- Carrots, shredded
- Zucchini, diced
- Italian dressing
- Parsley, chopped
- Parmesan cheese, shredded
This crowd-pleasing summer salad combines bowtie pasta with fresh vegetables, Italian dressing, and parmesan. Cook pasta according to package directions, rinse in cold water to stop cooking, and allow to cool. Add diced tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, roasted red peppers, onions, carrots, zucchini, and parsley. Toss with prepared Italian dressing to coat. Just before serving, sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese. Chill for at least an hour to let the flavors marry. The varied textures and bright flavors make this pasta salad a perfect picnic or potluck dish.
Recipe
12. Fruit Salad
Ingredients:
- Pineapple, diced
- Grapes
- Cantaloupe, cut into balls
- Honeydew melon, cut into balls
- Strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Salt and pepper
A medley of sweet and juicy fruits like pineapple, grapes, melon, berries, and more – what’s not to love about this easy summer salad? For a basic fruit salad, combine diced pineapple, grapes, cantaloupe balls, honeydew balls, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries in a large bowl. Drizzle with a honey lime dressing made from lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Gently toss the fruit and dressing to coat. Let chill for 30 minutes to an hour to allow flavors to blend before serving. The natural sugars in the fruit make this no-fuss salad shine.
Recipe
13. Tuna Salad
Ingredients:
- Albacore tuna
- Mayonnaise
- Celery, diced
- Sweet pickles, chopped
- Onion, diced
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)
Tuna salad makes for a light and easy summertime lunch. Flake albacore tuna and combine with mayo, celery, sweet pickles, onion, mustard, and a dash of lemon juice in a bowl. Mix well to evenly incorporate the ingredients. For extra crunch, stir in chopped pecans or walnuts. Serve the tuna salad on greens or stuff it into a tomato or avocado. Its creamy texture pairs well with crackers or bread too. Loaded with protein, this salad is nutritious as well as delicious.
Recipe
14. Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- Mayonnaise
- Celery, minced
- Red onion, minced
- Dried cranberries
- Toasted sliced almonds
- Lemon juice
- Salt, pepper, thyme or tarragon
Chicken salad is simple to prepare and endlessly versatile. Combine shredded cooked chicken breast with mayonnaise, minced celery, red onion, dried cranberries, toasted sliced almonds. Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and a dash of thyme or tarragon. Scoop the chicken salad onto greens for a light lunch, stuff it into a pita pocket or croissant for a sandwich, or serve on crackers as an appetizer. Its fresh flavors and heartiness lend themselves to so many easy meals and snacks.
Recipe
15. Panzanella
Ingredients:
- Italian bread, cut into pieces
- Tomatoes, diced
- Cucumber, diced
- Red onion, diced
- Basil leaves, torn
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
This traditional Italian bread salad soaks up all the delicious flavors of summer produce. Start by tearing thick slices of Italian bread into bite-sized pieces and toasting until crisp. Add diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and torn basil leaves. Make a simple vinaigrette with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper. Drizzle dressing over the bread and vegetables. Gently toss everything together and let sit for 30 minutes before serving to allow the bread to absorb the dressing. The juicy tomatoes and cucumbers liven up the seasoned bread in this easy no-cook salad.
Recipe
16. Broccoli Salad
Ingredients:
- Broccoli florets, chopped
- Red grapes, halved
- Dried cranberries
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Sunflower seeds, toasted
- Mayonnaise
- Red wine vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt and pepper
- Shredded cheddar (optional)
Crunchy broccoli, sweet dried fruits, salty bacon, and toasted nuts come together in this picnic-ready salad. Chop raw broccoli florets and combine with halved red grapes, dried cranberries, crumbled cooked bacon, and toasted sunflower seeds. For the dressing, whisk together mayo, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over salad and stir to evenly coat. After chilling for at least an hour, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese before serving if desired. The balance of flavors and textures makes this salad addictive.
Recipe
17. Shrimp Salad
Ingredients:
- Cooked shrimp, peeled
- Tomatoes, diced
- Avocado, diced
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Cilantro, chopped
- Scallions, sliced
- Olive oil
- Lime juice
- Garlic, minced
- Cumin
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper
Plump shrimp tossed in a zesty dressing makes for a fresh and filling salad perfect for summer. Combine cooked peeled shrimp with diced tomatoes, avocado, red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, and scallions. Make the dressing by whisking olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Pour over the salad and stir gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Chill for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend together. Serve this vibrant shrimp salad over greens or scooped into avocado halves.
