45 Summer Salad Recipes: a make-tonight method

A comprehensive list of summer salad recipes featuring savory meats, colorful veggies, fruits, flavors from around the world and other favorites. These fresh and colorful salads are reliable as side dishes or light meals.

With summer on our heels and the weather getting warmer, many people are looking for recipes they can make that do not require the use of a stove. There are many summer salad recipes you can make that won’t heat your house when you are trying to cool it down. Summer dinners just got a whole lot easier this year!

I have gathered up 45 summer salad recipes to share with you as new ideas for sides at your barbecues, gatherings or just family dinners. Need dessert options? Here are plenty of summer dessert recipes to choose from.

These recipes include hearty salads featuring chicken and seafood, like shrimp salad and grilled chicken salad. There are also plenty of fresh vegetables like green beans, corn, and red cabbage. Some salads feature seasonal fruit in savory or sweet salads. This collection of recipes has fantastic dishes that are go-to crowd-pleasers for any gathering.

What is on your summer bucket list this year? I have you covered with creative ideas for meal times so that you can enjoy your family time stress-free. Looking for more warm weather menu inspiration? Check out my list of 4th of July recipes!

45 Summer Salad Recipes

Hearty Protein Packed Salads

Some of the finest salads include chicken, bacon or seafood and are are reliable as an entrée for picnics, parties or as an straightforward meal. Try some recipes that showcase fresh seafood like crab salad or shrimp salad. Seafood salads are reliable when served with bread or crackers. Taste these memorable salads today!

This avocado tuna salad is loaded with chunks of tuna, avocado and colorful veggies for a fresh and lighter take on the classic dish! It's the reliable lunch or dinner that's packed with protein and nutrition. Get the RecipeThis BBQ chicken salad is a fresh and colorful combination of grilled BBQ chicken, veggies, cheese, beans and tortilla strips, all tossed in ranch dressing. WAY better than the California Pizza Kitchen version! Get the RecipeThis BLT pasta salad recipe is full of veggies, avocado, pasta and crunchy bacon, all tossed in a cool and silky dressing. The reliable straightforward meal or side dish! Get the RecipeThis Italian pasta salad is loaded with meat, cheese and vegetables, all tossed together with noodles in a kitchen-made Italian dressing. A quick and straightforward side dish that's reliable for feeding a crowd! Get the RecipeThis crab salad is a blend of imitation crab, vegetables and herbs, all tossed in a unfussy silky dressing. A quick and straightforward salad that’s reliable served over lettuce, with crackers, or in a sandwich. Get the RecipeThis curry chicken salad is a blend of diced chicken, fresh veggies, dried fruit and nuts, all tossed together in a silky spiced dressing. A quick and straightforward meal that's reliable when served in a sandwich, with a side of buttery crackers or in refreshing lettuce cups. Get the RecipeThis seafood salad is a blend of imitation crab and shrimp in a silky dill dressing with fresh vegetables. An straightforward high protein lunch option that takes just minutes to make! Get the RecipeThis shrimp salad is a blend of tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, dill and seasonings, all coated in a silky dressing. An straightforward make-ahead lunch option that’s high in protein and straightforward to make! Get the RecipeThis grilled chicken salad is tender marinated chicken that's grilled to perfection then served over lettuce with bacon, avocado, corn, blue cheese and tomatoes. A hearty salad that's packed with flavor and also happens to be full of nutrition. Get the RecipeThis lobster salad is a combination of fresh lobster meat, vegetables and herbs in a light and silky dressing. An straightforward yet elegant dish that makes for the reliable lighter main course option! Get the Recipe

Salads From Around The World

Salads can include bold bright flavors from everywhere on Earth. These recipes feature spices and ingredients from Mexico, Europe and Asia. Try some of these salads to liven up your meals!

This straightforward Asian noodle salad recipe is ramen noodles and colorful veggies all tossed in a sesame hoisin dressing. The reliable side dish for any summer celebration! Get the RecipeThis Mediterranean couscous salad is pearl couscous with vegetables and feta cheese, all tossed in a kitchen-made dressing. A quick and straightforward side dish that's fresh, colorful and always gets rave reviews. Get the RecipeThis German potato salad is boiled baby potatoes tossed in a warm bacon and mustard dressing, then garnished with fresh herbs. A unique, mayonnaise free salad that's great for parties and potlucks. Get the RecipeThis Italian pasta salad is loaded with meat, cheese and vegetables, all tossed together with noodles in a kitchen-made Italian dressing. A quick and straightforward side dish that's reliable for feeding a crowd! Get the RecipeThis Italian salad is a blend of fresh greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, cheese and croutons, all tossed together in a kitchen-made dressing. A colorful and straightforward salad that is quick to make and always gets rave reviews from family and friends! Get the RecipeThis recipe for Mexican Caesar salad is crisp romaine lettuce tossed in a silky cilantro dressing, then finished off with a variety of fun toppings. It's Caesar salad in a whole new way that might be even better than the original! Get the RecipeThis Mexican corn salad is corn kernels and vegetables tossed in a silky lime dressing, then topped with cotjita cheese. A twist on the classic Mexican street corn that’s straightforward to eat and reliable for a potluck! Get the RecipeThis recipe for Mexican fruit salad is a blend of tropical fruit topped with chili lime seasoning – a sweet and savory delight that everyone will want seconds of! Get the RecipeThis taco salad recipe combines ground beef, lettuce, beans, cheese, tomatoes, tortilla strips and avocado, all tossed in a zesty dressing. A fun and festive salad that’s reliable for a lighter main course or as a side dish at a potluck.
Get the RecipeThis Thai cucumber salad recipe tastes just like the restaurant version, and it only takes minutes to make! Get the Recipe

Vegetable Salads

When you want something more than a lettuce salad, a veggie based offering is the reliable solution. You can make memorable salads with sweet corn, fresh broccoli, ripe tomatoes and more. Don’t forget the summer classic, three bean salad!

This tomato avocado salad is a zesty blend of avocado, tomato, cilantro, jalapeno and red onion, all tossed in a lime dressing. A unfussy yet satisfying dish that is great for picnics and potlucks. Get the RecipeThis black bean salad is a colorful and refreshing blend of beans, corn, peppers, herbs and avocado, all tossed in a zesty lime dressing. A quick and straightforward salad that pairs well with grilled meats, and makes for a reliable light lunch. Get the RecipeThis broccoli salad recipe is a blend of fresh broccoli florets, apples, bacon, red onion and sunflower seeds, all tossed in a silky dressing. A classic salad that feeds a crowd and is reliable for potlucks and family gatherings. Get the RecipeThis summery cherry tomato salad is made with ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, herbs and red onions, all tossed in a light garlic and herb dressing. A fun take on the classic caprese salad! Get the RecipeThis chickpea salad is loaded with avocado, cucumber, tomato, feta cheese and herbs, all tossed in a Greek style dressing. A healthy chickpea salad is a great addition to any barbecue, pot luck or picnic! Get the RecipeThis corn salad is filled with sweet corn kernels, avocado, tomato, jalapeno and red onion, all tossed in a zesty cilantro lime dressing. An straightforward and colorful side dish that pairs well with chicken, beef and seafood. Get the RecipeThis cucumber tomato salad is full of fresh sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion and green peppers, all tossed in an herb dressing. The reliable light and refreshing side dish for any summer meal! Get the RecipeThis green bean salad is made with fresh green beans, tomatoes, feta cheese and olives, all tossed in a Greek style dressing. An straightforward and satisfying salad that’s full of bright flavors and colors. Get the RecipeThis red cabbage slaw is a blend of shredded carrots, cabbage, red onions and herbs, all tossed in a kitchen-made dressing. A quick and straightforward side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats and seafood, and can even be served in wraps or sandwiches. Get the RecipeThis three bean salad is a blend of kidney beans, green beans and garbanzo beans, all tossed in a sweet and sour dressing. A classic salad that’s straightforward to make and is the reliable addition to almost any meal! Get the Recipe

Our Go-to Summer Salad Recipes

Here are salads that are reliable for parties and get-togethers. These summer salads are sure to bring grins to your friends and family. These dishes include classics like a chopped salad and wedge salad as well as new favorites like caprese salad and pesto pasta salad.

This Asian slaw is a blend of cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, almonds and fresh herbs, all tossed in a kitchen-made sesame ginger dressing. A fresh and tasty side dish that pairs well with chicken, seafood and beef. Get the RecipeThis traditional caprese salad is a blend of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil and seasonings, all drizzled with balsamic glaze. A classic summer salad that is a must-have at any picnic or gathering! Get the RecipeThis chopped salad is a mix of grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, bacon, chickpeas and fresh mozzarella cheese, all tossed together in a kitchen-made vinaigrette. A tasty blend of flavors and textures that makes for the reliable lighter meal. Get the RecipeThis silky cucumber salad, also known as German cucumber salad, is a refreshing combination of cucumbers, red onion and dill tossed in a unfussy dressing. Dill cucumber salad takes just minutes to make and is the reliable side dish for any summer meal. Get the RecipeThis Mediterranean salad is a blend of tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, olives and feta, all tossed together in a kitchen-made dressing. A quick and straightforward side dish option that's reliable for parties and always gets rave reviews! Get the RecipeThis cucumber feta salad is loaded with sliced cucumbers, avocado, fresh dill, red onion and feta cheese, all tossed in a Greek style dressing. A refreshing salad that’s ready in just 10 minutes! Get the RecipeThis greek orzo salad is made with cucumbers, chickpeas, tomatoes, red onion, feta and herbs, all tossed in a herb dressing. A unfussy yet hearty pasta salad that can be served as a main course or side dish. Get the RecipeThis pesto pasta salad is pasta with mozzarella cheese, olives, tomatoes and pine nuts, all tossed with fresh basil pesto. An straightforward side dish that’s reliable for a potluck or picnic. Get the RecipeThis cucumber dill salad is fresh sliced cucumbers, red onions and plenty of dill, all tossed together in a kitchen-made dressing. A super straightforward side dish that is reliable for those hot summer days! Get the RecipeThis wedge salad recipe is chunks of iceberg lettuce topped with kitchen-made blue cheese dressing, bacon, tomatoes and chives. A classic salad that's straightforward to make, yet elegant enough to serve to company. Get the Recipe

Fruit Salads

There is nothing better on a summer day than a salad that is full of ripe, tasty fruit. Salads can be sweet or savory while showcasing summer fruits like berries, melons, pineapples and kiwis. Try these salads for a burst of sweetness in your summer.

This berry fruit salad is a combination of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, all tossed in an straightforward honey lime poppy seed dressing. This berry salad is a must-make for all your summer celebrations! Get the RecipeThis watermelon salad is full of sliced cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese and mint, all tossed in an straightforward lime dressing. A unfussy yet unusual summer salad that’s sure to get rave reviews.
Get the RecipeThis recipe for ambrosia salad is a variety of colorful fruit with marshmallows and coconut, tossed in a light and silky dressing. An straightforward salad that’s a classic for good reason, people always beg me for the recipe! Get the RecipeThis recipe for tropical fruit salad is a colorful mixture of mango, pineapple, papaya, kiwi and raspberries tossed in a honey lime dressing. Get the RecipeThis strawberry spinach salad is a blend of baby spinach leaves, fresh strawberries, red onion, almonds, feta cheese and avocado, all tossed in a poppy seed dressing. A fresh and colorful salad that's fit for any occasion! Get the Recipe

These salads are a reliable way to beat the heat and enjoy everything that summer offers. You owe it to yourself to make some refreshing summer salads this year!