13 Best Summer Salad Recipes

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy refreshing, colorful salads that celebrate the season’s freshest produce.

Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, picnic at the park, or a light weeknight dinner, summer salads are the ultimate way to stay cool and eat well.

Packed with vibrant vegetables, juicy fruits, hearty grains, and zesty dressings, these recipes are designed to keep you energized without heating up your kitchen.

This collection of 13 Best Summer Salad Recipes ensures you’ll have a go-to option for every summer occasion, satisfying cravings while supporting a balanced lifestyle.

Let’s dive into these crisp, flavor-packed creations that make healthy eating feel like a treat.

1. Watermelon Feta Mint Salad

Description

A sweet, salty, and refreshing salad that combines juicy watermelon with creamy feta and fresh mint, perfect for hot summer days.

Ingredients

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Pinch of sea salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, add watermelon cubes.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
3. Sprinkle with feta, mint leaves, salt, and pepper.
4. Gently toss until combined.
5. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving.

2. Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad

Description

Sweet grilled peaches paired with creamy burrata and peppery arugula create a stunning salad with summer elegance.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups arugula
• 1 ball burrata cheese
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Brush peaches with olive oil.
2. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
3. In a large bowl, layer arugula and grilled peaches.
4. Tear burrata and place on top.
5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, sprinkle with walnuts and sea salt.
6. Serve immediately.

3. Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad

Description

A fresh salad featuring sweet strawberries, baby spinach, crunchy almonds, and a homemade poppy seed dressing.

Ingredients

• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

For the dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp poppy seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Whisk dressing ingredients in a bowl.
2. In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, almonds, onion, and goat cheese.
3. Drizzle with dressing before serving and toss gently.

4. Classic Caprese Salad

Description

A timeless Italian salad combining juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic reduction.

Ingredients

• 3 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic reduction
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. On a platter, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella.
2. Tuck fresh basil leaves in between.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction.
4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.

5. Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

Description

A flavorful, creamy, and zesty corn salad inspired by Mexican street corn, perfect as a BBQ side.

Ingredients

• 4 ears of corn, kernels removed
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. In a skillet, char the corn kernels over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes.
2. Remove from heat, let cool slightly.
3. In a bowl, mix corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, chili powder, and salt.
4. Sprinkle with cotija cheese before serving.

6. Thai Peanut Crunch Salad

Description

A vibrant, crunchy salad packed with cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, tossed in a creamy Thai peanut dressing.

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup edamame
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the dressing:

• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Water to thin

Instructions

1. Whisk together dressing ingredients, adding water to reach desired consistency.
2. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and edamame.
3. Drizzle with peanut dressing and toss to coat.
4. Top with peanuts and cilantro before serving.

7. Greek Chickpea Salad

Description

A protein-rich, Mediterranean-inspired salad with chickpeas, cucumbers, olives, and feta.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, halved
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and olives.
2. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour over the salad and toss gently.
4. Top with crumbled feta before serving.

8. Mango Black Bean Quinoa Salad

Description

A tropical, hearty salad with sweet mango, black beans, quinoa, and a citrus-lime dressing.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 mango, diced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, mango, black beans, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

9. Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad

Description

A simple, refreshing salad with creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers tossed in a lemon vinaigrette.

Ingredients

• 2 cucumbers, diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 avocados, diced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill (optional)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado, and onion.
2. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh dill if using.
4. Toss gently and serve immediately.

10. Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Description

A flavorful pasta salad with orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta, perfect for picnics.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook orzo according to package instructions; drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, add orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, cherry tomatoes, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour over the salad and toss well.
5. Top with feta before serving.

11. Berry Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Description

A nutrient-packed salad featuring kale, fresh berries, and crunchy almonds with a bright lemon vinaigrette.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped kale
• 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

For the dressing:

• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Whisk together dressing ingredients.
2. In a bowl, massage kale with a bit of olive oil until softened.
3. Add berries and almonds.
4. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
5. Top with goat cheese before serving.

12. Asian Cucumber Salad

Description

A crisp, tangy cucumber salad with sesame seeds, rice vinegar, and a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients

• 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp chopped green onions

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.
2. Add cucumber slices and toss to coat.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
4. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.

13. Avocado Corn Salad

Description

A creamy, zesty salad combining fresh corn, avocado, tomatoes, and lime for a perfect summer side dish.

Ingredients

• 3 ears of corn, kernels removed
• 2 avocados, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine corn, avocado, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.
2. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss gently and serve immediately.

Conclusion: Fresh Flavors for Your Summer Table

These 13 Best Summer Salad Recipes ensure you can enjoy meals that are fresh, colorful, and nourishing throughout the season.

From fruity combinations like watermelon feta to hearty quinoa and crunchy Thai peanut salads, these recipes will inspire you to eat more vegetables while enjoying every bite.

Feel free to prepare these for your next BBQ, picnic, or light dinner to stay energized and hydrated all summer long.