36 Easy Summer Salads That Are Full of Seasonal Produce
Add a healthy dish to your next cookout!
Nothing highlights the long days, warm weather, and the crisp feeling of summer like a light, refreshing, nutrient-packed summer salad. Whether served as a barbecue side dish or alongside a grilled protein, or a vegetarian staple taking the spot of a filling protein, these easy-to-make summer salad ideas are as delicious as they are beautiful, and are sure to become a family favorite in no time at all.
Easy to include in a summer picnic recipe or to enjoy before, during, or after a summer family activity, salads have become far more complex (and as a result, far more delicious) than past generations' traditional salad options. Now, people are elevating their salad recipes by incorporating grilled proteins, grains, fruits, and seasonal vegetables to create a light, refreshing salad that can easily replace a more heavy meal while still giving you the nutrients you need to keep up with the summer festivities. And of course, any one of these summer salad ideas can be deliciously paired with a tasty non-alcoholic summer cocktail, truly giving you a recipe for culinary success.
During the hustle and bustle of the summer months, it can be difficult to whip up quick, healthy meal options. Thankfully, with these delicious and easy-to-make summer salad recipes, you'll never be at a loss for summer food options.
Vegan Bratwurst-Apple Salad With Caraway Vinaigrette
Say "hi" to your go-to summer dinner! Perfect for hot nights, this light and fresh salad is packed with protein and antioxidants.
Get the Vegan Bratwurst-Apple Salad With Caraway Vinaigrette recipe.
Crispy Chicken Thighs with Buttermilk Fennel Salad
Stacking a weighted skillet on top of these chicken thighs ensures close contact with the hot skillet for shatteringly crisp skin — and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Get the recipe for Crispy Chicken Thighs with Buttermilk Fennel Salad
Herbed Pork Meatball and Farro Salad
Short on time? Big flavors are the secret to this healthy, family-friendly meal. Top tip: double the meatball recipe and freeze for a fast weeknight dinner!
Mexican Skirt Steak and Avocado Salad
You don't need a lot of time to achieve a lot of flavor — this colorful steak recipe comes together in just 20 minutes!
Mâche, Beet, and Orange Salad
Toss the delicate mâche leaves with the lemon-herb dressing just before eating so they don't get soggy.
Tomato & Watermelon Salad
Paired with basil and salty feta, this fruit salad makes a perfect side for grilled steak.
Fresh Corn, Tomato, Herb, and Israeli Couscous Salad
Pasta salad is a tasty way to showcase summer veggies. Try this with grilled zucchini and onion!
Get the recipe for Fresh Corn, Tomato, Herb, and Israeli Couscous Salad
Spring Chopped Salad with Cider Vinaigrette
Hit the farmer's market to find spring green favorites (such as romaine, herbs, and fresh peas!) then pile them into your biggest bowl and top with a tangy and sweet cider vinaigrette.
Get the recipe for Spring Chopped Salad with Cider Vinaigrette.
Warm Roasted Cauliflower and Spinach Salad
Pumpkin pie spices add warmth to this easy vegetarian dinner.
Get the recipe for Warm Roasted Cauliflower and Spinach Salad
Spice-Dusted Pork with Crunchy Vegetable Salad
Invest in a mandoline to slice veggies super thin for a crisp salad that perfectly balances rich pork tenderloin.
Get the recipe for Spice-Dusted Pork with Crunchy Vegetable Salad
Pear and Walnut Salad
Add some extra flavor to this salad by sprinkling apple pie spice to it.
Korean Steak Salad with Sugar Snaps and Radishes
This steak salad, which features caramelized red chile paste, will satisfy your hunger without making you feel too full.
Get the recipe for Korean Steak Salad with Sugar Snaps and Radishes.
White Bean and Tuna Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
Prep your own salad dressing for this recipe using shallots, basil, oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Get the recipe for White Bean and Tuna Salad with Basil Vinaigrette.
Peach, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Salad
The peaches and blue cheese in this recipe will create an explosion of flavor that you'll want to have again the next day.
Summer Bean, Corn, and Radish Salad
This salad makes a great side, but you can easily turn it into a main dish by adding some chicken or steak.
Dill-Crusted Pork and Farro Salad
You can get your dose of grains, protein, and veggies with this recipe.
Salmon Niçoise Salad
Sometimes you're craving some greens with your potatoes, so here's a recipe that combines the two perfectly.
Ratatouille Salad
This veggie dish takes a new turn and gets made into a salad.
Chicken Fajita Salad with Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette
Replace the tortilla wrap with lettuce and you've got a salad!
Get the recipe for Chicken Fajita Salad with Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette.
Grilled Watermelon Salad with Steak and Tomatoes
You haven't tasted anything as flavorful as a juicy steak that's been grilled with watermelon.
Get the recipe for Grilled Watermelon Salad with Steak and Tomatoes.
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