Summer is all about warm weather, grilling and some of the Best Summer Salad Recipes to enjoy all season long! This collection includes everything from potato and pasta salad to coleslaw and Greek salad. You’re guaranteed to find the perfect salad for BBQs, picnics or any occasion!

Best summer salad recipes collage pin

I eat salads every day all year round, but summer is one of the best seasons to enjoy them because of the wide variety of produce that’s available.

Corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, figs and berries are all wonderful in salads, and this collection of 30+ Best Summer Salad Recipes is proof of that.

There are so many summer salad ideas that are refreshing and easy to make, and they’re perfect for BBQs, picnics, lunch or any occasion!

Lemon orzo pasta salad in a white bowl with basil on top

Tips for the best summer salads

  • Summer fruits and vegetables are the best ingredients to incorporate into your summer salads. Because they’re in season, they’re more than likely grown locally and will be much more fresh and flavorful. See the list of seasonal summer produce in the section below.
  • Purchase your produce at a farmer’s market or look for signs that say locally grown in your market for maximum freshness.
  • Select organic produce as its sustainably grown and doesn’t include harmful pesticides.
  • Homemade salad dressings have a fresh flavor that will elevate any salad. See my collection of salad dressing recipes for inspiration.

Seasonal summer produce

The list below includes produce that is available anywhere from early to late spring. This list will vary based on the area that you live in.

  • Apples
  • Apricots
  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Beets
  • Bell peppers
  • Berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries)
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Cherries
  • Chili peppers (jalapeño, poblano, shishito, etc.)
  • Citrus (lemons, limes)
  • Corn
  • Cucumbers
  • Eggplant
  • Figs
  • Garlic
  • Green beans
  • Herbs
  • Mango
  • Melon (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon)
  • Nectarines
  • Okra
  • Peaches
  • Plums/pluots
  • Summer squash
  • Tomatillos
  • Tomatoes
  • Zucchini

More seasonal salad collections you’ll love:

Summer Salad ideas

I love that summer embodies all types of salads. Nothing is off limits, including potato, pasta, coleslaw, beans, fruit and so much more.

Most of them are super easy to prepare and are great for feeding a crowd, which is important because it’s the season for cookouts, picnics and gatherings of all kinds.

These recipes are refreshing, flavorful and guaranteed to be a hit whether you serve them for a gathering or for a family lunch or dinner. 🙂

Salads for dinner

It doesn’t get better than healthy salads for dinner on a hot day. They’re fresh and light, yet completely satisfying because they’re packed with protein, veggies and tons of flavor!

Most of them can also be made ahead of time for meal prep lunches to enjoy during the work week.

Chicken cobb salad in a big bowl

Chicken Cobb Salad

This Chicken Cobb Salad is loaded with juicy chicken breast, crisp bacon, blue cheese and creamy avocado. It makes a satisfying low carb dinner or meal prep lunch!
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Italian chopped salad in a bowl with jar of dressing and basil.

Italian Chopped Salad

This Italian Chopped Salad is packed with salami, chickpeas, veggies and plenty of greens, and it's tossed in a flavorful homemade Italian dressing!
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Salmon nicoise salad with ingredients surrounding

Salmon Nicoise Salad

Salmon Nicoise Salad is a twist on the French classic with a tender salmon filet instead of tuna. It's tossed with a savory dijon vinaigrette and it makes a satisfying lunch or dinner!
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Santa fe chicken salad in white bowl with fork and lime

Santa Fe Chicken Salad

Santa Fe Chicken Salad is crisp, refreshing and packed with protein! It's tossed in a zesty, flavorful lime dressing for one unforgettable salad!
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overhead shot of strawberry fields salad in white serving bowl with wooden servers

Strawberry Fields Salad

Strawberry Fields Salad is an addictive combination of fresh strawberries, chicken, bacon, feta cheese and greens tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing!
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Shrimp louie salad drizzled with louie dressing

Grilled Shrimp Louie Salad

Grilled Shrimp Louie Salad is classic shrimp louie salad with smoky grilled shrimp and fresh, creamy homemade louie salad dressing! 
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Green salads

Green salads are always a great choice because they’re so versatile. They’re crisp and refreshing with a foundation of nutritious greens such as butter lettuce, mixed greens, arugula and kale.

The sky is the limit on the combinations that you can come up with as they can be made with sweet and savory ingredients.

They can be served as a side dish or topped with air fryer chicken breast or blackened salmon.

They’re also wonderful served alongside skillet lasagna or a bowl of asparagus soup!

front shot of butter lettuce salad in white serving bowl

Butter Lettuce Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing

Butter Lettuce Salad is tender butter lettuce, creamy avocado and crisp radish tossed in a tangy lemon dijon dressing.  It's clean eating at its best!
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Raspberry salad in a serving bowl.

Raspberry Salad Recipe

Raspberry Salad is packed with sweet and savory flavor! It's tossed in a raspberry dressing for the ultimate summer salad!
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Mediterranean salad in a bowl with Greek dressing alongside.

Mediterranean Chopped Salad Recipe

Mediterranean Chopped Salad is packed with summer veggies, creamy feta cheese, kalamata olives and hearty chickpeas! It's tossed in a zesty Greek dressing for the ultimate summer salad!
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Cherry salad with salad servers digging into the bowl

Kale Cherry Salad

Kale Cherry Salad with Goat Cheese is an addicting superfood kale salad with juicy cherries, almonds and a tangy, sweet balsamic vinaigrette!
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Broccoli kale salad in white bowl with lemon poppy seed dressing behind

Broccoli Kale Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

This Broccoli Kale Salad will be your new favorite! Hardy kale is tossed with crunchy broccoli florets, crisp apple and it's tossed in a lemon poppy seed dressing!
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Fig salad in a white bowl with dressing

Apple Fig Arugula Salad

Apple Fig Arugula Salad is packed with peppery arugula, crisp apple and sweet fig for an addictive sweet and savory salad!
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Strawberry spinach salad in a bowl with salad servers

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

This Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe is a crave worthy summer salad that everyone will love! It's packed with sweet and savory flavor, it's tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing, and it comes together in about 20 minutes!
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Slaws

Coleslaws may not be considered a salad by some, but I think they have to be included in this collection of summer salads because they’re a quintessential summer side dish.

They’re a must with grilled bbq chicken and make a wonderful topping for pulled pork and BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches!

Broccoli slaw in a bowl with jar of dressing behind

Broccoli Slaw Salad

Broccoli slaw is crunchy, addictive and a must for your BBQs! It's tossed in a creamy coleslaw dressing for the ultimate summer side dish.
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Classic coleslaw in a white bowl

Classic Coleslaw Recipe

This Classic Coleslaw Recipe is the perfect side dish for grilled burgers and makes a great topping for pulled pork sandwiches!
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Kale slaw in a white bowl with honey lime dressing

Kale Slaw

Kale Slaw is ribbons of kale with broccoli slaw, apple and dried cherries tossed in a sweet, tangy honey lime dressing!
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Pasta salads

Summer pasta salad recipes are a crowd favorite. They may be made ahead of time, so they’re perfect for entertaining.

They can be made gluten-free very easily by using gluten-free pasta, or by substituting with grains such as quinoa.

They’re perfect served with grilled burgers and grilled shrimp!

Lemon orzo pasta salad in a white bowl with basil on top

Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad

Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad is summer in a bowl! It's brimming with summer vegetables, basil, creamy feta cheese and it's tossed in a fresh, tangy lemon salad dressing!
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Greek orzo salad in a bowl with salad servers.

Greek Orzo Salad

This Greek Orzo Salad is fresh, vibrant and bursting with Mediterranean flavor! It's an easy summer side dish that can be made entirely in advance!
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Potato salads

There’s no going wrong with potato salad — it’s always a crowd pleaser!

It’s a versatile dish that can be made classic style with mayo, or tossed in a vinaigrette for a lighter, fresher take like the recipes below.

German potato salad in a white bowl

German Potato Salad Recipe

This German Potato Salad is the best potato salad recipe! Tender potatoes are tossed in a warm sweet, tangy dressing with crisp bacon and fresh herbs. Eat it warm or cold for the ultimate side dish!
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grilled potato salad on serving plate with fresh basil

Grilled Potato Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

Grilled Potato Salad is packed with smoky flavor, fresh herbs and is tossed in a tangy dijon vinaigrette. It's gluten and dairy free, and is the perfect summer side!
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Vegetable salads

Vegetable salads don’t include any greens….they’re nice and rustic and contain some of summers best vegetables.

They’re great served with grilled tomahawk steak, tequila lime chicken or turkey burgers!

Caprese salad on a white platter

Caprese Salad Recipe

This Caprese Salad Recipe is perfect for summer! Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fresh basil are finished with olive oil and balsamic for an easy appetizer or side dish that's guaranteed to impress!
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Spoon buried in a bowl of corn and tomato salad

Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad

Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad is brimming with tender charred corn, sweet juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and zesty flavor of fresh lime. It's an easy summer side dish that's ready in 20 minutes!
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Horiatiki in a bowl with a fork

Horiatiki (Greek Village Salad)

Horiatiki, or Greek Village Salad, will transport you to the islands of Greece! It's fresh, flavorful and finished with a simple drizzle of oil and vinegar for the perfect summer salad!
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Mexican corn salad in a bowl with jalapeno on top

Grilled Mexican Corn Salad

Grilled Mexican Corn Salad is packed with sweet, smoky charred corn and is bursting with fresh flavor. It's a versatile, easy side dish that's perfect for picnics and barbecues!
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Bowl of grilled vegetable salad with linen

Grilled Vegetable Salad

Grilled Vegetable Salad is packed with tender, smoky vegetables, feta cheese, fresh basil and is tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette for the perfect summer side dish!
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Bean salads

Bean salads are fresh and hearty, so they’re great served with air fryer hamburgers and air fryer pork chops.

If you’re looking for great summer lunch ideas, these recipes are for you!

Three bean salad in white bowl with spoon inside

Easy Three Bean Salad

Easy Three Bean Salad is packed with hearty beans, fresh green beans, veggies and a sweet, tangy dressing. It's an easy side dish that's perfect for picnics, potlucks or lunch!
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Mediterranean bean salad on a plate.

Mediterranean Bean Salad

Mediterranean Bean Salad is an easy summer salad that's packed with protein, fiber, fresh veggies and plenty of flavor! It comes together in about 20 minutes and makes a great side dish or meal prep lunch!
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Grain salads

Grain salads are hearty and satisfying all on their own, so they make a great vegetarian meal prep lunch or dinner.

They’re the perfect vehicle for all the summer produce or whatever type of protein, cheese or dressing that you have on hand!

Greek quinoa salad in a white bowl

Greek Quinoa Salad

Greek Quinoa Salad is bursting with Mediterranean flavor! It's a healthy, satisfying vegetarian meal that's great for meal prep!
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Fruit salad

It doesn’t get better than a refreshing fruit salad does it? They’re great for brunch, picnics, snacks or a light summer dessert.

Tropical fruit salad in a white bowl with coconut flakes

Tropical Fruit Salad with Lime and Coconut

Tropical Fruit Salad with Coconut and Lime is a delicious blend of tropical fruit tossed with fresh lime juice and coconut flakes with no added sugar!
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