20 Light and Refreshing Salads Perfect for Summer Days

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When the weather heats up, light and refreshing meals hit the spot. These 20 salad recipes bring fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors to your table. They are perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side to your summer gatherings.

Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad

creamy cucumber pasta salad

Cool, crisp cucumbers and tender pasta come together in a creamy dressing, making this salad a refreshing and easy side for warm-weather meals. Get the recipe.

Pesto Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon

pesto corn pasta salad with bacon

Pesto Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon is a departure from your typical pasta salad and we love it! It’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a satisfying side dish for any meal. The combination of creamy pesto, smoky bacon, and tender pasta creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Get the recipe

Smashed Cucumber Salad with Chili Oil

smashed cucumber salad

Smashed Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and tangy dish that combines crisp cucumbers with a flavorful dressing made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil. Perfect as a light side dish or a palate-cleansing appetizer, this salad is easy to prepare and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. Get the recipe

Instant Pot Pasta Salad

pasta salad

Instant Pot Pasta Salad is made with rotini pasta and filled with fresh vegetables, cheese, pepperoni and Italian dressing to make a perfect summer salad in a flash. See the recipe

Herby Potato Salad with Pistachios

Herby potato salad with pistachios

Herby Potato Salad with Pistachios is a vibrant and fresh take on the classic potato salad. This recipe combines tender potatoes, a medley of fresh herbs, and crunchy pistachios, all tossed in a tangy lemon dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a flavorful side dish for any meal. Get the recipe

Korean-Style Spicy Cabbage Salad

spicy Korean cabbage salad

Our Spicy Korean Cabbage Salad offers a delightful fusion of bold flavors and crunchy textures. It only takes a few minutes to put this together, so I call it my “no plan” salad. Get the recipe

Watermelon, Arugula & Feta Salad

watermelon arugula salad

Serve this Watermelon, Arugula & Feta Salad at your next outdoor barbecue to keep things light and refreshing, in a low-carb way that everyone will love. Get the recipe.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican street corn salad

You’ll love this Mexican Street Corn Salad, packed with grilled corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and a zesty lime flavor. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked just like I was! Get the recipe

Grilled Peach Salad with Burrata and Vinaigrette

peach and burrata salad

This salad is something I can’t describe with words. You should just give it a try! Imagine grilled peaches and burrata, sweet and savory, perfect combo. Get the recipe.

Broccoli Salad

broccoli salad

This salad is packed with fresh broccoli, bacon, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds and cheese. It’s a huge hit at barbecues and parties. Get the recipe.

Crispy Panzanella Salad Recipe

A bowl of panzanella salad

Crispy panzanella salad is an easy and delicious idea for lunch. Serve it on a side with grilling dishes. Best Italian salad recipe to try this summer! Get the recipe.

Shaved Asparagus Pesto Salad

Shaved Asparagus

You will surely wow your guests with this beautiful pesto asparagus ribbon salad, perfect for any spring meal. See the recipe

Corn & Black Bean Pasta Salad

corn and black bean salad

This Corn & Black Bean Pasta Salad combines fusilli pasta with corn, black beans, bell pepper and cilantro for a Southwestern flair. See the recipe

Summer Tomatoes with Dukkah & Green Onions

summer tomatoes with Dukkah and green onions

This simple yet delightful recipe for Summer Tomatoes with Dukkah and Green Onions will become a staple in your warm-weather dining. See the recipe

Sesame Ginger Salad

sesame ginger salad

Bright and refreshing, this salad combines fresh greens with toasted sesame seeds and a zesty ginger dressing for a vibrant Asian-inspired flavor. Get the recipe.

Avocado Kale Caesar Salad

Avocado Kale Caesar Salad

Creamy avocado meets hearty kale in this twist on a Caesar salad, tossed with tangy dressing and topped with crunchy croutons for a nutritious, flavorful meal. Get the recipe.

Green Bean, Feta & Tomato Salad

Green bean, tomato, and chick pea salad

A simple yet flavorful combination of crisp green beans, juicy tomatoes, and salty feta cheese, dressed lightly for a fresh and colorful side dish. Get the recipe.

Zesty & Fresh Tex Mex Salad

Tex Mex Salad

Bursting with bold flavors, this Tex Mex salad features fresh vegetables, beans, corn, and a tangy lime dressing that brings a lively kick to your plate. Get the recipe.

Thai Chopped Salad with Peanut Sauce

Thai chopped salad with peanut sauce

Crunchy chopped veggies tossed in a creamy, nutty peanut sauce create a satisfying salad with authentic Thai flavors and a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy. Get the recipe.

High-Protein Chicken Cobb Salad

chicken salad

A satisfying and nutritious salad packed with tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a flavorful dressing to perfectly fueling your day with protein and fresh ingredients. Get the recipe.

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