When the temperatures climb, the last thing you want is a heavy meal—and that’s where these 14 refreshing salads come in. Crisp, vibrant, and loaded with seasonal ingredients, these recipes are perfect for keeping things light and flavorful.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, a backyard BBQ, or just need a no-fuss dinner, these salads will help you stay cool and satisfied all summer long.
Sesame Ginger Salad with Wontons
This vibrant dish combines crisp greens, colorful vegetables, and crunchy wontons, all tossed in a delicious sesame ginger dressing that adds a delightful zing. Perfect as a light main course or a side dish, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients and textures.
Get the Sesame Ginger Salad recipe.
Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad
This Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad is a delicious dish that truly captures the essence of summer. This salad features juicy, caramelized peaches paired with creamy burrata cheese, fresh greens, and a drizzle of homemade vinaigrette. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it an excellent starter or light main course for warm-weather gatherings.
Get the Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad recipe.
Crunchy Cucumber Pasta Salad
Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad is a refreshing side dish that’s a perfect accompaniment to your summer main dish. You’ll usually see this salad without the pasta, which is fine if that’s how you like it, but we think the chewy pasta adds an extra tasty element.
Get the Cucumber Pasta Salad recipe.
Zesty & Fresh Tex Mex Salad
A Zesty Tex-Mex Salad is your ticket to bold, fresh flavors in every bite. Packed with crisp greens, vibrant veggies, and zippy toppings like avocado, black beans, and a tangy lime dressing, this salad is anything but ordinary. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or making it the star of the meal, it’s sure to bring a festive flair to your table.
Get the Tex-Mex Salad recipe.
Zesty Pasta Salad
This Zesty Instant Pot Pasta Salad is packed with fresh vegetables, tangy Italian dressing, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a breeze to make with the help of your Instant Pot. What’s great about this pasta salad is that you can customize it with any veggies according to what you like or have on hand. Plus, the flavors get even better the longer it sits in the refrigerator.
Get the Zesty Pasta Salad recipe.
Smashed Cucumber Salad with Chili Oil
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 Smashed Cucumber Salad recipe.
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 Herby Potato Salad recipe.
Flavorful Cajun Shrimp Salad
This Cajun Shrimp Salad is packed with zesty Cajun-seasoned shrimp and a refreshing mix of salad greens and vegetables. It’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner. The combination of vibrant colors and robust flavors makes this salad a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Plus it’s a breeze to make, so you can have something healthy and impressive for lunch in under 15 minutes.
Get the Cajun Shrimp Salad recipe.
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 Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe.
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 Pesto Corn Pasta Salad recipe.
Green Bean, Tomato and Chickpea Salad
Our Green Bean, Tomato, and Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm weather dining. Packed with crisp green beans, juicy tomatoes, and protein-rich chickpeas, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious.
Get the Green Bean, Tomato, and Chickpea Salad recipe.
Easy Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad
This Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad is a fantastic low-carb lunch with plenty of crisp fresh veggies, tender shrimp, and a light dressing packed with healthy fats. The cilantro lime dressing really brightens up the salad and keeps it fresh for a day or two if you want to make the salad in advance for lunches.
Get the Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad recipe.
Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad
Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. This dish combines tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and a savory homemade sesame dressing that you will love.
Get the Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad recipe.
Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
This Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad combines tender cubes of chicken with crunchy celery, walnuts and dried cranberries in a creamy mayonnaise based dressing. This is a satisfying lunch that can be served on it’s own, with bread or wrapped in a lettuce leaf. I find it really easy to take to work for lunch. We make a big batch on Sunday and have it all week.
Get the Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad recipe.
Angela’s passion for discovering and experimenting with new flavors and recipes is at the heart of her culinary philosophy. Residing in a quaint Oregon town, she finds joy and inspiration in her kitchen. Angela has a lot of expertise in cooking and she eagerly shares her discoveries and unique creations with you.