Summertime fruits and vegetables are thriving, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! Salads are my forte, so I’ve assembled a selection of my favorite summer salad recipes. They’re ideal for gatherings, barbecues, and warm evenings at home. These recipes boast hundreds of five-star ratings, making them sure to impress at your gatherings.
You’ll discover traditional potluck salads like potato salad and cowboy caviar, beloved international dishes such as tabbouleh and caprese salad, along with a range of vibrant green salads, naturally. These seasonal salads showcase a plethora of fresh greens, delicate herbs, and summer veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, and fruits including berries, peaches, and watermelon.
These revitalizing salads are perfect for the hottest days of summer. Many highlight raw ingredients and require little to no cooking. Whether you’ve overindulged at the farmer’s market or have an abundance from your garden, you’ll find the perfect recipes here.
Save this page and take full advantage of the season! Which salad will you try first?
1. Favorite Quinoa Salad: This quinoa salad recipe is simply the best! Everyone adores this nutritious quinoa salad made with quinoa, chickpeas, red bell pepper, cucumber, parsley, and lemon. It’s vegan and gluten-free as well! Recipe makes 4 medium salads or 8 side salads.
2. Erin’s Peach & Avocado Green Salad: This summer salad recipe from The Well Plated Cookbook features succulent peaches and avocado over fresh arugula. It’s both nutritious and delightful! Recipe creates one very large salad (enough for 8 side salads or 3 to 4 main salads); halve the recipe for a smaller gathering.
3. Caprese Pasta Salad: This Caprese pasta salad recipe is simple, tasty, and perfect for summer! Just sauté cherry tomatoes with olive oil to create a delicious pasta sauce. Recipe yields 4 modest portions.
4. Mediterranean Bean Salad: This Mediterranean bean salad recipe is wonderfully crisp and fulfilling. Its fresh tastes include kidney beans, chickpeas, lemon, garlic, and leafy herbs. This healthy salad is vegan and gluten-free, but primarily just delicious! Recipe produces about six 1-cup servings.
5. Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint: This classic watermelon salad recipe features crumbled feta and fresh mint. Lightly pickled shallots and chopped pistachios make it extraordinary! Recipe yields 6 to 8 side salads.
6. Herbed Potato Salad (no mayo!): This wholesome potato salad recipe is bursting with fresh flavors. It’s mayo-free, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to be a success at your potluck! This salad is vegan, egg-free, and gluten-free. Recipe yields 6 side servings.
7. Spinach Salad: Whip up this delightful spinach salad recipe to accompany your main course! It showcases fresh spinach, creamy goat cheese, and seasonal fruits like raspberries or strawberries. Recipe yields 6 side salads.
8. Heirloom Caprese Salad: The ultimate Caprese salad you’ll ever experience! Quality ingredients are key. Utilize ripe summer tomatoes, burrata or mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil. Recipe yields 4 generous or 6 smaller servings.
9. Cowboy Caviar: This cowboy caviar recipe (also referred to as Texas caviar) is homemade with all-natural ingredients! Serve it as a dip, salsa, or salad—it’ll be a crowd-pleaser at your next event. Recipe yields a generous 8 cups of “caviar.”
10. Summertime Fruit Salad: This straightforward fruit salad recipe is fresh and wholesome! It includes strawberries, peaches, and blueberries with a hint of balsamic vinegar and basil. It’s a scrumptious side dish or dessert (you can serve it plain or add whipped cream for a luxurious touch). Recipe yields 6 side servings.
11. Best Tabbouleh: Discover how to prepare delicious, authentic tabbouleh at home! This tabbouleh (also spelled tabouli) surpasses your favorite Lebanese restaurant’s version. It consists of bulgur wheat, fresh parsley, mint, tomato, and cucumber. Recipe yields 6 servings (just over 1 cup each).
12. Favorite Chickpea Salad: This mouthwatering chickpea salad recipe features crisp-tender elements like chickpeas, red bell pepper, red onion, and celery. Store this healthy chickpea salad in the refrigerator—it’s the ideal side salad, snack, or meal addition. It’s vegan and gluten-free as well! Recipe yields 4 generous side salads or 6 medium servings.
13. Simple Healthy Slaw: This nutritious coleslaw recipe is incredibly tasty! It’s made with a basic lemon dressing and includes cabbage, carrots, toasted sunflower, and pumpkin seeds. It’s gluten-free and vegan, making it a fantastic potluck option (you may want to double the ingredients if you’re catering to a larger crowd). Recipe yields 4 to