Summertime produce is in full bloom, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! Salads are my forte, so I’ve put together a selection of my finest summer salad recipes. They’re ideal for gatherings, barbecues, and warm summer nights at home. These recipes boast hundreds of five-star reviews, ensuring they’ll be a favorite on your dinner table.
You’ll discover classic potluck salads, such as potato salad and cowboy caviar, beloved international options like tabbouleh and caprese salad, along with a range of fresh green salads, naturally. These seasonal salads showcase a wealth of fresh greens, tender herbs, and summer vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, as well as fruits like berries, peaches, and watermelon.
These invigorating salads are perfect for the hottest days of summer. Many use raw ingredients and call for little to no cooking. Whether you’ve overindulged at the farmers’ market or have an abundance from your garden, you’ll find your answer here.
Save this page and take advantage of the season! Which salad will you try first?
1. **Best Quinoa Salad**: This quinoa salad recipe is the ultimate! Everyone adores this nutritious quinoa salad featuring quinoa, chickpeas, red bell pepper, cucumber, parsley, and lemon. It’s also vegan and gluten-free! Recipe yields 4 medium salads or 8 side servings.
2. **Erin’s Peach & Avocado Salad**: This summer salad recipe from The Well Plated Cookbook includes ripe peaches and avocado atop fresh arugula. It’s both healthy and scrumptious! Recipe yields a very large salad (sufficient for 8 side servings or 3 to 4 main servings); halve the recipe for a smaller gathering.
3. **Caprese Pasta Salad**: This Caprese pasta salad recipe is simple, delightful, and perfect for the summer! Just sauté cherry tomatoes with olive oil to create the ultimate pasta sauce. Recipe yields 4 moderate servings.
4. **Mediterranean Bean Salad**: This Mediterranean-inspired bean salad recipe is wonderfully crisp and fulfilling. Its fresh tastes feature kidney beans, chickpeas, lemon, garlic, and leafy herbs. This healthy salad is vegan and gluten-free, but mainly just delicious! Recipe yields around six 1-cup servings.
5. **Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint**: This classic watermelon salad recipe showcases crumbled feta and fresh mint. Lightly pickled shallots and chopped pistachios elevate it immensely! Recipe yields 6 to 8 side servings.
6. **Herbed Potato Salad (no mayo!)**: This nutritious potato salad recipe brims with fresh taste. It’s free of mayo, easy to prepare, and sure to impress at your potluck! This salad is vegan, egg-free, and gluten-free. Recipe yields 6 side servings.
7. **Spinach Salad**: Whip up this delectable spinach salad recipe to accompany your main dish! It features fresh spinach, creamy goat cheese, and seasonal fruits like raspberries or strawberries. Recipe yields 6 side salads.
8. **Heirloom Caprese Salad**: The finest Caprese salad you’ll ever enjoy! Quality ingredients are essential. Use 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 crafted from scratch using all-natural ingredients! Serve it as a dip, salsa, or salad—it’ll be a sensation at your next gathering. Recipe yields a large amount of “caviar,” about 8 cups.
10. **Summertime Fruit Salad**: This straightforward fruit salad recipe is fresh and nutritious! It features strawberries, peaches, and blueberries with a dash of balsamic vinegar and basil. It’s a delightful side dish or dessert (for dessert, you can serve it as is or add whipped cream for a more indulgent touch). Recipe yields 6 side servings.
11. **Ultimate Tabbouleh**: Discover how to create delicious, authentic tabbouleh at home! This tabbouleh (also spelled tabouli) surpasses what you’d find at your favorite Lebanese restaurant. It’s made with bulgur wheat, fresh parsley, mint, tomato, and cucumber. Recipe yields 6 servings (a little over 1 cup each).
12. **Best Chickpea Salad**: This mouthwatering chickpea salad recipe features crisp-tender elements like chickpeas, red bell pepper, red onion, and celery. Keep this healthy chickpea salad stored in the fridge—it’s the perfect side dish, snack, and meal addition. It’s also vegan and gluten-free! Recipe yields 4 generous side salads or 6 medium.
13. **Simple Healthy Slaw**: This nutritious coleslaw recipe is absolutely delicious! Made with a simple lemon dressing, it features cabbage, carrots, toasted