Summertime fruits and vegetables are abundant, and I am thrilled about it! Salads are my forte, so I’ve compiled a selection of my finest summer salad recipes. They are ideal for gatherings, barbecues, and warm summer nights at home. These recipes boast numerous five-star reviews, guaranteeing they’ll be a favorite at your table.
You’ll encounter traditional potluck salads like potato salad and cowboy caviar, global favorites such as tabbouleh and caprese salad, alongside a diverse assortment of fresh green salads, of course. These seasonal salads highlight a wealth of fresh greens, delicate herbs, and summer veggies, including tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, and fruits like berries, peaches, and watermelon.
These revitalizing salads are perfect for the hottest days of summer. Many use raw ingredients and need little to no cooking. Whether you’ve gone a bit wild at the farmers’ market or are dealing with a garden bounty, you’ll discover your answer here.
Save this page and embrace the season to the fullest! Which salad will you whip up first?
1. **Favorite Quinoa Salad**: This quinoa salad recipe is exceptional! Everyone adores this nutritious quinoa dish made with quinoa, chickpeas, red bell pepper, cucumber, parsley, and lemon. It’s vegan and gluten-free too! Recipe serves 4 medium salads or 8 side salads.
2. **Erin’s Peach & Avocado Green Salad**: Featured in The Well Plated Cookbook, this summer salad recipe showcases ripe peaches and avocado on fresh arugula. It’s both nutritious and delightful! Recipe yields a large salad (sufficient for 8 side salads or 3 to 4 main servings); halve the recipe for a smaller gathering.
3. **Caprese Pasta Salad**: This Caprese pasta salad recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for summer! Just sauté cherry tomatoes in olive oil to create the ideal pasta sauce. Recipe yields 4 modest portions.
4. **Mediterranean Bean Salad**: This Mediterranean-style bean salad recipe is wonderfully crunchy and fulfilling. Its fresh ingredients feature kidney beans, chickpeas, lemon, garlic, and leafy herbs. This wholesome salad is vegan and gluten-free, but above all, simply delicious! Recipe yields approximately six 1-cup servings.
5. **Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint**: This classic watermelon salad recipe includes crumbled feta and fresh mint. Lightly pickled shallots and chopped pistachios elevate it! Recipe yields 6 to 8 side salads.
6. **Herbed Potato Salad (no mayo!)**: This nourishing potato salad recipe bursts with fresh flavor. It’s mayonnaise-free, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to be a success at your gathering! This salad is vegan, egg-free, and gluten-free. Recipe yields 6 side servings.
7. **Spinach Salad**: Prepare this tasty spinach salad recipe to accompany your main course! It features 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 taste! Quality ingredients are essential. Utilize ripe summer tomatoes, burrata or mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil. Recipe yields 4 generous or 6 smaller portions.
9. **Cowboy Caviar**: This cowboy caviar recipe (also known as Texas caviar) is crafted from scratch with all-natural components! Serve it as a dip, salsa, or salad—it’s sure to be a favorite at your next event. Recipe yields a generous amount of “caviar,” approximately 8 cups.
10. **Summertime Fruit Salad**: This straightforward fruit salad recipe is fresh and nutritious! It features strawberries, peaches, and blueberries with a touch of balsamic vinegar and basil. It makes a delicious side dish or dessert (for dessert, serve it as is or add whipped cream for a richer treat). Recipe yields 6 side servings.
11. **Best Tabbouleh**: Discover how to prepare delightful, authentic tabbouleh at home! This tabbouleh (also spelled tabouli) surpasses that of your favorite Lebanese restaurant. It’s made with bulgur wheat, fresh parsley, mint, tomato, and cucumber. Recipe yields 6 servings (a bit over 1 cup each).
12. **Favorite Chickpea Salad**: This tempting chickpea salad recipe includes crisp-tender elements like chickpeas, red bell pepper, red onion, and celery. Store this healthy chickpea salad in the fridge—it’s the ideal side, snack, and meal addition. It’s vegan and gluten-free too! Recipe yields 4 generous side salads or 6 medium ones.
13. **Simple Healthy Slaw**: This nutritious coleslaw recipe is incredibly flavorful! It features a straightforward lemon dressing and includes cabbage, carrots, toasted sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. It’s gluten-free and vegan,