As soon as the temperatures start to rise, I’m instantly in salad mode.
There’s just something about a crisp, refreshing (and healthy!) plate of veggies that makes those sticky, sun-soaked days feel a little more manageable.
During the summer, I’m all about meals that don’t require turning on the oven, something light, colorful, and full of flavor that I can whip up fast and pull straight from the fridge when I need it.
Salads check all the boxes: they’re easy to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and somehow always taste better when it’s hot out.
Over the years, I’ve built a go-to list of summer salad recipes I turn to again and again, whether I’m heading to a picnic, hosting a barbecue, or just need something quick for lunch.
They’re simple, satisfying, and seriously refreshing.
So if you’re hunting for hot weather meals that actually cool you down, you’re in the right place.
These summer salad recipes are about to become your new faves.
1. Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad
Grab a big bowl and toss together cubed watermelon, sliced cucumber, and crumbled feta.
Add a handful of fresh mint leaves for extra brightness.
A quick drizzle of lime juice and a splash of olive oil is all it needs to come together.
Give it a gentle mix so everything stays intact.
I love this salad because it’s crisp, juicy, and hits that sweet-salty balance just right.
2. Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad
Char a few ears of corn on the grill or stovetop until they’re lightly blackened, then slice off the kernels.
Mix them with diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a squeeze of lime.
A little chopped cilantro brings it all together.
If you want some kick, toss in a pinch of chili flakes.
This one’s especially good when the corn is fresh and sweet.
3. Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
One thing I absolutely love about summer salads is combining sweet fruits with tangy greens!
Layer baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and thin red onion on a platter.
Sprinkle in some candied pecans and crumbled goat cheese if you’re feeling fancy.
For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, a splash of vinegar, a bit of honey, and poppy seeds.
Drizzle it right before serving so the spinach doesn’t wilt.
It’s got that sweet and tangy thing going on that feels a little fancy without trying too hard.
4. Chickpea and Tomato Salad
Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, then toss them with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and a little red onion.
Add a glug of olive oil, some lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt.
Crumble in some feta if you want a salty bite.
Let it sit for a bit so the flavors can hang out!
5. Mango Black Bean Salad
Here’s a salad that beautifully mixes sweet and spicy!
Dice up a couple of ripe mangoes and mix them with black beans, chopped red pepper, and a handful of cilantro.
Add some finely chopped jalapeño if you’re into heat.
A squeeze of lime and a pinch of cumin round out the flavor.
Give it all a good stir and let it chill in the fridge for a bit.
6. Caprese Pasta Salad
Boil a pot of short pasta like rotini, then drain and let it cool.
Halve some cherry tomatoes, tear up a few basil leaves, and toss them in with mini mozzarella balls.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
Stir everything together and let it sit for a bit so the flavors meld.
7. Thai-Inspired Peanut Noodle Salad
Cook rice noodles according to the package, rinse with cold water, and drain well.
In a large bowl, combine the noodles with shredded cabbage, grated carrot, sliced bell pepper, and green onion.
For the dressing, whisk peanut butter with soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and sesame oil until smooth.
Pour it over the salad and toss until everything’s coated evenly.
8. Cantaloupe and Prosciutto Salad
Slice a ripe cantaloupe into thin wedges and arrange them over a bed of arugula.
Tear prosciutto into strips and layer it around the fruit.
Shave a little parmesan on top and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Keep the layers loose so each bite picks up a bit of everything.
I love how savory and salty this salad is!
9. Zesty Quinoa and Veggie Salad
To make a zesty quinoa and veggie salad, rinse and cook quinoa, then let it cool while you chop cucumber, red pepper, red onion, and parsley.
Combine everything in a bowl and add a mix of lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of garlic powder.
Toss well and season with salt and pepper.
Chill the salad before serving so the lemon really soaks in.
10. Greek Orzo Salad
Summertime is a great time to try some tasty Mediterranean salads!
Cook orzo, rinse under cold water, and shake off the excess.
Mix with diced cucumber, tomato, red onion, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta.
Stir together olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano, then pour it over the salad.
Give it a good toss so the orzo doesn’t clump and the flavors spread evenly.
11. Creamy Cucumber and Dill Salad
To make this creamy salad, slice English cucumbers thin and lay them on a paper towel to soak up excess moisture.
In a bowl, mix sour cream with a splash of white vinegar, chopped fresh dill, and a pinch of sugar.
Stir in the cucumbers and toss gently until coated.
Let it chill in the fridge so everything settles into that tangy, creamy goodness.
12. Southwest Chicken Salad
Shred some cooked chicken (leftovers or rotisserie both work!) then toss it with black beans, corn, diced red pepper, and chopped cilantro.
Add a handful of crushed tortilla chips for texture.
Mix up a quick dressing using lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and a little garlic powder.
Stir everything together and keep the chips out until the last second so they stay crisp.
13. Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
Couscous is a tiny pasta made from semolina flour that cooks like a grain and has tons of protein and fiber!
Here’s how you can use it to make a zesty summer salad:
Cook couscous and fluff it with a fork while it’s still warm.
Stir in chopped parsley, mint, green onion, and finely diced cucumber.
Whisk lemon juice with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then pour it over the salad and toss to coat.
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving so the herbs can brighten up the whole dish.
14. Sesame Ginger Slaw
If you’re tired of plain old coleslaw, give this zingy version a try!
Shred a mix of green and purple cabbage, then add shredded carrot and sliced green onion.
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and a touch of honey.
Toss the veggies with the dressing and top with toasted sesame seeds.
This one holds its crunch even after sitting in the fridge.
15. Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Cook green or brown lentils until tender but not mushy, then let them cool completely.
Combine with diced tomato, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and crumbled feta.
Dress it with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a little oregano.
Stir well so every bite picks up the fresh and tangy flavor.
16. BLT Salad with Avocado
I absolutely love this BLT salad!
Cook a few strips of bacon until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Toss chopped romaine with halved cherry tomatoes and sliced avocado.
Add the bacon and drizzle with a simple mayo-based dressing thinned out with a bit of lemon juice.
Mix gently so the avocado stays in chunks and the bacon keeps some crunch.
The avocado gives it an amazingly creamy texture.
17. Cold Pesto Tortellini Salad
This cold pasta salad uses tortellini, so it’s a cool twist on a classic!
Boil cheese tortellini and rinse under cold water once tender.
Toss with store-bought or homemade pesto, then add halved cherry tomatoes and sliced black olives.
You can throw in some baby spinach or arugula for extra greens.
Let it chill for a while so the pasta soaks up the pesto flavor.
18. Rainbow Veggie Ribbon Salad
Use a veggie peeler to shave thin ribbons of carrot, zucchini, and cucumber.
Add some sliced radish and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like basil or mint.
Toss with lemon juice and olive oil, and season lightly with salt and pepper.
The mint gives the veggies a really refreshing taste!
19. Spicy Soba Noodle Salad
Cook soba noodles, rinse well, and drain.
In a big bowl, mix together shredded cabbage and green onion.
Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and sesame oil for the dressing.
Toss everything together and top with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for some crunch.
20. Peach and Burrata Arugula Salad
Here’s a summer salad recipe if you want to feel really fancy!
Slice fresh peaches and layer them over a bed of arugula.
Tear burrata into pieces and nestle it around the fruit.
Drizzle with a little balsamic glaze and olive oil, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
The contrast between the creamy cheese and juicy peaches works best with ripe fruit.
21. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Roast a few beets until tender, then peel and slice once they’ve cooled.
Layer them with mixed greens, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted walnuts.
Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey for the dressing.
Pour it over right before serving so the goat cheese stays creamy and distinct.
22. Asian Cabbage Crunch Salad
Thinly slice napa or green cabbage and toss with shredded carrot, edamame, and sliced almonds.
In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a spoonful of honey.
Drizzle over the salad and stir until coated.
Right before serving, top with crispy noodles or crushed ramen for texture.
23. Tuna and White Bean Salad
Drain a can of white beans and a can of tuna, then toss them together in a bowl.
Add thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and a squeeze of lemon.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to help the flavors meld.
The white beans are high in fiber and protein, while the tuna has tons of omega-3s!
24. Herbed Potato Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
Boil baby potatoes until fork-tender, then cut them in half while still warm.
In a separate bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and chopped fresh herbs like dill and parsley.
Toss the warm potatoes with the vinaigrette so they soak up all the flavor.
Serve at room temp or chilled. Either works!
Easy, Breezy Meals for Hot Summer Days
When the heat makes you want to skip the stove, a solid salad lineup can really save the day!
These refreshing salads are simple, refreshing, and packed with flavor, with no reheating or heavy lifting required.
And they’re perfect if you’re feeding your family, hosting a crowd, or just tossing something together for yourself.
Summer salad recipes make hot weather meals a whole lot easier.
