50 Fresh Summer Salad Recipes to Enjoy All Season Long

Cool off this summer with these 30 Easy and Delicious Summer Salad Recipes! Enjoy fresh fruits, veggies, light dressings, and tasty grains all season long.

Fresh summer corn salad with grilled corn, avocado, feta, red onion, herbs, and creamy dressing being poured over the top.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients, and salads are one of the easiest ways to make the most of them. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, packing lunches, or looking for a light weeknight dinner, there’s a summer salad here for every occasion.

From crisp garden vegetables and juicy berries to grilled chicken, pasta, and hearty grains, these summer salad recipes are full of fresh flavor and simple ingredients. You’ll find everything from classic favorites to creative new combinations that are perfect for warm-weather meals.

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Editor’s Note (July 2026)

I’ve heard a lot of people are worried about eating salads and leafy greens because of the recent Cyclospora outbreak. Here’s something I just learned that gave me a little more confidence.

Some greenhouse-grown lettuce producers use controlled growing environments, treated irrigation water, highly automated growing systems, and strict food safety practices designed to help reduce the risk of contamination.

Little Leaf Farms has been my favorite lettuce brand for well over a year. It’s the lettuce I usually keep in my refrigerator because I love the quality and convenience. The company has also published a statement saying its packaged salads are not affected by the current Cyclospora investigation and explaining the food safety practices it uses. If you’d like to learn more, you can read their statement here,

Of course, foodborne illness investigations can change as new information becomes available, so I still recommend following the latest guidance from the CDC, FDA, and your local health department.

Tips for Making the Best Summer Salads

Fresh, seasonal ingredients are the key to an unforgettable summer salad, but a few simple techniques can make an even bigger difference. These easy tips will help you create colorful, flavorful salads that are perfect for cookouts, picnics, meal prep, and easy weeknight dinners.

  • Buy produce that’s in season for the best flavor and value.
  • Dry leafy greens thoroughly so dressings cling instead of sliding off.
  • Wait to add delicate greens and dressing until just before serving.
  • Toast nuts and seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Add grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or salmon to turn a side salad into a satisfying meal.
  • Store dressings separately when meal prepping to keep salads fresh.
  • Finish with fresh herbs, citrus, cheese, or toasted nuts just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to make beautiful salads, but a few quality kitchen tools can make prep faster, easier, and more enjoyable. Here are a few of my favorite picks.

  • OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner (Top Pick) – I’ve been using this salad spinner since 2020, and I’d absolutely buy it again. It quickly dries lettuce and fresh herbs so dressings cling to every bite instead of watering down your salad.
  • John Boos Maple Cutting Board (Premium Pick) – Crafted in the USA from solid maple, this reversible cutting board is built to last for decades and provides plenty of space for prepping fresh produce.
  • Shun Kanso 7-Inch Asian Utility Knife (Premium Pick) – I bought this knife last year, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite kitchen tools. It’s razor sharp and incredibly versatile for chopping vegetables, herbs, and fruit, the kinds of ingredients I prep most often for salads.
  • Glass Food Storage Containers – Perfect for meal prepping chopped vegetables, storing leftovers, and keeping homemade dressings fresh.
  • Wide-Mouth Mason Jars – I love making homemade salad dressings in mason jars. Just add the ingredients, screw on the lid, shake well, and store any leftovers right in the refrigerator.
  • OXO Good Grips Citrus Squeezer – If you enjoy making homemade salad dressings, a citrus squeezer makes quick work of fresh lemons and limes while keeping seeds out of your vinaigrettes.

Best Summer Salad Recipes for Every Taste

Whether you’re craving a light side salad, a protein-packed lunch, or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next cookout, these easy summer salad recipes have you covered. Browse the list below and discover plenty of delicious ways to enjoy the best fruits and vegetables of the season.

Strawberry Crunch Salad

Sweet strawberries, peppery arugula, creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, crunchy pistachios, and caramelized sugared almonds are tossed with a light champagne vinaigrette in this irresistible Strawberry Crunch Salad. It’s the perfect fresh summer salad for cookouts, brunches, lunch, or a light dinner.

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Strawberry Crunch Salad with arugula, fresh strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios, candied almonds, and champagne vinaigrette in a white bowl.

Classic Caprese Salad

Fresh, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil come together in this classic Caprese Salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Finished with extra virgin olive oil and a drizzle of balsamic, it’s an easy summer side dish that’s perfect for cookouts, picnics, or weeknight dinners.

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Classic Caprese salad with sliced heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, olive oil, and balsamic dressing on a white serving platter.

BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

Loaded with BBQ chicken, crisp romaine, black beans, corn, tomatoes, shredded carrots, Monterey Jack cheese, crunchy tortilla strips, and a creamy cilantro ranch dressing, this BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is hearty enough for dinner. It’s packed with fresh Southwestern flavors and perfect for warm summer nights.

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BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad with grilled barbecue chicken, romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, tomatoes, Monterey Jack cheese, tortilla strips, and creamy cilantro ranch dressing.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Inspired by classic Mexican street corn, this creamy corn salad is packed with sweet charred corn, Cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, jalapeño, and a zesty lime dressing. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, taco nights, and all your favorite summer cookouts.

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Mexican Street Corn Salad 4.8 from 10 votes Mexican street corn salad has the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, tangy and creamy flavors. It's light, colorful, and ideal for summer grilling. Course: Side DishCuisine: Mexican Servings 4-6servings Prep time 5minutes Cooking time 10minutes Calories 205kcal Ingredients 4 ears fresh sweet corn, husks removed (about 4-5 cups of corn) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1⁄2 cup diced red onion 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise 1⁄2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta), plus more for garnish 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1⁄2 teaspoon chili powder 1⁄4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1⁄4 teaspoon salt 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish Instructions Grilled corn: Brush the corn with olive oil. Grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until lightly charred on all sides. Let cool slightly, then use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cobs into a large bowl. Fried corn: Alternatively, cut the kernels off the cobs or use frozen/canned corn (thawed and drained). Pan-fry in a large skillet over medium-high heat until lightly charred. Let cool slightly then transfer to a large bowl. Add the diced red onion, jalapeño, garlic, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and cilantro to the bowl. Toss until everything is evenly combined and the corn is well coated. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with additional cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and extra fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy! Notes Dairy options. For a lighter salad, use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise. Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. Cook 1 pound of pasta to al dente, drain well, then toss in the dressing with the warm corn. I suggest also adding an extra 1/4 cup of mayo, sour cream, or cream cheese to the dressing.

Balsamic Steak Salad

Juicy grilled steak, sweet charred corn, cherry tomatoes, Gorgonzola cheese, and crisp greens are tossed with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette and fresh herb gremolata in this restaurant-worthy salad. It’s a hearty summer meal that’s perfect for cookouts or an easy weeknight dinner.

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Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with grilled sirloin steak, charred corn, cherry tomatoes, mixed greens, Gorgonzola cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette on a serving platter.

Layered Panzanella Salad

Loaded with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, fresh mozzarella, basil, red onion, and crunchy homemade croutons, this colorful Panzanella Salad is tossed in a light vinaigrette for the ultimate summer side dish. It’s a fresh and flavorful way to make the most of peak tomato season.

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Layered Panzanella Salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh mozzarella, red onion, basil, homemade croutons, and vinaigrette on a white serving platter.

Feta & Watermelon Salad

Sweet, juicy watermelon, peppery arugula, creamy feta, fresh mint, and crisp red onion come together in this refreshing summer salad. Finished with a homemade balsamic glaze, it’s the perfect light side dish for barbecues, picnics, and warm-weather dinners.

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Watermelon Feta Salad with arugula, fresh watermelon, feta cheese, red onion, mint, and balsamic glaze in a serving bowl.

Buffalo Ranch Pretzel Chicken Caesar Salad

Crispy buffalo chicken tenders coated in crunchy pretzel crumbs top this hearty Caesar salad with romaine, avocado, bacon, Parmesan, and creamy Caesar dressing. It’s a bold, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect when you’re craving something fresh and filling.

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Buffalo Ranch Pretzel Chicken Caesar Salad with crispy buffalo chicken, romaine lettuce, avocado, bacon, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing in a large bowl.

Peach & Cherry Salad with Burrata

Sweet summer peaches and cherries are paired with creamy burrata, peppery arugula, crunchy toasted hazelnuts, and fresh basil in this elegant salad. Finished with a simple lemon dressing, it’s a beautiful side dish or light meal for summer entertaining.

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Love sweet and savory fruit salads? Don’t miss my roundup of 12 Fruity Summer Salads for Quick & Easy Meals for even more fresh recipes featuring berries, peaches, watermelon, citrus, and other seasonal favorites.

Cherry Peach Burrata Salad with fresh peaches, cherries, creamy burrata, arugula, basil, toasted hazelnuts, and a lemon dressing on a large serving platter.

Elote Shrimp Salad

Smoky grilled shrimp, charred corn, crisp romaine, creamy avocado, fresh vegetables, and tangy Cotija cheese come together in this flavorful Elote Shrimp Salad. It can be made on the grill or in the air fryer, making it an easy and delicious meal for summer cookouts or busy weeknights.

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For more quick and delicious air fryer meals, check out 75 Best Air Fryer Recipes for Every Meal.

Elote Shrimp Salad with grilled shrimp, charred corn, romaine lettuce, avocado, radishes, cotija cheese, and creamy lime dressing in a large serving bowl.

Grilled Vegetable Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

Fire up the grill for this colorful chopped vegetable salad loaded with smoky asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Tossed with a bright homemade lemon basil vinaigrette and topped with crumbled feta or goat cheese, it’s a fresh and flavorful side dish for any summer meal.

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Chopped Grilled Vegetable Salad with asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, feta cheese, and lemon basil vinaigrette in a black serving bowl.

Greek Potato Salad

Give classic potato salad a Mediterranean twist with this easy Greek potato salad. Tender baby potatoes are tossed with feta cheese, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, fresh dill, and a tangy homemade Greek vinaigrette for a flavorful side dish that’s perfect for cookouts, picnics, potlucks, and summer dinners.

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Want more backyard barbecue inspiration? Check out my roundup, 40 Best BBQ Side Dishes for Your Next Cookout.

Jennifer Aniston Salad

The viral Jennifer Aniston Salad is packed with quinoa, chickpeas, crisp cucumbers, fresh herbs, pistachios, and feta, all tossed in a simple lemon and olive oil dressing. It’s fresh, protein-packed, and perfect for meal prep, lunches, or a light summer dinner.

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Jennifer Aniston Salad made with quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, pistachios, fresh herbs, feta cheese, and lemon dressing in a serving bowl.

Grilled Zucchini Salad

Celebrate summer with this fresh Grilled Zucchini Salad featuring smoky grilled zucchini, sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, peppery arugula, crumbled feta, and a bright lemon dressing. It’s a colorful side dish that’s perfect for cookouts, picnics, or weeknight dinners.

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Grilled Zucchini Salad with grilled zucchini, cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, arugula, crumbled feta cheese, and lemon wedges on a large serving platter.

Blackberry Goat Cheese Salad

Fresh blackberries, peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pistachios come together in this simple yet elegant summer salad. Finished with a sweet and tangy honey mustard vinaigrette, it’s the perfect side dish for warm-weather dinners or entertaining.

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Blackberry Goat Cheese Salad with fresh blackberries, arugula, crumbled goat cheese, pistachios, and honey mustard vinaigrette in a white serving bowl.

Eggplant Salad

Grilled eggplant, sweet bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta, pickled red onions, and fresh herbs come together in this colorful Mediterranean-inspired salad. Finished with a bright lemon and za’atar dressing, it’s a fresh and flavorful side dish for any summer meal.

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Eggplant Salad rate this recipe:5 from 17 votes Prep Time: 20minutes minsCook Time: 10minutes minsTotal Time: 30minutes mins Serves 4 Save Recipe Print Recipe This eggplant salad recipe is a fresh, vibrant summer side dish! Serve it as a side salad with a simply cooked protein, or try one of the serving suggestions in the blog post above. Ingredients 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 garlic cloves, grated ½ teaspoon za’atar ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling Freshly ground black pepper 1 medium eggplant, 1 pound, cut into ½-inch-thick rounds 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and quartered lengthwise 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved ½ cup crumbled feta cheese ⅓ cup Pickled Red Onions ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves ⅓ cup fresh mint leaves Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark Instructions In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, za’atar, salt, and pepper. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the eggplant and red pepper pieces on a large plate or in a large baking dish and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Place the eggplant and pepper on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 5 minutes per side, or until well charred and tender. Remove from the grill and chop into 1-inch pieces. Add the grilled veggies to the bowl with the dressing and stir to coat. Let sit for 5 minutes, then fold in the tomatoes, feta, pickled red onions, and half the basil and mint. Season to taste, garnish with the remaining basil and mint, and serve.

Classic Wedge Salad

Bring the steakhouse home with this classic wedge salad featuring crisp iceberg lettuce, creamy blue cheese dressing, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy fried onions. It’s a simple yet satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled steaks, burgers, or chicken.

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Classic Wedge Salad with iceberg lettuce, blue cheese dressing, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, fried onions, and chives on a white plate.

Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad

Fresh grilled corn, creamy avocado, crisp red onion, and herbs are tossed with a creamy olive oil and mayonnaise dressing and finished with crumbled feta for the ultimate summer side dish. This colorful salad is perfect for cookouts, picnics, barbecues, and backyard gatherings.

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Grilled corn and avocado salad with charred corn, avocado, red onion, fresh herbs, feta cheese, and creamy dressing being poured over the salad.

Hot Bacon Tomato Peach Goat Cheese Salad

Sweet summer tomatoes, juicy peaches, creamy goat cheese, and fragrant basil come together in this beautiful salad, all finished with a warm bacon vinaigrette. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors for summer dinners, cookouts, or entertaining.

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Tomato and peach salad with heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, fresh peaches, crumbled goat cheese, basil, and warm bacon vinaigrette on a serving platter.

Chili Lime Chicken Salad

Juicy chili lime chicken is served over crisp romaine lettuce with sautéed bell peppers and a fresh mango avocado salsa in this colorful summer salad. Packed with bright flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for warm-weather lunches or dinners.

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Fiesta Chili Lime Chicken Salad with grilled chicken, mango avocado salsa, sautéed red peppers, romaine lettuce, and fresh cilantro in a large white serving bowl.

Blueberry Cucumber Salad

Fresh blueberries, crisp cucumbers, mixed greens, scallions, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy candied almonds are tossed with a creamy balsamic vinaigrette in this refreshing summer salad. It’s a sweet and savory side dish that’s perfect for cookouts, picnics, or light lunches.

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Blueberry Cucumber Salad with mixed greens, fresh blueberries, sliced cucumbers, Parmesan cheese, candied almonds, and creamy balsamic vinaigrette in a large white bowl.

Niçoise Salad

This classic Niçoise salad is packed with tender baby potatoes, crisp green beans, juicy tomatoes, jammy eggs, and flaky tuna, all tossed with a bright Dijon lemon vinaigrette. It’s a fresh, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or warm summer days.

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Niçoise salad with tuna, baby potatoes, green beans, jammy eggs, tomatoes, radishes, and Dijon lemon vinaigrette served on a white plate.

Tomato Fennel Salad

Juicy heirloom tomatoes, crisp shaved fennel, briny olives, and fresh dill are tossed in a simple white wine vinaigrette for a light and refreshing summer salad. It’s an elegant side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, or crusty bread.

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Tomato fennel salad with sliced heirloom tomatoes, shaved fennel, green olives, fresh dill, and white wine vinaigrette in a serving bowl.

Italian Chopped Salad

Loaded with crisp lettuce, Italian meats, fresh mozzarella, provolone, chickpeas, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing, this Italian chopped salad is hearty enough to serve as a meal. It’s perfect for summer lunches, picnics, potlucks, and easy weeknight dinners.

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Italian chopped salad with lettuce, salami, mozzarella, provolone, chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini, and homemade Italian dressing.

Green Goddess Salad

Packed with kale, cabbage, cucumber, chickpeas, and a creamy herb-packed dressing, this Green Goddess Salad is fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor. Enjoy it as a light lunch, a healthy side dish, or pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a satisfying meal.

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Green Goddess salad with chopped kale, cabbage, cucumber, chickpeas, green onions, and creamy herb dressing in a serving bowl.

Rainbow Fruit Salad with Maple Lime Dressing

Bursting with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, kiwi, and pineapple, this colorful fruit salad is tossed in a simple maple lime dressing for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It’s a refreshing side dish for brunches, barbecues, picnics, and all your summer gatherings.

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Rainbow fruit salad with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, kiwi, pineapple, and maple lime dressing served in a white bowl.

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

This Mediterranean couscous salad is loaded with Israeli couscous, zucchini, yellow squash, chickpeas, tomatoes, feta, olives, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a bright lemon dressing. It’s a light yet satisfying salad that’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, picnics, or as a side with grilled chicken or fish.

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Mediterranean couscous salad with Israeli couscous, zucchini, yellow squash, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and lemon herb dressing in a large serving bowl.

Melon Basil Burrata Salad with Crispy Prosciutto

This melon basil burrata salad is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Juicy melon, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, creamy burrata, and crispy prosciutto are finished with a balsamic fig vinaigrette and crunchy toasted nuts or seeds. It’s an elegant summer salad that’s perfect for entertaining or a light warm-weather meal.

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Blackened Shrimp Summer Salad with Corn and Feta This Blackened Shrimp Salad is so fresh, a little spicy and full of flavor. A blend of leafy salad greens topped with blackened shrimp, grilled corn, cucumber and feta and is drizzled in a homemade greek yogurt green goddess dressing. Prep Time: 45 mins Total Time: 45 mins Ingredients 3/4 cup greek yogurt green goddess dressing 2 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (16/20 per pound) 1 tablespoon avocado oil, or oil safe for high temp cooking 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning 5 ounces spring mix lettuces 5 ounces crispy lettuce 2 ounces micro greens 2 cups cherry tomatos, halved 2 persian cucumbers, sliced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 3 ears corn, grilled and sliced off the cob 2 small avocados, sliced 1 cup crumbled feta cheese freshly ground black pepper, to taste kosher salt, to taste 1/4 cup fresh chives, snipped Equipment ALLCOOL 8-Quart Air Fryer Instructions For this salad I like to dress it with my greek yogurt green goddess dressing. However, this avocado ranch would also be amazing! GRILL THE CORN: Meanwhile, preheat your grill to 400℉ (or 200℃) or preheat a grill pan on your stovetop. Spray your corn on the cob with avocado oil or extra light olive oil and grill for about 8 to 10 minutes or until bright yellow and charred in spots. Let cool until safe to handle and slice off of the cob. MAKE THE BLACKENED SHRIMP: In a bowl, add shrimp, oil and blackened seasoning. Toss well to coat. preheat your air fryer to 400℉ (or 200℃). Once preheated, cook for 8 minutes or until opaque and cooked through, tossing or shaking the shrimp halfway through. Once cooked, allow the shrimp to cool a bit. Note: You could also pan fry in butter or skewer and grill. BUILD THE SALAD: In a large bowl, add 5 ounces spring lettuce leaves, 5 ounces of a crispy lettuce blend and 2 ounces micro-greens (optional of course). Toss to combine Divide salad greens among bowls, top with sliced red onion, cucumber, avocado, tomatoes, corn sliced off the cob, the shrimp and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with dressing and I like to season with a little salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Lastly sprinkle of snipped chives.

Blackened Shrimp Salad

This blackened shrimp summer salad is packed with fresh, vibrant flavors in every bite. Tender blackened shrimp, grilled corn, crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, red onion, and tangy feta are layered over fresh greens and finished with a creamy Greek yogurt green goddess dressing. The shrimp cook beautifully in the air fryer, making this colorful salad an easy, protein-packed meal for warm summer days.

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Blackened shrimp salad with grilled corn, avocado, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, mixed greens, and creamy green goddess dressing.

Cherry Caprese Salad

This cherry Caprese salad is a fresh twist on the classic summer favorite. Sweet, juicy cherries are paired with creamy fresh mozzarella, toasted almonds, fragrant basil, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette, then finished with smoked sea salt and cracked black pepper. It’s an easy, elegant salad that’s perfect for cookouts, dinner parties, or a light summer lunch.

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Cherry Caprese salad made with fresh cherries, mozzarella balls, toasted slivered almonds, basil leaves, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and smoked sea salt.

Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad

This roasted garlic kale Caesar salad takes the classic Caesar to the next level. Crisp romaine and tender lacinato kale are tossed in a rich roasted garlic Caesar dressing, then topped with crispy bacon, homemade croutons, and plenty of Parmesan cheese. It’s a hearty, flavor-packed salad that’s perfect as a side or satisfying enough for a main course.

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Roasted garlic kale Caesar salad with chopped kale, romaine lettuce, crispy bacon, homemade croutons, shaved Parmesan, and creamy roasted garlic Caesar dressing.

Creamy Cucumber Salad

This creamy cucumber salad is cool, crisp, and incredibly refreshing. Thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, green onion, and fresh dill are tossed in a tangy sour cream dressing with garlic and white wine vinegar for a simple side dish that’s perfect alongside grilled meats, burgers, or barbecue favorites all summer long.

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Creamy cucumber salad with thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, green onion, fresh dill, and a tangy sour cream dressing topped with cracked black pepper.

Southwest Style Cobb Salad

This Southwest Cobb salad is a hearty, flavor-packed twist on the classic. Grilled chipotle chicken, crispy bacon, black beans, grilled corn, avocado, pepper Jack cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and juicy tomatoes are layered over crisp romaine and finished with a smoky chipotle-lime dressing. It’s a satisfying salad that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or summer cookouts.

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Southwest Cobb salad with grilled chipotle chicken, bacon, avocado, black beans, grilled corn, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, pepper Jack cheese, romaine lettuce, and smoky chipotle dressing.

Grilled Halloumi & Watermelon Salad

Sweet watermelon, salty grilled halloumi cheese, fresh mint, jalapeño, and a honey-lime dressing come together in this vibrant summer salad. It’s the perfect side dish for BBQs, cookouts, picnics, or a light warm-weather lunch.

Never tried halloumi? It’s a firm, salty cheese that grills beautifully without melting. Look for it in the specialty cheese or deli section at most grocery stores, including Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and many larger supermarkets.

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Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Salad By Jamie Vespa MS, RD Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Salad with jalapeño, mint, and honey-lime dressing. When summer heat calls for something refreshing yet satisfying, this watermelon salad delivers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and salty. Servings: 6 Equipment Grill pan or outdoor grill Ingredients 1x 2x 3x ▢2 to 3 Tbsp. avocado oil (or extra-virgin olive oil), divided ▢8 to 9 oz. halloumi cheese, cut into ¼-inch-thick slices and patted dry ▢Kosher salt ▢2 lbs. seedless watermelon (without rinds), sliced into 1-inch-thick slices ▢2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (plus lime zest for garnish) ▢1 Tbsp. honey ▢1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves ▢1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (if desired, remove seeds and ribs removed for less heat) ▢A few pinches ground sumac (optional) Save this recipe! Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week! Email * Save Instructions Grill halloumi. Heat 1 Tbsp. avocado or olive oil in a large skillet, grill pan, or outdoor grill over medium-high. Once hot, arrange halloumi slices in pan and cook for ~2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and lightly season with salt. Slice halloumi diagonally into triangular wedges.

Lemony Parmesan Kale Salad

Bright, fresh, and packed with flavor, this Lemony Parmesan Kale Salad transforms hearty kale into a crisp, tender side dish with a simple lemon-garlic dressing, plenty of Parmesan, and crunchy croutons. It’s a quick, healthy salad that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or summer cookouts.

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Lemony Parmesan Kale Salad with tender massaged kale, grated Parmesan, crunchy croutons, and a fresh lemon-garlic dressing served in a large bowl.

Summer Chopped Salad with Goat Cheese

This colorful summer chopped salad is loaded with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sweet corn, snap peas, bell pepper, creamy goat cheese, sunflower seeds, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a simple red wine vinaigrette. Fresh, crunchy, and ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the perfect side dish for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, or an easy healthy lunch.

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A vibrant summer chopped salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, snap peas, corn, red onion, goat cheese, sunflower seeds, and fresh herbs tossed in a light red wine vinaigrette.

Quinoa Tabboulleh with Nectarines & Heirloom Tomatoes

This fresh quinoa tabbouleh is a vibrant summer salad made with juicy heirloom tomatoes, sweet nectarines, fresh basil, mint, parsley, and a bright lemon vinaigrette. Light, colorful, and naturally gluten-free, it’s the perfect side dish for picnics, cookouts, or a healthy lunch packed with seasonal flavor.

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A fresh quinoa tabbouleh salad with heirloom tomatoes, ripe nectarines, red onion, basil, mint, parsley, and a lemon vinaigrette served in a white bowl.

Elote Pasta Salad

Bring the flavors of Mexican street corn to your table with this creamy elote pasta salad. Tender pasta, grilled corn, Cotija cheese, jalapeños, cilantro, and a smoky chili-lime dressing come together in just 25 minutes. It’s an easy summer side dish for BBQs, taco nights, potlucks, picnics, and family cookouts.

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A bowl of creamy elote pasta salad made with rotini pasta, grilled corn, cotija cheese, jalapeños, red onion, cilantro, and a smoky chili-lime dressing inspired by Mexican street corn.

Summer Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette

Sweet grilled peaches, creamy goat cheese, buttery avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy pistachios come together in this fresh summer salad. Finished with a homemade basil vinaigrette, it’s the perfect side dish for cookouts, dinner parties, or an easy weeknight meal. Serve it with grilled chicken, salmon, or steak while peaches are in season.

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A colorful grilled peach salad made with mixed greens, grilled peach slices, cherry tomatoes, avocado, goat cheese, basil, red onion, and pistachios, tossed with a fresh basil vinaigrette.

Italian Chickpea Salad

This Italian chickpea salad is packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, including chickpeas, salami, provolone, olives, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, and red onion tossed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a protein-packed side dish that’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, picnics, and easy lunches.

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A hearty Italian chickpea salad with chickpeas, salami, provolone cheese, black olives, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, and red onion tossed in a homemade Italian vinaigrette.

Tomato, Cucumber & Avocado Salad with Basil Pesto

Fresh, colorful, and ready in minutes, this tomato cucumber avocado salad is tossed with creamy mozzarella pearls and a simple basil pesto dressing. It’s an easy Mediterranean-inspired side dish that’s perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, potlucks, meal prep, or serving alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish.

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A fresh tomato cucumber avocado salad made with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, mozzarella pearls, red onion, and basil pesto dressing in a large serving bowl.

Cantaloupe & Cucumber Salad with Ricotta Salata

Sweet cantaloupe, crisp cucumber, creamy ricotta salata, fresh herbs, and toasted Marcona almonds come together in this elegant summer salad. Finished with a bright lime vinaigrette, sumac, and Aleppo pepper, it’s a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired recipe perfect for dinner parties, brunch, or warm-weather entertaining.

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Cantaloupe & Cucumber Salad with Ricotta Salata Cantaloupe & Cucumber Salad with Ricotta Salata To say I was excited to return home to my kitchen to create a dish exclusively inspired by Italy would be a vast understatement. So simple in their execution, so vibrant in their flavors, and always with the finest and fewest high quality ingredients — this was my take away with all the food I savored over. And with that I created this dish — summer cantaloupe, crunchy cucumber, and Lucini premium select olive oil are the stars here. Where sweet fruit flavors unite with crisp veg, and all is unified with the bright green and peppery finish of the organic extra virgin olive oil. I urge you to marry your flavors with simplicity and attention — not all olive oils are created equal, the right one can make a dish sing. You can (and should) highlight various flavors with the addition of a hand crafted olive oil. The almond finish in the Lucini oil directed me to use Marcona almonds for added texture and some Mediterranean spice — making the sum greater that it’s parts! This is my love letter to Italy — a savory salad I’ll be making all summer long. Cantaloupe & Cucumber Salad with Ricotta Salata Athena Calderone Ingredients 1/2 cantaloupe — seeded, rind removed, sliced into 1/4” half moon slices 4 Persian cucumbers — cut into cubed wedges on the bias 1/4 red onion — sliced thin on mandolin 1 Serrano chili — sliced thin on mandolin 2 limes, zested and juiced 1 teaspoon champagne vinegar 1 teaspoon honey 1/3 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzle 1/2 cup marcona almonds — toasted 1/2 teaspoon sumac, plus more for finishing 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper Ricotta salata — shaved thin with vegetable peeler Fresh herbs — basil, mint, cilantro Flaky sea salt Fresh pepper Method Salad: Build this salad on the plate, from the bottom up. Begin with the cantaloupe half moons and layer cucumbers, red onion, and chili rounds atop. Vinaigrette: In a medium bowl combine juice from two limes and zest from one with vinegar and honey. Slowly stream in olive oil. Season with flaky salt. Spiced Marcona: In a mortar and pestle combine almonds, sumac, and Aleppo. Smack together to a chunky consistency. Add a drizzle of olive oil, combine. To Finish: Drizzle salad with vinaigrette dressing. Finish with a sprinkle of spiced nut mixture, shaved ricotta salata, torn herbs, a sprinkle of sumac, lime zest, salt, and pepper.

Fiesta Avocado Corn Salad

This Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad is packed with sweet charred corn, creamy avocado, fresh herbs, jalapeño, crunchy pepitas, and Cotija cheese tossed in a creamy lime-inspired dressing. It’s the perfect summer side dish for BBQs, taco nights, potlucks, and backyard cookouts.

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A colorful corn and avocado salad made with charred and fresh sweet corn, avocado, jalapeño, shallots, fresh basil, mint, pumpkin seeds, Cotija cheese, and a creamy herb dressing on a serving platter.

Strawberry Burrata Salad with Serrano Peppers

Sweet strawberries, creamy burrata, fresh herbs, pickled shallots, pistachios, and a hint of serrano pepper create a fresh summer salad that’s equal parts sweet, spicy, and elegant. Perfect for brunch, dinner parties, date nights, or warm-weather entertaining.

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A strawberry burrata salad topped with fresh strawberries, pickled shallots, serrano peppers, pistachios, dill, and edible flowers, served over thin lemon and lime slices with a sweet and spicy citrus dressing.

Greek Chickpea Salad

This Greek Chickpea Salad is fresh, colorful, and packed with Mediterranean flavor. Made with chickpeas, crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, bell pepper, feta, and a bright lemon herb dressing, it’s an easy make-ahead lunch, healthy side dish, or potluck favorite.

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Greek chickpea salad made with chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, fresh parsley, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon herb dressing in a serving bowl.

Grilled Flank Steak with Burrata & Pesto

Juicy grilled flank steak is topped with creamy burrata, charred sweet corn, and vibrant homemade arugula pesto for an unforgettable summer dinner. This easy steak recipe is perfect for cookouts, date nights, or entertaining guests.

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Grilled flank steak sliced and served with creamy burrata, charred corn, fresh basil, and homemade arugula pesto on a serving platter for an easy summer dinner.

Superfood Salad

This Superfood Salad is loaded with kale, spinach, quinoa, broccoli, pomegranate, crisp apples, and crunchy almonds, then tossed in a sweet and tangy maple Dijon dressing. A healthy, colorful salad that’s perfect for meal prep, lunches, or an easy light dinner.

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Superfood salad made with kale, spinach, quinoa, broccoli, bell peppers, green apple, pomegranate seeds, almonds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds, drizzled with a homemade maple Dijon dressing.

Mediterranean Bean Salad

This Mediterranean Bean Salad is fresh, hearty, and full of bright lemon herb flavor. Made with kidney beans, chickpeas, crisp cucumber, red onion, celery, and fresh herbs, it’s an easy make-ahead side dish that’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, BBQs, and healthy lunches.

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Mediterranean bean salad made with kidney beans, chickpeas, cucumber, celery, red onion, parsley, and fresh herbs tossed in a zesty lemon garlic dressing.

Pesto Caesar Salad with Castelvetrano Olives

Give classic Caesar salad a fresh twist with this Pesto Caesar Salad. Crisp romaine, shredded rotisserie chicken, Parmesan, buttery Castelvetrano olives, crunchy croutons, and a creamy pesto Caesar dressing make this easy dinner salad perfect for busy weeknights or summer lunches.

Never tried Castelvetrano olives? These mild, buttery green olives have a rich, slightly sweet flavor that’s much less briny than traditional green olives. You can usually find them at most grocery stores or order them on Amazon.

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Pesto Caesar salad made with crisp romaine lettuce, shredded rotisserie chicken, Castelvetrano olives, Parmesan cheese, crunchy croutons, and creamy homemade pesto Caesar dressing.

Chicken Tzatziki Avocado Salad

This Chicken Tzatziki Salad is packed with juicy spiced chicken, crisp greens, creamy avocado, feta, cucumbers, fresh herbs, and tangy tzatziki. Finished with a creamy tahini dressing, it’s a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

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Mediterranean chicken tzatziki salad made with seasoned roasted chicken, avocado, cucumbers, feta cheese, kale, romaine, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, tzatziki sauce, and tahini dressing.

Fresh, colorful, and easy to make, these summer salad recipes prove that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, packing lunches, or looking for a light dinner on a hot day, there’s a salad here for every occasion.

Which summer salad are you excited to try first? Let me know in the comments below!

More great summer recipes:

12 Fruity Summer Salads for Quick & Easy Meals

16 Amazingly Decadent Nice Cream Recipes

30 Fresh & Flavorful Summer Pizza Recipes

40 Best Veggie Burger Recipes Even Meat Eaters Will Love

July 13, 2026

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