The BEST summer salads around – here are over 100+ recipes to make for any summer party or get-together you’ll be having this summer…
Ahhh, summer salads!
Nothing makes me happier than BBQing with the hubs and fixing up an incredible side dish to go along with whatever we’re cooking!
My husband usually takes care of the protein part of our meal, and grills chicken or hamburgers, while I figure out a refreshing side dish to go along with whatever he’s grilling up.
I’ll be completely honest with you, though…
Sometimes my mind goes blank and I have to hit Pinterest to find a new recipe that looks or sounds good enough to accompany my Grill Master’s meal ;).
If you’ve been searching for summer salad recipes that are delicious and refreshing, I’ve found over 100 swoon-worthy BEST SUMMER SALADS that are perfect for any small family dinner, potluck, family get-together, or backyard BBQ!
These recipes are super easy to make, are DELICIOUS, and are sure to rock the socks off anyone you invite over.
Whether you’re looking for low-carb options, meatless summer salads, or summer salads that are actually salads, I’ve got you covered with these recipes!
Just click on the picture or the link to be taken to the recipe.
Your mouth will water.
Your tummy will grumble.
You have been warned…
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Strawberry Pecan Chicken Salad With Green Tea Citrus Vinaigrette
This salad is delicious and refreshing, with strawberries, pecans, chicken, and a homemade green tea citrus vinaigrette! Learn how to make it HERE…
Pressure Cooker Pasta, Cheese, and Peas Salad
Grab your pressure cooker!
This easy pasta salad is the perfect addition to any BBQ with pasta, cheese, and peas!
Angel Hair Pasta Salad
Angel hair lovers unite with this delicious AngelHair Pasta Salad! Learn how to make it HERE…
Summer Salad With Chocolate Balsamic Vinaigrette
Did somebody say CHOCOLATE balsamic vinaigrette?! Yum!
This summer salad is full of flavor and surprises…
Caesar Pasta Salad
Perfect for a hot summer day, this refreshing Caesar Pasta Salad is delicious and super easy to throw together!
Corn Salad
Corn Salad?! Yes, please!
Make this delicious summer salad with fresh or frozen corn…
Greek Spiralized Cucumber Salad
With freshly made cucumber spiralized noodles, this yummy greek summer salad is perfect for hot summer days.
Loaded Potato Salad (Low Carb)
Need a low carb option for your BBQ side dishes, and don’t want to skimp on flavor?
Try this mock keto Loaded Potato Salad!
Grilled Halloumi and Avocado Salad
This summer salad looks FAB, doesn’t it? I’ve never tried Halloumi cheese before, but it sounds incredible.
Try making this yummy Grilled Halloumi and Avocado salad HERE…
Red White & Blue Fresh Berry Cheesecake Salad
Berries + cheesecake = AMAZING SIDE DISH!
This easy and delicious summer salad is sure to win your guests over – get the recipe HERE!
Avocado Pasta Salad
Avocado lovers unite with this refreshing summer salad.
With corn, spinach, avocado, pasta, and tomatoes, it would be perfectly paired with anything you cook on the grill this summer.
Cucumber Mint & Watermelon Summer Salad
I had SO much fun putting together this yummy cucumber mint & watermelon salad – although I’ll admit that my husband gave me plenty of inspiration.
With feta cheese, watermelon, cucumbers, mint, and berries, this summer salad is full of flavor and surprises!
Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad
Have some leftover ramen packets?
Make a delicious summer salad with them, and some fresh ingredients like carrots, cabbage, green onions, and a few other simple add-ins!
Token Kale Salad
Need something super healthy and vegan to balance out your backyard BBQ this summer?
Try this Token Kale Salad with dinosaur kale, veggies, pesto, and cashews!
Oriental Asian Cabbage Salad
This is seriously one of my personal favorites at family get-togethers.
My sister-in-law makes a similar recipe (although she isn’t keen on sharing it) – but I highly recommend you try this simple Oriental Asian Cabbage Salad recipe…
Chickpea Salad
Chickpea salad is full of flavor, and packed with protein!
Instant Pot Macaroni Salad
If you have an Instant pot, try making this Macaroni Salad Recipe!
Tuna Salad Nicoise
Easy to make and packed full of flavor, this Tuna Salad Nicoise is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Another Instant Pot fave – make your own Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad in about 10 minutes!
Asian Cucumber Salad
Refreshing cucumber on a hot day? Yes, please! Try this yummy Asian Cucumber Salad to help you cool off in the summer heat!
Cajun Shrimp Salad
Anyone else love a great and refreshing shrimp salad?! This Cajun Shrimp Salad is the perfect dish to bring to any summer get-together…
Avocado Chicken Salad (Low Carb)
This fun twist on chicken salad has me so excited – try adding some avocado with this Avocado Chicken Salad recipe!
Fiesta Quinoa Salad
This Fiesta Quinoa Salad is so colorful and fun – find the recipe HERE.
Fingerling Potato Salad With Green Olives
Mix up your usual potato salad at your next summy family get-together with this fun recipe with green olives, fingerling potatoes, mayo, white wine vinegar, and a few other yummy ingredients!
Bean Salad Cowboy Caviar
I just love the name for this summer salad – Bean Salad Cowboy Caviar! Packed with veggies and served with chips, this is sure to be an instant favorite among your party guests this summer!
Watermelon Cucumber & Jicama Salad With Coconut Lime Dressing
Perfect and refreshing on a hot summer day, this Watermelon Cucumber Salad recipe is nothing short of juicy and flavorful!
Buffalo Chicken Wedge Salad
Easily whip up this Buffalo Chicken Wedge Salad in minutes with this simple and delicious recipe!
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Put this yummy Strawberry Spinach summer salad together in just ten minutes! With a homemade red wine vinaigrette, you’ll be making this yummy salad all summer long 🙂
Israeli Couscous Salad
This yummy Israeli couscous salad, with Mediterranean flavors and simple ingredients, is sure to become a favorite among your party guests!
Kale Slaw With Creamy Lemon Garlic Dressing
Homemade kale slaw that you just have to try! Made with homemade creamy lemon garlic dressing, this recipe will change the way you view traditional coleslaw and add a bright and nutritious dish to your next backyard BBQ.
Broccoli Lemon Pasta Salad
Looking for a yummy summer salad without the mayo? This refreshing Broccoli Lemon Pasta Salad is super easy to make, and pairs easily with just about any other dish you want to serve this summer!
Grilled Steak Salad With Feta & Clamato Dressing
Perfect for dinner on the patio this summer, this delicious Grilled Steak Salad With Feta & Clamato Dressing will fill you up while still wanting more!
Peach Slaw
This Peach Slaw is the PERFECT side dish to serve alongside any dish – it’s refreshing, sweet, and spicy! Serve it alongside burgers, baked beans, or pulled pork!
Mint Lentil Salad
Nutritious and delicious, this Mint Lentil Salad will have your guests wanting more! It’s also the perfect dish to serve if you have family members that are vegetarian, as it features plenty of plant-based protein.
Cucumber Avocado Salad
Calling all avocado-lovers! This yummy Cucumber Avocado Salad is PACKED with avocados (there’s even avocado blended into the dressing!), and can either be served cool or a little spicy depending on your taste buds.
Colorful Rainbow Salad With Pomegranate Vinaigrette Dressing
With a delicious pomegranate dressing, this refreshing Colorful Rainbow Salad features a plethora of fruits and veggies all in one dish!
Pizza Salad + Homemade Tomato Basil Dressing
Turn your kids’ favorite dish (PIZZA) into a refreshing summer salad with this Pizza Salad + Homemade Tomato Basil Dressing recipe!
BLT Coleslaw Salad
Ready in just FIVE minutes, this incredible BLT Coleslaw Salad combines the flavors of your favorite coleslaw and bacon! Serve immediately, or chill before serving for a cool summer side dish at your next family get-together.
Greek Pasta Salad
This Greek Pasta Salad is cool, refreshing, and super easy to make! Bring it to your next potluck or serve it alongside your main dish during your next get-together with family and friends.
Easy Mexican Layered Salad
Bursting with color, flavors, and simple ingredients, this Mexican Layer Salad is both SUPER delicious and SUPER easy to whip up!
Quinoa Asparagus Salad
Have you ever seen a more colorful salad?!
Packed with tons of plant-based protein, this is the perfect summer salad to serve alongside a meat dish/main course, or to have as an option for vegetarian or vegan guests this summer!
Grilled Kale Salad With Strawberries
Make this healthy Grilled Kale Salad With Strawberries and homemade dressing in a matter of minutes!
Grilled Peach Salad With Burrata & Lime Vinaigrette
Not your typical fruit salad, this Grilled Peach Fruit Salad with Burrata and Lime Vinaigrette will have your summer party guests begging for me – or get you a few extra invites to pot lucks this summer!
Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
There’s just something refreshing and zen about the combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese, isn’t there?! Serve this swoon-worthy Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad during your next family get-together as a refreshing side dish that’s packed with both color and flavor…
Cabbage Fennel & Apple Slaw
Another take on slaw, this delicious and refreshing Cabbage Fennel Apple Slaw with orange and hazelnut is full of flavor and can be served either on its own for a lighter dish, or as a side dish next to your favorite protein!
Summer Fruit Salad
Easy and nutritious, this Summer Fruit Salad combines fresh fruit and juices for a yummy summer treat. Whip this dish up and bring it to your next picnic, pot luck, or friendly get-together.
Bacon Cheddar Potato Salad
Have a backyard BBQ coming up and need the PERFECT side dish to bring? Try this delicious Bacon Cheddar Potato Salad!
Tuna and Pea Salad
Looking for something totally unique and offbeat as a side dish? Delicious with a little crunch, this Tuna Pea Salad is sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next family get-together!
Grilled Potato Salad With Onions & Mustard Vinaigrette
Yummy, colorful, and easy to make, this 8-ingredients Grilled Potato Salad With Onions and Mustard Vinaigrette is sure to be a crowd pleaser for family, friends, coworkers, and your jealous Aunt Deb ;).
Carrot Salad
This Carrot Salad is full of surprises – with homemade dressing ingredients that will blow your socks off! Super easy to make and delicious, it makes the perfect summer salad side dish for just about any event.
Broccoli Egg Salad With Corn And Honey Mustard Dressing
My husband is a HUGE fan of egg with a slighty runny yolk, and this salad has just that! With eggs, broccoli, corn, and a homemade honey mustard dressing, this salad is sure to please family and friends!
Pomegranate Pear Salad with Cherry Lime Dressing
With grilled chicken, pears, pomegranate seeds, and a homemade cherry lime dressing, this summer salad is easy to make and super delicious!
Red White & Blue Potato Salad
Not just for the 4th of July (but very fitting!), this Red White and Blue Potato Salad is perfect for summer!
Squash Cucumber Tomato Garden Salad
Perfect for a hot summer day alongside your favorite protein, try this Squash Cucumber Tomato Garden Salad!
Grilled Corn Salad
Hello, yummy vegetable dish! This Grilled Corn Salad is the stuff of life with its colors, flavors, and crunch!
Hawaiian Pasta Salad
Even if you’ve never been to Hawaii, you can bring a little bit of the tropics to your next backyard shindig with this delicious Hawaiian Pasta Salad, made with ham, pasta, pineapples, and peppers. Serve it cold for the best taste!
Wild Rice Asparagus Salad
Packed with vitamins, nutrients, and protein, this Wild Rice Asparagus Salad will have your guests begging for more!
Big Mac Salad (Low Carb)
Any Big Mac fans out there? You’ve got to try this low carb Big Mac Hamburger Salad, which pays homage to the popular burger almost everyone loves.
Beet Orange Salad With Coconut
Looking for a refreshing side dish with flavor? Try this delicious Beet-Orange Salad with Coconut!
Caprese Salad
Refreshing and perfect for summer, try this yummy Caprese Salad for your next party or event!
Edamame Salad With Cilantro Lime Dressing
Colorful and full of both crunch and flavor, this bright Edamame Salad with homemade Cilantro Lime Dressing is the perfect side dish to just about any meal plan you put together this summer.
Creamy Grapes Cheesecake Salad
Grapes and cheesecake?! If you haven’t tried this delicious summer salad with its unique combination of grapes, cheesecake batter, and crushed pecans, you’re seriously missing out!
*Always be careful when serving dishes with whole grapes to children – be sure to consider slicing the grapes longways into thin slices if children will be eating this dish.
Italian Farro Salad
Perfect for eating outdoors, this yummy Italian Farro Salad combines tomatoes, herbs, and a zingy vinaigrette that is to die for!
Simple Pea Salad
Combine cheese, peas, onions, and a homemade summer salad dressing to make this Simple Pea Salad that your guests are sure to love and sneak seconds!
Sweet Broccoli Apple Pasta Salad
Combining raisins, honey crisp apples, broccoli, carrots, and pasta never tasted so good! Try this yummy Broccoli Apple Pasta Salad for the perfect side dish to any backyard BBQ protein you’re cooking up on the grill this summer.
Greek Panzanella Salad
This yummy Greek Panzanella Salad is a real crowd pleaser and is full of delicious Mediterranean flavors and colors.
Lemon Poppy Seed Waldorf Chicken Salad
A delicious twist on your traditional chicken salad, this yummy Lemon Poppy Seed Waldorf Chicken Salad combines the flavors of lemons, apples, dijon mustard, and rotisserie chicken to make an amazing side dish or lunch recipe!
Chinese Chicken Salad
Another delicious take on traditional chicken salad, this Chinese Chicken Salad packs in flavors from mandarin oranges, chow mein noodles, chicken, onions, almonds, and a simple homemade vinaigrette dressing.
Summer Berry Salad
Sure to be the hit at any summer party you’ll be bringing it to, this delicious Summer Berry Salad is made up of berries, mixed greens, caramelized pecans, and soft goat cheese – YUM!
German Potato Salad
Serve this flavorful German Potato Salad warm or cold as it’s free of mayo and super delicious!
Keto Moroccan Carrot Salad
Delicious and keto-friendly, this Moroccan Carrot Salad is full of spices and flavor that go well with just about any main dish you’ll be serving this summer.
Georgian Salad With Creamy Walnut Dressing
This yummy summer salad is packed with fresh veggies and flavor! Learn how to make this Georgian Salad with a homemade creamy walnut dressing!
Also, it’s Whole30, paleo, low-carb, and vegan-friendly!
Greek Tortellini Salad
This greek salad is full of color, flavor, and veggies! Made with a homemade sweet Vidalia onion dressing, this Greek Tortellini Salad makes an incredible side dish or make-ahead lunch idea!
Taco Salad With Doritos
Taco Salad with DORITOS?! Yes, please! This yummy summer salad combines all your favorite parts of a taco salad with one of your favorite chips to make an incredibly delicious dish!
Feel free to throw in extra veggies if you desire for a more colorful or crunchy salad ;).
Strawberry Chicken Salad
This easy summer salad combines strawberry, mixed greens, shredded rotisserie chicken, walnuts, goat cheese, and a homemade maple balsamic vinaigrette – learn how to make it HERE!
Crunchy Spicy Rainbow Slaw
This healthy slaw is crunchy, spicy, and healthy! Easily combine fresh ingredients to create this incredible Rainbow Slaw for your next get-together!
Pasta Salad With Creamy Mint Yogurt Sauce
If you’re a huge fan of pasta salad but are looking for a healthier alternative to the traditional Italian dressing that accompanies it, this is the summer salad to try! Made with a creamy mint yogurt sauce, this pasta salad is refreshing and delicious on a hot summer day!
Pomegranate Fruit Salad
Fruit salad in hollowed-out orange on wooden table.
I can see this delicious Pomegranate Fruit Salad recipe being served anywhere from a backyard BBQ with family and friends to an afternoon baby shower – it has a gorgeous presentation, and tastes incredible!
Watermelon Arugula Salad (paleo)
Healthy and refreshing, this Watermelon Arugula Salad is perfect for summer!
Shrimp & Avocado Taco Salad
This summer salad is so colorful! Try making this Shrimp & Avocado Taco Salad, packed with yummy shrimp, veggies, and a homemade red wine vinaigrette that will have you craving taco salad all summer long!
Yellow Squash And Farro Salad
A yummy Mediterranean dish, this Yellow Squash and Farro Salad is perfect on a hot summer day!
Strawberry Apple Rhubarb Summer Salad
Packed with fresh, sweet ingredients, this Strawberry Apple Rhubarb Summer Salad with homemade strawberry salad is sure to be a favorite among all your summer party guests!
Avocado Black Bean Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
This Avocado Black Bean Corn Salad is super easy to make, colorful, and tastes amazing! Learn to make it HERE, along with a homemade cilantro lime dressing.
Spicy Cucumber Tomato and Water Chestnut Salad
Crunchy, spicy, and super healthy, this Spicy Cucumber Tomato and Water Chestnut Salad is a must try this summer!
Beet And Carrot Raw Slaw Salad
Dwight Schrute would be proud of this colorful summer salad, I’m sure! Try this crunchy Beet and Carrot Raw Slaw that’s full of flavor, crunch, and features raw beets!
Pierogi Potato Salad
Who else loves pierogis?! Try this delicious Pierogi Potato Salad for a unique twist on a traditional potato salad with tons of flavor!
German Cucumber Salad (Gurkensalat)
Super easy to make and refreshing on a hot summer day, this German Cucumber Salad is the perfect addition to your summer BBQ side dishes or to bring as a healthier option to your next pot luck with friends and family!
Shopska Salad with Feta Cheese
This colorful salad is full of veggies and flavor – it’s another must-try this summer! Learn to make this Shopska Salad HERE (there’s even a neat time-lapse video that shows you how!).
Creamy Cauliflower Salad
Made with a creamy herb sauce, this Creamy Cauliflower Salad is both colorful and crunchy! Gather your summer garden produce to make this delicious summer salad recipe.
Warm White Bean Salad With Tomato, Prosciutto, & Baby Mozzarella
Easy to make and super tasty, this Warm White Bean Salad, featuring sweet cherry tomatoes, arugula, prosciutto, and baby mozzarella balls, is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
Broccoli Salad
Fresh veggies, bacon, and a light summer salad sauce make up this delicious Broccoli Salad! Learn to make it HERE.
Easy Caprese Pasta Summer Salad
Cold and refreshing, this Caprese Summer Pasta Salad will leave friends and family wanting more!
Peach And Tomato Panzanella Salad
Packed with sweet peaches, flavor, and crusty bread, this delicious Peach and Tomato Panzanella Salad is sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next family get-together!
Creamy Bowtie Pasta Salad
Try this delicious Creamy Bowtie Pasta Salad with bow tie pasta, veggies, cheese, and creamy dressing!
Tropical Honey & Mint Pineapple Fruit Salad
What’s better than a delicious fruit salad on a hot summer day? A fruit salad in a pineapple! Make this yummy Tropical Honey & Mint Pineapple Fruit Salad for a perfect summer treat!
Peach, Plum, & Cherry Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette
A perfect side to any patio dinner you’ll be serving to family or friends this summer, this delicious Peach, Plum, and Cherry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a must-try recipe that will impress the dress off your MIL ;).
Red Cabbage Salad with Bacon
If you’re a fan of cabbage, then this is the summer salad for you! Paired with bacon, feta, walnuts, and aged balsamic vinaigrette, this Bacon Cabbage Salad is sure to please!
Southwestern Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
This delicious Southwestern Chicken Salad Recipe with homemade cilantro lime dressing is sure to make your mouth water and your family and friends begging for seconds!
Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Colorful and crunchy – two of our favorite things when it comes to summer salads ;). Find the recipe to this incredible Pineapple Cucumber Salad HERE for a refreshing side dish to any backyard BBQ or potluck you’ll be attending this summer.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is both cold and delicious side dish (or main course!) that goes along with just about any family or friendly event or get-together you’ll be having this summer!
Mango Cashew Salad with Honey Yogurt Dressing
A unique combination, this Mango Cashew Salad with homemade honey yogurt dressing is refreshing, colorful, and goes along perfectly as a side salad or dish! Serve it alongside pulled pork sandwiches or grilled chicken on a hot summer day.
Vegan Apple Broccoli Salad
Balance out your summer grilling with this delicious Vegan Apple Broccoli Salad, with plenty of flavor and crunch! There’s even a video that shows you how to easily make this yummy summer salad!
I hope you enjoyed this post, be sure to PIN IT so you have these recipes to reference whenever you need them, or share it with a friend you know could use the information!
*Post originally published July 2019, updated Feb 2020.