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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    19 Easy Summer Salads That Are Perfect for Hot Days

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 13, 2025, updated August 12, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh and light salads that keep you cool and satisfied. With a variety of colorful ingredients, these 19 easy salad recipes are not only refreshing but also simple to prepare. Whether you're looking for something fruity, veggie-packed, or protein-rich, there's a salad here for every hot day.

    Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl

    Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl.
    Photo credit: Fresh Apron.

    This chicken quinoa bowl is a quick and easy dinner choice for busy weeknights. Loaded with fresh summer ingredients, it comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you want something healthy without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Arugula Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette

    Arugula salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled foods, especially steak, thanks to its blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. It's a refreshing addition to any summer meal, bringing a burst of taste that complements the smoky notes of the grill. Enjoy it as a side dish or even on its own for a light and satisfying option.

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    Roasted Sweet Potato & Feta Cheese Salad

    A plate of sweet potato salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Sweet potato salad is a great option for a healthy meal, whether you prefer it warm or cold. It's filling and still tastes good the next day, making it a convenient choice for lunch or dinner.

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    Grilled Halloumi & Peaches

    Grilled halloumi and peaches.
    Photo credit: Coley Cooks.

    This summer salad is a fresh and healthy option that everyone will enjoy. It features grilled Halloumi cheese, charred peaches, arugula, jalapeños, and a honey lemon vinaigrette, bringing together a great mix of flavors. It's perfect for any meal, whether it's lunch or dinner.

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    White Bean Panzanella

    White Bean Panzanella
    Photo credit: J Cooking Odyssey.

    This salad is great for warm weather. It features fresh tomatoes, white beans, and crispy toasted bread, all brought together with a tasty dressing that highlights the flavors of the tomatoes and beans. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that captures the essence of summer.

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    Sweetheart Cabbage Salad with Gyoza Chickpeas

    sweetheart cabbage salad.

    With just 15 minutes of active cooking you can make this delicious salad that's sure to win over any salad hater. Spinach, sweetheart cabbage and the most flavorful chickpeas are topped with a good amount of Parmesan cheese to turn this salad into a feast - healthy, delicious and easy to make.

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    Larb Gai

    Larb gai.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Thai chicken salad is a fresh and delicious option for a meal. It features a tasty mix of ingredients and is topped with crunchy peanuts, making it a dish you'll want to enjoy regularly.

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    Spicy Southwest Salad

    Spicy Southwest Salad.
    Photo credit: The Oregon Dietitian.

    This chicken salad is a real winner. It's marinated in honey, lime juice, and spices, then grilled to perfection and served on a bed of fresh lettuce, avocado, and veggies, topped off with a zesty ranch dressing. It's a refreshing and satisfying meal that's perfect for warm days.

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    Kale Wild Rice Salad

    Kale Wild Rice Salad.
    Photo credit: Through The Fibro Fog.

    This rice salad combines fresh fruits and vegetables with wild rice, making it a great choice for a light lunch or a side dish. It's easy to prepare and full of flavor, especially with the zesty ginger dressing that adds a nice kick.

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    Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

    Pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Nutmeg and Vinegar.

    Chicken pesto pasta salad is a fantastic dish for summer. It's simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a BBQ or any outdoor gathering.

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    Green Mango & Seafood Salad

    Green Mango & Seafood Salad.
    Photo credit: Delightful Plate.

    Vietnamese Green Mango Salad with Seafood is a refreshing dish that brings together a variety of flavors and textures. It's simple to whip up, making it a perfect option for a light and satisfying meal. This salad is not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy fresh ingredients during the summer.

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    Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad

    SALMON ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD.
    Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

    This salad is packed with fresh asparagus, salmon (canned or fresh), hard-boiled eggs, and pasta, all mixed together in a creamy lemon dill dressing. It's a tasty and simple dish that’s perfect for warm weather. This is a great option for spring and summer meals.

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    Black Lentil Salad with Feta

    Black Lentil Salad with Feta.
    Photo credit: Evergreen Kitchen.

    This salad is full of flavor and really simple to prepare. It's a great source of protein and works well for meal prep, featuring lentils, feta cheese, fresh veggies, and a delicious vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish, it brings together healthy ingredients in a satisfying way.

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    Strawberry Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

    Strawberry Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Naturallie Plant Based.

    This vegan pasta salad is a refreshing mix of juicy strawberries, marinated balsamic tofu, fresh spinach, basil, and creamy feta cheese. It's a great choice for summer gatherings, picnics, or even a simple weeknight meal. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout dish that everyone will love.

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    Salpicón

    Salpicón.
    Photo credit: Dish 'n' the Kitchen.

    Salpicón is a tasty shredded beef salad packed with Mexican flavors, ideal for warm days. Using an Instant Pot helps cook the beef quickly, so you can enjoy a satisfying meal without heating up the kitchen too much. This dish is refreshing and full of vibrant ingredients, making it a great choice for summer.

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    Caprese Salad with Spinach & Cashews

    Caprese salad with cashews.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A caprese salad is a fresh and easy choice for a hearty dinner. With its combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, it brings a taste of summer to your table. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also offers a delightful mix of flavors that everyone will enjoy.

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    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Red pesto pasta is a simple and delicious meal packed with vegetables and flavor. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, and you can use either homemade or store-bought pesto. Enjoy it warm or chilled, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

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    Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad

    Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad.
    Photo credit: Delightful Plate.

    This Vietnamese beef salad is packed with fresh herbs, flavorful beef, and a tangy lime fish sauce dressing. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick meal. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it brings a refreshing twist to your summer dining.

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    Southwest Salad with Honey Chipotle Chicken

    Southwest Salad with Honey Chipotle Chicken.
    Photo credit: Big Delicious Life.

    This salad features a hearty mix of black beans, corn, avocado, and tasty honey chipotle chicken, all drizzled with a bright cilantro lime dressing. It's a filling salad that brings together fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making it a great choice for a main dish. Plus, it's easy to whip up, perfect for a quick meal.

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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