Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, light salads that are easy to prepare and full of flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a variety of simple salads that are perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick lunch. Here are 21 refreshing salad ideas that will keep you cool and satisfied all season long.
Caprese Salad with Spinach & Cashews

This caprese salad is simple to make and hearty enough to serve as a main dish. It's perfect for a warm summer evening when you want something fresh and satisfying.
Larb Gai
This Thai chicken salad is a healthy option you'll want to prepare regularly. It features a flavorful base and is topped with crunchy peanuts.
French Potato Salad
This easy potato salad is a great summer dish that skips the mayo, eggs, and dairy. Instead, it uses a creamy Dijon mustard dressing, making it vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for warm days.
Tuna Pasta Salad
This tasty tuna and pasta dish is perfect for a family meal. It's easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.
Cucumber Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is simple to make and features a creamy vegan dressing that blends flavors of Ranch and tzatziki. With fresh cucumbers, red onions, and lots of chopped dill, it’s a great addition to any summer barbecue.
Spicy Watermelon Salad
This watermelon salad with Feta cheese is brightened up with a splash of lemon chili oil, layered beautifully, and packed with fresh mint. It's a refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad
This salad is packed with fresh asparagus, salmon, hard-boiled eggs, and pasta, all mixed in a creamy lemon dill dressing. It's simple to prepare and perfect for enjoying during the warmer months.
Caulislaw - Raw Cauliflower Salad
This Caulislaw combines cauliflower, carrots, and red onions in a tasty mayonnaise dressing. It's a great side for barbecues or a crunchy topping for burgers, and it's quick, healthy, and low in carbs.
Avocado Mango Salad
This salad is perfect alongside salmon tacos and pairs well with just about any grilled meat. It's a refreshing addition to summer meals.
Grilled Halloumi & Peaches
This salad is a fresh and healthy option for warm weather meals. Grilled Halloumi cheese pairs perfectly with sweet charred peaches, arugula, spicy jalapeños, and a honey lemon dressing, making it a great choice for lunch, dinner, or brunch.
Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies
This red pesto pasta is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes with only 15 minutes of hands-on time. It's loaded with veggies and flavor, and you can enjoy it hot or cold, whether you use homemade or store-bought pesto.
Blue Cheese Coleslaw
Blue Cheese Coleslaw is a quick and easy side dish that you can whip up in under 15 minutes. Packed with blue cheese flavor and balanced seasoning, it’s sure to be a hit alongside steak, barbecue, or buffalo dishes.
White Bean Panzanella
This Italian-style salad features fresh, juicy tomatoes mixed with white beans and crunchy toasted bread. It's all brought together with a flavorful tomato and white bean dressing.
Mediterranean Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Tomato
Finding meals that are healthy, refreshing, and tasty is always a win. This easy summer salad checks all those boxes and is simple to prepare.
Sweetheart Cabbage Salad with Gyoza Chickpeas
This sweetheart cabbage salad comes together in just 15 minutes and is perfect for anyone who thinks they don’t like salads. Packed with spinach, crunchy cabbage, and tasty chickpeas, it’s topped with Parmesan cheese for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Arugula Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
This salad combines sweet, salty, and tangy flavors that go well with any protein. It's a great side dish for grilled salmon or steak.
Shopska Salad
In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a delicious and cheesy salad. The Shopska salad is packed with vibrant vegetables, a light vinaigrette, and topped with shredded Feta cheese, making it a perfect appetizer, side dish, or even a meal with some bread.
Antipasti Pasta Salad
This salad is a great side dish for any meal. It's quick to prepare and packed with salami, pepperoni, grape tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, making it a satisfying choice for gatherings or summer cookouts.
Watermelon Caprese Salad
This watermelon and basil salad is super easy to make and packed with flavor from a homemade balsamic glaze. With juicy watermelon, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a simple balsamic reduction, it’s a refreshing dish perfect for summer.
Italian Pasta Salad
This Italian pasta salad is packed with fresh veggies, mozzarella balls, and salami, all tossed together with a tasty homemade dressing. It's a great dish for summer gatherings or a light meal.
Ranch Coleslaw
This ranch coleslaw comes together in just 15 minutes and is perfect for your next barbecue. Using store-bought mayonnaise and ranch dressing, it's super easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
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