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This collection of summer salad recipes features all of the best savory salads, sweet salads, pasta salads, and dressings to enjoy all summer!

More Collections: Summer Recipes, Summer Desserts, Summer Dinner Ideas

A collage of summer salad recipes.

Summer Salads to Love!

I always love a good salad, but especially in the summertime when produce is fresh and in season, I tend to REALLY crave a refreshing salad.

Serve these summer salad recipes as a main dish or a side, at brunch or barbecues! We have a recipe for every occasion.

Why we love summer salads:

  • Feast for the eyes. The colors of summer and spring salad recipes are as beautiful as they are tasty.
  • Homemade dressings. Easily change up the flavor of a salad simply by using a different homemade salad dressing from creamy dressings to vinaigrette recipes.
  • Time-saving. Many of the recipes are quick and easy to prepare and several can be made ahead of time!

Seasonal Produce

In-season produce is cost-effective and gives the freshest best-tasting fruits and veggies for your best summer salad recipes.

Summer fruit:

  • apples, apricots, avocado, cantaloupe, cherries, figs, grapes, limes, mangos, nectarine, peach, pear, plums, cherry tomatoes, and watermelon
  • blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries

Summer vegetables:

  • bell pepper, beets, carrots, sweet corn off the cob, cucumbers, garlic, green beans, red onion, peas, radishes, and zucchini
  • chard, collard, romaine lettuce, or spinach
  • herbs such as fresh basil, rosemary, dill, parsley, mint
Chicken pasta salad in a white bowl, a summer salad recipe.

Salad Tips

  • Add protein. Make a hearty and filling salad by including protein such as beans, Easy Peel Hard Boiled Eggs, Bacon, shrimp, Chicken Tenders, Honey Glazed Ham, beef, or Easy Baked Salmon. Feta cheese, goat’s cheese, mozzarella, and cotija are also great options.
  • Crunch. Toss in some Homemade Croutons, pine nuts, Candied Pecans, or Roasted Chickpeas.
  • Transporting. Keep your salad in a cold cooler while you travel. This ensures it stays cold until you’re ready to serve it.
  • When serving, only set out as much as can be eaten within 30 minutes. Refill the salad bowl as needed. 
    • Setting platters and bowls on a tray of ice will help keep them cool while sitting out.

Best Summer Salads

From classic Quick Caprese Salad to watermelon salad, we have our favorite summer sides! Try any of these classic summer salads at your next picnic or BBQ!

1 Summer Corn Salad Recipe

Salad Summer Corn Salad Recipe
Total Time: 7 minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 87 votes
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2 Broccoli Salad Recipe

Salad Broccoli Salad Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

4.98 from 82 votes
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3 Asian Ramen Salad Recipe

Salad Asian Ramen Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 18 votes
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4 Strawberry Harvest Salad Recipe

Salad Strawberry Harvest Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 14 votes
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5 Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Recipe

Salad Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

4.96 from 99 votes
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6 Fruit Salad Recipe

Side Dish Fruit Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 49 votes
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7 Easy Tortellini Salad Recipe

Salad Easy Tortellini Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

4.95 from 19 votes
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8 Potato Salad Recipe

Salad Potato Salad Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 32 votes
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9 Pasta Salad Recipe

Side Dish Pasta Salad Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 249 votes
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10 Cobb Salad Recipe

Salad Cobb Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 12 votes
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Summer Pasta Salad Recipes

We love pasta salad recipes and have gathered our favorites for summer!

Most, if not all of these can be made ahead of time and actually get better as the flavors meld together!

11 Macaroni Salad Recipe

Salad, Side Dish Macaroni Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

4.98 from 108 votes
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12 Mozzarella Pasta Salad Recipe

Salad Mozzarella Pasta Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 11 votes
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13 Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad recipe

Salad Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 1 vote
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14 Greek Orzo Salad Recipe

Main Course, Salad Greek Orzo Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 15 votes
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15 Chinese Pasta Salad Recipe

Appetizer, Salad Chinese Pasta Salad Recipe
Total Time: 6 minutes
5 from 11 votes
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16 Chicken Pasta Salad

Salad, Side Dish Chicken Pasta Salad
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 16 votes
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17 Asian Noodle Salad Recipe

Salad Asian Noodle Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 10 votes
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18 Taco Pasta Salad Recipe

Salad Taco Pasta Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 7 votes
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19 Layered Pasta Salad Recipe

Salad, Side Dish Layered Pasta Salad Recipe
Total Time: 13 minutes
5 from 10 votes
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20 Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

Salad Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 10 votes
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21 Cashew Chicken Salad Recipe

Side Dish Cashew Chicken Salad Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.94 from 16 votes
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22 Tuna Salad Recipe

Side Dish Tuna Salad Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 24 votes
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More Summer Salad Ideas

I really do love salads so here are even more tasty options to choose from! Also, check out my favorite easy salad recipes if you’re like me and can’t get enough.

23 Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe

Salad, Side Dish Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 118 votes
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24 Broccoli Strawberry Salad Recipe

Salad Broccoli Strawberry Salad Recipe
Total Time: 7 minutes
5 from 17 votes
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25 7 Layer Salad Recipe

Salad, Side Dish 7 Layer Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 20 votes
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26 Wedge Salad Recipe

Salad Wedge Salad Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 4 votes
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27 Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

Salad Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 6 votes
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28 Snickers Salad Recipe

Dessert Snickers Salad Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 293 votes
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29 Mexican Corn Salad Recipe

Appetizer, Side Dish Mexican Corn Salad Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 4 votes
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30 Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

Salad Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 21 votes
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31 Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

Salad Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 15 votes
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32 Potato Salad Recipe

Salad Potato Salad Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 32 votes
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33 Green Bean Salad Recipe

Side Dish Green Bean Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 4 votes
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34 Frito Corn Salad Recipe

Salad, Side Dish Frito Corn Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 14 votes
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35 Broccoli Slaw Recipe

Salad, Side Dish Broccoli Slaw Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 8 votes
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36 Asian Citrus Chicken Salad Recipe

Salad Asian Citrus Chicken Salad Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 7 votes
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37 Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Salad, Side Dish Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 9 votes
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38 Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe

Dessert Cheesecake Fruit Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes

Recipe Video

4.93 from 56 votes
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39 Pistachio Salad Recipe

Salad Pistachio Salad Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 112 votes
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40 Southwest Salad Recipe

Salad Southwest Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 18 votes
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41 Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe

Salad Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe
Total Time: 8 minutes
5 from 10 votes
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42 Chicken Taco Salad Recipe

Salad Chicken Taco Salad Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 6 votes
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43 Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe

Salad Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 10 votes
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44 Southwest Quinoa Salad Recipe

Salad Southwest Quinoa Salad Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 12 votes
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45 Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe

Chicken Berry Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Salad Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 5 votes
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Summer Salad Dressings

Don’t forget the dressings! The perfect dressing can make or break a salad. A drizzle of olive oil and vinegar or a spritz of lemon juice is always refreshing, but here are my favorites to complement your every summer salad need!

46 Cafe Rio Dressing Recipe

Dressing Cafe Rio Dressing Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes

Recipe Video

4.88 from 50 votes
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47 Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Salad Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

4.88 from 8 votes
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48 Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe

Dressing Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 61 votes
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49 Creamy Pesto Dressing Recipe

Dressing Creamy Pesto Dressing Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 12 votes
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50 Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Recipe

Salad Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Recipe
Total Time: 8 minutes
5 from 10 votes
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51 Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe

Salad Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 45 votes
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52 Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe

Dressing, Salad Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 16 votes
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53 Cilantro Lime Dressing

Appetizer, Salad Cilantro Lime Dressing
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 6 votes
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54 Greek Dressing Recipe

Dressing, Salad Greek Dressing Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 5 votes
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55 Chipotle Ranch

Dressing Chipotle Ranch
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 13 votes
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We Love a Filling Salad!

This simple Cobb Salad is so full of tasty ingredients it’s a meal all on its own. It is quick to make and utterly delicious.

Here is the recipe:

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50+ Summer Salad Recipes

By: Lil’ Luna
This collection of summer salad recipes features all of the best savory salads, sweet salads, pasta salads, and dressings to enjoy all summer!
Servings: 4
Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 15 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 6 cups romaine hearts, chopped
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese, cubed or grated
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • 1 chicken breast, seasoned, fully cooked and cubed
  • 1 cup corn, sautéed or broiled
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 boiled eggs, chopped
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions 

  • Rinse and dry greens thoroughly.
  • Using a large platter or bowl, spread the greens out evenly.
  • Using your preferred toppings, layer over the top of the greens. Then finish with chopped green onions. Drizzle with a quality ranch dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 396kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 26g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 159mg, Sodium: 347mg, Potassium: 990mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 10112IU, Vitamin C: 22mg, Calcium: 167mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Making this recipe? Tag us!
Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!

Incredible Summer Salads

We hope you enjoy all of the incredible summer salads listed above. No need to heat your oven this summer with so many quick, easy, and delicious salad recipes to choose from!

More Collections: Healthy Dinner Ideas, Spring Salad Ideas, Pasta Salad Recipes

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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5 Comments

  1. Strawberry harvest salad at cafe zuppas is my favorite and so that was my first try off the summer salad list. Yummy definitely a good make at home substitute.

  2. I just bookmarked this post! I love the list of summer salad recipes compiled! Already tried some of them and am excited to try them all!

  3. I’m determined to work my way through this list of summer salad. Every one looks SO GOOD! I’ve already tried the cheesecake fruit salad and everyone was in love.

  4. Thank you for sharing this wonderful list of salads! I made the potato salad recipe and it was a huge hit! Can’t wait to try more this summer!