Summer is a great time to eat fresh food. The sun is out. The days are long. No one wants to cook hot meals.
17 Best Summer Salad Recipes are the best for warm days. They are cool, fresh, and easy to make. You can mix them fast and eat them cold.
These salads are good for lunch, dinner, or a picnic. Some are sweet. Some are salty. All are full of flavor.
Here are 17 summer salads you will love. Try one or try them all!
1. Watermelon Feta Salad
This salad is sweet and salty. It is very fresh.
You need:
- 3 cups watermelon (cut in cubes)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh mint
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
How to make it:
Mix all in a bowl. Add oil, salt, and pepper. Put in the fridge. Serve cold.
2. Corn and Avocado Salad
This one is creamy and crunchy. It is very tasty.
You need:
- 2 ears corn (cooked and cut)
- 1 avocado (cut in cubes)
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- Salt
How to make it:
Put all in a bowl. Add lime juice and salt. Mix gently. Chill before eating.
3. Strawberry Spinach Salad
This salad is sweet and light. It looks pretty too.
You need:
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup strawberries (sliced)
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup goat cheese
- 2 tbsp balsamic dressing
How to make it:
Put spinach, berries, nuts, and cheese in a bowl. Add dressing. Mix well.
4. Cucumber Tomato Salad
Cool and crisp. Great on a hot day.
You need:
- 1 cucumber (sliced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- Salt and pepper
How to make it:
Put all in a bowl. Add vinegar, salt, and pepper. Chill before serving.
5. Peach and Burrata Salad
Soft and juicy with a bit of sweet.
You need:
- 2 peaches (sliced)
- 1 ball burrata cheese
- 1 cup arugula
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How to make it:
Put arugula on a plate. Add peaches and cheese. Drizzle honey and oil on top.
6. Pasta Salad with Veggies
This one is good for big meals or picnics.
You need:
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cucumber
- 1/4 cup olives
- 3 tbsp Italian dressing
How to make it:
Put all in a bowl. Add dressing. Mix and chill.
7. Chickpea Salad
Filling and healthy. Easy to make too.
You need:
- 1 can chickpeas (drained)
- 1/2 cup cucumber
- 1/4 cup red pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
How to make it:
Mix everything in a bowl. Add lemon, salt, and pepper. Chill and eat.
8. Caprese Salad
Tomato and cheese never fail.
You need:
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 ball fresh mozzarella
- Fresh basil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
How to make it:
Slice tomato and cheese. Layer with basil. Add glaze on top.
9. Mango Black Bean Salad
This one is sweet and a little spicy.
You need:
- 1 mango (diced)
- 1 can black beans
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- Pinch of chili powder
How to make it:
Mix everything. Add lime and chili powder. Chill and enjoy.
10. Greek Salad
A salad full of bold taste.
You need:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cucumber
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olives
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How to make it:
Put all in a bowl. Add oil. Mix and serve.
11. Coleslaw with a Twist
This slaw is not creamy. It’s light and fresh.
You need:
- 2 cups cabbage
- 1 carrot (shredded)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
How to make it:
Mix all in a bowl. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
12. Tomato Peach Salad
Fruit and tomato work great together.
You need:
- 2 tomatoes
- 2 peaches
- 1/4 cup red onion
- A few basil leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How to make it:
Slice fruit and onion. Layer with basil. Add oil.
13. Quinoa Summer Salad
Light and full of good stuff.
You need:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup cucumber
- 1/4 cup parsley
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
How to make it:
Mix everything. Add lemon juice. Chill and serve.
14. Avocado Tomato Salad
Creamy and juicy. So simple.
You need:
- 1 avocado
- 1 tomato
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
How to make it:
Cut and mix all. Add oil, salt, and pepper.
15. Blueberry Kale Salad
This one is fresh and fun.
You need:
- 1 cup kale
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 2 tbsp honey dressing
How to make it:
Mix everything. Add dressing. Toss and enjoy.
16. Asian Cabbage Salad
Crunchy and tasty with an Asian twist.
You need:
- 2 cups cabbage
- 1/4 cup carrots
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
How to make it:
Mix all. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
17. Melon Prosciutto Salad
Sweet and salty in one bite.
You need:
- 1 cup cantaloupe
- 4 slices prosciutto
- A handful of arugula
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
How to make it:
Put melon, meat, and greens on a plate. Add glaze.
Conclusion
Summer is great for fresh salads. These are fast and easy. No stove, no oven, just mix and eat.
Take one to a picnic or have one for lunch. Your family and friends will love them. So simple. So good.
Which one will you make first?