Looking to jazz up your summer salad experience? Well, I’ve rounded up The Best Summer Salad Recipes! There is sure to be something here for everyone. From fresh and crisp to creamy and comforting, it’s all packed into this post. So, next time you’re looking for a summer salad, look no further because I’ve got your summer salad needs covered!
Warmer weather calls for fresh and light salads! Check out some of our favourites like the Rotisserie Chicken Salad, the Old Fashioned Creamy Potato Salad, my new and improved Greek Style Salad with Marinaded Feta and so much more! This collection of The Best Summer Salad Recipes has all of you summer needs covered.
How do I get the recipe? Simply click on the box that says, “Check out this recipe”, next to the photo of the recipe you would like to see.
Fresh Garden Salads
With vegetables in abundance throughout the summer, make the most of all those wonderful seasonal tomatoes, cucumber, Zucchini and more by adding them to fresh and light salads!
Tips for Making Fresh Salads
- Use fresh ingredients – When it comes to putting together a fresh and crisp salad, use the freshest ingredients you can find. Salad ingredients wild and go soft as soon as they over ripen or start to spoil. The key is fresh!
- Add fresh herbs – Any kind of fresh herbs like dill, cilantro, parsley, mint or basil will add a whole extra level of freshness to your tossed salad.
- Dress before serving – Tossed salads are best when the dressing is added just before serving. It is also best to toss the salad with the dressing for maximum flavour.
Garden Vegetable Salad with a Honey Lime Dressing
This Garden Vegetable Salad with a Honey Lime Dressing is perfect for summer. Made with a tangy dressing and all fresh vegetables, it's a real winner!
Check out this recipe
Greek Salad with Marinaded Feta
This Greek Style Salad with Marinaded Feta is one to pin down for any season. While it's not a traditional Greek Salad, it brings all the flavours of the more traditional one. Made with tomatoes, cucumber, black olives and a marinaded feta.
Check out this recipe
Classic Caprese Salad
I'm pretty sure this the Classic Caprese Salad is my absolute favourite salad of all time. It's simple, basic and good. Not to mention put together in just minutes and you can't go wrong with that.
Check out this recipe
5 Minute Goat Cheese and Pecan Salad
Warmer weather calls for easy salads like this 5 Minute Goat Cheese and Pecan Salad. Using just arugula, pecans, goat cheese, chives and a little balsamic glaze, this is on the table in a hurry. Great for a quick lunch or a side dish or starter to a bigger meal.
Check out this recipe
Avocado & Corn Salad
This Avocado & Corn Salad uses all fresh ingredients and would be a great Taco Tuesday side dish. Make in advance and add the avocado just before serving.
Check out this recipe
Roasted Red Pepper & Feta Salad
Freshen up your salads with this Roasted Red Pepper & Feta Salad. A salad made of warm roasted red peppers, salty crumbled feta and fresh arugula leaves. Keeping the dressing simple with just extra virgin olive oil and sea salt.
Check out this recipe
Bacon Tomato Salad
A classic summer salad that is great for barbecues, pot lucks, lunches and so much more. Make this easy Bacon Tomato Salad any day of the week and enjoy it all summer long!
Check out this recipe
Mango & Avocado Spring Salad
Why not freshen things up for spring with this Mango & Avocado Spring Salad with a Honey Lime Dressing Perfectly fresh and delicious.
Check out this recipe
Creamy Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream and Mayo
Try this Creamy Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream and Mayo for your next weekend barbecue. Serve it up with all of your favourite sides and some Sweet Hawaiian Dinner Rolls!
Check out this recipe
Chopped Salad with a Dill Dressing
A great big bowl of sunshine and healthiness! Great for any day lunch, barbecues, pot lucks, before dinner salad, or just what ever.
Check out this recipe
Potato Salads
Potato Salads, all kinds, are key to every summer get together. Whether you like light potato salads or are looking for something like an Old Fashioned Creamy Potato Salad, there will sure be something you’ll love.
Tips For Making Potato Salads
- Choose the correct potatoes – I like to use potatoes like baby potatoes, red potatoes or Yukon gold. These potatoes hold their shape better after cooking
- Cook according to recipe – If you are making a creamy potato salad, make sure to cook the potatoes until they are really soft. If cooking a salad that requires pieces of potato, its best to cook them until they are slightly firm.
- Cool potatoes – It’s best to avoid adding dressings until you have allowed the potatoes to cool properly.
- Chill – Most potato salads need to be chilled to allow the flavours to develop properly.
Potato & Cucumber Salad
You can't have summer without potato salad! Am I not wrong? And this Potato & Cucumber Salad is as refreshing as it is satisfying. Don't miss out for your next summer pot luck or barbecue.
Check out this recipe
Old Fashioned Creamy Potato Salad
It just wouldn't be summer without an Old Fashioned Creamy Potato Salad. This is a new take on an old family favourite. I know everyone has their own favourite potato salad for summer, but sometimes, it's nice to check out something new!
Check out this recipe
Baby Potatoes in a Herb Vinaigrette
Why not switch up your potato salad game by making these Baby Potatoes in a Herb Vinaigrette. Great served warm or cold and perfect for all your summer entertaining.
Check out this recipe
Roasted Potato & Cherry Tomato Salad
Salads aren't just for summer. This Roasted Potato & Cherry Tomato Salad can be eaten any time of year, hot or even at room temperature. A great side dish, main course or even a lunch
Check out this recipe
Rice and Grain Salads
Grains such as rice, couscous and quinoa all make great salads. These salads are hearty, filling and delicious. I’ve been making my Lemon Herb Couscous Salad for years and it’s still a winner every single time.
Tips for Making Salads with Grains
- Allow chill time – Chilling salads with grains is important so the flavours will enhance. Most grain salads can be made the day before. Keep in mind to always follow the recipe you are using to make sure.
Summer Quinoa Salad
Heading into July with this beautifully presented Summer Quinoa Salad. Packed full of goodness with quinoa, fresh vegetables and topped of with salty feta. A great summer salad!
Check out this recipe
Wild Rice & Black Bean Salad
This Wild Rice and Black Bean Salad is a great make ahead salad to enjoy all year. Made using wild rice, black beans, corn and cherry tomatoes in a zesty vinaigrette.
Check out this recipe
Tangy Vegetable & Rice Salad
This Tangy Vegetable Rice Salad is put together in no time at all and can be made in advance for easy dinners or entertaining.
Check out this recipe
Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
This Lemon Herb Couscous Salad is a perfect salad to enjoy any time of year. Light an fluffy couscous with roasted vegetables, salty feta cheese, fresh herbs and a lemon vinaigrette.
Check out this recipe
Pasta Salads
Pasta Salads are great make ahead summer salads that can generally be made before hand, are versatile and filling. Check out our favourite Pasta Salad Recipes below!
Tips For Making Pasta Salads
- Choose correct pasta – Different pasta shapes go well with different sauces and dressings as well as vegetables. Often great choices of pasta for pasta salads are macaroni, penne pasta as well as pasta spirals or fussili.
- Cook al dente – Don’t over cook pasta for pasta salads or the salad will go mushy. Cook until the pasta still has a bite.
- Dress while still warm – The salad dressing will stick to the pasta better if you dress it while it’s still warm.
- Chill – It’s important to chill pasta salads after you prepare them. This will allow the flavours to enhance. Chill time will vary anywhere to one hour up to overnight.
Bacon Pasta Salad
This Bacon Tomato Pasta Salad is perfect to make all summer long. Loaded with grape tomatoes, smokey bacon, cubed mozzarella cheese and red onions all wrapped up in a light vinaigrette.
Check out this recipe
Zucchini Pasta Salad with a Lemon Vinaigrette
A fresh and light addition to your spring pasta dishes. This Zucchini Pasta Salad in a Lemon Vinaigrette is filled with seasonal zucchini, sun dried tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Then topped off with a tangy vinaigrette. Make it for your next lunch or side dish to a weekend barbecue.
Check out this recipe
Easy Red Pesto Pasta Salad
Easy Red Pesto Past Salad! Super easy and delicious pasta salad made from using a jar of red pesto and a few chopped vegetables. Great for lunches, potlucks or a side dish to a barbecue.
Check out this recipe
Bell Pepper Pasta Salad
Today, I'm bringing you this super quick and easy Bell Pepper Pasta Salad! It doesn't have a whole lot of ingredients and would be great alongside your next barbecue!
Check out this recipe
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Every summer calls for a great pasta salad. This tangy Mediterranean Pasta Salad is packed full of flavour with olives, feta and dill. A keeper for summer gatherings for sure.
Check out this recipe
Roasted Cherry Tomato Orzo Pasta Salad
This quick and easy Roasted Cherry Tomato Orzo Pasta Salad can be enjoyed all summer long. Orzo combined with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes, herbs and fresh parmesan cheese.
Check out this recipe
Chicken Salads
Adding chicken to any salad, instantly turns it into a meal in itself! We love summer salads with grilled chicken, slow cooker chicken and even any kind of roasted chicken.
Tips for Adding Chicken To Salads
- Choose type of chicken – Depending what kind of salad you are making, will determine what kind of chicken you might like to use. Whole Rotisserie Chickens are great for adding to salads.
- Use chilled chicken – It’s always best to use cold chicken in salads. If you add warm chicken, you will risk wilting or even slightly cooking fresh vegetables that you have added to the salad.
Roasted Chicken Salad
Nothing says spring like this Easy Rotisserie Chicken Salad. This salad is made with a rotisserie chicken, some chopped vegetables, nuts and a mayonnaise based sauce. Serve it with fresh baguette bread or lettuce hearts!
Mediterranean Vegetable & Chicken Salad
Make this Mediterranean Vegetable Grilled Chicken Salad soon! Grilled zucchini and chicken make for a wonderful & light summer time meal!
Check out this recipe
Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad
Lighten things up for spring with this stovetop Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad. An easy and flavoursome salad made from lightly marinaded grilled chicken, ripe avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, parmesan shavings and a honey mustard dressing!
Check out this recipe
Grilled Cajun Chicken Salad
A new take on an classic salad. If you like the good ol' classic Cesar salad, you are going to love this updated version. Grilled Cajun Chicken Salad is just perfect for summer.
Check out this recipe
Seafood Salads
Seafood makes a great addition to any summer salads. They are refreshing, light and full of delicious flavours.
Tips for Making Seafood Salads
- Using fresh seafood – Make sure your choice of seafood is cooked and cooled properly before adding to any kind of salad. Seafood salads have to be made fresh and served the same day.
- Using canned seafood – Canned seafood salads can often be prepared the day before depending on what kind of salad you are making. Just keep in mind, it will have to be refrigerated immediately and will only keep up to 24 hours.
Tropical Shrimp Salad
Turn off of oven and make a quick but delicious Tropical Shrimp Salad for dinner. This salad is one to try with lime and honey shrimp served over fresh mango and avocado. Perfect for spring or summer days.
Check out this recipe
Summer Shrimp Salad
I can't think of anything better during these hot days than something like this Summer Shrimp Salad. It is fresh and light and requires minimal cooking. Perfect as a lunch, a starter or a side dish to a summer barbecue.
Check out this recipe
Honey Garlic Shrimp with a Fresh Quinoa Salad
I cannot think of a better dish to share today than this Honey Garlic Shrimp with a Fresh Quinoa Salad. It's a light and flavoursome dish that can help bring a little bit of that sunshine into your kitchen.
Check out this recipe
The Best Summer Salad Recipes
Looking to jazz up your summer salad experience? Well, I've rounded up The Best Summer Salad Recipes! There is sure to be something here for everyone. From fresh and crisp to creamy and comforting, it's all packed into this post. So, next time you're looking for a summer salad, look no further because I've got your summer salad needs covered!
Ingredients
- All recipes can be accessed in the post by clicking the "Get Recipe Here" next to the recipe photo.
*A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.
Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you soon!
