11 Easy Summer Salads for When It's Too Hot to Cook Anything Else

Beat the heat with these 11 easy summer salads, perfect for those days when the mere thought of turning on the stove makes you break a sweat. Cool, refreshing, and absolutely no cooking required—these salads are your summer survival kit.

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Take your salad game up a notch with our mouthwatering shrimp macaroni salad. It’s creamy, zesty, and packed with plump seafood for an amazing taste sensation. Get the recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Faux Potato Salad

A white bowl of potato salad with mayonnaise. — Image Credit: Low Carb – No Carb

Our Faux Potato Salad Recipe is made without cauliflower for an even tastier faux-tato salad. Our gluten-free and diabetic version of low carb yogurt mayonnaise potato salad uses turnip radish, which gives you the best potato alternative. Get the recipe: Faux Potato Salad

Rice Salad with Tuna

This rice salad with tuna is packed with protein and flavor. It’s easy to make, really satisfying for lunch or a light dinner, and an excellent option for meal prep. Get the recipe: Rice Salad with Tuna

Feta Beet Salad

Beet salad with crumbled feta, pistachios and fresh herbs on a plate with serving spoon. — Image Credit: Running to the Kitchen

This beet salad with feta cheese is a truly delicious and impressive dish using simple ingredients. Cooked beets, crumbled feta and pistachios come together with fresh herbs and a lemon olive oil dressing to enjoy as a side salad or light meal. Get the recipe: Feta Beet Salad

Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

This Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze is a fresh summer salad featuring spring mix, fresh basil leaves, cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, rich olive oil, and sweet, tangy balsamic reduction. Get the recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Three Bean Cilantro Salsa Salad

Cilantro bean salad in a bowl. — Image Credit: The Honour System

This simple, wholesome Three Bean Salad features a fresh cilantro dressing. It’s a classic recipe that is ideal for meal prepping, potlucks, and BBQs. Get the recipe: Three Bean Cilantro Salsa Salad

Avocado Tuna Salad

Ditch the mayo for creamy avocado in this healthy spin on the classic tuna salad. Use it in sandwiches, wraps or serve on greens. Get the recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad

Cowboy Caviar Salad with Spicy Maple Dressing

A bowl of cowboy caviar salad. — Image Credit: The Honour System

So much flavor in this salad it is hard to find a place to start. Chewy rice, protein-packed beans, creamy avocado, and fresh corn, all tossed in a spicy maple dressing. Salad goals right here! Get the recipe: Cowboy Caviar Salad with Spicy Maple Dressing

Cold Rice and Chicken Salad with Fresh Basil

A bowl of chicken and rice salad. — Image Credit: The Honour System

Ideal for a delicious, flavorful meal, this cold rice salad features bursts of fresh lemon and basil. A perfect summer salad. Get the recipe: Cold Rice and Chicken Salad with Fresh Basil

Fruit Salad with Pecans and Honey Dressing

A closeup is shown of Thanksgiving Fruit Salad with apples, grapes, pears, oranges, and pecans. — Image Credit: Two Cloves Kitchen

This easy and delicious fruit salad features apples, pears, grapes, oranges, and pecans tossed in a light honey and spice dressing. Get the recipe: Fruit Salad with Pecans and Honey Dressing

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

An overhead image of Mexican Street Corn Salad in a glass bowl. — Image Credit: The Honour System

This Mexican street corn pasta salad is a delicious fusion of flavors featuring charred corn, tart cotija cheese, and a creamy chili lime dressing, all tossed together with tender pasta. Get the recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad