These 15 summer salads know it’s too hot to turn on the oven

Summer salads make meals feel lighter, brighter, and a little more relaxed. These recipes are packed with fresh ingredients, plenty of crunch, and flavors that work especially well on warm evenings. Some are simple enough for lunch, while others easily hold their own at dinner.

Sweet Pepper Cucumber Crunch Salad

A dish of Sweet Pepper Cucumber Crunch Salad.
Image Credit: The All Natural Vegan

This healthy take on the viral cucumber salad is packed with fresh veggies and finished with the perfect healthy dressing. It takes only 10 minutes to make with simple grocery store ingredients. Get the recipeSweet Pepper Cucumber Crunch Salad

Watermelon Salad Recipe

A bowl of Watermelon Salad Recipe.
Image Credit: Chew Out Loud

This watermelon salad is peak summer energy, super refreshing, and ridiculously easy to make. It’s the kind of fun twist that always disappears fast at picnics and cookouts. Get the recipeWatermelon Salad Recipe

Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

burrata salad with balsamic glaze including spring mix, basil leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
Image Credit: Two Cloves Kitchen

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

Avocado Tuna Salad

An avocado tuna salad on a plate.
Image Credit: The Honour System

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

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 summer meal. Get the recipe: Feta Beet Salad

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

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

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

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

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

Watermelon Feta Basil Salad

A bowl of Watermelon Feta Basil Salad.
Image Credit: Get Inspired Everyday

This watermelon feta basil salad takes a classic combo and turns it into the ultimate summer side. Juicy watermelon, tangy feta, and fresh basil come together with greens, red onion, and a balsamic drizzle. Get the recipeWatermelon Feta Basil Salad

Rice Salad with Tuna

A bowl of rice salad with tuna with a fork in it.
Image Credit: The Honour System

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

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Shrimp macaroni salad in a pink bowl with lemon wedges.
Image Credit: Little Bit Recipes

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. Perfect for cookouts. Get the recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Italian Sub Pasta Salad

Bowl of Italian sub pasta salad.
Image Credit: Marisa’s Mixing Bowl

This Italian sub pasta salad has everything you love in a sub, just tossed with pasta and ready for a crowd. It works as a side or a main, and it’s basically begging to show up at your next BBQ or hangout. Get the recipeItalian Sub Pasta Salad

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