Looking for the best summer salads to keep things light, fresh, and absolutely delicious? Whether you’re lounging by the pool, heading to a BBQ, or just trying to beat the heat with something crisp and satisfying, these summer salad recipes are here to save the day.
From juicy mangoes to crunchy garden veggies, these combinations are the ultimate celebration of summer flavors. Plus, they’re so easy, you’ll be back to relaxing in no time!
Here are 7 of the best summer salads you’ll want to make on repeat.
Thai Peanut Salad
Flavor-packed and super colorful, this Thai peanut salad is perfect for when you're craving something a little different. Fresh cabbage, crunchy carrots, and a creamy peanut dressing make it both hearty and refreshing.
Ingredients
4 cups shredded Napa cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup roasted peanuts
1/4 cup chopped green onions
(Optional) 1 cup cooked edamame
Peanut Dressing:
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Water to thin, as needed
Instructions
1.In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cilantro, peanuts, green onions, and edamame if using.
2.In a separate bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
3.Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
4.Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Blackberry Chèvre Salad
A sophisticated salad that balances sweet blackberries with tangy goat cheese and crunchy spiced nuts.
Ingredients
6 cups mixed greens (e.g., arugula, spinach)
1 cup fresh blackberries
4 oz goat cheese (chèvre), crumbled
1/2 cup spiced pecans or walnuts
Blackberry Vinaigrette
1/2 cup fresh blackberries
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1.In a blender, combine vinaigrette ingredients and blend until smooth.
2.In a large bowl, toss greens with dressing.
3.Top with blackberries, goat cheese, and spiced nuts.
4.Serve immediately.
Classic Garden Salad
A fresh and simple salad that's a staple for any meal.
Ingredients
1 head red leaf lettuce, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 cucumber, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 celery stalk, sliced
Dressing
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1.In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients.
2.Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar.
3.Season with salt and pepper.
4.Toss to combine and serve.
Mango and Blueberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Walnuts
A colorful salad that combines sweet and savory flavors with a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
6 cups fresh spinach
1 ripe mango, diced
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup toasted walnuts
Lemon Honey Mustard Dressing
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1.In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients until emulsified.
2.In a large bowl, combine spinach, mango, blueberries, feta, and walnuts.
3.Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to combine.
4.Serve immediately.
Summer Corn Salad with Avocado
A refreshing salad that highlights the sweetness of corn and the creaminess of avocado.
Ingredients
4 ears of corn, kernels removed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 avocados, diced
Juice of 3-4 limes
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1.In a large bowl, combine corn, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
- 2.Add lime juice, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- 3.Gently fold in diced avocado.
- 4.Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad
This one is my fav. A sweet and salty salad that's perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients
4 cups cubed watermelon
2 cups sliced cucumber
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1.In a large bowl, combine watermelon, cucumber, feta, and mint.
2.In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
3.Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.
4.Serve immediately.
Avocado Mango Salad
A vibrant salad that pairs creamy avocado with sweet mango and a tangy dressing.
Ingredients
2 ripe avocados, diced
2 ripe mangoes, diced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
2 cups arugula
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
Honey-Lime Dressing
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1.In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients until well combined.
2.In a large bowl, combine avocado, mango, red onion, arugula, and pine nuts.
3.Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to combine.
4.Serve immediately.
If you want to spend more of your summer days outside or to eat a little lighter, these easy summer salad recipes bring bold flavors, beautiful colors, and effortless style to the table.
Check out my other summer recipes below.
