13 Best Summer Salad Recipes

When the temperature climbs and the sun is blazing, nothing hits the spot quite like a crisp, refreshing summer salad.

Light, hydrating, and bursting with seasonal ingredients, summer salads are not only good for you—they’re also incredibly versatile.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, packing a picnic, or just need a quick no-cook dinner, these vibrant dishes offer the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition.

From tangy citrus dressings to grilled vegetables and juicy fruits, the options are endless.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up 13 of the best summer salad recipes that will bring color and freshness to your table.

Each one is easy to prepare, packed with texture and taste, and ideal for warm-weather meals.

1. Watermelon Feta Mint Bliss

A sweet and salty classic, perfect for poolside munching.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp balsamic glaze (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss the watermelon cubes with chopped mint.
2. Gently fold in the crumbled feta.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and a touch of balsamic glaze.
4. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
5. Chill for 10 minutes before serving.

2. Zesty Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad

Smoky corn pairs beautifully with creamy avocado in this summer essential.

Ingredients:

• 3 ears of corn, grilled and kernels removed
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Grill corn on the cob until slightly charred. Let cool and cut off kernels.
2. In a bowl, combine corn, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
3. Add lime juice and olive oil; mix gently.
4. Season and serve chilled or room temperature.

3. Tropical Quinoa Pineapple Salad

Nutty quinoa meets tropical flavors for a fiber-rich, refreshing dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp shredded coconut (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa according to package directions and let it cool.
2. Combine quinoa with pineapple, bell pepper, green onions, and coconut.
3. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

4. Caprese Peach Salad

A fruity twist on the Italian classic, bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe peaches, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Layer peaches, tomatoes, and mozzarella on a plate.
2. Sprinkle fresh basil over the top.
3. Drizzle with balsamic and olive oil.
4. Season and serve immediately.

5. Cucumber Dill Yogurt Crunch

Cool, creamy, and ultra-refreshing on a hot day.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix yogurt, dill, garlic, and lemon juice in a bowl.
2. Fold in cucumber slices until coated.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving.

6. Southwest Black Bean & Corn Salad

A hearty, protein-packed option that doubles as a dip or side.

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 avocado, diced
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine beans, corn, bell pepper, and avocado in a bowl.
2. Add lime juice, cilantro, and olive oil.
3. Toss gently and season.
4. Serve immediately or chilled.

7. Asian Sesame Noodle Salad

Packed with flavor, this salad is ideal for meal prep and potlucks.

Ingredients:

• 6 oz rice noodles
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup green onions
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds

Dressing:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp grated ginger

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles, rinse under cold water.
2. Toss with veggies and sesame seeds.
3. Whisk dressing ingredients and pour over salad.
4. Mix well and chill before serving.

8. Strawberry Spinach Delight

A sweet-savory mix that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• 1/4 cup candied pecans
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss spinach with strawberries.
2. Add feta and candied pecans.
3. Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve.

9. Mediterranean Chickpea Crunch

Protein-packed and bursting with bold, briny flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup cucumber, chopped
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 2 tbsp feta cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Toss well and chill for 15 minutes.

10. Mango Avocado Lime Salad

A creamy and citrusy combo perfect for seafood side dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Gently combine mango, avocado, and onion in a bowl.
2. Add lime juice and cilantro.
3. Toss carefully and serve immediately.

11. Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Earthy, tangy, and sweet—ideal for a fancy brunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium beets, roasted and sliced
• 2 cups arugula
• 2 tbsp goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 tbsp walnuts, chopped
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Toss arugula with balsamic and olive oil.
2. Top with beets, goat cheese, and walnuts.
3. Serve fresh or chilled.

12. Tomato Basil Burrata Bowl

Creamy burrata elevates this salad into a luxe summer dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup heirloom tomatoes, chopped
• 1 ball burrata cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & cracked black pepper

Instructions:

1. Layer tomatoes in a shallow bowl.
2. Place burrata on top and scatter basil leaves.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season to taste.

13. Citrus Arugula Power Salad

Bright, zesty, and full of antioxidants—perfect for a detox day.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups arugula
• 1/2 grapefruit, segmented
• 1/2 orange, segmented
• 1/4 avocado, sliced
• 1 tbsp sunflower seeds
• 2 tbsp citrus vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Combine arugula, citrus segments, and avocado in a bowl.
2. Add sunflower seeds and drizzle with vinaigrette.
3. Toss gently and serve chilled.

Conclusion: Fresh Ideas for Hot Days

These 13 best summer salad recipes bring the best of the season to your plate—fresh fruits, crisp veggies, bold dressings, and a rainbow of nutrients.

Whether you crave something light and fruity or hearty and savory, there’s a summer salad here for every mood and occasion.