45 Summer Salad Recipes to Enjoy All Season

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Watermelon and Spinach Salad

What says a summer salad recipe more than the fresh and vibrant flavors of watermelon mixed with leafy greens? Add in some lime juice to make those flavors really pop, and you’ve got a side dish perfect for any summer cookout.

Summer’s the perfect time to toss up this watermelon salad. You’d never expect it, but spinach is awesome here. Eat it and feel cool on even the hottest days. —Recipe contributor Marjorie Au, Honolulu, Hawaii

Summer Harvest Grilled Panzanella Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Summer Harvest Grilled Panzanella Salad

Combine the smoky flavors of grilled summer vegetables with juicy tomatoes, crusty bread and a zesty vinaigrette to make this refreshing salad. Save extra of the delicious dressing to top on your other favorite salads.

This colorful and healthy grilled panzanella salad is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish that makes the most of simple, seasonal ingredients. Panzanella salad is best enjoyed after the bread has soaked up all the flavors and juices from the veggies and dressing. —Recipe contributor Olga Kouloufakos, Lake Pleasant, Massachusetts

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Watermelon Feta Flag Salad

Watermelon and feta come together for a sweet and savory flavor in every bite. Blueberries and arugula accompany them to bulk the salad out and add vibrant, contrasting colors to the plate.

Our family celebrates the Fourth of July with a watermelon salad that resembles the flag. Here’s an all-American centerpiece that’s truly red, white and blue. —Recipe contributor Jan Whitworth, Roebuck, South Carolina

Loaded Greek Pasta Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Greek Pasta Salad

This Greek pasta salad recipe is packed with fresh veggies, feta, olives and a bright dressing. It’s perfect for warm-weather potlucks and barbecues.

A blend of complementary flavors from traditional ingredients, this Greek pasta salad gets topped with a tangy dressing to pull it all together. Twist the recipe by adding all but 3 tablespoons of the feta cheese into the dressing and whisk until well blended. Garnish the salad with stuffed grape leaf pieces (Dolma) over the top or along the edges for a decorative design. —Recipe contributor Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Summer Salad by the Lake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Summer Salad by the Lake

This summer salad is the perfect mix of sweet, earthy and savory. While the combo of peas, couscous and pineapple may raise a few eyebrows, you can expect this to be a hit for even the skeptical folks.

I came up with this recipe to show appreciation to all the teachers at my son’s school. The dish had to be as special as the teachers, who always go the extra mile for their students. I think this salad did the trick! It’s hearty, earthy, sweet and loaded with nothing but good stuff. —Recipe contributor Ramya Ramamurthy, Fremont, California

Spicy Cajun Potato Salad Recipe photo by Julia Hartbeck for Taste of Home

Spicy Cajun Potato Salad

Turn up the heat with these fiery potatoes that everyone will love. The Cajun seasoning adds the perfect amount of spice to the classic potato salad dish.

Here in the South, we have a lot of get-togethers, and if you want your dish to be chosen over all of the rest, it has to have a kick! This is a winner. —Recipe contributor Amanda West, Sibley, Louisiana

Potluck Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Antipasto Pasta Salad

This hearty pasta salad is a delightful summery mix of tang and sweetness. The addition of chickpeas, peppers and salami make every bite a mouthful of Italian flavors!

This colorful antipasto salad is a tasty crowd-pleaser. Guests love the homemade dressing, which is a nice change from bottled Italian. —Recipe contributor Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire

Strawberry Kale Salad

This summer salad recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser! The strawberries and mint provide a fresh and cooling taste, while the crumbled bacon adds a nice savory bite.

This fresh, zingy salad is super easy and tastes just like the one I get at Culver’s! The sliced strawberries and fresh mint give it an extra-summery feel, and crumbled bacon and toasted almonds add the perfect amount of crunch. —Recipe contributor Luanne Asta, Hampton Bays, New York

Greek Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Greek Salad

It only takes a handful of ingredients to make a bright, refreshing and incredibly flavorful Greek salad.

The heart of a Greek salad recipe is in the olives, feta, cucumbers and tomatoes. Dress it with olive oil and vinegar, then add more olives and cheese. —Recipe contributor Arge Salvatori, Little Ferry, New Jersey

Southern Potato Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Southern Potato Salad

This potato salad recipe is perfect for summer potlucks or barbecue parties. The sweet pickles make this southern-style side dish really stand out from the others.

This potato salad with a Southern twist is perfect for a church supper or potluck. The pickles add an extra sweetness. —Recipe contributor Gene Pitts, Wilsonville, Alabama

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Watermelon Tomato Salad

Tangy, acidic flavors of grape tomatoes are mixed with sweet, refreshing watermelon for this unlikely pairing. Look for a yellow spot on your watermelon to make sure it’s ripe enough to really shine in this recipe.

Watermelon and tomatoes may seem an unlikely pair, but they team up to make a winning combination in this eye-catching salad. —Recipe contributor Matthew Denton, Seattle, Washington

Fast Macaroni Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Fast Macaroni Salad

Chopped fresh veggies provide crunch, and cherry tomatoes add vibrant color to this refreshing and creamy pasta salad.

This hearty pasta salad is sure to please appetites of all ages—and it serves a lot of folks! —Recipe contributor LaVerna Mjones, Moorhead, Minnesota

Avocado & Artichoke Pasta Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Avocado & Artichoke Pasta Salad

The lime and avocado bulk up this pasta salad and add a slight zing to every bite. You’re going to want to come back for seconds.

A squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of cilantro and a little avocado make this a creamy and zingy pasta salad. —Recipe contributor Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey

Peach Mango Caprese Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Peach Mango Caprese Salad

When the weather is scorching, this salad will be your cooling hero. The peaches and mangoes in this salad are bursting in flavor and the mozzarella cheese adds substance.

Summer in the Midwest offers a bounty of fresh produce. I wanted to come up with a new recipe for the harvested goods, and this bright, flavorful salad is the refreshing end result. —Recipe contributor Richard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois

Garden Tomato Salad

Sometimes, simplicity is key to the best-tasting recipes. This garden tomato salad is the perfect addition to any potluck or gathering. It’s a fresh and light dish that is perfect when the weather warms up.

For as long as I can remember, Mom made a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers. Now I make it whenever beautiful tomatoes are in reach. —Recipe contributor Shannon Arthur, Upper Arlington, Ohio

Salmon and Spud Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Salmon and Spud Salad

This flaky salmon dish is perfect if you’re watching your weight or want to have a healthier lifestyle. It’s just as nutritious as it is yummy!

I headed straight for the kitchen when I decided to pick up a healthier lifestyle. This salmon with veggies proves that smart choices can be simple and satisfying. —Recipe contributor Matthew Teixeira, Milton, Ontario

Island Mango Slaw

Feel like you’re on vacation on a tropical island with this fruity coleslaw. Sweet mango is balanced with refreshing vegetables like carrots and peppers for a light, yet flavorful slaw.

The cooling effect of tropical fruit and Greek yogurt meets jalapeno spice in this snappy mango slaw. To ensure ripeness, you may want to buy your mango a day or two ahead. —Recipe contributor Jenn Hall, Collingswood, New Jersey

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Pesto Corn Salad with Shrimp

This corn and avocado salad, featuring grilled shrimp, is topped with homemade, aromatic pesto. It’s the ultimate summer-packed salad.

This recipe showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with its fresh corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by spritzing the salad with lemon juice. —Recipe contributor Deena Bowen, Chico, California

Sesame Chicken Slaw Salad

This sesame chicken slaw is the perfect mix of ginger and spice that will have your tastebuds dancing. The wonton strips add a delightful crunch to every bite.

I tasted many types of Asian chicken salad in California. When I moved back to Georgia, I wanted more. Here’s a gingery-sweet recipe using wonton strips. —Recipe contributor Michelle Mulrain, Evans, Georgia

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Bacon and Broccoli Salad

This recipe gets most of its flavor boost from bacon, toasted pecans, dried berries and a mayo dressing. It’s creamy, slightly sweet and has a ton of crunch thanks to the pecans.

You’ll want to serve this family-friendly broccoli salad with bacon year-round. —Recipe contributor Cindi Read, Hendersonville, Tennessee

Garden Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Garden Pesto Pasta Salad

In the summer, when the garden is bursting with fresh vegetables, and it’s too hot to cook, use the season’s veggies for pasta salads like this one!

My family and I live on a homestead in the Missouri Ozarks and produce much of our own food. I like to use the season’s veggies for pesto pasta salad and other cool meals. —Recipe contributor Sarah Mathews, Ava, Missouri

Summer Splash Chicken Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Summer Splash Chicken Salad

This recipe is simple, easy and fuss-free. The savory rotisserie chicken and juicy mangoes, watermelon and grapes are a summer winner.

When it’s too hot to eat inside, I head out to the patio. Shred some rotisserie chicken and toss it with mango, watermelon and grapes for an ooh-aah healthy chicken salad. —Recipe contributor Barbara Spitzer, Lodi, California

Shrimp & Nectarine Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Shrimp & Nectarine Salad

The combo of shrimp, corn, tomatoes and nectarines with a drizzle of tarragon dressing is delightful and fresh. It’s best served chilled.

For a cool salad on a hot summer day, I combine shrimp, corn, tomatoes and nectarines with a drizzle of tarragon dressing. We love it chilled, but it’s delectable served right away, too. —Recipe contributor Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York

Tropical Layered Chicken Salad

With fresh avocado, this chicken salad tastes creamy and delicious in every bite. Say goodbye to boring chicken salads for life.

This is a fresh and delicious recipe that is a big hit whenever I take it to a potluck—it’s always the first to go! —Recipe contributor Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas

Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Sour Cream Cucumbers

This creamy cucumber salad is cooling and perfect for a hot summer day. The sour cream adds a wonderful tangy flavor when combined with the fresh cucumbers.

It’s been a tradition at our house to serve this dish with the other Hungarian specialties my mom learned to make from the women at church. It’s especially good during the summer when the cucumbers are fresh-picked from the garden. —Recipe contributor Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio

Twisted Eggs Benedict Salad

Enjoy a fulfilling brunch with this Benedict egg-styled salad. Asparagus, fennel and ham create the sturdy base for the perfectly poached egg.

Salad for breakfast? Absolutely. You can prep everything except the dressing and chill it overnight. In the morning, dress the salad and poach the eggs. —Recipe contributor Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Salmon Caesar Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Salmon Caesar Salad

You can’t go wrong with Caesar salad in the summer. Adding perfectly cooked salmon elevates the salad effortlessly.

This salmon Caesar salad was invented out of a need to serve my family a balanced meal when time was limited. Even my young son loves it! —Recipe contributor Ann Bagdonas, Antioch, California

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White Bean Arugula Salad

This salad wraps the essence of Italy with a handful of ingredients and a burst of flavor. Red wine vinegar dresses the pancetta, cherry tomatoes, rosemary and cannellini beans for a bright taste.

My red, white and green salad is inspired by the Italian flag. Top it with shaved Parmesan. —Recipe contributor Malia Estes, Allston, Massachusetts

Homemade Potato Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Homemade Potato Salad

Classic dishes work well for a reason. Make a crowd favorite time and time again with this creamy dish.

This homemade potato salad recipe doesn’t have many ingredients, so it isn’t as colorful as many that you find nowadays. But Mama made it the way her mother did, and that’s the way I still make it today. Try it and see if it isn’t one of the best-tasting potato salads you have ever eaten! —Recipe contributor Sandra Anderson, New York, New York

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Orange Chicken Spinach Salad

The combination of chicken and spinach makes this dish a real winner for a salad with refreshing color and crunch.

For a salad with refreshing color and crunch, we toss chicken and spinach with mandarin oranges and red onion, then splash everything with a tangy vinaigrette. —Recipe contributor Jean Murawski, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan

Strawberry-Turkey Spinach Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Strawberry-Turkey Spinach Salad

Fresh strawberries and yellow pepper strips are tossed with fresh baby spinach to make this nutritious summer salad. The recipe makes four servings, plenty to save for lunch the next day or as a side salad for your dinner.

This light, refreshing salad is a true showstopper. Serve with warm whole wheat rolls or flax or bran muffins. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Mediterranean Cobb Salad

This salad provides fresh Mediterranean flavors. From tomatoes to eggs to avocados, every bite packs insane flavor.

I’m a huge fan of taking classic dishes and adding some flair to them. I also like to change up heavier dishes, like the classic Cobb salad. I’ve replaced typical chicken with crunchy falafel that’s just as satisfying. —Recipe contributor Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

Veggie Nicoise Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Veggie Nicoise Salad

With hard-boiled eggs and kidney beans, this tasty salad delivers a ton of protein to keep you full all afternoon.

More and more people in my workplace are becoming vegetarians. When we cook or eat together, the focus is on fresh produce. This salad combines some of our favorite ingredients in one dish. —Recipe contributor Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois

Spinach & Bacon Salad with Peaches Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Spinach & Bacon Salad with Peaches

What doesn’t pair well with bacon? This salad proves anything can make a great combo, even peaches and bacon! Fresh and savory, your loved ones will be coming back for seconds.

Peaches and bacon? Oh, yeah. I made this family favorite for a big summer party. It was so easy to prep the parts separately and then toss it all together right before chow time. —Recipe contributor Megan Riofski, Frankfort, Illinois

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Coleslaw with Poppy Seed Dressing

This salad is packed with flavor thanks to the creamy poppy seed dressing. Hint: the more you leave it in the fridge, the better the flavor.

This is the kind of salad you can keep in the fridge for a couple of days, and it just gets better. I just add the sunflower seeds before serving to keep the crunch. —Recipe contributor Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Sesame-Ginger Cucumber Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Sesame-Ginger Cucumber Salad

This crispy salad offers loved ones wonderful Asian flavors. From the creamy sesame and spicy ginger, your tastebuds will be having a party.

I love the marinated sides and salads that come with meals at Japanese restaurants and wanted to try them at home. After some research, I came up with this cool, crisp salad. —Recipe contributor Kimberly Ludvick, Newburgh, New York

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Garden Chickpea Salad

Grab your favorite vegetables from the garden and pair them with chickpeas to make this fulfilling and nutritious salad. Don’t forget to toss in the walnuts and feta cheese for that satisfying crunch.

Looking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you like, add sliced, cooked chicken or lamb. —Recipe contributor Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan

Khmer Pickled Vegetable Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Khmer Pickled Vegetable Salad

This pickled salad is delightfully crunchy and refreshing. It is a wonderful side dish for any kind of protein, like barbecue chicken or a medium-rare steak.

I grew up as a missionary kid in Cambodia, and most of my favorite foods have a Southeast Asian background. Locals love eating this pickled salad for breakfast, but I like it as a side for lunch or dinner, especially with chicken satay. —Recipe contributor Hannah Heavener, Belton, Texas

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Strawberry-Blue Cheese Steak Salad

If you love a good tangy blue cheese dressing, you have to try this salad. It’s savory, sweet and full of color.

At lunch one day, a friend told me about a steak salad she’d had at a party. It sounded so fantastic I had to try it for myself. My family would eat it nonstop if we could. Can’t seem to get enough of that tangy dressing! —Recipe contributor Alma Winberry, Great Falls, Montana

Bow Tie & Spinach Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Bow Tie & Spinach Salad

If there’s one dish that says summer, it’s got to be bow tie salad. Garbanzo beans, broccoli and Greek olives round out the salad and then get dressed with a sun-dried tomato dressing.

With pasta salad, it’s easy to change up ingredients. We like to add grilled chicken and pine nuts, and sometimes we substitute black beans for the garbanzo beans. —Recipe contributor Julie Kirkpatrick, Billings, Montana

Shrimp Avocado Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Shrimp Avocado Salad

Shrimp avocado salad mixes tender shellfish with fresh vegetables for a cool, protein-filled lunch or easy light dinner.

The delicious taste and smooth texture of avocados and the crisp shrimp salad create a heavenly combination. Serve it as a cool and satisfying lunch or a light, quick and easy dinner. —Recipe contributor Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

Veggie Steak Salad

Get your plate of nutrients in with just one salad! Incorporating juicy flank steak with spring mix salad greens gives a boost of protein, while tomatoes and red onions bulk the salad out.

This salad just explodes with flavors. It’s easy and quick to prepare, tastes delicious, and is a healthy dinner all on one plate. —Recipe contributor Tiffany Martinez, Aliso Viejo, California

Heirloom Tomato & Zucchini Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Heirloom Tomato & Zucchini Salad

It’s not a summer salad without heirloom tomatoes! Sweet and earthy, they’re paired with tame vegetables like zucchini and sweet yellow peppers for a balanced plate.

Tomato wedges give this salad a juicy bite. It’s a great use of fresh herbs and veggies from your own garden or the farmers market. —Recipe contributor Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin

Layered Garden Bean Salad

This layered salad really pops in color, from juicy red tomatoes to crunchy green cucumbers. By piling the ingredients right on top of each other, you’re sure to get a taste of each ingredient in every bite.

For easy entertaining, cover and refrigerate the salad a few hours before guests arrive so you don’t have to bother with last-minute assembly. Turn it into a light lunch by adding sliced rotisserie chicken, salmon or tuna. —Recipe contributor Melissa Wharton, Cincinnati, Ohio

Citrus-Tarragon Asparagus Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Citrus-Tarragon Asparagus Salad

This light and flavorful dish packs a punch with the bright balsamic dressing. The fresh tarragon and orange zest make it delightfully refreshing.

I created this colorful salad when I was invited to a friend’s Easter egg hunt and potluck picnic. The guests were begging to get my recipe. Let the flavors infuse overnight for the best taste. —Recipe contributor Cheryl Magnuson, Apple Valley, California

Summer Salad FAQ

What are the different types of salads?

Salads don’t have to be just about lettuce. Like some of the recipes featured in this collection, they can include grains, meats or seafood and vegetables. Other times, salads don’t have to include greens at all, like our favorite potato salads, pasta salads and even fruit salads.

What are the keys to the best salad?

There are a few tips and tricks for making the best salad. First, you’ll want to make sure you have the freshest ingredients. Next, make sure there’s a blend of flavors and textures that complement each other, such as strawberries and walnuts, and watermelon and feta cheese. Finally, make the salad look appealing to the eyes by adding pops of color with fruit and vegetables.