34 Delicious fresh summer salad recipes (to make this summer)

fresh summer salad recipes

Summer days are here, and that means sunshine and good times! But sometimes it’s just TOO HOT to cook a big, heavy meal, right?

That’s where a fantastic, fresh salad comes to the rescue. Salads are super refreshing, can be packed with bright colors, and taste AMAZING.

I’ve put together a HUGE list of summer salad recipes for you. Think crunchy veggies, juicy fruits, satisfying grains, and even some tasty pasta salads. There’s something for EVERYONE.

Whether you need a quick side for a backyard BBQ, a main dish for a light lunch, or something cool for a picnic, you’ll find it here. These recipes are all about fresh ingredients and EASY ways to make delicious summer meals.

So, get ready to explore these 34 fresh summer salad recipes!

1. Tuscan Kale Salad

Tuscan Kale Salad

This Tuscan Kale Salad is a delicious and healthy meal.

It features tender kale, grilled chicken, and creamy avocado, all brought together with a bright lemon dressing.

Enjoy this vibrant salad for a truly satisfying and easy meal.

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2. Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Avocado Pesto

Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Avocado Pesto

Discover the delicious Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Avocado Pesto, an easy kale salad recipe that’s also healthy.

This sweet kale salad features a homemade avocado pesto and crisp green apples for a truly satisfying bite.

It’s a filling apple salad recipe perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

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3. Tomato Basil Salad

Tomato Basil Salad

Tomato Basil Salad is the ultimate refreshing side dish for summer.

It features juicy tomatoes and fresh basil, bursting with natural flavor.

This simple dish is quick to prepare and perfect for any outdoor gathering.

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4. Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

This Caprese Pasta Salad is a wonderfully bright and refreshing dish for any warm day. It combines tender pasta with sweet tomatoes and creamy mozzarella for a simply delicious and tangy bite.

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5. Antipasto Pasta Salad (Italian Pasta Salad)

Antipasto Pasta Salad (Italian Pasta Salad)

This delightful Antipasto Pasta Salad is perfect for any gathering. It features al dente pasta mixed with savory meat, creamy cheese, and fresh veggies, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. This Italian pasta salad is a true crowd-pleaser.

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6. Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad is a classic summer favorite perfect for any gathering.

This vibrant tomato mozzarella salad features juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil.

It’s a delightful dish that truly brightens up any meal with its fresh flavors.

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7. Ramen Noodle Salad

Ramen Noodle Salad

This hearty Ramen Noodle Salad is packed with crisp cabbage, carrots, green onions, and crunchy ramen noodles.

Tossed in a delicious oriental dressing, this ramen noodle cabbage salad is satisfying and full of flavor.

It’s the perfect make-ahead oriental salad for feeding a crowd.

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8. Quick Greek Gryos Salad

Quick Greek Gryos Salad

This Quick Greek Gyros Salad brings you all the incredible taste of a classic gyros sandwich.

You can enjoy this satisfying gyros salad in just 30 minutes, without the carbs.

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9. Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy Caviar is a fantastic, fresh dip perfect for any gathering.

This simple, vibrant Texas Caviar comes together in under 15 minutes.

It’s great with tortilla chips or as a colorful side salad.

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10. Macaroni Dill Salad

Macaroni Dill Salad

Macaroni Dill Salad is an easy pasta salad, perfect for your next summer BBQ. Fresh dill and radishes add an extra zip of flavor, making this a delightful dish everyone will enjoy.

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11. Easy And Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe (No Mayo)

Easy And Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe (No Mayo)

This Easy And Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe (No Mayo) is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a nutritious meal.

It’s bursting with fresh flavors from olive oil, lemon, and herbs, plus wholesome add-ons like avocado, making it ideal for a Healthy Chicken Salad Keto option.

Enjoy this healthy chicken salad recipe on its own or tucked into a low-carb sandwich.

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12. Fruit Salad

Fruit Salad

This delightful Fruit Salad offers a burst of fresh flavor.

It features a perfectly sweet blend of fruits enhanced by a zingy honey-lime dressing.

This fruit salad recipe is a must-make side dish for any occasion.

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13. Taco Chicken Salad

Taco Chicken Salad

This Taco Chicken Salad is your ultimate choice for delicious Mexican meal prep. It features a fantastic blend of fresh and spicy flavors that truly stand out. Enjoy this versatile chicken salad in tortillas, on sandwiches, or with your favorite chips.

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14. Shrimp Quinoa Salad with Corn and Honey Lime Dressing

Shrimp Quinoa Salad with Corn and Honey Lime Dressing

This Shrimp Quinoa Salad with Corn and Honey Lime Dressing is a delightful and refreshing choice.

It’s packed with fresh shrimp and sweet corn, perfectly complemented by a vibrant honey lime dressing.

This easy gluten-free dish is perfect for a light summer meal or a tasty side.

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15. Thai chicken noodle salad {with chilli-peanut dressing}

Thai chicken noodle salad {with chilli-peanut dressing}

This Thai chicken noodle salad offers a wonderful blend of textures and flavors.

It features soft noodles, crisp vegetables, and a delightful chilli-peanut dressing.

This Thai chicken noodle salad recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal, especially with leftover chicken.

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16. Blueberry Strawberry Garden Salad with Candied Pecans

Blueberry Strawberry Garden Salad with Candied Pecans

The Blueberry Strawberry Garden Salad with Candied Pecans is a vibrant dish packed with amazing flavors and delightful textures.

This strawberry garden salad is a perfect, refreshing choice for any summer lunch or light dinner.

You’ll love the sweet burst of berries combined with the satisfying crunch of candied pecans.

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17. BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad offers a fresh, tasty twist on a classic.

This delightful pasta salad is perfect for your next barbecue or potluck, making it fantastic food for a crowd.

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18. Kale Salad

Kale Salad

This simple Kale Salad is healthy, bright, and perfect for any occasion.

It’s an easy massaged kale salad recipe, full of fresh flavors that are a delight to eat.

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19. Roasted Pepper Orzo Salad

Roasted Pepper Orzo Salad

This Roasted Pepper Orzo Salad is bursting with vibrant flavors. Enjoy tender orzo pasta mixed with sweet roasted peppers and fresh herbs, all coated in a bright lemon dressing. This delightful orzo salad makes a perfect light and tasty meal.

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20. Broccoli Slaw

Broccoli Slaw

This light and crunchy Broccoli Slaw is a fresh take on a classic cole slaw. It’s a fantastic summer side dish, perfect for any backyard BBQ or potluck. You’ll love this easy and delicious way to enjoy broccoli!

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21. Mediterranean Grain Bowls with Roasted Chickpeas

Mediterranean Grain Bowls with Roasted Chickpeas

Enjoy these flavorful Mediterranean Grain Bowls with Roasted Chickpeas, a delicious and easy dinner solution. Each bowl features fluffy quinoa and crispy garlic herb roasted chickpeas, complemented by fresh, vibrant ingredients. This satisfying meal will quickly become a favorite in your home.

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22. Chicken and Peach Salad

Chicken and Peach Salad

This Chicken and Peach Salad is a fresh and satisfying dinner salad.

It features juicy peaches, tender greens, and a creamy dressing, making it a perfect choice for your summer recipes.

Enjoy this delicious and easy chicken salad recipe that’s naturally gluten-free.

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23. Lemon Artichoke Pasta Salad

Lemon Artichoke Pasta Salad

Lemon Artichoke Pasta Salad is a tangy and herby dish that comes together quickly.

This flavorful vegan pasta salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and easily feeds a crowd.

Prepare this make-ahead salad in advance for simple summer meals or lunchboxes throughout the week.

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24. Crispy Farro Salad with Peas and Feta

Crispy Farro Salad with Peas and Feta

This Crispy Farro Salad with Peas and Feta is a wonderful combination of textures and fresh flavors.

Enjoy the unique crispiness of the farro paired with sweet peas and savory feta.

It’s a vibrant and satisfying dish that promises to be a new favorite.

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25. Korean Cucumber Salad

Korean Cucumber Salad

Korean Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that adds a delightful kick to any meal. This spicy cucumber salad features crisp, thinly sliced cucumbers tossed with a savory dressing. It’s the perfect fresh accompaniment for your favorite Korean dishes.

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26. Southwest Cauliflower Potato Salad

Southwest Cauliflower Potato Salad

This Southwest Cauliflower Potato Salad bursts with the fresh taste of chipotle, lime, and cilantro.

It’s a fantastic cauliflower salad option, offering a delightful twist on a classic that will become your new favorite cauliflower potato salad.

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27. Balela Salad

Balela Salad

Balela Salad is a vibrant Middle Eastern bean salad bursting with fresh flavors.

This easy Mediterranean chickpea salad comes together quickly in just 15 minutes.

It’s perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light lunch.

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28. Sunshine Salad

Sunshine Salad

Brighten your day with a delightful Sunshine Salad.

This vibrant fruit salad is bursting with pineapple, bananas, and mandarin oranges.

It’s a perfect low-calorie, Weight Watchers-friendly option for a refreshing treat.

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29. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Salad

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Salad

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Salad offers a fresh, healthier take on a classic comfort food. This delightful shrimp salad recipe uses a lightened dressing with plain yogurt, crisp celery, and fresh herbs like chives and dill. Enjoy this delicious creation served on a soft, buttery brioche roll.

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30. Apple Chicken Salad

Apple Chicken Salad

This Apple Chicken Salad is a fresh take on a classic. Enjoy crunchy apples, tangy blue cheese, and creamy Greek yogurt for a truly satisfying chicken salad.

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31. Shaved Zucchini Taco Salad with Crispy Chickpeas

Shaved Zucchini Taco Salad with Crispy Chickpeas

Get ready to enjoy this vibrant Shaved Zucchini Taco Salad with Crispy Chickpeas. This flavorful and high-protein dish features tender raw zucchini ribbons and crunchy chickpeas. It’s all topped with a creamy cilantro lime avocado dressing, making it a delicious vegetarian meal you’ll love.

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32. Mexican Salad Recipe

Mexican Salad Recipe

This easy Mexican Salad Recipe makes the perfect versatile side dish.

It’s ideal for busy weeknights and a delicious choice for picnics or potlucks.

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33. Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is a delightfully flavorful and creamy dish. It’s packed with tender chicken, crunchy walnuts, and sweet-tangy cranberries, making it a quick favorite for summer and fall. This versatile cranberry chicken salad is easily prepped for carefree picnics and easy lunches.

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34. Chicken Salad Chick Copycat Recipe

Chicken Salad Chick Copycat Recipe

This Chicken Salad Chick Copycat Recipe helps you recreate the classic flavor at home.

It features tender chicken, crisp celery, and creamy mayonnaise, all blended to perfection.

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