Summer is ALL about fresh food, isn’t it?
And when the sun is shining, an Italian salad is PERFECT.
Think about those bright colors and amazing tastes – YUM.
They’re light, super refreshing, and just feel like summer in a bowl.
We’ve put together a list of 33 Italian summer salads that are SERIOUSLY good.
You’ll find all sorts of ideas here, from quick bites to heartier options.
These salads are great for any meal, whether it’s a picnic, a BBQ, or just a weeknight dinner.
So get ready to discover some new favorites!
1. Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto Pasta Salad brings together bright, delicious flavors with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and crunchy pine nuts.
This wonderful pasta dish is ideal for any gathering, from summer parties to potlucks, or simply for a tasty lunch.
2. Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and savory black olives. Everything is coated in a rich, flavorful pesto sauce for a truly satisfying meal.
3. Creamy Balsamic Summer Pasta Salad
This Creamy Balsamic Summer Pasta Salad is a fantastic cold pasta salad recipe, ideal for any BBQ or picnic.
It’s a delicious vegetarian option that also makes a great light lunch or dinner.
Enjoy this versatile summer pasta salad which is dairy-free with a gluten-free option available.
4. Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad offers a bright and refreshing taste ideal for any meal. This delightful pasta salad features tender pasta, fresh mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes, creating a sweet and tangy mix. It’s a simply delicious and easy-to-make salad perfect for sharing.
5. Healthy Mediterranean Salad with Chickpeas
This Healthy Mediterranean Salad with Chickpeas is a perfect, refreshing summer dish.
It’s light, incredibly flavorful, and exactly what you need for a healthy meal.
6. Tortellini Salad
Tortellini Salad is a wonderfully tasty and unique pasta salad.
It brings together tender cheese tortellini, fresh veggies, and savory salami, all coated in a simple homemade vinaigrette.
Enjoy this fantastic tortellini pasta salad that’s perfect for summer.
7. Tuna Pasta Salad
This classic Tuna Pasta Salad is a breeze to make for any gathering.
Enjoy a super easy cold pasta tuna salad featuring tender pasta, tasty tuna, and fresh veggies.
Its creamy dressing makes this tuna salad with pasta a deliciously satisfying side or light meal.
8. Easy Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing
This Easy Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing takes a classic midwestern cold pasta salad to the next level.
It’s perfect for parties and picnics, tasting even better when prepared in advance.
9. Tuscan Butter Bean Salad with Crispy Artichokes
This Tuscan Butter Bean Salad with Crispy Artichokes offers a wonderful blend of textures and tastes. It’s a delicious and healthy salad that’s perfect for any meal. Enjoy this vibrant dish as a light lunch or a flavorful side.
10. Goat Cheese Orzo Salad
Goat Cheese Orzo Salad offers a delicious combination of quick-cooking pasta and creamy goat cheese.
This satisfying orzo salad features tender roasted asparagus spears, making it a perfect side dish.
It’s a delightful way to enjoy a refreshing and flavorful addition to your plate.
11. Italian-Style Wedge Salad
Elevate your meal with the Italian-Style Wedge Salad, a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic. This hearty wedge salad makes a fantastic dinner salad, bringing a taste of Italy to your table.
12. Arugula Salad
This Arugula Salad is a truly bright and vibrant dish. It brings together white beans, fresh tomatoes, and crisp pine nuts with a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side or a delightful light meal.
13. Easy Caprese Orzo Salad
This Easy Caprese Orzo Salad elevates tender orzo pasta with a delightful mix of juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and aromatic basil, all tossed in a delicious balsamic vinaigrette. Enjoy this vibrant caprese orzo salad as a perfect, easy side dish any time of year.
14. Antipasto Pasta Salad (Italian Pasta Salad)
Enjoy the classic flavors of an Italian Pasta Salad with this amazing Antipasto Pasta Salad recipe.
Every bite offers a delicious mix of savory meats, fresh veggies, and creamy cheeses, all coated in a zesty dressing.
It’s an easy and crowd-pleasing side dish or light meal perfect for any occasion.
15. Pizza Pasta Salad
This Pizza Pasta Salad is a fantastic way to enjoy all your favorite pizza flavors in a cool dish.
You’ll love the salty pepperoni and olives mixed with tangy Italian dressing and plenty of cheese.
It’s truly a delicious and easy meal perfect for any time.
16. Tomato Salad with Balsamic Vinegar
This vibrant Tomato Salad with Balsamic Vinegar is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh heirloom tomatoes.
The light balsamic mint dressing beautifully enhances the tomatoes’ natural sweetness.
17. Italian Pasta Salad
This Italian Pasta Salad is a quick and easy dish perfect for any get-together. It’s a colorful and refreshing cold side for potlucks or a light main meal. Enjoy this flavorful pasta salad bursting with freshness.
18. Pesto Avocado Chicken Salad
Pesto Avocado Chicken Salad offers a fresh take on classic chicken salad, replacing heavy mayo with creamy avocado.
Zesty pesto and a bright squeeze of lime round out this easy, flavorful dish.
19. Summer Corn and Cucumber Salad with basil
This Summer Corn and Cucumber Salad with basil is the perfect fresh dish for warm days.
It’s a light and flavorful cucumber corn salad that everyone will love.
Enjoy this simple and inviting salad for any summer gathering.
20. Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is bursting with bright, colorful flavors.
It features delicious bow-tie pasta mixed with savory sun-dried tomatoes and a tangy dressing made with white balsamic vinegar.
This beautiful pasta salad is perfect for sharing with family and friends, and the leftovers are even better.
21. Peach, Prosciutto and Burrata Salad
The Peach, Prosciutto and Burrata Salad offers a delightful mix of fresh flavors and exciting textures. This impressive peach and burrata salad recipe, enhanced with prosciutto, is both beautiful to serve and incredible to taste.
22. Burrata Salad
This Burrata Salad is a vibrant dish that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
It’s a true showstopper burrata recipe, made easily with just a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients.
23. Antipasto Pasta Salad
This Antipasto Pasta Salad offers a delightful Italian experience perfect for any gathering. It blends colorful bell peppers, tender artichoke hearts, and savory salami with fusilli pasta. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for your next summer picnic or potluck.
24. Roasted Pepper Orzo Salad
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Roasted Pepper Orzo Salad, bursting with chargrilled roasted peppers, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing. This delightful orzo salad with roasted peppers is an easy and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
25. Tuscan Kale Salad
Tuscan Kale Salad is a vibrant and healthy meal perfect for any day. It features fresh kale, grilled chicken, and a mix of colorful additions, all brightened by a simple lemon dressing. Enjoy this easy and satisfying Tuscan Kale Salad!
26. Caprese Skewers
Caprese Skewers are an incredibly easy and impressive appetizer.
These delightful tomato mozzarella skewers perfectly combine fresh tomatoes, basil, and creamy mozzarella.
They are a beautiful and quick bite, ideal for any gathering.
27. Caprese Salad
Enjoy the simple perfection of a classic Italian Caprese Salad.
This easy Caprese salad recipe combines juicy ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil for a delightful appetizer.
It’s a wonderful, easy-to-throw-together dish that brightens any meal.
28. Carrot Noodles with Pesto
Carrot Noodles with Pesto offers a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful, vibrant meal.
These delightful carrot pesto noodles are a simple twist that both kids and adults will love as a light lunch or easy side dish.
29. Lemon Artichoke Pasta Salad
Enjoy this bright Lemon Artichoke Pasta Salad, a quick and easy dish perfect for summer.
It’s a fantastic make-ahead option that can easily feed a crowd, ideal for picnics or potlucks.
This tangy and herby pasta salad offers delicious texture and flavor, making it a wonderful vegan choice.
30. Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish bursting with fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a hint of pine nuts. This colorful pasta salad is tossed in a light dressing, making it a perfect and easy side dish for any occasion.
31. Caprese Salad
Enjoy this classic Caprese Salad, a truly easy Italian favorite. It bursts with the vibrant fresh flavors of tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. This refreshing salad is perfect as a simple appetizer.
32. Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
This vibrant Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with Basil Vinaigrette is a celebration of fresh, simple flavors. Enjoy sweet tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, all brought together by a bright, homemade basil vinaigrette. It’s the perfect light and refreshing side for any occasion.
33. Italian Farro Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing
This Italian Farro Salad is a delicious and healthy choice for any meal.
It features a vibrant mix of fresh ingredients perfectly coated in a rich, creamy balsamic dressing.
Enjoy this easy-to-make Italian Farro Salad as a light lunch or a delightful side dish.