12 Refreshing and Filling Summer Salads

Summer is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with fresh, flavorful salads bursting with color and goodness! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic basket, or simply trying to keep things light in the heat, summer salads are a perfect go-to. They’re versatile, easy to prepare, and packed with all the vibrant ingredients that make this time of year so special.

Sweet Pepper Cucumber Crunch Salad

This fresh twist on the trending cucumber salad is loaded with veggies and topped with a light and healthy dressing. Best of all, it only takes 10 minutes to whip up! You can grab all the ingredients at your nearest grocery store, and it’s completely vegan, gluten-free, and free of refined sugar.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Pepper Cucumber Crunch Salad

Spring Roll Salad Bowl

Savor the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese spring rolls in a simple-to-make Spring Roll Salad bowl paired with tender noodles. This dish works wonderfully as a flavorful side or can stand on its own as a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Spring Roll Salad Bowl

Potato Salad with Peas and Dill

This Potato Salad with Peas and Dill is creamy, refreshing, and dressed in a perfectly sweet and tangy sauce. It’s my favorite dish for spring and summer get-togethers! Made with basic pantry ingredients, it’s simple to prepare and can be easily customized to pack in even more flavor.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Peas and Dill

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a rich, smoky, and mildly spicy twist on a classic pasta salad, inspired by a beloved street food. This recipe brings together charred corn, tangy chili-lime crema, cotija cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta for a dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Burrata Caprese

Burrata Caprese is vibrant, flavorful, and irresistibly fresh. Swapping out mozzarella for creamy burrata gives this classic caprese salad a tasty upgrade. It comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick appetizer or snack!
Get the Recipe: Burrata Caprese

Spinach and Arugula Salad

This spinach and arugula salad is packed with vibrant, fresh flavors! Featuring tender greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and toasted pecans for crunch, it’s all brought together with a honey dijon vinaigrette that perfectly balances sweetness and tanginess. Simple to prepare, this salad pairs beautifully with any meal!
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Arugula Salad

Classic Pea Salad

Pea Salad is a timeless favorite for spring! The best thing about it? You can throw it together in just a few minutes. It’s a simpler alternative to traditional potato salad.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pea Salad

Indian Chickpea Salad

This vibrant chickpea salad is bursting with flavor and fresh ingredients, combined with fragrant Indian herbs. Tossed in a zesty and mildly spicy lemon dressing, it offers the perfect harmony of taste and nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Indian Chickpea Salad

Creamy Cucumber Salad

This creamy and refreshing Cucumber Salad combines crisp cucumbers, fragrant fresh dill, and tangy sour cream for the ultimate light side dish. A hint of sharpness from red onions and a perfectly balanced dressing tie it all together. It’s effortless to prepare and ideal for summer picnics, backyard dinners, or satisfying those last-minute cravings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cucumber Salad

Supreme Pasta Salad

Olive Garden Supreme Pasta Salad is packed with flavor and completely gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for summer get-togethers. Want a vegetarian version? Simply leave out the pepperoni!
Get the Recipe: Supreme Pasta Salad

Mexican Chicken Salad

Craving a tasty, protein-filled lunch? This Mexican chicken salad is the perfect solution! With just a few simple ingredients, it transforms leftover chicken into a bold and delicious meal that’s incredibly easy to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Chicken Salad

Lemony Quinoa Chickpea Salad

Lemony Quinoa Chickpea Salad is a bright and healthy side dish made with crisp cucumber, vibrant red bell pepper, fresh parsley, fluffy quinoa, and hearty chickpeas, all tossed in a zesty homemade lemon dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or even meal prepping!
Get the Recipe: Lemony Quinoa Chickpea Salad