24 Summer Salads That Aren’t Boring

We’re tossing the iceberg and sad croutons to the curb, and diving headfirst into bowls packed with crunch, color, and actual flavor. These are the salads you crave on a blazing hot day—the ones that make dinner feel fresh, fun, and maybe even a little fancy (without trying too hard).

We’ve got juicy peaches with burrata, smoky grilled corn, crisp cucumbers, zippy vinaigrettes, herby couscous, spicy shrimp, crunchy slaws, pasta salads that count as a meal, and more. Some are hearty enough for dinner, some are the perfect BBQ side, and some are just too pretty not to post.

Asian Cucumber Tomato Salad: Easy And Refreshing

A bowl of salad with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and lemon slices, topped with sesame seeds and herbs. — Asian Cucumber Tomato Salad: Easy And Refreshing. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

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Asian cucumber tomato salad is a delightful fusion of crunchy cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and a burst of Asian flavors.
Get the Recipe: Asian Cucumber Tomato Salad: Easy And Refreshing

Asian Turkey Burger Salad

This Asian turkey burger salad is served with a creamy peanut dressing. It’s got all the flavors of a Thai dish in a healthy salad.
Get the Recipe: Asian Turkey Burger Salad

Asian Zoodle Salad

Asian zoodles salad is a wonderful blend of spiralized zucchini noodles along with other vegetables and an Asian inspired dressing.
Get the Recipe: Asian Zoodle Salad

Asparagus and Shrimp Salad

This salad checks all the boxes: it’s fresh, vibrant, and easy to pull together, but it also eats like a full meal. The asparagus and peas bring crisp texture and sweetness, while soft-boiled eggs add that rich, jammy yolk that coats everything in flavor. The lemony mustard dressing cuts through with just enough acidity to keep it from feeling heavy. I make this on repeat when asparagus is in season because it’s fast, satisfying, and doesn’t make me regret skipping takeout. The trick is getting the eggs just right—and once you’ve nailed that, this becomes one of those “why didn’t I always do this?” kind of meals.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and Shrimp Salad

4 Bean Salad

A bowl of bean and onion salad with a wooden spoon. — 4 Bean Salad. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This low-carb, gluten-free Four-Bean Salad is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that’s both easy to prepare and visually appealing. It combines a variety of beans with the crunch of celery and onions, creating a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for a quick yet healthy addition to any meal. This salad offers a perfect balance of heartiness and freshness, making it a great option for gatherings or regular family dinners.
Get the Recipe: 4 Bean Salad

Berry Caprese Salad

This 4th of July Salad or Berry Caprese Salad is a refreshing twist on a classic, bursting with strawberries, blueberries, fresh mozzarella, and basil. It’s perfect for summer cookouts, especially on the Fourth of July when red, white, and blue recipes are practically required on the table.
Get the Recipe: Berry Caprese Salad

7 Layer Salad

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas. — 7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Have you ever craved a salad that’s not just fresh and healthy but also packed with layers of flavor? Let us introduce you to the 7 Layer Salad, a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want a quick and easy meal, this traditional recipe is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons

Bowls of Caesar salad topped with sliced grilled chicken and croutons are arranged on a table with dressing, utensils, and extra croutons nearby. — Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

How good does a blackened chicken Caesar salad sound? This is a great air fryer blackened chicken recipe with crunchy air fryer croutons.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons

Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia Salad is a sweet and creamy classic that’s always a hit! Packed with fluffy marshmallows, juicy pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut, and cherries, this easy fruit salad is bursting with flavor and nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Ambrosia Salad

Amish Broccoli Salad

A bowl of broccoli cauliflower salad with shredded cheese and bacon, placed on a checkered cloth. — Amish Broccoli Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This Amish Broccoli Salad recipe is a classic dish that is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or any other gatherings. It’s also a great side dish for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Amish Broccoli Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad

Amish macaroni salad is the perfect creamy & sweet side dish for your gatherings! With its simple yet delicious ingredients this salad is a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Antipasto Chopped Salad

A bowl of salad with romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, salami, yellow bell peppers, black olives, grated cheese, and artichoke hearts. A fork is placed in the bowl. — Antipasto Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This Antipasto Chopped Salad is a fresh and healthy side dish that your whole famiy will love. Packed full of fresh vegetables and a tangy italian dressing, it’s always a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Chopped Salad

Antipasto Farro Salad

A salad on a plate with mixed greens, mozzarella balls, prosciutto, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and grains, garnished with herbs. — Antipasto Farro Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This antipasto farro salad is a delicious dish jam-packed with flavor. Mediterranean and Italian ingredients make this salad recipe so tasty.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Farro Salad

Antipasto Salad

If you like Italian flavors, you’re definitely going to enjoy this antipasto salad which showcases Italian meats, cheeses, veggies, and more.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Avocado Egg Salad

Enjoy our Best Avocado Egg Salad Recipe made with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, fresh herbs as a low-carb option with a twist to the classic egg salad with mayo. This healthy egg salad with the addition of avocado adds you a creamy and rich texture to the dish.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad

Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad

This avocado lentil cranberry salad is packed with healthy fats from a good dose of avocado. Cooked lentils and both fresh and dried cranberries are tossed with a lemon dijon dressing to make this a hearty lunch or side salad.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad

Avocado Salad

This avocado salad is a vibrant, flavorful summer salad you can enjoy year-round. Loaded with creamy avocados, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers then tossed with a simple homemade dressing, it’s a side that’s equal parts refreshing and satisfying – perfect to pair with your favorite mains. Whether you’re team meal prep or team make-it-up-as-you-go, this salad is your ticket to flavor town with zero fuss and all the feel-good vibes.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad

Avocado Tomato Salad

Salad is so much more than just lettuce and dressing, and this avocado tomato salad proves that point. It’s a plethora of veggies tossed with romaine a fresh dressing you blitz together in your blender. Summer on a fork.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad

Avocado Tomato Salad with Cucumber Recipe

Avocado tomato salad with cucumber is my go-to when I want something fresh, easy, and full of flavor. With creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and a touch of red onion tossed in a simple homemade dressing, it comes together in under 10 minutes and goes with just about anything. It’s perfect as a stand-alone lunch or a quick side for warm-weather meals when you’re keeping things light but tasty.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad with Cucumber Recipe

Avocado Tuna Salad

This Avocado Tuna Salad is a delicious, protein-packed lunch option. It’s a recipe that is low-carb and dairy-free that is easy to make and will keep you full throughout the day!
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad

Baby Kale Salad

The best tasting recipe for a quick and easy baby kale salad! Tossed in a simple tahini dressing and topped with roasted BBQ chickpeas and apple slices, it’s a complete plant-based meal with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Baby Kale Salad

Bacon and Egg Salad

Egg salad on a piece of white bread. — Bacon and Egg Salad. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Bacon and egg salad is the perfect blend of breakfast flavors, but with a twist that makes it suitable for any meal. It takes hard-boiled eggs and crispy, salty, smoky bacon and turns them into a delectable sandwich filling.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Egg Salad

Bacon Egg Pasta Salad

This version adds crispy bacon and hard-boiled eggs to a creamy pasta base. Rich and filling with lots of texture. Serve with greens or on its own. A twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Pasta Salad

Asparagus and Pea Salad with Soft-Boiled Eggs

A vibrant asparagus salad with spinach, arugula, radishes, and soft-boiled eggs is topped with chopped green onions and arranged beautifully in a white bowl. — Asparagus and Pea Salad with Soft-Boiled Eggs. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.