9 Stunning Summer Salad Recipes You Will Make All Season

When the temperature climbs, the last thing anyone craves is a heavy, hot meal. The long, sunny days call for food that’s refreshing, light, and full of vibrant flavor. If you find yourself stuck in a rut of boring sandwiches or greasy takeout, you’re in the right place to discover the simple joy of a truly stunning summer salad. This guide is your ultimate resource for easy and healthy summer salads, updated for 2025.

These aren’t your average, uninspired bowls of lettuce. In my kitchen, I’ve tested dozens of recipes to find the perfect combinations of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. This curated collection features the 9 absolute best summer salad recipes that I make all season long. They are chosen for their incredible taste, simple preparation, and use of the best seasonal produce.

The best summer salads are refreshing, easy to prepare, and highlight seasonal ingredients like ripe tomatoes, sweet corn, berries, and fresh herbs. They are versatile enough to serve as a light main course for dinner, a healthy lunch, or a crowd-pleasing side dish for a summer cookout.

9 Stunning Summer Salad Recipes You Will Make All Season

Get ready to transform your summer meals. Here are 9 distinct and flavorful salad recipes that cover every craving, from sweet and fruity to savory and hearty. Each recipe is designed with simple instructions and expert tips to guarantee delicious results, whether you’re packing a picnic, hosting a BBQ, or just need a quick weeknight dinner.

1. Vibrant Watermelon Feta & Mint Salad
2. Grilled Peach & Creamy Burrata Salad
3. Zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad
4. Hearty Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
5. Summer Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
6. Classic Creamy Dill Potato Salad
7. Flavor-Packed Italian Chopped Salad
8. Lemony Greek Orzo Salad
9. Simple Cucumber Tomato Salad

1. Vibrant Watermelon Feta & Mint Salad

This watermelon feta and mint salad is the epitome of summer refreshment in a bowl. It combines sweet, juicy watermelon with salty feta and cool mint for a flavor explosion that is incredibly simple to assemble.

• Ingredients:
  • 5 cups cubed seedless watermelon, chilled
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 avocado, cubed
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper
• Instructions:
  1. In a large, shallow bowl, gently combine the chilled watermelon, crumbled feta, chopped mint, and sliced red onion.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  3. Just before serving, add the cubed avocado to the salad.
  4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

Pro-Tip: For the most refreshing salad, make sure your watermelon is thoroughly chilled for at least 2 hours before cubing. This keeps the salad crisp and cool.

Pin this refreshing recipe for your next hot day!

2. Grilled Peach & Creamy Burrata Salad

This gourmet summer salad is an elegant, restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Grilling the peaches caramelizes their natural sugars, which pairs perfectly with creamy burrata, salty prosciutto, and tangy balsamic glaze.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 large ripe peaches, halved and pitted
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 oz burrata cheese
  • 4 slices of prosciutto
  • 2 cups fresh arugula
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the cut sides of the peaches with olive oil.
  2. Grill the peaches cut-side down for 2-3 minutes, until grill marks appear and they are slightly softened.
  3. Arrange the arugula on a platter. Tear the burrata and prosciutto into pieces and scatter them over the arugula.
  4. Place the warm grilled peach halves on the salad.
  5. Drizzle everything with balsamic glaze, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Pro-Tip: Use peaches that are ripe but still firm. If they are too soft, they will turn to mush on the grill. The firmness helps them hold their shape and get perfect grill marks.

Save this elegant salad idea for your next dinner party!

3. Zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad

Also known as esquites, this Mexican street corn salad is a creamy, zesty, and smoky side dish that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any cookout or party. It takes all the amazing flavors of grilled elote and puts them into an easy-to-eat salad form.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 ears of corn, shucked
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 jalapeño, finely diced
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Instructions:
  1. Grill or pan-sear the corn until lightly charred in spots. Let it cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and chili powder.
  3. Add the corn kernels to the bowl and stir until everything is well-coated.
  4. Garnish with extra cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder before serving. Can be served warm or cold.

Lesson Learned: Don’t skip charring the corn! It’s the most important step for developing that smoky, authentic “street corn” flavor. Boiling or using canned corn won’t have the same delicious result.

The perfect side for your next BBQ! Pin it now.

4. Hearty Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

This Mediterranean quinoa salad is a healthy, filling, and delicious meal-prep dream. It’s packed with protein and fresh vegetables, holds up beautifully in the fridge, and is perfect for a satisfying lunch or a light dinner.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley
  • Dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 tsp dried oregano.
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the quinoa according to package directions using water or broth. Fluff with a fork and let it cool completely.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients.
  3. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, red onion, feta, and parsley.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Best if allowed to marinate for 30 minutes before serving.

Pro-Tip: For the fluffiest quinoa, let it sit covered and off the heat for 5 minutes after cooking, then fluff it with a fork. Rinsing the quinoa before cooking also removes any bitterness.

Your new favorite healthy lunch! Save this meal prep idea.

5. Summer Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

A timeless classic, this strawberry spinach salad perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite. The combination of sweet berries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy almonds makes it an irresistible summer staple.

• Ingredients:
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
  • 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta)
  • 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • Dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tbsp poppy seeds.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, toasted almonds, and sliced red onion.
  2. In a jar or small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds until emulsified.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.

Pro-Tip: To toast almonds, spread them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Watch them carefully as they can burn quickly!

The prettiest salad of the summer! Pin this recipe now.

6. Classic Creamy Dill Potato Salad

No summer potluck is complete without a reliable, traditional, and ultra-creamy potato salad. This recipe uses fresh dill and a splash of pickle brine for a tangy kick that elevates it from good to absolutely unforgettable.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 large eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tbsp dill pickle brine or white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, celery, red onion, fresh dill, pickle brine, and Dijon mustard.
  3. Gently fold in the warm potatoes and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
  4. Season generously with salt and pepper. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Lesson Learned: Adding the dressing while the potatoes are still slightly warm helps them absorb more of the creamy, tangy flavor. Don’t wait for them to get completely cold!

Be the star of the potluck! Save this classic recipe.

7. Flavor-Packed Italian Chopped Salad

This Italian chopped salad is a hearty, satisfying main dish that is bursting with flavor and texture. Loaded with savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and a zesty vinaigrette, it’s a complete meal in a bowl.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed
  • 4 oz Genoa salami, chopped
  • 4 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
  • Dressing: 1/3 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. In a very large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, tomatoes, chickpeas, salami, mozzarella, red onion, and pepperoncini.
  2. In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly until every ingredient is lightly coated.
  4. Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Pro-Tip: The key to a great chopped salad is to cut all the ingredients to a similar, bite-sized piece. This ensures you get a perfect mix of flavors and textures in every single bite.

Your new favorite weeknight dinner! Pin this recipe.

8. Lemony Greek Orzo Salad

This Greek orzo salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make pasta salad that travels well, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or packed lunches. The bright lemon vinaigrette ties all the classic Greek flavors together beautifully.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb orzo pasta
  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or dill
  • Dressing: 1/3 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, cucumber, tomatoes, feta, olives, red onion, and fresh herbs.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss well to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Lesson Learned: Rinsing the pasta with cold water is crucial for pasta salads. It stops the cooking, prevents the pasta from becoming gummy, and cools it down so it doesn’t wilt the fresh vegetables or melt the cheese.

Perfect for picnics! Save this easy pasta salad recipe.

9. Simple Cucumber Tomato Salad

This simple cucumber tomato salad is proof that sometimes the most delicious dishes are also the easiest. Using just a handful of peak-season ingredients, this 5-minute salad is the ultimate simple side for any summer meal.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 large slicing tomatoes, cut into wedges
  • 1 large English cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Instructions:
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the tomato wedges, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
  2. Drizzle with red wine vinegar and olive oil.
  3. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and season generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Toss gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes for the flavors to meld before serving.

Pro-Tip: Salt is your friend here. Salting the tomatoes and cucumbers and letting them sit for a few minutes draws out their excess water and concentrates their flavor, creating a more delicious salad.

The easiest summer side ever! Pin it for later.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Perfect Summer Salads

To make incredible summer salads every time, just remember these core principles. They’re the foundation for all the great recipes above and any you invent on your own!

• Embrace Seasonal Produce: The best summer salads start with the freshest ingredients. Build your salads around what’s in season, like juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, berries, and peaches. Their flavor will be at its peak.
• Balance Flavors & Textures: A truly great salad is a symphony of sensations. Combine sweet (fruit, corn), savory (cheese, meats), tangy (dressing, onions), and fresh (herbs) elements. Don’t forget to add crunch with nuts, seeds, or crisp vegetables like celery and bell peppers.
• Homemade Dressing is Best: A simple homemade vinaigrette (typically 2 parts oil to 1 part acid like vinegar or citrus juice) tastes far better and is healthier than store-bought options. It takes less than a minute to whisk together and makes a world of difference.
• Timing is Everything: Add delicate greens, avocado, and the dressing just before serving to prevent wilting and sogginess. Heartier salads, like potato or quinoa salad, actually benefit from marinating for at least 30 minutes, which allows the flavors to meld and deepen.

People Also Ask About Summer Salad Recipes

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making delicious summer salads.

What are some good summer salads?

Great summer salads are light, refreshing, and use seasonal ingredients. Popular choices include Watermelon Feta Salad for its sweetness, Mexican Street Corn Salad for its zesty flavor, classic Potato Salad for BBQs, and hearty options like Italian Chopped Salad or Mediterranean Quinoa Salad which can double as a main course. The key is to balance flavors and textures for a satisfying meal.

What are the 5 basic salad types?

The five basic types of salad are green salads, bound salads, vegetable salads, fruit salads, and combination salads. Green salads are based on leafy greens. Bound salads are held together with a thick dressing like mayonnaise (e.g., potato salad). Vegetable salads feature non-leafy vegetables (e.g., cucumber tomato salad). Fruit salads are self-explanatory, and combination salads mix elements from other categories.

How do you keep summer salads from getting soggy?

To prevent a soggy salad, keep the dressing separate until just before serving. For salads with watery vegetables like cucumbers or tomatoes, you can salt them lightly and let them drain for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. For leafy greens, ensure they are completely dry before adding them to the bowl. Adding crunchy toppings like nuts or croutons at the last minute also helps maintain texture.

Final Thoughts

Summer eating should be joyful, simple, and delicious. It’s a celebration of the fresh, vibrant produce the season has to offer. With these 9 stunning and easy recipes in your back pocket, you’re well-equipped to create beautiful, healthy, and satisfying meals all summer long. You don’t need to be a professional chef to make a salad that wows your family and friends.

Which of these summer salads are you most excited to try first? Let us know in the comments below