When the weather feels like a sauna, the last thing anyone wants is to stand over a stove. These refreshing summer salads keep things cool, crisp, and far from boring. They bring the crunch, the color, and just enough effort to make you look like you tried. Great for hot days, lazy dinners, or anything that pairs well with avoiding heat. Because no one needs a boiling pot of regret in July.
Best Dill Pickle Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing
This salad is all about crunch and tang, with mini dill pickles, cheddar, and red onion tossed in a creamy dressing. It’s bold without being too heavy, thanks to the sour cream and fresh dill. The texture holds up well even after chilling. You can prep it ahead for any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Best Dill Pickle Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing
BLT Pasta Salad
This pasta salad has everything from a BLT, plus cheese and herbs for extra flavor. The crispy bacon and juicy tomatoes bring balance to the creamy dressing. It’s great for potlucks, but also works as a lunch on its own. Chill it for a bit before serving to bring everything together.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad
Peanut Thai Noodle Salad
Cold noodles, peanut dressing, and crunchy veggies come together for this simple dish. It’s rich and tangy, with just enough spice to keep things interesting. Great for slow weekends or packed lunches. You won’t need anything fancy to prep it.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Thai Noodle Salad
Avocado Caprese Salad
Creamy avocado, fresh mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes come together in this take on a Caprese. It’s balanced with a light drizzle of olive oil and a few pinches of salt. This is one of those refreshing summer salads that’s easy to throw together on warm days. You can pair it with grilled chicken or eat it solo.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Caprese Salad
Summer Couscous Salad
Couscous makes a light base for this salad, which mixes in fresh herbs and crisp veggies. It’s perfect when you want something cool but filling. This is one of the go-to refreshing summer salads for outdoor meals. It holds up well even when served at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Summer Couscous Salad
Sweet & Spicy Watermelon Salad
This watermelon salad gets a flavor boost from its Thai-style dressing. It’s sweet, spicy, and crunchy, with options to add mint or cucumber. You can serve it as a side for grilled meats or eat it on its own. It takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Watermelon Salad
Midsummer Raspberry Salad
Raspberries, walnuts, and mozzarella pair surprisingly well in this colorful salad. It’s tossed in a raspberry vinaigrette that ties everything together. Light but flavorful, it’s great for warm days. Add it to your list of refreshing summer salads.
Get the Recipe: Midsummer Raspberry Salad
Wilted Lettuce Recipe
A hot dressing poured over crisp lettuce gives this salad its unique style. Bacon, vinegar, and sugar combine into a tangy mix that’s poured while still warm. It softens the greens slightly without turning them soggy. Serve it right away for the best texture.
Get the Recipe: Wilted Lettuce Recipe
Chopped Italian Sub Salad
This chopped salad has all the flavor of an Italian sub, but skips the bread. It’s full of deli meats, cheese, and tangy dressing. The chopped format makes it easy to scoop and serve. Try it for lunch or as a hearty side dish.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Italian Sub Salad
Best Mexican Fruit Salad Recipe
Juicy pineapple, watermelon, and citrus are tossed in a light TajÃn-lime dressing. The mix of sweet and tangy flavors keeps things fresh and balanced. This one belongs on your list of refreshing summer salads. It’s great for parties, picnics, or even breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Best Mexican Fruit Salad Recipe
Avocado Black Bean Salad
Black beans, avocado, and tomato come together in this simple salad. The flavors are bold without being too much. It works as a side or a light lunch. Try it chilled for the most refreshing bite.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Black Bean Salad
Mandarin Spinach Pasta Salad
This pasta salad includes juicy mandarins, dried cranberries, and spinach tossed in a light teriyaki dressing. The chicken and bowtie pasta make it hearty enough to eat as a meal. It’s a fun change from heavier summer sides. Serve it cold for best results.
Get the Recipe: Mandarin Spinach Pasta Salad
Avocado Tomato Cucumber Salad
This mix of cucumber, tomato, and avocado is quick to prep and easy to serve. It’s crisp, light, and comes together with just a splash of oil and vinegar. Keep it simple or add fresh herbs if you’d like. It pairs well with just about any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Cucumber Salad
Chopped Mexican Salad
This chopped salad includes avocado, corn, tomato, and a tangy lime dressing. You can toss it together in 15 minutes or less. It’s fresh, crunchy, and a reliable pick for casual dinners. Add it to your rotation of refreshing summer salads.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Mexican Salad
Pesto Pasta Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Pesto and sundried tomatoes bring deep flavor to this cold pasta dish. It’s easy to prep ahead, which makes it a great choice for cookouts or weekday dinners. You’ll only need about 30 minutes from start to finish. Serve it cold or at room temp.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Garbanzo Bean Salad
This chickpea-based salad is filled with crisp vegetables and tossed in a simple dressing. It’s light but still filling, thanks to the plant-based protein. Great for quick lunches or meal prep. You can serve it right out of the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Garbanzo Bean Salad
Mediterranean Honey Halloumi Salad
Pan-seared halloumi and juicy peaches give this salad a sweet and salty vibe. The dressing combines lemon and pomegranate molasses for a slightly tart finish. It’s a fun mix that works well as a light dinner. Try it on a hot day with a cold drink.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Honey Halloumi Salad
Strawberry Cucumber Salad (For a Crowd!)
This colorful salad mixes strawberries and cucumbers for a sweet, crisp bite. It’s fast to prep and scales easily for large groups. Toss it with a simple dressing and serve it chilled. It works well with anything from grilled chicken to veggie burgers.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cucumber Salad (For a Crowd!)
Grilled Chicken Green Goddess Salad
Grilled chicken and greens come together in this hearty salad, balanced with a creamy dressing. It’s filling enough for dinner but still feels fresh. You can serve it warm or cold. It holds up well even if prepped in advance.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Green Goddess Salad
Santa Fe Salad
This salad includes chicken, black beans, corn, and a creamy Southwest dressing. It’s bold and colorful, with just the right amount of crunch. Serve it as a main course or a side. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad
Kale Crunch Salad (Chick-Fil-A Copycat)
This kale and cabbage salad is topped with an apple Dijon vinaigrette. It’s crunchy, light, and easy to whip up in minutes. It pairs well with sandwiches or grilled meats. Great if you want something simple but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Kale Crunch Salad (Chick-Fil-A Copycat)
Mango Avocado Salad
Ripe mango and creamy avocado pair well in this easy salad. The dressing is light, with hints of lime and coconut. It’s one of those refreshing summer salads that’s just as good solo or next to grilled fish. Use precut mango to save time.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad
Fennel Orange Salad
Fennel, arugula, and orange slices are tossed with creamy burrata and a sharp vinaigrette. The flavors contrast nicely and stay balanced. It’s fresh, simple, and ready in under 20 minutes. Serve it chilled or right after assembling.
Get the Recipe: Fennel Orange Salad
Peach Panzanella Salad
This salad combines peaches, tomatoes, corn, and croutons for a fresh take on the Italian classic. Burrata adds creaminess without weighing things down. It works well for brunch or an outdoor dinner. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak up the dressing.
Get the Recipe: Peach Panzanella Salad
Shaved Asparagus Salad with Fennel
Raw asparagus, farro, and fennel make this salad light but filling. Almonds add crunch, and the lemon vinaigrette brightens everything up. It’s a great pick when you want something a little different. You can also pack it for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Asparagus Salad with Fennel
30 BBQ Recipes for Summer Parties That Save the Day When You Forget to RSVP
These BBQ recipes are built for backyard hangouts, last-minute plans, and warm-weather crowds. Most come together with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, so you’re not stuck shopping all afternoon. They're flexible enough to serve cold, hot, or somewhere in between. That way, you can just show up, set it down, and still look like you had a plan.
Get the Recipe: 30 BBQ Recipes for Summer Parties That Save the Day When You Forget to RSVP
Start Your Party Right With These Clever Veggie Appetizers
This list skips the basic celery sticks and heads straight for flavor. You’ll find vegetables used in unexpected ways that still keep things simple and fast. These apps don’t need meat to hold interest, and they don’t take much prep either. They're a smart choice if you want something fresh that won’t get pushed to the side of the plate.
Get the Recipe: Start Your Party Right With These Clever Veggie Appetizers
