12 Salads to Make this Summer

If you’re looking for healthy and delicious salads to make on repeat this summer, we’ve got you covered. You won’t find any boring salads here. We dug deep to find only the healthiest, yummiest, and most creative summer salad recipes. From salads with no trace of greens to salads bursting with crisp lettuces, it won’t be hard switching up lunch. Or dinner. Or breakfast (; Eating healthy has never been less boring or more delicious.

12 Summer Salad Recipes You’ll Love

Avocado Grapefruit Salad 

This summer salad is the perfect amount of creamy and citrusy. Jam packed with antioxidants, phytonutrients, and healthy fats for a total beautifying effect. Throw this together for an easy summer brunch or lunch. Consider topping it with a crispy piece of fish to turn it into a light and refreshing dinner. Whatever time of day, this avocado grapefruit salad is sure to please. 

Shaved Zucchini and Grilled Corn Salad 

Okay, whoever said that salads have to mean a big bowl of lettuce?! This summer, we’re getting creative with our veggies. Katie from The Fillmore Kitchen went above and beyond with this one: thinly sliced zucchini, sweet corn, and fresh summer herbs like cilantro and mint make this a go-to summer plate for entertaining. 

Green Salad with Turnips, Strawberries, and Pepitas 

There’s just something about fresh summer strawberries and the crunch of pepitas that makes eating a salad seem too good to be true. This herby salad is dressed in a delicious honey lemon vinaigrette, making our list as one of the best simple summer salads. 

Watermelon, Tomato, and Feta Salad 

It wouldn’t be a summer salad list without a watermelon salad. I mean, watermelon just screams summer. With bright colors, healthy ingredients, and quick prep time, you’ll be making this salad more than once this summer. 

Smashed Cucumber and Sesame Green Bean Salad 

Chef and food access activist Sophia Roe did it again with this summer salad. A delicious combo of smashed cucumber, sesame, ginger, green beans, and more make this oh so good. The best part? You can make it with her on her new youtube channel! 

Shredded Chicken Salad with Lime Jalapeno Dressing 

You know how a lot of salads have more of a supporting role when it comes to dinner? Not this salad. Rachael DeVaux combines organic chicken breasts, baby bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, almonds, onion, orange, and even a japanese sweet potato for this filling break out star. This is such an easy and delicious recipe for a summer cookout. Seriously, I’m drooling. 

Dulse Caesar 

What could be more classic than a summer caesar salad? Top this go-to with any protein your little heart desires and you’ll be in heaven. 

But the thing about most caesar dressings, is that they are loaded with cheese and salt. Not this one. This one is different. Nicole Berri of Bonberi does a healthy take on classic caesar dressing with parsley, dulse seaweed, smashed garlic, lemon, nutritional yeast, and more. Pour this baby all over chilled and chopped romaine leaves and it’ll be your new favorite simple salad. 

Crispy Brussels Salad with Toasted Cumin Seeds “Buttermilk” Dressing 

I couldn’t just give you only one of Bonberi’s famous recipes.

I love to make this crispy summer salad when I’m feeling a light dinner but still need more than just lettuce and raw veggies. This combo of roasted brussels, carrots, avocado, cilantro AND sweet and spicy dressing is drool-worthy. It’s crunchy, creamy, and everything in between. Your fam will love it. 

Refreshing Summer Salad 

Another salad that doesn’t rely on lettuce. This is one of my favorite and most simple salads that we make in our house. Packed with fiber rich beans and fresh herbs and citrus— say hello to your new go-to side that you bring to every BBQ. 

Kale Mango Salad 

You can’t get more simple and nutritious than this salad. A cup full of juicy mango, a bunch of kale, toasted seeds, and a light massage and viola! When you’re in crunch time and all you want to do is get back outside and read your book in the sun, this salad will come to the rescue. 

Spinach Pesto and Chicken Salad 

This is another favorite of mine. Isaac and I recreated this salad after we moved away from Toronto and said goodbye to our favorite vegetarian cafe. Mixed greens topped with avocado, white kidney beans, sun dried tomatoes, chicken, pesto and herbs. It’s just too good. And too easy not to make. 

Summer Salad by the Lake 

I absolutely love this summer potluck salad! I switch out the couscous for either lentils or more quinoa and it is still so delicious! This salad is jam packed with some unlikely summer ingredients like pineapple, peas, sweet peppers and more. I love to make this salad if we are having people over or even just at the beginning of the week to have as a quick lunch for the rest of the week. 

Roasted Artichoke Salad 

Is Ina Garten the queen or is she the queen? Her roasted artichoke salad recipe is the perfect side to any outdoor fish or chicken dinner. If you are an artichoke fan (or even if you’re not…this may turn you) then this is a must-try. 

What are some of your favorite summer salads or foods? Let me know in the comments below!