Summer is the perfect time for fresh, flavorful salads to show up on the table more often! They’re easy to prep ahead and they go well with just about anything coming off the grill. Plus they often travel well if you’re taking them to family reunions or summer BBQs.
I’ve rounded up 23 of my favorite summer salads, including the fresh broccoli salad that is my husband’s all-time fave, the kale and wild rice salad that I can’t get enough of, and the chicken and pasta vineyard salad that my kids go crazy for.
Some of these salads make a great side dish and others are perfect for an easy dinner!
If you’re looking for fresh salad inspiration this summer, this list has a little bit of everything! I make all of these on repeat during the warmer months (and pretty much all year round, too).
1
The Best Broccoli Salad
Made with fresh broccoli and the most delicious homemade dressing, this is the best broccoli salad recipe. It is always popular at potlucks and BBQs!
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2
Pesto Pasta Salad with Peas and Parmesan
Get excited about pasta salad again with this amazing pesto pasta salad with peas and Parmesan. So light, so simple, so delicious!
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3
Pesto Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Toss
This delicious pesto balsamic chicken tortellini toss is loaded with so many yummy ingredients and flavors, like roasted tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, artichokes and more!
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4
Greek Pasta Salad
This delicious pesto balsamic chicken tortellini toss is loaded with so many yummy ingredients and flavors, like roasted tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, artichokes and more!
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5
Vineyard Chicken and Pasta Salad
A perfectly light, fresh dinner, this vineyard chicken and pasta salad is crazy delicious! So many tasty ingredients and that dressing…yum!
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6
Kale and Wild Rice Salad
This gorgeous kale and wild rice salad is loaded with so many delicious ingredients: chicken, avocados, feta, almonds, apples, and more! It’s so good!
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7
Loaded Fresh Basil and Sweet Corn Couscous Green Salad
This loaded couscous green salad is AMAZING! It comes together fast…and that fresh basil dressing will knock your socks off.
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8
Avocado Chicken Salad
This avocado chicken salad is irresistible! Perfect for a light, healthy dinner, it’s also delicious for a quick lunch or great for party food. Bonus: it comes together FAST (15 minutes or less)!
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9
Smashed Yukon Gold Potato Salad
Potato salad gets a little makeover with this smashed potato salad. Simple and delicious, the tender Yukon gold potatoes and classic dressing are perfect!
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10
Honey Lime Fruit Salad
The best fruit salad ever! This honey lime fruit salad is so easy and delicious with just enough flair to make it feel extra-special.
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11
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Best summer side dish ever! This creamy Mexican street corn salad (aka esquites) is incredibly easy and packed with the most amazing smoky, fresh flavors.
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12
Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Orzo Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
Bursting with flavor…and vegetables, this grilled chicken orzo salad with a quick homemade honey lime dressing is out of this world delicious (not to mention super pretty to look at!).
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13
Easy Cowboy Caviar
This cowboy caviar dip (a.k.a. shrapnel dip!) is literally thrown together making it one of the easiest…AND tastiest snacks/appetizers ever. It’s perfect for potlucks and BBQs!
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14
Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad
Light and healthy, this grilled chicken Cobb salad is packed with yummy ingredients (bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese!) with a homemade dressing that is simple and tasty!
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15
Fresh Green Bean Salad with Balsamic Dressing
This fresh green bean salad with balsamic dressing is so bright and fresh and flavorful. It is the perfect summer side dish!
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16
Tri-Color Pasta Salad
Simple to prepare, this tri-color pasta salad is the best. The creamy dressing, with a hint of pesto, is so flavorful and delicious!
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17
BBQ Chicken Salad Cilantro Lime Rice Bowls
If you love BBQ Chicken Salad, you’ll go crazy over these BBQ Chicken Salad Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice. Quick and so delicious, they make the perfect lunch or dinner!
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18
Summer Roasted Vegetable Orzo Salad with Fresh Basil
Simple roasted vegetables are tossed with orzo, fresh basil and a light and delicious homemade dressing. This orzo summer salad is fantastic!
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19
German Potato Salad
German potato salad is simple and so delicious! An egg- and dairy-free dressing is tossed with tender potatoes, simple herbs and bacon.
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20
Chopped Thai Crunch Salad with Sweet and Spicy Dressing
A healthy chopped Thai salad full of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and tossed with a Thai vinaigrette and a creamy spicy peanut dressing.
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21
Greek Pita Bread Salad
Light and refreshing, this Greek pita bread salad is filled with toasted pita bread, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese and chickpeas. Yum!
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22
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing
This strawberry spinach salad is filled with yummy, fresh ingredients and tossed with a creamy, sweet, tangy poppy seed dressing. It is beautiful and delicious!
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23
Orzo Salad with Tomatoes, Basil and Feta
This light and refreshing orzo salad with tomatoes, basil and feta is the perfect side dish and is delicious as a main dish, too. Simple and so tasty!
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