Go Back
Summer is the season for vibrant colors, fresh produce, and light meals that nourish our bodies while tantalizing our taste buds. As the temperatures rise, nothing beats the satisfaction of a refreshing salad that combines seasonal fruits, crisp vegetables, and delightful dressings. This article showcases 19 unique and delicious summer salad recipes that are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. From fruity to savory, these salads cater to various palates and dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy the flavors of summer.

19 Healthy Summer Salad Recipes

Discover 19 unique and delicious summer salad recipes that are perfect for any gathering or a light meal. From zesty watermelon and feta to spicy mango and black bean, each salad is packed with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Whether you're in the mood for something fruity, crunchy, or tangy, there’s a recipe to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy quick prep times and healthy options that will keep you feeling energized all summer long!

Ingredients
  

4 cups diced watermelon

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

Juice of 1 lime

Salt and pepper to taste

2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted

4 cups arugula

1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup walnuts, toasted

2 tbsp balsamic glaze

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup parsley, chopped

Juice of 1 lemon

Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cucumber, diced

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1/3 cup olives, pitted and sliced

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste

1 cup black beans, cooked

1 ripe mango, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1 jalapeΓ±o, minced

Juice of 2 limes

Fresh cilantro for garnish

4 cups fresh spinach

1 cup strawberries, sliced

1 cup blueberries

1/3 cup slivered almonds

2 tbsp poppy seed dressing

2 cups cucumber, diced

1 avocado, diced

1/4 red onion, diced

Juice of 1 lemon

Fresh dill for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

8 oz rice noodles, cooked

1 cup shredded cabbage

1 cup carrots, julienned

1/2 cup bell pepper, sliced

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

2 tbsp peanut butter

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp chili sauce

2 cups heirloom tomatoes, sliced

8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced

1/4 cup basil leaves

Balsamic reduction for drizzling

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell pepper, carrots), chopped

1 cup cooked chickpeas

1/2 cup hummus

Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

1 grapefruit, segmented

1 avocado, diced

1/2 red onion, sliced

4 cups mixed greens

Olive oil, salt, and pepper

1 cup farro, cooked

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved and roasted

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Olive oil, salt, and pepper

1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained

1 avocado, smashed

Juice of 1 lemon

1/4 cup red onion, diced

Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

1 avocado, diced

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Juice of 1 lime

Olive oil, salt, and pepper

2 ripe mangoes, julienned

1/2 red bell pepper, julienned

1/4 cup peanuts, crushed

2 tbsp lime juice

1 tbsp fish sauce

Fresh mint leaves for garnish

8 oz pasta (your choice)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup broccoli florets, blanched

1/2 cup pesto sauce

Parmesan cheese for garnish

4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

1/2 cup croutons

1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Caesar dressing to taste

2 cups roasted beets, sliced

4 cups mixed greens

1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

Balsamic vinaigrette for drizzling

4 cups mixed greens

1 avocado, diced

1/2 cucumber, sliced

1/4 cup green onion, chopped

1/3 cup green goddess dressing

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon and crumbled feta.

    Add the chopped mint leaves and lime juice.

      Season with salt and pepper to taste.

        Gently toss to combine and serve cold.

          Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins | Servings: 4

            ---

              Grilled Peach & Arugula Salad πŸ‘πŸ₯¬

                Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.

                  Place peach halves cut side down on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes.

                    In a large bowl, combine arugula, goat cheese, and walnuts.

                      Add grilled peaches and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Toss gently and serve.

                        Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

                          ---

                            Crunchy Quinoa & Veggie Salad 🌾πŸ₯’

                              In a large bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and parsley.

                                Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.

                                  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

                                    Toss gently and serve chilled or at room temperature.

                                      Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4

                                        ---

                                          Mediterranean Chickpea Salad πŸ₯—πŸŒ

                                            In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta.

                                              Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle oregano, salt, and pepper.

                                                Mix well, and let sit for 15 minutes for flavors to meld before serving.

                                                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4

                                                    ---

                                                      Spicy Mango & Black Bean Salad 🌢️πŸ₯­

                                                        In a bowl, combine black beans, mango, bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeΓ±o.

                                                          Squeeze lime juice over the top and mix well.

                                                            Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

                                                              Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins | Servings: 4

                                                                ---

                                                                  Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing πŸ“πŸ₯¬

                                                                    In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, blueberries, and almonds.

                                                                      Drizzle with poppy seed dressing and toss to coat.

                                                                        Serve immediately.

                                                                          Prep Time: 5 mins | Total Time: 5 mins | Servings: 4

                                                                            ---

                                                                              Cool Cucumber & Avocado Salad πŸ₯’πŸ₯‘

                                                                                In a bowl, combine cucumber, avocado, and red onion.

                                                                                  Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

                                                                                    Garnish with fresh dill and serve immediately.

                                                                                      Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins | Servings: 4

                                                                                        ---

                                                                                          Thai Spicy Noodle Salad 🍜🌢️

                                                                                            In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, and chili sauce to make dressing.

                                                                                              In a large bowl, combine noodles, cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and cilantro.

                                                                                                Drizzle dressing over salad and toss well to combine.

                                                                                                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4

                                                                                                    ---

                                                                                                      Caprese Salad with a Twist πŸ…πŸƒ

                                                                                                        Layer the tomatoes and mozzarella on a platter, alternating slices.

                                                                                                          Tuck fresh basil leaves between layers.

                                                                                                            Drizzle with balsamic reduction and season with salt and pepper.

                                                                                                              Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins | Servings: 4

                                                                                                                ---

                                                                                                                  Roasted Vegetable & Hummus Salad πŸ₯¦πŸŒ½

                                                                                                                    Preheat oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).

                                                                                                                      Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes or until tender.

                                                                                                                        In a bowl, swirl hummus and top with roasted vegetables and chickpeas. Garnish with parsley.

                                                                                                                          Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

                                                                                                                            ---

                                                                                                                              Avocado & Grapefruit Salad πŸ₯‘πŸŠ

                                                                                                                                In a bowl, combine grapefruit segments, avocado, and onion.

                                                                                                                                  Arrange mixed greens on a plate and top with the grapefruit mixture.

                                                                                                                                    Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper before serving.

                                                                                                                                      Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins | Servings: 4

                                                                                                                                        ---

                                                                                                                                          Farro & Roasted Tomato Salad πŸ…πŸŒΎ

                                                                                                                                            Preheat oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C) and roast tomatoes for 20 minutes.

                                                                                                                                              In a bowl, combine cooked farro, roasted tomatoes, feta, and basil.

                                                                                                                                                Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently before serving.

                                                                                                                                                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4

                                                                                                                                                    ---

                                                                                                                                                      Smashed Chickpeas & Avocado Salad πŸ₯‘πŸ₯—

                                                                                                                                                        In a mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, smashed avocado, lemon juice, and red onion.

                                                                                                                                                          Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

                                                                                                                                                            Serve on whole grain toast or as a dip with veggies.

                                                                                                                                                              Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins | Servings: 4

                                                                                                                                                                ---

                                                                                                                                                                  Corn, Bean & Avocado Salad 🌽🫘

                                                                                                                                                                    In a bowl, combine black beans, corn, and avocado.

                                                                                                                                                                      Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil, then add cilantro.

                                                                                                                                                                        Gently toss and season with salt and pepper to taste.

                                                                                                                                                                          Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins | Servings: 4

                                                                                                                                                                            ---

                                                                                                                                                                              Thai Mango Salad πŸ₯­πŸŒΏ

                                                                                                                                                                                In a large bowl, combine mango, bell pepper, and peanuts.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Whisk together lime juice and fish sauce; pour over salad.

                                                                                                                                                                                    Toss gently and garnish with fresh mint before serving.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins | Servings: 4

                                                                                                                                                                                        ---

                                                                                                                                                                                          Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies 🍝🌱

                                                                                                                                                                                            Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain and cool.

                                                                                                                                                                                              In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, broccoli, and pesto.

                                                                                                                                                                                                Toss well and top with grated Parmesan before serving.

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4

                                                                                                                                                                                                    ---

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Classic Caesar Salad with a Twist πŸ₯—πŸ₯“

                                                                                                                                                                                                        In a large bowl, toss romaine lettuce with croutons, parmesan, and bacon.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss again to coat evenly.

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Serve immediately.

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins | Servings: 4

                                                                                                                                                                                                                ---

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad πŸ·πŸ§€

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    On a plate, layer mixed greens, roasted beets, and goat cheese.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Top with walnuts and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Serve chilled or at room temperature.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ---

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Green Goddess Salad πŸ₯—πŸ

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In a bowl, combine mixed greens, avocado, cucumber, and green onion.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Drizzle with green goddess dressing and toss gently.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Serve fresh with a sprinkle of seeds or nuts if desired.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Prep Time: 5 mins | Total Time: 5 mins | Servings: 4

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ---

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Enjoy the healthy flavors of summer with these refreshing salads!