Fire up the grill and get ready to celebrate summer with this collection of more than 20 of the best simple and flavorful salad recipes.
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This post was originally published on May 6, 2021. Last updated on May 21, 2024
20+ of the Best Simple Summer Salad Recipes
Ahhhh…summer has arrived in the Midwest, and that means the outdoor entertaining season is in full swing!
Here, summer gatherings are all about backyard barbecues, picnics, and potlucks, and no get-together is complete without some ah-mazing summer salad recipes!
So whether you’re hosting a BBQ party on Memorial Day weekend, cooking out for Father’s Day, planning a patriotic 4th of July party, or just grilling up an easy weeknight meal, this post is packed with the best easy summer salad recipes that are perfect for any gathering.
From easy pasta salad recipes to crowd-pleasing classics, like potato salad, macaroni salad, and more, there’s a summer salad recipe for everyone—21 in total!
So get ready to hit that pin button to save each of these mouthwatering BBQ side dishes.
20+ of the Best Summer Salad Recipes
- 20+ of the Best Simple Summer Salad Recipes
- Pasta Salad Recipes to Start the Party
- Light & Leafy: Summer Salad Recipes with Lettuce & Spinach
- Fresh & Flavorful: Summer Salad Recipes with Fruits & Veggies
- Wrapping Up: Savoring Summer with Simple Salad Recipes
- Did You Enjoy this Post? PIN It for Later!
Pasta Salad Recipes to Start the Party
Cucumber Penne Pasta Salad
Say hello to your new summer salad obsession!
I have a few go-to recipes when it comes to summer side dishes, but cucumber penne pasta salad is at the top of the list!
A staple at our family’s annual Fourth of July celebration, this pasta salad combines tender Penne noodles, crunchy cucumbers, and a tangy vinegar dressing that’s the perfect blend of savory and sweet.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This creamy bacon ranch pasta salad is the only side dish you’ll need this summer.
With a creamy ranch dressing mix, tender peas, cheddar cheese, and bits of savory bacon, there’s a reason this is one of the top recipes here on on MWLS.
It is that good!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Craving a summer salad with a kick?
This buffalo chicken pasta salad hits the spot!
Packed with juicy pre-cooked buffalo chicken, creamy ranch dressing, crisp celery, and sweet cherry tomatoes, it can be served hot or cold, making it perfect for a summer potluck or BBQ.
Tangy blue cheese crumbles add another layer of deliciousness.
Plus, it’s super easy to whip up on short notice – perfect for those last-minute BBQ invites!
Greek Pasta Salad
For a fresh and easy summer salad, try this delicious Greek pasta salad recipe.
With veggies, rotini pasta noodles, and a tangy dressing, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Pizza Pasta Salad
Loaded with all of your favorite toppings like pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, chopped green peppers and onions this pizza pasta salad is sure to become a favorite with all your family and friends!
BLT Pasta Salad
This BLT pasta salad is a twist on your favorite summer sandwich that’s perfect for hot days.
It’s super easy to make – just toss cooked pasta with crumbly bacon, chopped lettuce, and fresh diced tomatoes.
This colorful salad is light and tasty, making it a guaranteed hit at any potluck, barbecue, or even a picnic in the park!
Light & Leafy: Summer Salad Recipes with Lettuce & Spinach
Doritos Taco Salad
A blast from the past!
This Doritos taco salad always takes me back to my childhood.
Ready in just 30 minutes; it’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you need a quick and easy meal.
This is one of our go-to summer salad recipes and is always a huge hit.
Because Doritos – need I say more?
Bowtie Chicken Caesar Salad
Summer screams for light, flavorful dishes that are easy to make and great for sharing, which is why salad recipes with pasta are perfect for all your summertime get-togethers.
Enter this bowtie chicken Caesar salad!
It combines the creamy, garlicky goodness of a classic Caesar salad with the satisfying heartiness of pasta for a recipe that everyone will love.
Summer Berry Spinach Salad
If you’re looking for a healthy side dish or a light meal, this summer berry spinach salad checks all of the boxes.
Drizzled with a creamy poppy seed dressing and loaded with three kinds of fresh berries, it’s hard to resist!
Toss in chopped chicken, bits of bacon, or even grilled shrimp for some added protein.
Loaded Cowboy Salad
With just a handful of ingredients, loaded cowboy salad is the ultimate easy summer salad recipe.
Toss together your favorite greens with sweet corn, crispy bacon, cheese, beans, and a variety of colorful veggies.
Then finish it off with a delicious BBQ ranch dressing.
New England Lobster Cobb Salad
Add some New England flavor to one of the most classic summer salad recipes.
This Lobster Cobb salad takes the traditional Cobb up a notch with the edition of fresh-caught lobster.
Drizzle with a creamy lemon dill dressing for an irresistible and refreshing summer side dish.
BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
BBQ chicken chopped salad combines crunchy romaine lettuce with grilled BBQ chicken and a variety of fresh garden veggies.
It’s perfect for when you need a cold summer salad recipe that’s quick, healthy, and filling!
Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad
Looking for a fresh and flavorful salad recipe for summer?
Layered with spinach, chicken, and sweet slices of citrus, this simple Mandarin orange spinach summer salad is a double win!
Pack it up for a healthy and tasty work lunch, or throw it in a container for your next family picnic.
It’s so easy to make ahead of time, so you can spend less time prepping and more time enjoying the sunshine!
Copycat Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad
Whip up this delicious homemade version of Chick-fil-A’s Cobb salad!
This recipe features juicy popcorn chicken, crispy bacon crumbles, and a creamy avocado dressing – it’s all the flavors you love, made right at home.
Fresh & Flavorful: Summer Salad Recipes with Fruits & Veggies
Simple And Classic Fruit Salad
This fruit salad recipe is one of my favorites.
Drizzled with a creamy vanilla pudding dressing and ready in just a few minutes, it can be easily customized to include your favorite fruits.
Creamy Broccoli Salad
Looking for the best creamy broccoli salad recipe?
Look no further!
Tossed with a sweet dressing and loaded with crispy bacon, raisins, and sunflower seeds, this simple side dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
Roasted Herb Ranch Potato Salad
Roasted herb ranch potato salad isn’t your average potato salad!
Tender roasted potatoes are tossed with a blend of flavorful herbs, then combined with crunchy vegetables and a creamy herb ranch dressing combine for a delicious and satisfying side dish.
Summer Harvest Salad
This simple and classic fruit salad is one of my favorites. Drizzled with a creamy vanilla pudding dressing and ready in just a matter of minutes, it can be easily customized to include your favorite fruits.
This summer harvest salad is packed with healthy veggies, including zucchini, squash, corn, and tomatoes. Easy to prepare, it is ready in no time.
Watermelon Salad
With feta cheese, blueberries, fresh basil, and a hint of lime, this watermelon salad is a refreshing summer recipe.
Summer Caprese Salad
This summer Caprese salad is made with tomatoes, peaches, cucumber, and mozzarella cheese, and drizzled with a simple balsamic glaze.
It is the perfect combination of fresh summer flavors.
Chickpea Salad
This chickpea salad is full of Mediterranean flavors.
Quick and easy to prepare, it is a great summer side dish.
More Summer Recipes from Midwest Life and Style
If you’re looking for more grilling or summer salad recipes you might also like these posts.
Wrapping Up: Savoring Summer with Simple Salad Recipes
Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you enjoyed this round-up of 20 summer salad recipes.
Which one do you look forward to trying first?
Let me know in the comments below.
Enjoy!
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Did You Enjoy this Post? PIN It for Later!
So many fabulous salad ideas for summer! Thanks for sharing Jen!
Thanks so much, Kim. I hope you find a few new favorites to add to your summer salad rotation.
I love salads this time of the year and into the summer. Thank you for sharing so many great recipes!
Me too, Tammy! Give me all the summer salads!
I’m here for all the Summer salads!!! It feels like Summer here and time to BBQ!!
Same! We’ll be BBQing and making a few of these salads this weekend!
Oh my goodness YUM! Adding all of these to my list!
Thank you, Anna. I hope you enjoy! So perfect for the warmer summer months!
Oh Jen so many yummy salads! The tortellini and watermelon ones caught my eye! All so colorful too! Yum!
Thank you, Kelly! We live on grilled food during the summer, and these are all great sides to go with!
I have so many tabs open now! Thanks so much for all of these salad ideas.
Thank you so much, Paula. I hope you enjoy!