From lettuce to cucumbers to peppers and potatoes, summer farmers’ markets are packed full of all the vegetables. So if you’re looking for inspiration for your next picnic or BBQ, here is a list of summer salad recipes for you to enjoy all season long!
For some reason I am more inspired by the produce and comforting recipes of fall and winter than I am during the summer. It seems a bit counterintuitive because produce is so abundant in the summer but I’ve always been a fan of soups and stews so sometimes I struggle with my summer salad game.
Having said that, I can always count on a salad to deliver in the summertime! I love experimenting with dressings and different ingredients to make sure my salads are packed with flavor and never boring. So if you also struggle with keeping salads interesting, I’ve rounded up my 12 favorite salads to enjoy during the summer months.
What’s in Season in the Summer Months?
Really the question is, what’s NOT in season in the summer months? For much of the northern hemisphere summer runs from May-September. In that time you can expect to see plenty of fruits and veggies in season including:
Late Spring/Early Summer:
- Asparagus
- Avocado
- Berries (blueberries, strawberries + blackberries)
- Broccoli
- Bok Choy
- Lettuces
- Radish
- Snap Peas
Middle of Summer:
- Cucumber
- Corn
- Peppers
- Stone Fruit (Peaches, Plums + Cherries)
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
- Zucchini
End of Summer/Early Fall:
- Apples + Pears
- Cauliflower
- Onion
- Potatoes
- Squash
…and so much more! Here are some healthy summer salad recipes to keep you full all season long.
12 Summer Salad Recipes
01.
Grilled Kale Salad with Spicy Shrimp
Spice things up this summer with this grilled kale caesar with spicy shrimp salad. Boring old kale gets a makeover in this flavorful and filling summer salad recipe.
02.
Summer Panzanella Salad
The perfect tomato + summer panzanella salad recipe using leftover bread and fresh summer produce for a refreshing appetizer or entree. Fresh mozzarella pairs perfectly with crunchy bread and juicy fruit and veggies.
03.
Fattoush Salad with Grilled Chicken
Make this traditional Middle Eastern dish at home. Add grilled chicken to make it a complete meal with crispy pita chips on top too!
04.
Chinese Chicken Salad
Change up your usual boring salad with this crispy and flavorful Chinese Chicken Salad recipe! Made with crunchy napa cabbage, crispy ramen noodles and a delicious asian dressing this salad will become a weeknight staple and family favorite.
05.
Farro Caprese Salad
All you need are 7 simple ingredients to whip up this delicious and flavorful farro caprese salad. A perfect vegetarian grain salad that is filling and satisfying and a fun twist on classic caprese salad!
06.
Pacifica Salad
A take on a fast-casual staple, this pacifica salad features grilled chicken, quinoa + a medley of veggies in a cilantro jalapeno vinaigrette for a filling and flavorful meal you can make at home.
07.
Quinoa Mint Salad with Watermelon and Feta
A refreshing and light summer recipe for Quinoa Mint Salad with Watermelon and Feta Cheese that can be enjoyed as an easy side or a hearty main dish all season long. It’s full of flavor from fresh mint, sweet watermelon and tangy feta cheese. Nothing screams summer like a watermelon salad!
08.
Grilled Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
A delicious and summery Grilled Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette! Topped with peaches, shallots and toasted hazelnuts, you will fall head over heels for this fun new recipe to get in your veggies! No boring old kale salad here.
09.
Peach and Halloumi Salad
This Arugula Peach and Halloumi Salad is the summer salad I just can’t get enough of! Tossed with pecans, onions and fresh mint and topped with a lemon vinaigrette, I have no doubts you will love this salad too!
10.
Lemon Herb Zucchini Noodle Salad
A light and refreshing salad recipe for Spring or Summer, this Lemon Herb Spiral Zucchini Noodle Salad will become a seasonal classic. Full of fibre, and veggies and ready in 10 minutes or less!
11.
BBQ Chicken Salad
Looking to take your chicken salad up a notch? This healthy and flavor-packed BBQ chicken salad comes together quickly and will make you crave a big, hearty salad for your next meal.
12.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Pasta salad absolutely passes the vibe check for summer salad recipes! This one uses orzo and pairs it with crunchy red onion, cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives for a mediterranean twist on orzo salad!
13.
Tomato Burrata Salad
This burrata salad is the perfect simple and flavorful salad to add to your next summer meal. With fresh juicy tomatoes and an easy drizzle of balsamic dressing you will have a delicious salad recipe on the table in minutes!
