15 Best Summer Salad Recipes

Salads have kind of gotten a bad rap, haven’t they? People think of them as boring, bland, or something you have to eat to be healthy. But honestly? Summer is when salad season REALLY shines.

We’re talking sweet cherry tomatoes that taste like candy, juicy peaches, grilled corn, fresh herbs straight from the garden… all tossed together in one big bowl of deliciousness.

Add a punchy homemade dressing and maybe a sprinkle of feta or toasted nuts, and BOOM—you’ve got a full-on meal that’s light, satisfying, and tastes like sunshine.

As a nurse and a mom, I’m usually juggling about ten things at once (you too?), and when it’s 90 degrees out, the last thing I want is to stand over a hot stove.

That’s why I love keeping a few go-to summer salad recipes up my sleeve—the kind you can throw together in 20 minutes flat, with whatever’s in the fridge, and still feel like you’re winning dinner.

Sometimes it’s just me and Matthew on the back patio with something cold to drink and a giant bowl of something crisp and fresh between us. Other times, we’re feeding a whole crowd at a potluck or picnic. Either way, these salads always hit the spot.

So what makes a summer salad go from “meh” to mouthwatering?

15 Easy summer salad recipe ideas

When the weather’s hot and the days feel extra long, the last thing you want is a heavy meal that slows you down. That’s why these summer salads are total lifesavers—they’re fresh, flavorful, and don’t need much more than a chopping board and a big bowl.

Some are sweet, some are savory, and a few have that perfect balance of both (hello, grilled peach and mozzarella—we see you).

These aren’t your average lettuce-and-dressing situations. We’re talking bold combos, fun textures, and ingredients that actually taste like summer—think watermelon, corn, avocado, cucumbers, and juicy berries.

Some have protein, some are totally plant-based, but ALL of them are easy to throw together and perfect for everything from lazy weeknights to backyard BBQs.