12 Best Summer Salad Recipes

Looking for the perfect side dish to bring to your next barbecue? Check out these 12 Best Summer Salad Recipes for fresh and flavorful summer meal ideas everyone will love.

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Summer is finally here and I couldn’t be happier. It is my absolute favorite season as I love the long, warm, and lazy days. There is nothing better than relaxing with a good book, going camping, or heading to the beach with the family.

Honestly, there are so many reasons to enjoy the summer but one of the best reasons is the…..food. Grilled chicken, watermelon, burgers, and fresh summer salads are a must during the summer.

And, while I enjoy a good barbecue I am always on the lookout for quick and easy summer salad recipes to try. These summer salad recipes include classics like potato salad, and pasta salad but also some you may not have tried before like watermelon salad with cucumbers and feta cheese.

Most of the recipes require very little time in the kitchen which is great because the last thing you want to do after a hot day is to prepare a big meal. Plus, they are easy on the wallet and don’t require a lot of expensive ingredients, saving you money on your groceries.

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These simple summer salads are perfect to take to picnics, barbecues, potlucks or to serve when you are just hanging out at home with the family. Try these 12 Best Summer Salad Recipes for a quick lunch or easy dinner.

Traditional Summer Salad Recipes

Traditional salads are a crowd-pleaser at any barbecue. If you are looking for simple recipes everyone will enjoy, these are the classics to make.

Potato Salad– (Tastes Better From Scratch)

Potato salads are a must at any summer barbecue. This traditional potato salad recipe combines all the classic flavors you love. A hearty salad that’s the perfect side dish for any burger this summer.

Macaroni Salad– (Recipe Girl)

If you are looking for a classic macaroni salad recipe that everyone will enjoy at your next potluck, this is the recipe to try.

Tuna Macaroni Salad– (The Country Cook)

My dad loves this salad, so it’s a must for our yearly 4th of July barbecue. This salad combines the tasty flavors of traditional macaroni salad with tuna fish and peas. A simple but inexpensive salad to take to your next picnic.

Broccoli Salad– (Brown Eyed Baker)

An easy side dish that is sure to please any crowd. It combines broccoli, cheese, and bacon in a creamy dressing for a tasty summer salad.

Pasta Summer Salads

I love trying different varieties of pasta salad in the summer. These pasta salads are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad- (Bless This Mess)

This is a delicious and simple summer salad that takes less than 20 minutes to prepare.

Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad– (12 Tomatoes)

This is my family’s favorite summer salad recipe. It’s the most requested salad during the summer for barbecues. A simple but delicious salad that is kid-approved.

Greek Pasta Salad– (Bake.Eat.Repeat.)

Greek salad is one of my favorites. This recipe combines the flavors of greek salad with pasta making it the perfect summer side dish for any barbecue.

Italian Antipasto Salad–(Well Plated)

An easy summer salad that combines salami, marinated vegetables, and cheeses. Perfect for your next potluck dinner.

Healthier Summer Salad Recipes

Summer is wonderful but it can also be so hot. When you are looking for something lighter to have for dinner or (dessert) these refreshing summer salad recipes are the best options.

Summer BLT Chopped Salad Recipe– (The Every Day Mom Life)

A tasty salad to enjoy on its own for those warm summer nights when you don’t want to cook or as a side dish for a summer party.

Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta– (Recipe Runner)

Try this refreshing summer salad that combines the sweetness of watermelon with the saltiness of feta cheese for an easy barbecue side dish.

Strawberry Spinach Salad–( Wonky Wonderful)

If you are looking for a flavorful summer salad to enjoy at your next cookout, this salad works well on the side but can also be enjoyed as a light summer meal.

Fruit Salad– (Julie’s Eats & Treats)

A tasty summer salad that combines berries, oranges, and pineapples for a refreshing summer treat.

Hopefully, you have been inspired to try one of these easy summer salad recipes. They are the perfect solution to those hot and humid days when you don’t feel like cooking a big meal or grabbing take-out. Enjoy one of these salads with some grilled chicken and you have a simple summertime dinner your whole family will enjoy.

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Looking for more ways to save on groceries: