Looking for easy summer side dish recipes for your next backyard BBQ or cookout? Find 80 cold summer salads that are perfect for feeding a crowd all summer long.
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Now that warm weather has finally arrived, it’s time to fire up the grill to cook some delicious grilled chicken, burgers, and kabobs. But no cookout is complete without some crowd-pleasing BBQ side dishes, especially cold salads.
Cold summer salads are perfect for family cookouts, potlucks, picnics, and backyard BBQs. These make-ahead salad ideas are not only delicious but also travel well and please everyone.
And, although we love classic potato salad, macaroni salad, and pasta salads, it’s always fun to try out some new recipes. So, I thought I would gather up this ultimate list of cold summer salads in case you need some ideas for your next summer gathering.
Looking for more easy recipes to make this summer? Try these flavorful summer grilling recipes or simple crockpot recipes for no-fuss summer dinners. And no meal is complete without a sweet treat to finish it off. Find delicious picnic dessert ideas, no-bake summer dessert recipes, and tasty frozen desserts that will cool you down on hot days.
80 Cold Summer Salads
These refreshing summer salad recipes include everything from creamy pasta salads to cold salads with veggies and tangy slaws. They go perfectly with BBQ chicken, ribs, burgers, and steak for an easy summer meal everyone will enjoy.
Pasta Salads
Pasta salad recipes are my go-to when it comes to cold summer salads. They are perfect for entertaining at any summer get-together. You will find Italian pasta salads and creamy macaroni salads that are great for feeding a crowd.
1
The Cooking Duo
Spaghetti Pasta Salad
This delicious Spaghetti Salad combines fresh veggies, mozzarella, and a zesty dressing, making it perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and picnics.
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2
Gypsy Plate
Antipasto Pasta Salad
Make this easy and tasty Antipasto Pasta Salad for your next summer party.
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3
Lauren Fit Foodie
Healthy Tuscan Pasta Salad
This Sun Dried Tuscan Pasta Salad is an excellent side dish for summer gatherings. It's loaded with flavor and sure to be a hit with everyone.
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4
Semi Homemade Kitchen
Easy Italian Pasta Salad
Easy Italian Pasta Salad combines rotini, salami, veggies, and mozzarella. It's the perfect side for any gathering this summer.
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5
Chef Savvy
Pesto Pasta Salad
This flavorful Pesto Pasta Salad is made with basil, mozzarella, tomatoes, and cucumbers. It's a perfect side dish for for picnics, potlucks, or even a light summer meal.
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6
Nuts & Twigs
Angel Hair Pasta Salad
Angel Hair Pasta Salad is a perfect warm-weather side for family cookouts. Tossed with crisp veggies, herbs, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, it’s quick and easy to make.
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7
Flavours Treat
Creamy Vegetable Pasta Salad
Creamy Vegetable Pasta Salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, summer parties, or to enjoy as a weeknight summer dinner.
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8
Get Inspired Everyday!
Creamy Pasta Salad
This Creamy Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing recipe that your guests won't be able to get enough of.
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9
Cheerful Cook
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is made with tender pasta, crunchy dill pickles, sweet apple, and crunchy onions and tossed in a creamy dill infused dressing.
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10
xoxoBella
Creamy Coleslaw Pasta Salad
Coleslaw Pasta Salad is made with simple ingredients for a delicious side you can bring to your next summer gathering.
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11
The Cookin Chicks
Taco Pasta Salad
This Taco Pasta Salad combines the flavors of a classic taco with the versatility of pasta. Perfect for a summer cookout or an easy dinner!
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12
Simply Scratch Made
Chipotle Pasta Salad
Creamy Chipotle Pasta Salad is full of smoky flavor, crunchy veggies, and cheese making it perfect for a quick and easy side dish to serve this summer.
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13
Craving Something Healthy
Tortellini Pasta Salad
This Italian-flavored tortellini pasta salad features tortellini, grilled vegetables, salami & Provolone cheese in a homemade pesto dressing.
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14
Two Pink Peonies
Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe
Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for picnics and potlucks as it's so delicious and simple to make.
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15
Our Home Made Easy
Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad (Elote Pasta)
You will love this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad! Perfect for BBQs, cookouts or an easy weeknight dinner with grilled chicken.
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16
Heavenly Spiced
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This creamy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad takes all the flavors of classic elote and turns them into a delicious side dish! Perfect to bring to your next potluck this summer.
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17
Parsley & Parm
Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad With Roasted Vegetables
Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad features crisp-tender vegetables, mozzarella, and pesto for a tasty side dish to enjoy this summer.
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18
Budget Delicious
Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad
This colorful Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad is the perfect summer dish! It’s so quick and easy to make for lunch, dinner, or summer gatherings.
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19
Pumpkin 'n Spice
Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad
Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad is loaded with fresh ingredients, has a simple dressing, and is ready in less than 30 minutes for delicious summer dinner idea.
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20
I Heart Naptime
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This chicken caesar pasta salad is simple to make with pasta, chicken, tomatoes, lettuce and Parmesan tossed in creamy Caesar dressing.
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21
Kitchen Divas
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad combines ranch dressing with juicy chicken and vibrant veggies over rotini pasta, which makes a delicious summer side dish to serve at your next BBQ, picnic, or potluck.
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22
Our Crafty Mom
Crowd-Pleasing Tuscan Tortellini Salad in a Flash
Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad is not only simple to make, but it is mouthwatering with fresh herbs and garden tomatoes.
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23
TropRockin
Marry Me Pasta Salad
Marry Me Pasta Salad takes all the rich, creamy flavors you love from the famous Marry Me Chicken and turns them into a cold, hearty salad. Perfect for your next picnic or summer party.
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24
Small Town Woman
BLT Pasta Salad
Bacon, lettuce, tomato, grilled corn, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing is combined with fresh herbs to make this delicious BLT Pasta Salad.
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25
Simple And Fraiche
High Protein Pasta Salad
This High Protein Pasta Salad recipe is a simple and healthy way to boost your protein intake! It's not only filling but satisfying, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish for your next summer BBQ.
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26
Rose Bakes
Creamy Crab Pasta Salad
This Creamy Crab Pasta Salad recipe combines imitation crab with your favorite noodles and a creamy sauce for a delicious and easy side dish for summer.
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27
In the Kitch
Cold and Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad
This Cold and Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad is simple to make and delicious! Creamy pasta is combined with tuna chunks, colorful vegetables and eggs.
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28
The Scatty Mum
Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad (No Mayo)
This Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad with no mayo is the perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks, summer BBQs, potluck, or a healthy lunch.
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29
Cooking in The Keys
New York Deli Macaroni Salad
Creamy deli-style macaroni salad is a cold side dish that pairs with deli sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken.
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30
Pam's Daily Dish
Macaroni Green Pea Salad
This classic macaroni green pea salad is a hit with everyone. A perfect side dish addition for any summer gathering.
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31
Chew Out Loud
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is flavorful and simple to make. A must for your next BBQ, cookout or party.
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32
The Fresh Cooky
Bacon Macaroni Salad with Creamy Balsamic Ranch Dressing
Bacon Macaroni Salad With a Creamy Balsamic Ranch Dressing is loaded with green onions, red tomatoes and topped with crispy bacon for a delicious summer side dish everyone will love.
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33
Dizzy Busy and Hungry
Easy Chicken Macaroni Salad
This Chicken Macaroni Salad is a must this summer. It's simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.
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Vegetable Salads
These veggie salads are packed with seasonal produce and are perfect for a light and healthy summer lunch, dinner, or to bring to your next summer party or BBQ. Enjoy easy potato salads, broccoli salads, and cucumber salads.
34
Recipe Idea Shop
Potato Salad With Eggs And Radishes
Creamy old-fashioned potato salad with radishes is tasty, colorful, and great for potlucks, or picnics.
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35
Recipes Simple
Old Fashioned Potato Salad
This Old Fashioned Potato Salad is easy to prepare and delicious! A classic recipe that everyone should try!
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36
Maria's Mixing Bowl
Loaded Potato Salad
Loaded Potato Salad has all the flavors you will want at your next barbecue! This crowd-pleasing side dish is sure to be a hit with everyone.
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37
I Heart Eating
Bacon, Cheddar, Ranch Potato Salad
Bacon, Cheddar, Ranch Potato Salad is a tasty side dish recipe and a fun twist on your traditional potato salad recipe.
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38
Haute & Healthy Living
Healthy Dill Potato Salad Recipe {No Eggs}
This homemade Healthy Dill Potato Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for BBQ season.
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39
Strength and Sunshine
Classic American Potato Salad
Enjoy this Classic American Potato Salad, but now as an easy gluten-free and vegan recipe.
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40
Modern Honey
Pesto Caprese Salad
Loaded with fresh cherry tomatoes, pesto sauce, fresh mozzarella balls, extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, basil, and spices. It makes a perfect cold summer salad recipe for BBQs.
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41
The Oregon Dietitian
Strawberry Cucumber Salad
This quick & easy Strawberry Cucumber Salad recipe is made with just 7 ingredients in about 10 minutes. A great summer side for potlucks, picnics and cookouts.
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42
Little Sunny Kitchen
Creamy Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream
Enjoy this old-fashioned Creamy Cucumber Salad with sour cream and dill for a delicious side dish for any summer gathering.
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43
Midwexican
Creamy Dill Pickle Cucumber Salad
Freshly sliced cucumber, dill pickle juice, dill seasoning, and cream cheese are all combined to make this tasty Dill Pickle Cucumber Salad.
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44
Evolving Table
Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
This Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad is the perfect mix of cool and crisp with a kick of heat. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's the perfect mix of sweet and savory.
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45
Lemon & Zest
Cucumber Corn Salad Recipe
Simple Cucumber Corn Salad is bursting with so much flavor. It is versatile and easy to make, with so many different ways to enjoy it. Serve it as a side, add over top of tacos, and enjoy it as a dip this summer.
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46
Mexican Made Meatless
Mexican Bean Salad Recipe With Avocado And Corn
This Mexican bean salad only takes 30 minutes to make for an easy side dish or light lunch or dinner idea.
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47
Let Us Munch Lettuce
Creamy Chickpea Salad
This Creamy Chickpea Salad is delicious and easy side salad that is great for a summer BBQs. Plus, it can be made ahead of time.
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48
Balancing Bowls
Chickpea and Kidney Bean Salad
Chickpea and Kidney Bean Salad is a simple way to enjoy a medley of bold flavors and fresh ingredients. This delicious salad makes a great light lunch or BBQ side dish.
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49
The Soccer Mom Blog
Mediterranean Bean Salad
This Mediterranean Bean Salad makes a delicious light dinner or simple side dish for your next summer get-together.
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50
Sungrown Kitchen
Lemon Feta White Bean and Green Bean Salad
Lemon Feta White Bean and Green Bean Salad is the perfect use for those fresh summer green beans.
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51
Family Friends Food
Summer Pea and Bean Salad with Radishes and Dill
A fresh and delicious pea and bean salad with radishes, spring onions (scallions), fresh dill, lemon juice and olive oil.
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52
The Feathered Nester
Broccoli Raisin Salad
Broccoli Raisin Salad is creamy, crunchy and delicious! Make this easy broccoli salad with bacon and raisins for any occasion.
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53
Tastes Better From Scratch
Healthy Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Almonds
This Healthy Broccoli Salad is loaded with bacon, almonds, raisins (or craisins), and red onion, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a perfect side dish for BBQs or summer cookouts.
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54
Whole New Mom
An Easy Spaghetti Squash Salad
A tangy dressing coats this Spaghetti Squash Salad for a healthy side dish that’s low carb and allergy-friendly.
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55
Sugar & Snap Peas
Creamy American Coleslaw
You can make this creamy American coleslaw in just 15 minutes with bagged coleslaw mix, fresh carrots, and a homemade tangy-sweet dressing. Perfect for BBQs!
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56
One Carefree Cook
Angel Hair Coleslaw with Pineapple
Light, crunchy and a little sweet, this angel hair coleslaw with pineapple is a tropical twist on a classic that's perfect to serve at backyard BBQs!
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57
Blackberry Babe
Apple Cabbage Slaw with Radish
This Apple Cabbage Slaw is made with crunchy cabbage, fresh apples and a sweet, tangy dressing that's perfect for BBQ meals.
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58
Binky's Culinary Carnival
Classic Carrot Raisin Salad
Carrot Raisin Salad only takes about five minutes to make. It's a vintage dish that is perfect for last-minute entertaining this summer.
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59
Love From the Oven
Green Goddess Salad
This easy Green Goddess Salad recipe combines crisp veggies with a flavorful dressing for a delicious salad everyone will love.
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60
The Forked Spoon
Traditional Greek Salad Recipe (Horiatiki)
This traditional Greek Salad is a vibrant mix of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and creamy feta.
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61
Hungry Lankan
Healthy Arugula Coconut Salad
This Arugula coconut salad is a healthy and delicious recipe that you should try this summer.
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62
Ask The Food Geek
Summer Cobb Salad With Corn & Blueberries
Summer Cobb Salad uses corn, blueberries, zucchini, and tomatoes for a seasonal variation. Grilled chicken and corn make this perfect for a summer dinner, or light lunch.
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63
Veggie World Recipes
Grilled Peach Salad With Pecans and Blackberries
This grilled peach salad makes the perfect addition to your summer dinner menu. It's sweet, savory and delicious.
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64
Home at Cedar Springs Farm
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad is loaded with fresh juicy strawberries, baby spinach, cranberries, and toasted pecans, then topped with a vinaigrette. It's perfect for summer!
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65
From Valerie's Kitchen
Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
Strawberry Crunch Salad is a vibrant mix of sweet strawberries, crisp greens, a toasted ramen-nut mix, creamy goat cheese, and champagne vinaigrette.
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More Cold Salad Recipes
Find more no-fuss cold salad recipes that you will want to make all summer long. These tasty salads not only include fresh veggies and fruit but also quinoa, orzo, and couscous for flavorful side dishes that are sure to impress.
66
Spend with Pennies
Panzanella Salad
This Panzanella salad is a classic bread salad made with cubed bread, vegetables & fresh herbs is tossed in a tangy dressing for a delicious cold summer salad for picnics and potlucks.
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67
Chef Savvy
Greek Quinoa Salad
Greek Quinoa Salad is loaded with lots of vegetables and then tossed with lemon and olive oil for a healthy summer meal idea
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68
Basics with Bails
Strawberry Quinoa Salad Recipe With Feta and Avocado
This healthy and delicious Strawberry Quinoa Salad is made with sweet strawberries, quinoa, vegetables, and a tangy balsamic dressing.
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69
The Recipe Well
Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Lemon Dill Dressing
Quinoa Chickpea Salad with plant-based protein, vegetables and a lemon dill dressing, is perfect for a BBQ side dish, healthy lunch, light summer dinner.
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70
Flavorful Eats
Mediterranean Arugula Quinoa Salad
Delicious Mediterranean ingredients like kalamata olives and feta cheese, arugula, chickpeas and quinoa are all tossed with sun-dried tomato vinaigrette make this Mediterranean Arugula Quinoa Salad a perfect summertime meal or BBQ side dish.
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71
A Cedar Spoon
Summer Orzo Pasta Salad
This Summer Orzo Pasta Salad made with orzo pasta, chickpeas, feta cheese, and summer vegetables is a great side dish to serve at your next summer gathering.
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72
Cooking Compass
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with feta cheese is a great as a side dish for weeknight dinners or to bring to your next potluck or picnic this summer.
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73
Joyful Balance
Lemon Basil Orzo Salad
Lemon Basil Orzo Salad is so simple to make and delicious. Serve as a side dish or light lunch for summer.
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74
The All Natural Vegan
Vegan Orzo Pasta Salad
This Vegan Orzo Salad combines hearty orzo pasta, healthy greens, sun-dried tomatoes with a red wine vinegar dressing. A perfect side dish for your next summer picnic.
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75
Join Your Life
Couscous Salmon Salad
Try this Couscous Salmon Salad with fresh salmon, couscous, and veggies for a light lunch or dinner this summer.
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76
Recipes From Leftovers
Crunchy Kale Chicken Salad Recipe with Cranberries
Crunchy Kale Chicken Salad recipe with cranberries would be a perfect addition to your summer picnic or cookout.
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77
Amy Casey Cooks
Shrimp Salad Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning
This Shrimp Salad Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning is loaded with fresh ingredients and ideal for a light lunch or a simple weeknight dinner idea.
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78
No Heat Needed
Watermelon Feta Salad with Fresh Mint
Watermelon Feta Salad is made with juicy watermelon, creamy feta, crisp red onions, for a perfect summer dish to serve at BBQs, or family gatherings.
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79
Home Cooking Collective
Spicy Watermelon Jalapeño Salad with Charred Corn
This Spicy Watermelon Salad is made with corn, fresh herbs, crushed corn nuts, and a chili lime dressing.
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80
Living Chirpy
Watermelon Salad
This Watermelon Salad recipe is a perfect summer salad to enjoy all summer long as it's so easy and delicious.
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