12 Easy Salads That Taste Like Summer
Whether you’re relaxing at the cottage or enjoying a picnic in the park, these simple, satisfying salads make the perfect side dish.
Easy Summer Salad Recipes You’ll Love
Turkey and Pasta Ranch Salad
“This easy summer salad is loaded with fresh veggies, and the classic ranch dressing makes it appealing to kids.” —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Get the recipe for Turkey and Pasta Ranch Salad.
Mint Watermelon Salad
“I invented this refreshing fruit salad one sultry afternoon while my friends were gathered around my pool. It was quick to prepare and disappeared from their plates even quicker. Even the kids loved it!” —Antoinette DuBeck, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Get the recipe for Mint Watermelon Salad.
Spicy Cajun Potato Salad
“Here in Louisiana we have a lot of get-togethers, and if you want your dish to be chosen over all of the rest, it has to have a kick! This does the trick.” —Amanda West, Sibley, Louisiana
Get the recipe for Spicy Cajun Potato Salad.
Chicken, Nectarine and Avocado Salad
“This salad is really summery and comes together very quickly. Using granola adds crunch and makes it different. I’ve tried using a various types of granola, and our favourites have been those that aren’t overly sweet but have lots of nuts.” —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Get the recipe for Chicken, Nectarine and Avocado Salad.
Grandma’s Potato Salad
“Our Fourth of July feast wouldn’t be complete without this chilled old-fashioned potato salad. It’s my grandma’s treasured recipe.” —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Grandma’s Potato Salad.
Honey Mustard Red Potato Salad
“This summer cookout star is crunchy-delicious with a brilliant zesty dressing.” —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona
Get the recipe for Honey Mustard Red Potato Salad.
Pesto Tomato-Cucumber Salad
“My sister and I created this fresh salad at one of our ‘recipe nights’ and it’s been a hit at every party since! Try red pepper flakes for a little kick if you’d like, or add Greek pepperoncini.” —Jennifer Freier, Algonquin, Illinois
Get the recipe for Pesto Tomato-Cucumber Salad.
White Balsamic Blueberry, Corn and Feta Salad
“I’m not typically a huge fan of summer corn, but when it comes to this sweet, salty, refreshing salad, I can’t put my fork down.” —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Get the recipe for White Balsamic Blueberry, Corn and Feta Salad.
Southern Potato Salad
“This potato salad with a southern twist is perfect for a church supper or potluck. The pickles add extra sweetness.” —Gene Pitts, Wilsonville, Alabama
Get the recipe for Southern Potato Salad.
Dilly Potato & Egg Salad
“Everyone has a favourite potato salad, and this is mine. As a young bride, I was eager to learn how to cook and make things that my husband would love. I combined my mom’s and his mom’s recipes, and this is the delicious result.” —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Get the recipe for Dilly Potato & Egg Salad.
Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette
“When it comes to grilled chicken recipes, we love this refreshing salad in the summer. The real star here is the vinaigrette made with blueberry preserves and maple syrup. It goes great with a fresh baguette and a frosty glass of minted lemonade.” —Susan Gauthier, Falmouth, Maine
Get the recipe for Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette.
Grilled Zucchini Salad with Mediterranean Dressing
“This grilled zucchini salad with Mediterranean salad dressing is the perfect side dish. I also like to add summer squash, when it’s in season, for a variation, or crumbled goat cheese when I want creaminess.” —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Grilled Zucchini Salad with Mediterranean Dressing.
Next, check out this collection of easy no-bake desserts.
