53 Refreshing Summer Salads to Enjoy in 2025
There’s nothing better than relaxing in the sun, taking in the fresh air and enjoying a refreshing summer salad. The season brings fresh produce that elevates even the simplest of salads. With crisp vegetables, juicy fruits and plenty of unique add-ins, you can have a salad every day and never have the same flavors twice.
Beyond the unique flavors, eating daily summer salads can have some major health benefits. They can be a great source of fiber, vitamins and minerals, though they are not as calorie-dense as heavier meals. It’s recommended to add proteins like canned beans or tuna or garnish with nuts or dried cranberries, according to EatingWell. This can help add more nutrients and calories that will help create a well-balanced diet.
So, which salad is best for summer? Any salad that uses in-season produce is best enjoyed during the summer months. Melons, peaches, berries, corn, cucumbers and tomatoes are a few fruits and vegetables that are in season during the summer and will work well in a summer salad. Enjoy fresh flavors all season long and try these 53 refreshing summer salads for every occasion.
Jump to Section
- Easy Summer Salads
- Summer Salads for Dinner
- Summer Pasta Salads
- Summer Salads With Fruit
- Top Summer Salad Ideas
- Summer Salad Dressings
- Summer Salad FAQs
Easy Summer Salads
1. Simple Green Salad
If you’re looking for quick and easy summer salad ideas, you can’t go wrong with a simple green salad. Add in a mix of leafy greens, then layer in avocados, green peppers and green apples. Finish everything off with a bright vinaigrette.
2. Pink and Green Salad
As the name suggests, this summer salad has a mix of pink and green vegetables. For pink veggies, you can use slices of red radishes and watermelon radish for a pop of color and a little crunch. Toss them into mixed greens, asparagus and peas and finish off with a sprinkle of feta.
3. Broccoli Slaw
Broccoli slaw is a great, vibrant side dish for all your summer parties. Along with broccoli florets, it uses cabbage, carrots, red onion, dried cranberries and sliced almonds. Toss in a coleslaw dressing to finish it off.
4. Italian Chopped Salad
This summer salad will transport you to Italy. With cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, pepperoncini and pearl mozzarella mixed in, it has plenty of Italian flavors. And bright lemon vinaigrette makes it perfect for summer.
5. Tomato Salad
This is one of the most refreshing summer salads and incredibly simple to make. You’ll need ripe tomatoes of varying sizes. Choose the freshest produce you can find and don't be afraid to combine cherry, grape tomatoes and small to medium tomatoes. Plus, mix with red onion and fresh basil with a drizzle of thick balsamic vinegar.
6. Caprese Salad
A classic Caprese salad is easy to make and perfect for summer. It has fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes and aromatic basil drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Caprese salads are great to make as a side for summer parties.
7. Taco Salad
Turn one of your favorite meals into a salad. Combine romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, avocados, tortilla chips, salsa and sour cream.
You can also add ground beef, black beans, jalapeños and other taco toppings. If you want easy summer salads that are filling, taco salads are among the best.
8. Celery and Cucumber Salad with Herbs
Simple, refreshing and easy to make in the summer, this salad is a mix of celery and cucumber tossed together. Mix in parsley and mint for a vibrant and aromatic detail. It’ll be quick to whip up for a side.
9. Chopped Thai Crunch Chicken Salad
Bring the flavors of Thailand to a summer salad. It has mango, avocado and peanuts on top of a bed of greens and juicy chicken. Plus, a flavorful peanut dressing with layers of flavor from pickled ginger, lime juice and honey.
Summer Salads for Dinner
10. Panzanella
A classic Tuscan summer salad, panzanella features onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and stale bread dressed with olive oil and vinegar. It’s a light and refreshing summer salad that would be great for dinner.
11. Butternut Squash and Carrot Ribbons and Date Salad
Butternut squash and carrots cut delicately into ribbons are the base of this salad. Add in dates for a little sweetness and kale for crunch. Finish off with a red wine vinaigrette. It’s a great dinner salad or a refreshing Thanksgiving salad as a side dish.
12. Chopped Buffalo Chicken Skewer Salad
Toss chicken skewers right from the grill into buffalo sauce. Then, top a chopped mixed green summer salad. Finish with blue cheese crumbles and a homemade ranch dressing. This salad is certainly one that will fill you up.
13. Greek Chicken Orzo Salad
Grilled chicken glazed with balsamic atop orzo, cherry tomatoes, olives and cucumbers. Finish with sprinkles of feta cheese and Greek dressing. The layers of flavors will be perfect for a summer dinner.
14. Lemon Parmesan Sesame Salad
Some of the best refreshing summer salads include lemon in the dressings. This salad uses a zesty lemon sesame vinaigrette drizzled over mixed greens, ciabatta bread chunks and avocados. Of course, finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
15. Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad
The best flavors of Caprese salad and succulent chicken come together in this summer salad. Drizzle on a slightly sweet balsamic dressing. Plus, the addition of pasta like penne or cavatappi makes it feel more like a meal.
16. Shrimp Cobb with Cilantro-Lime Dressing
Another play on the classic Cobb is this shrimp Cobb salad, which uses a pound of large peeled shrimp.
A homemade cilantro lime dressing will be equal parts zesty and herby. It’s one of the summer salads for dinner that’ll make you feel like you’re on the coast.
17. Chicken Cobb Salad with Avocado Ranch
Add boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces to a classic cobb salad. Then, whip up a creamy homemade avocado ranch dressing to toss it in. This is one of the best summer salads for dinner because it’s light but hearty, filling you up on a summer night.
Summer Pasta Salads
18. Lemon Dressing Pasta Salad
A homemade lemon dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes and garlic is going to be one of your favorites of the season.
Topping a pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, arugula and chickpeas, you’ll have layers and layers of flavor.
19. Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad
Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, this cherry tomato couscous salad is sure to be a top summer pasta salad. Sprinkles of feta cheese and a dressing made with lemon juice and olive oil, you can serve this at dinner or a summer party.
20. Sesame Soba Noodle Salad
Get inspired by Asian flavors when you make this soba noodle salad. Add avocados, snap peas and edamame in with the soba noodles. You could also add marinated tofu. Finish with a savory sesame dressing all over.
21. Pesto Pasta Salad
There are few things better than pesto in the summer. So, a pesto pasta salad is going to be a summer salad favorite. It’s a lighter and healthier option you’ll love during the warmer months.
22. Tortellini Salad
Use tortellini in a salad instead of your next pasta dish. Add in cherry tomatoes, basil and artichokes, all tossed in Italian dressing. Bring this salad to potlucks and cookouts or make it when you’re looking for summer dinner ideas.
23. Vegan Tahini Pasta Salad
Chickpeas, Persian cucumbers and cherry tomatoes mixed with orecchiette form the base of this summer pasta salad. Make a vegan tahini dressing with Dijon mustard, vegan yogurt and tahini for a creamy dressing to top this pasta.
24. Street Corn Pasta Salad
This summer salad is inspired by Mexican street corn. Since corn is in season during the summer, this is a great one to make for a cookout. It mixed roasted corn, Mexican cotija cheese and black beans in a creamy chili lime dressing.
25. BLT Pasta Salad
Your favorite sandwich is now a summer salad. A mix of bowtie pasta, bacon, fresh spinach and grape tomatoes in a creamy ranch and mayo-based sauce, it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser whether it’s at dinner or a potluck.
26. Orzo Salad
A simple orzo salad that shoes off some Greek flavors? What could be better? This salad mixed chickpeas, Kalamata olives, feta cheese and cherry tomatoes with orzo all tossed in a Greek salad dressing with plenty of fresh herbs.
Summer Salads With Fruit
27. Grapefruit, Avocado and Salmon Salad
The sweet and tartness of the grapefruit complements the buttery salmon on top of this summer salad. And the avocado adds a much-needed creamy and fresh detail. A classic balsamic vinegar dressing pulls it all together.
28. Melon and Cucumber Salad
If you’re searching for the perfect refreshing summer salad, this is the one for you. A medley of melons — watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew — paired with fresh cucumber slices will refresh you and keep you cool in the summer heat.
29. Tomato, Peach and Feta Salad
Juicy peaches are the perfect addition to a summer salad. Paired with tangy tomato and creamy feta, this is truly one of the best summer salads with fruit. With layers of flavor and a variety of textures, you’ll love enjoying this on a hot day.
30. Watermelon Peach Salad
For a salad that absolutely screams summer, you have to make a watermelon peach salad. Juicy watermelon and sweet peaches mixed with crumbles of feta cheese and aromatic herbs. It’s a cooling and refreshing dish to enjoy alongside your beach party ideas.
31. Melon Basil Burrata Salad
If you’re looking for summer salads with fruit that will cool you down, opt for a melon, basil and burrata salad.
The mix of cubed melons will refresh you, and the aromatic basil adds a complementary touch. Fresh burrata and crispy prosciutto make the salad a little more decadent.
32. Watermelon, Orange and Feta Salad
Zesty orange and juicy watermelon complement each other in this salad, while crumbled feta adds a rich creaminess. All you need to finish it off is a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
33. Tomato and Strawberry Salad
Tangy and sweet come together beautifully in this summer salad. Chop tomatoes, strawberries and mozzarella balls and mix them together. Finish it off with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette before enjoying.
34. Grilled Jalapeño Peach Quinoa Salad
Grilled peaches are one of the best summer treats and they make a great addition to a summer salad. Use it to top a mixed greens and quinoa base and add a few jalapeño slices for spice.
Top Summer Salad Ideas
35. Classic Caesar Salad
You can’t go wrong with a Caesar salad during the summer. Creamy and tangy, it has layers of flavors that everyone loves. Plus, you can customize it with grilled chicken or shrimp to make it feel more like a full meal.
36. Beet Salad
For summer salad ideas with lots of color, look no further than a beet salad. The roasted beets add color, flavor and nutrients. Granny Smith apples add crunch and a sweetly tart flavor and goat cheese adds a creaminess.
37. Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
The peppery and slightly bitter arugula is complemented by a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The unique depth of flavors in this salad makes it one of the top 10 summer salads. It also includes cherry tomatoes and parmesan cheese shavings.
38. Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
Thinly slicing Brussels sprouts will give you a new green base for a summer salad. Top it with pine nuts for crunch, dried cranberries for sweetness and pecorino cheese for a little sharp saltiness. Finishing with extra virgin olive oil, this is a simple and flavorful salad to try.
39. Chicken Tzatziki Avocado
Another summer salad that will take you to the Mediterranean is a chicken tzatziki avocado salad. It has a homemade tahini dressing that’s creamy and zesty to drizzle over cucumbers, kale and sun-dried tomatoes.
40. Eggplant Salad
Eggplants are in season in late summer, so it’s the perfect time to take advantage of them as a salad ingredient. With a medley of cherry tomatoes, pickled red onions and bell peppers, this is one of the most savory salads for the summer.
41. Greek Salad
A Greek salad is a classic to enjoy during the summer months. Slices of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives and bell pepper will make you feel refreshed. With the addition of feta cheese crumbles and a rich Greek salad dressing, you’ll feel transported.
42. Mexican Street Corn Salad
Turn this favorite street food into a decadent salad. Top mixed greens with roasted corn, jalapeños and Cotija cheese. Then, whip up a smoky, creamy and spicy sauce to top the salad. It’s great as a side, even though you’ll want to eat the entire bowl.
43. Salad Niçoise
This beloved French salad is no doubt one of the top 10 summer salads. It’s packed full of flavorful ingredients, like white beans, potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, Niçoise olives and capers all topped with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
44. Asparagus and Walnut Salad
Refreshing and crisp, this simple salad still packs a lot of flavor. It used trimmed and sliced asparagus as the base.
Toasted chopped walnuts add a little crunch. A tangy dressing made with apple cider vinegar and a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano cheese finishes it off. Plus, if you’re looking for Christmas salad ideas, this one will delight at dinner.
Summer Salad Dressings
45. Homemade Caesar Dressing
You may be surprised at how easy it is to make Caesar dressing at home. This tangy and rich dressing is a great go-to for nearly any summer meal. Plus, there are easy vegetarian and vegan versions so everyone can enjoy a refreshing salad.
46. Lemon Poppyseed Dressing
A classic summer salad dressing that’s a little sweet and very zesty. Plus, the poppy seeds add some texture along with their flavor. This is a versatile dressing that pairs well with mixed greens.
47. Carrot Ginger Dressing
A fresh summer salad dressing with a little bit of a punch, a carrot ginger dressing is a delight on a mixed green salad. It adds some Asian flavors, so it can be great paired with your favorite Asian dishes on the side.
48. Sour Cherry Dressing
A little tart, a little tangy and a little sweet, sour cherry dressing is one of the most unique ones you can make. It comes together quickly and pairs well with mixed greens and fruity salads, adding a great depth of flavor.
49. Creamy Avocado Ranch
Avocado and ranch dressing are great separately. Put them together and they might just be your new favorite for a summer salad. It’s also easy to make at home, so you can always have this on hand for salads, pastas and dipping.
50. Pickled Shallot Vinaigrette
You don’t have to pickle the shallots for long to get a flavorful summer salad dressing. The shallots only have to stay in the vinegar for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavor.
From there, you just have to whisk in mustard and seasonings until creamy. Once you taste it, this dressing will be one of your go-to favorites.
51. Jalapeño Honey Mustard
Add a little bit of heat to your summer salad to match the hot weather. This dressing brings the heat with diced jalapeños and red pepper flakes. But don’t worry, the Dijon mustard and honey help keep the spice levels under control.
52. Raspberry Vinaigrette
A decadent raspberry vinaigrette is many people’s favorite and also pretty easy to make at home. It adds a touch of sweetness that won’t overwhelm the rest of your salad. It’s great with mixed greens and salads that have fruit.
53. Lemon Vinaigrette
Lemon vinaigrette is one of the best dressings for a summer salad. It’s zesty and bright and relatively easy to make. It’s also one of the most versatile dressings, pairing with nearly every salad, so it’s great to have on hand.
Summer Salad FAQs
What Is the Jennifer Aniston Salad?
The Jennifer Aniston salad went viral online after actress Courtney Cox stated in an interview that she, Lisa Kudrow and Jennifer Aniston ate lunch together every day during the filming of their show Friends.
During the interview, she states that they ate the same thing every lunch, which was essentially a Cobb salad with the addition of chickpeas and turkey bacon.
What’s known as the “Jennifer Aniston Salad” includes quinoa, chickpeas, pistachios, cucumbers, red onions, mint, parsley, feta, lemon juice and olive oil. The light flavors make this a great summer salad and the protein makes this filling enough for a meal.
What Are the 5 Basic Types of Salads?
There are many salads out there but most fall into one of the five basic categories. The five basic types of salads are: green salads, vegetable salads, pasta or grain salads, mixed salads and fruit salads.
Green salads are composed of raw green vegetables with lettuce or other leafy greens as a base. Vegetable salads feature raw or cooked vegetables tossed in a dressing. Pasta or grain salads use types of pasta or grains, like quinoa or rice, as the base.
Mixed salads have one of the previously mentioned bases along with a protein like chicken, shrimp or fish. Fruit salads are comprised of a medley of fruits.
What Is Ina Garten’s Favorite Summer Salad?
One of Ina Garten’s favorite summer salads is the tomato and avocado salad from her book “Cook Like a Pro.” The recipe includes ripe Hass avocados, cherry or grape tomatoes, red onions and arugula.
It’s finished with good olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, Kosher salt and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What Salad Does Kim Kardashian Eat?
Kim Kardashian is known to eat a lot of salads. Among her favorites is the La Scala chopped salad. The recipe comes from the renowned restaurant La Scala and the head chef and owner, Chef Jean Leon.
The salad has iceberg and romaine lettuces, chickpeas, Italian salami, mozzarella cheese and pecorino romano cheese with a dressing made with extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic cloves and Dijon mustard.
A refreshing summer salad is one of the best meals of the season. Filled with vibrant ingredients and layers of flavors, it’s a light yet filling meal that can be enjoyed throughout the season. Salads allow you to get creative, playing around with various ingredients and flavor combinations. Opt for something savory or indulge in something sweet; the possibilities are endless with a refreshing summer salad.
For even more delicious things to try, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
