7 Refreshing Summer Salads You Need to Try
Lately, I have been trying to get my daily serving of fruits and vegetables in and it’s harder than you think! It has forced me to try to get more creative. I’ve been trying out these refreshing summer salad recipes, and wanted to share them with you!
Summer salads are a great way to not only get in your daily greens, but they bring together an array of colorful ingredients bursting with flavor.
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Summer Salad Recipes
Whether you’re looking for a light side dish or a satisfying main, these salads are easy to whip up and perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Get ready to enjoy some crunchy veggies, sweet fruits, and zesty dressings that will make your taste buds sing!
Orzo Salad Recipe
This Orzo Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings. Bursting with flavors from fresh veggies and herbs, it’s light yet satisfying.
The combination of orzo, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese (which is optional) creates a balance of textures and tastes that everyone will enjoy.
Making this salad is simple and quick, making it an ideal choice for busy days. Just cook the orzo, chop up your favorite vegetables, and mix everything together with a zesty dressing.
Whether you’re hosting a picnic or just want a tasty side dish, this salad fits the bill! Try this easy Orzo Salad for a delicious addition to your summer meals.
Summer Strawberry Salad
Summer Strawberry Salad is a refreshing dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. The combination of juicy strawberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy dressing makes it a delightful choice for a warm day.
It’s simple to make, taking just a few minutes, and is sure to impress your friends and family.
This salad is not just tasty; it also brings a splash of color to your table. The vibrant greens and reds are visually appealing, making it a great option for summer gatherings.
Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a light meal on its own. For an extra twist, feel free to add grilled chicken!
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup poppy seed dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Greens: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens and red onion.
- Add the Fruits: Toss in the sliced strawberries and mandarin oranges.
- Top with Pecans: Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the salad.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the top and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before serving for an extra refreshing taste.
Broccoli Salad
This Broccoli Salad is a delightful mix of crunchy textures and vibrant flavors. The combination of fresh broccoli, shredded carrots, crispy bacon, and sunflower seeds creates a refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings.
It’s easy to whip up and is a real crowd pleaser with its colorful presentation and satisfying taste. It’s perfect to take to any event.
With its creamy dressing and a hint of sweetness, this salad balances savory and fresh elements beautifully.
Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also makes for a nutritious side that pairs well with grilled meats or can stand alone as a light meal. Try it out and enjoy a burst of flavor!
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, shredded carrots, red onion, crumbled bacon, and sunflower seeds.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your vibrant Broccoli Salad!
Summer Vegetable Bow Tie Pasta Salad
This Summer Vegetable Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for warm days. Packed with colorful veggies and tossed in a light dressing, it’s a tasty way to enjoy seasonal produce.
The combination of flavors offers a zesty, fresh taste that will brighten up any meal.
What makes this salad truly special is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking required, you can whip it up in no time.
Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables!
Cucumber Caprese Salad
The Cucumber Caprese Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic Caprese, combining crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. This salad is perfect for summer gatherings and offers a delightful mix of flavors that are both light and satisfying.
It’s simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients, and can be assembled in no time.
The crunch of the cucumbers complements the softness of the mozzarella while the tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. Topped with fresh basil and drizzled with balsamic glaze, this salad not only tastes great but also looks stunning on the table.
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just craving something fresh, this Cucumber Caprese Salad is sure to impress!
Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad
This Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad is a refreshing twist on traditional salads. It’s packed with bold flavors and colorful ingredients, making it a perfect choice for summer meals.
With a mix of grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, every bite is a delightful explosion of taste.
Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also super easy to make. You can have it ready in no time, making it ideal for lunch or a light dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn, fresh or canned
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup tortilla strips
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, avocado, and chopped chicken.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Top with tortilla strips and cilantro before serving.
You can also add some Pioneer Woman homemade chips and guacamole to this!
Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad
Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad is a refreshing dish perfect for hot summer days. The juicy sweetness of watermelon pairs beautifully with the crispness of cucumbers, while the creamy feta adds a savory touch.
It’s not only delicious but also super easy to throw together, making it a go-to for picnics or backyard barbecues.
This vibrant salad combines fresh ingredients that create a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s visually appealing, thanks to the bright colors of the watermelon and cucumbers.
Serve it chilled, and you have a perfect side dish or a light meal!
So whether you’re whipping up a side dish for a backyard BBQ or looking for a light, satisfying lunch, these vibrant salads are sure to hit the spot.
With a mix of fresh produce, bold flavors, and easy prep, there’s something here to please everyone. Grab your fork and dig in—your next favorite salad is just a bite away!
