16 Summer Salads That Feel Light, Satisfying, and Put Together

Summer salads are probably one of the best things about this season.

They don’t require ovens for hot days, they’re colorful, they’re refreshing, and they’re bursting with so many zesty, creamy, sweet flavors.

Also, I’m in love with all of the seasonal produce (berries, corn, melons, peaches, etc.) you get to top them with. It’s such a fun way to eat healthier and feel so much better during the warmer months.

And whether you’re having it for lunch, dinner, or as apart of a brunch with friends, they really do brighten up the table.

It’s a much simpler meal to toss together for those days when you’d much rather be outside enjoying the weather instead of inside and cooking. So here are 16 summer salad recipes to crave and make all season long.

1. Glowing Grilled Summer Detox Salad

I feel like this might just be one of the best summer dinner salads on this list. It’s overloaded with refreshing, flavorful, crunchy, savory toppings. Also, with the addition of shrimp and a creamy, zesty cilantro avocado dressing, this honestly sounds like summer in salad form.

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2. Grilled Peach Salad

I feel like this is one of those easy summer salads recipes you make for friends who are coming over for iced coffee and a refreshing main. It’s sweet, creamy, a bit savory, crunchy, and a pretty dish to add to your spread.

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3. Summer Couscous Salad

If you’re looking for some good summer lunch salads that you can pair with protein, then I think this is your answer. It’s a light, healthy bean salad you can enjoy on a sunny afternoon and it’ll probably be perfect for lunch tomorrow as well.

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4. Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad With Cilantro Vinaigrette

Another salad that honestly looks inhale-able. It’s a colorful summer dinner salad that’s satisfyingly sweet, savory, and creamy. Also, this just looks like one of those recipes that’d become leftovers you’d actually look forward to.

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5. Plantain Salad With Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing

I love fried plantains. They have such an amazing flavor and texture and would work so well on nearly all summery green salads. They’re equal parts salty and satisfying. Also, with the corn, avo, black beans, tomato, and quinoa, this crunchy salad looks like the perfect filling lunch.

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6. Arugula Citrus Salad

If you’re looking for the perfect summer weekend meal, then I think this arugula citrus salad might just be your answer. It’s zesty, sweet, creamy, and drizzled in an orange dressing.

I honestly feel like this might become one of your favorite summer salads. It’s pretty, works well with hosting dinners, and it’s light and refreshing for those extra hot days.

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7. Summer Melon Salad

I’m kind of in love with this summer salad. It looks so refreshing, colorful, and sweet. Also, the dressing for this sounds perfect. It’s just mint, lime, and honey which all sounds incredible. Honestly, this recipe sounds and looks a lot more like a dessert than something you’d have for dinner, but that’s just me.

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8. Strawberry Corn Salad

I feel like this is one of those recipes you need to add to your summer dinner repertoire. It looks like it has such a nice refreshing crunch, it’s tangy and sweet, it’s healthy, and it’s perfectly eat-worthy.

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9. Sweet Pepper Cucumber Crunch Salad

I love crunchy salads! They’re so satisfying and delicious. Also, this colorful, savory, zesty, and easy summer salad recipe would probably look amazing at any backyard gathering.

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10. Grilled Steak Caesar Salad

This is the kind of salad recipe you make for when you wanna be extra when barbecuing. The leaves are gonna be smoky, charred, crunchy, and taste ridiculously good with the steak.

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11. Gorgeous Peach Salad

The name kind of calls it out for what it is; a gorgeous peach salad. And honestly, it’s true! The peaches paired with the purple shallots and green mint look so pretty together. Also, the flavors sound so simple but refreshingly delicious.

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12. Easy Pasta Salad

If you’re a pasta salad lover, then this is the recipe to make on repeat all summer long. It’s garlicky, herby, tangy, zesty, cheesy, savory, and perfect for an ultra tasty summer lunch or dinner.

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13. Peach and Burrata Salad

This might just be the summer salad recipe I make on repeat myself. It looks so pretty and the creamy burrata paired with the sweet peaches looks so good. Also, this kind of salad is great for when you want something that feels healthy, but a bit special.

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14. Crispy Rice Salad With Cucumbers and Herbs

I’m sorry, but a crunchy, Asian-inspired salad sounds like the perfect thing to make for lunches all summer long. With savory red curry, crispy rice, refreshing cucumbers, chili crisp, and so many other tasty ingredients, I feel like this summer salad is a bit of a no-brainer.

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15. Peach Panzanella Salad

It feels like we’re seeing a bit of a pattern here when it comes to peaches, but can you blame me? They’re the perfect amount of sweetness, and they work with so many different ingredients. And for this summer salad, I’m liking how they’re paired with tangy tomatoes, bacon, ciabatta or sourdough bread, mozarella balls, and so many other tasty components.

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16. Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing

This might just be the most satisfyingly crunchy looking salad on this list. You get crunchy veg, edamame beans, crunchy roasted cashews, and crunchy chow mein noodles. Perfect for when you want salad for lunch or dinner, but you want it to be extra fun to eat and super flavorful.

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