I know we are creeping closer to summer’s end, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We still have several weeks left of summertime abundance and then, of course, the magical swing season where summer and autumn meet for a brief time and the produce is extra special. For now, I plan to continue to celebrate and indulge in all that the summer’s markets and local farms and gardens have to offer.
Our 15 Favorite Summertime Salads:
Summer Squash Salad with Basil Vinaigrette and Crispy Prosciutto
This fuss-free, raw salad is ready in just a few minutes and there is a lovely crunch from the raw summer squash noodles, a beautiful peppery bite from the basil vinaigrette and the crispy prosciutto and the toasted pine nuts are the perfect finishing moves.
Grilled Peach Salad with Baby Arugula, Pistachios and a Lemony Yogurt Dressing
The sweetness from the grilled peaches is perfectly offset by the soft, peppery flavor of the baby arugula and the slightly spicy bite of the fresh radishes. The creamy, tart and tangy lemony yogurt is the perfect finishing compliment to all of this.
Cucumber Ribbon Salad with Garlic Tahini Dressing
This simple, raw cucumber salad can be made with thinly sliced cucumber or if you have a spiralizer, these gorgeous ribbons. Lightly coated in a garlic tahini dressing, the red onions, fresh mint and kalamata olives are all wonderful additions to this crunchy, light salad. A little crumbled feta on top would also be really nice, if that’s your thing.
Charred Snap Pea Salad with Creamy Almond Butter and Ginger Dressing
This healthy, vibrant and crunchy salad has a bit of an Asian-flare to it with the almond butter and ginger dressing that also has soy sauce, lime juice and sesame oil. The charred pods keep a nice fresh flavor, but it they are also slightly tender and the grilling really brings out their inherent sweetness.
Grilled Romaine Salad with Blueberries, Avocado and Creamy Lemon Tarragon Vinaigrette
A sophisticated, yet very simple to execute side dish for those summer grilling nights, when you are sick of the same ‘ol green salad. The blueberries bring a subtle tart sweetness and the rich, creamy vinaigrette and avocado both nicely compliment the smoky, charred flavors of the grilled romaine. This can be made on the grill, already hot from cooking up your mains, it’s ready in just minutes.
Bacon Roasted Grape Salad
This salad is life-changing in it’s simplicity. Smokey, savory and a little sweet – this salad will forever change how you look at grapes!
Turkey Club Chopped Salad with Aioli Vinaigrette
This salad was born as a means to pleasing my sandwich-loving hubby! I want him to eat less grains and more veggies and he can’t ever say ‘no’ to a turkey club sandwich. Super tasty, satisfying compromise.
Spicy Ginger Sesame Asian Cucumber Salad
This is one of my favorite summertime staple sides. Simple to throw together, a perfect fresh crunch and loaded with so many incredible flavors.
Greek Potato Salad
Put down the spoon to that boring ‘ol mayo based potato salad and try my family’s classic Greek-inspired potato salad. Full of a bright, fresh tang from the freshly squeezed lemon juice, an incredible fresh crunch from the red onions and cucumber this all comes together with the fresh fill and oregano to create perfect Greek flavors
Summer Veggie Power Bowls with Lemon Garlic Tahini Dressing
These summer-inspired veggie power bowls are the perfect tasty, nourishing option for a picnic, a trip to the beach, a backyard BBQ or summer potluck. Pre-assemble the bowls, cover and bring the dressing on the side on wherever summer’s adventures lead you.
Baby Kale and Quinoa Salad with Dates, Avocado and Citrus Hibiscus Vinaigrette
This Baby Kale and Quinoa Salad with Dates, Avocado and Citrus Hibiscus Vinaigrette is incredible on it’s own or as a side, or you can make an even heartier meal by adding some grilled chicken or fish or a poached egg for a delicious breakfast salad!
Sweet Potato Salad with Bacon
This Sweet Potato Salad with Bacon is reminiscent of my grandmother’s classic vinegar and bacon-based warm german potato salad. There is a perfect crunch from the fresh veggies, beautiful vibrant color from the sweet potatoes, a hint of tang, a little heat from the mustard vinaigrette and that smokey, salty, crunchy goodness from the bacon.
Red Grape and Goat Cheese Salad with Walnuts
With an abundance of grapes right now, this salad is the perfect antidote. With a nice complimentary crunch from the toasted walnuts, a hint of acidity from white wine vinegar and a subtle tart sweetness from the grapes, the creamy soft goat cheese finishes it all so perfectly.
Tuna and Arugula Salad with Avocado, Black Olives and Lemon Parsley Vinaigrette
This salad is a complete meal on it’s own, flavorful, fresh, simple, light and bright. The arugula brings a nice peppery crunch and the avocado a soft, creamy compliment. Don’t forget the grilled lemons for a little extra flavor boost.
Tomato Cucumber Salad with Avocado and Olives
This refreshing, summer-inspired Tomato Cucumber Salad with Avocado and Olives is a beautiful addition to any seasonal meal. Swapping the traditional feta cheese for avocado make this recipe even more versatile and friendly to all.
Looking for a few more salady-bowls that can be complete meals on their own?
Grain-Free Baja Fish Taco Bowl
Greek Lamb Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki
Chipotle Barbacoa Burrito Bowls with Cilantro Lime Cauli-Rice
+ Don’t Forget…
It’s super simple to make your own salad dressings and vinaigrettes at home, taking your summer salad game to the next level. Follow our easy Salad Dressing how-to!
