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I am so ready for summer, mainly because that means it is time for backyard BBQs, sunshine, and some of my all-time favorite foods. When the grill is going and the drinks are flowing, the last thing you want is a heavy side dish stealing the spotlight. These crowd-pleasing summer salads are the perfect way to keep things light, fresh, and totally shareable. Grab a big bowl and let’s get tossing!
Summer Cobb Salad
This summery take on a traditional Cobb salad is sure to please. Full of fresh vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken, almonds, and creamy avocado this is a super satisfying and healthy meal. I add blackberries and raspberries for a delicious twist.
Go to the recipe: Summer Cobb Salad
Corn, Avocado, and Cilantro Salad
In-season corn, plus avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro makes for a salad I find it hard to stop eating! This dish works perfectly as a simple, juicy side dish at a barbecue; you can serve it alongside burgers for a healthy and fresh accompaniment. However, this Corn, Avocado and Cilantro Salad is so good I sometimes just slice up a loaf of French bread and eat salad and bread and butter for dinner. I don’t need anything else!
Go to the recipe: Corn, Avocado and Cilantro Salad
Summer Pasta Salad
As its name suggests, this is an amazing pasta salad full of summer flavors! Rotini pasta is loaded with fresh tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and salty feta cheese, and tossed with Italian dressing. As a result, you get a satisfying one-bowl meal that can be served at room temperature. I love this Summer Pasta Salad for potlucks!
Go to the recipe: Summer Pasta Salad
Potato Salad
A thick and creamy version of a summer staple, my recipe for Potato Salad is so tender and flavorful. I love to throw in lots of chopped fresh dill, crunchy chopped celery and red onion, paprika, sweet relish, mayo and mustard, and hard-boiled eggs! You absolutely need to make this one for your next picnic gathering!
Go to the recipe: Potato Salad
Antipasto Salad
A bowl of Antipasto Salad is a classic appetizer for good reason. It’s loaded with vegetables, made filling by the addition of meat, and is finished with lots of cheese. I think it’s hearty enough to work as a main meal, especially during the dog days of summer when cooking a big meal is the last thing you want to think about. You could throw in extra meat, or top it with some grilled chicken if you want a little more protein. However, this summer salad is really satisfying just on its own.
Go to the recipe: Antipasto Salad
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Here’s another super flavorful and filling summer salad that will go fast when you bring it to a potluck! It’s hard to go wrong when you toss pasta with Ranch dressing, smoky bacon, black olives, and sharp Cheddar cheese. Serve this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad as a side with hot dogs. Or, enjoy it as a standalone for a lighter dinner option.
Go to the recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Crusted Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Mustard
This Crispy Chicken Cobb Salad is dressed with an amazing homemade honey mustard dressing that really takes it over the top. We start with fresh produce like tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, and avocado. Then, we add tender lettuce and crunchy red onions to make this a memorable and satisfying meal. Perfect for summer lunches!
Go to the recipe: Crispy Chicken Cobb Salad
Taco Salad
Tacos, but make it a salad! My Taco Salad is a satisfying meal that takes hardly any time to prep, making it perfect on those extra humid and hot summer nights. You can also serve this as a sort of deconstructed dip, with lots of crispy tortilla chips to scoop up the seasoned ground beef, cheese, avocado, and of course, sour cream.
Go to the recipe: Taco Salad
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
I love serving this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad at BBQs. It feels like the perfect side to serve with juicy burgers or grilled chicken kabobs that have just come off the grill! This is a unique twist on a traditional pasta salad. I’ve added pickles, tangy pickle juice, and fresh dill for lots of flavor all your guests will love.
Go to the recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Broccoli Salad
Broccoli Salad made with raw broccoli is a healthy and delicious salad to add to your summer rotation! You’ll start with lots of fresh broccoli. Then, throw in bacon and sunflower seeds. Stir in some shredded cheddar, and toss the whole salad in a creamy mayo-based dressing for a finishing touch. I especially love this one at cookouts!
Go to the recipe: Broccoli Salad
Waldorf Salad
A Waldorf Salad is a wonderful addition to a summer brunch! It features chopped apples, juicy grapes, crunch celery, and raisins. If you’re serving this later in the day you can even add in some grilled chicken for a light, complete meal.
Go to the recipe: Waldorf Salad
Pea Salad
Pea Salad is a delicious, classic summer salad, especially when you use fresh peas. This makes a fantastic side dish for a BBQ meal and is a perfect make-ahead recipe. Prepare it in advance, store it in your fridge, and take it out when you are ready to eat!
Go to the recipe: Pea Salad
