Food Recipe Collections & Favorites Popular Ingredients 34 Simple Summer Salads With the Season's Best Produce Just back from the farmer's market? We have some ideas for using up all that fresh, healthy booty. By Samantha Leffler Samantha Leffler Samantha is the senior food editor at RealSimple and previously launched the US Weekly food vertical, where she wrote about the intersection of food and pop culture. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Betty Gold Betty Gold Betty Gold is the former senior digital food editor at Real Simple. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 19, 2024 Close Photo: GREG DUPREE Summer is high time for scouring the farmer's market for fresh fruits and vegetables to craft the perfect summer salad. Creating an easy dish with fresh produce and minimal cooking gives you lots more time to do the important things, like lounging poolside with a cocktail and figuring out what's for dessert. If you'd like to take your greens game up a notch, wow your guests with minimal effort, or just get the kids to eat more farm-fresh produce, these simple salad recipes will do the trick. We have the classic crowd-pleasers, sweet and savory options, plus other fresh takes and recipe upgrades. 01 of 34 Citrus Salad With Almonds and Manchego Caitlin Bensel Citrus season is typically earlier in the year, but most grocery stores carry citrus options all year round, and they still taste delicious. This fresh salad pairs them with radicchio, parsley, Manchego, and roasted almonds. You get an extra burst of citrus courtesy of an orange juice-based dressing, which ensures every bite is crunchy, salty, nutty, bright, sharp, and bitter. GET THE RECIPE 02 of 34 Grilled Halloumi Salad Greg DuPree Here's why this delicious grilled halloumi cheese salad will become your summer dinner fave: It's easy to throw together after work and still manages to be super filling. It also hits all the right flavor notes, from briny olives to spicy garlic and cool, crunchy cucumbers. Finally, halloumi is a firm cheese that stands up to the heat of a grill or grill pan. It tastes salty like feta, but you can cut into the planks of crispy, melty cheese with a knife and fork like you would tofu or a portobello mushroom. GET THE RECIPE 03 of 34 Summer Squash With Scallions, Chile, and Parsley Greg DuPree Look no further: Your go-to, no-cook, make-ahead summer side dish for every potluck, BBQ, and picnic is here! The "greens" in this summer salad—thinly sliced zucchini and yellow squash—are tossed in a salt mixture that softens them, allowing them to absorb vinegar and chili flavors. Topped with a chopped almond dressing, the result is light, flavorful, and perfect for a hot summer evening. GET THE RECIPE 04 of 34 Crispy Chicken Cutlets With A Crunchy Salad Jennifer Causey This summer salad recipe pairs a crispy chicken cutlet with fresh greens dressed in a lemony vinaigrette and showered with Parmesan shavings. For the greens, we recommend choosing a mix that leans on the bitter side—like romaine hearts, Little Gems, endive, and radicchio—to balance the rich, fried cutlet. For a tasty, light side salad, skip the cutlets and add summer-fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. GET THE RECIPE 05 of 34 Spring Green Salad with Avocado and Herbs Greg DuPree This monochromatic salad has "spring" in its name, but it tastes great in summer, too. It starts with crispy romaine joined by chopped cucumber, halved sugar snap peas, and shelled edamame (from frozen). The green theme is carried further in the dressing, a Caesar-like blend of Greek yogurt, avocado, and optional anchovy. GET THE RECIPE 06 of 34 Watermelon Salad With Pickled Rind Victor Protasio Watermelon is synonymous with summer, and here's a way to let the whole fruit shine. The light salad recipe pairs sweet red chunks with watermelon rind that's been quick-pickled in a chili-spiked mixture. A whipped feta base, peppery arugula, and chopped salted pistachios complete this sweet-savory dish that's bound to become a summer fave. GET THE RECIPE 07 of 34 Nicoise-Inspired Summer Salad Caitlin Bensel If you need a protein boost, give this healthy, hearty summer salad a whirl. Smoked trout, chickpeas, and soft-boiled eggs deliver the muscle-building nutrient, while blanched sugar snaps and cherry tomatoes add sweetness. A salty garlic anchovy dressing ties everything together. GET THE RECIPE 08 of 34 Ginger Lime Melon Salad Jennifer Causey A trifecta of sweet summer fruits—watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew—join forces in this unique summer salad. It's dressed in a simple mixture of lime zest and fresh ginger that enhances those fruity flavors. Make it up to 3 hours ahead and serve chilled as a salad or a refreshing, healthy dessert. GET THE RECIPE 09 of 34 Spicy Grilled Chicken With Shaved Zucchini Salad Jen Causey This recipe pairs a raw salad with chicken off the grill, but the easy, summery side is versatile enough to pair with just about any protein. It features zucchini (or yellow squash) thinly sliced longwise into long, noodle-like strips. They're tossed with pine nuts, freshly chopped mint, and a lemony olive oil dressing for a simple yet sensational salad. GET THE RECIPE 10 of 34 Chicken Salad With Chard, Cabbage, and Pickled Onions Anna Williams This summer salad recipe starts with seasoning bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs destined for a quick turn in the broiler. Meanwhile, green cabbage gets a softening treatment in a hot, onion and red wine vinegar solution kissed with a smidgen of sugar. In almost no time, it all comes together when raw chard leaves and deboned chicken join the party, all dressed in a simple vinaigrette. GET THE RECIPE 11 of 34 Roasted Eggplant and Olive Pasta Salad Greg DuPree Who doesn't love pasta salad? Salty olives, feta cheese, fresh tomatoes, chewy pasta, and tender cubes of roasted eggplant make this the perfect satisfying and healthy lunch or dinner. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, so make extra to eat well all week long. GET THE RECIPE 12 of 34 Torn Pita and Eggplant Salad With Parsley and Green Tahini Jennifer Causey If you're a baba ghanoush fan, you'll love this summer salad, essentially a deconstructed version of the popular dip. Made with eggplant, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, and pita, it features a flavorful green tahini that can pull double duty as a dip for crudités. The best part about this simple salad is that it comes together in just 15 minutes. GET THE RECIPE 13 of 34 Nectarine and Burrata Salad GREG DUPREE There are minimal greens in this summer salad, but we have a feeling that you won't miss them. The sweet and savory combo of creamy burrata, tangy pickled onions, and juicy nectarines easily steals the show. Mint leaves and salty Marcona almonds, which balance the rich flavors, are not to be overlooked either. Serve this salad at your first BBQ of the summer to get the season started deliciously! GET THE RECIPE 14 of 34 Lemony Chopped Salad With Pita Victor Protasio Crunchy summer veggies—fresh cucumbers, spicy radishes, and tart cherry tomatoes—elevate this lemony chopped salad. The meal offers plenty of plant-based protein with its roasted chickpeas, but you can always add chicken or steak to please the carnivores in your life. GET THE RECIPE 15 of 34 Southwestern Pasta Salad Greg DuPree Pasta salads are perfect for outdoor summer dining, and this one won't weigh you down with too much mayo. It gets its creaminess from an avocado dressing and a Southwestern zest from cilantro and scallions. For more spice, add jalapeños or green chilies to the dressing. GET THE RECIPE 16 of 34 Superfood Lentil Salad Victor Protasio Zucchinis are among the best summer veggies for grilling, and this salad pairs them with heart-healthy lentils and microgreens. It's topped with a unique dressing that whirls sunflower seeds in the food processor with scallion slices, mustard, and vinegar. For a nutritious, vegan meal that celebrates summer, you can hardly do better than this. GET THE RECIPE 17 of 34 Baby Kale and Chicken Caesar Salad Caitlin Bensel Caesar salad tends to be a crowd-pleaser, and adding baby kale and Brussels sprouts makes this recipe healthier than the standard version and every bit as delicious. The mayo-based dressing forgoes the traditional raw eggs but retains anchovies for authenticity. Hearty enough to serve on its own for dinner, you can also serve it as a side salad without the chicken. GET THE RECIPE 18 of 34 Smashed Cucumber Salad With Spicy Feta and Olives Jennifer Causey Yes, you get to smash the cucumbers for this recipe (via rolling pin or heavy skillet) and then tear them apart with your fingers. All of this destruction releases moisture and makes for a crunchier salad. The feta and olives deliver briny flavor boosts, resulting in the taste of Mediterranean on a plate. GET THE RECIPE 19 of 34 Orzo Tomato Salad Jennifer Causey July and August are high season for tomatoes, and they star in this tasty pasta salad. Dijon and Parmesan enhance their flavor, and orzo's smooth, tender texture provides a great base. Dressed in a honey-mustard vinaigrette, this light summer salad is best served at room temperature. GET THE RECIPE 20 of 34 Old-School Taco Salad Fred Hardy Taco Tuesday just got a little healthier. This restaurant-quality taco salad comes with all your favorites from the classic dish, like ground and seasoned beef, crunchy lettuce, and pico de gallo (store-bought or make it yourself). A tangy lime dressing adds the perfect touch. GET THE RECIPE 21 of 34 Japanese-Style Shrimp Salad Greg DuPree Peeled, deveined, and cooked large shrimp, avocado chunks, cucumbers, and leafy romaine come together for a truly special summer salad. What makes it "Japanese" are its dressing—a mayo-based mixture flavored with tamari and ginger—and a sesame-seed topping. The whole dish is ready in 15 minutes, delivering a presentation-worthy dinner to the table in a blink. GET THE RECIPE 22 of 34 Baby Wedge Salad with Crispy Spiced Chickpeas Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall This salad recipe jazzes up a diminutive head of lettuce—Little Gem or baby romaine—with Middle Eastern flair. It infuses harissa into store-bought ranch dressing and adds oven- or air fryer-crisped, shawarma-spiced chickpeas to lend crunch and protein. The result is a dinner salad that's not to be relegated to the side. GET THE RECIPE 23 of 34 Shaved Carrot Salad Jennifer Causey Here's a make-ahead, no-cook salad that celebrates an underappreciated star of summer. The recipe calls on a vegetable peeler or mandoline to turn carrots into long, thin ribbons. Dress them in an Asian-inspired dressing of tahini, ginger, and soy sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve this colorful salad chilled or at room temperature. GET THE RECIPE 24 of 34 Cantaloupe and Cucumber Salad Victor Protasio This fruit and veggie combo may sound like odd bedfellows, but the result is a sweet, crisp, refreshing dish. Chunks of feta, chopped Castelvetrano olives, and fresh mint leaves join the party, all tossed in a simple vinaigrette. Save this for the hottest of summer days. GET THE RECIPE 25 of 34 Peach and Arugula Salad With Burrata Greg DuPree When peach season arrives, you can only make so many cobblers. Invite them to the main course with this colorful, zingy summer salad. Peach slices mingle with prosciutto, burrata cheese, and chopped, roasted almonds, all pulled together with a fresh herbal dressing. GET THE RECIPE 26 of 34 Lemony Chopped Salad With Pita Victor Protasio Next time you visit the farmer's market, grab some cucumbers, radishes, cherry tomatoes, and your favorite leafy greens to create this stunning chopped salad. Add a can of chickpeas, goat cheese or feta, and torn baked pita pieces, then toss in a lemon-honey dressing. The result is a standalone vegetarian meal or a side that goes with any protein off the grill. GET THE RECIPE 27 of 34 Speedy Steak and Blackberry Salad Andrew Purcell Was it the "speedy," "steak," or "blackberry" that got your attention? Regardless, you won't be disappointed with this salad recipe that elevates a lowly hanger steak to the star of an elegant dinner salad. Roughly chopped blackberries flavor a sweet sherry vinaigrette that's tossed with arugula, pistachios, and goat cheese crumbles. GET THE RECIPE 28 of 34 Spicy Street Corn Salad Jen Causey If you have yet to savor the flavor of fresh kernels right off the cob, this salad recipe is worth a try. It evokes the flavors of elote, a Mexican street food classic featuring charred corn smothered in cheese and spices. Add pinto beans, cotija cheese, a bed of arugula, and a jalapeno-spiked, mayo-based dressing for a satisfying, no-cook meal that's ready in minutes. GET THE RECIPE 29 of 34 Green Bean Salad with Crispy Bread Crumbs Greg DuPree Fresh green beans are generally available year-round, but if you can get your hands on a local source, this dish is a great way to highlight their summer-fresh flavor. They're boiled to crisp-tender, tossed in a flavorful lemony garlic-Worcestershire dressing, and topped with an anchovy-spiked breadcrumb mixture that makes this salad irresistible. GET THE RECIPE 30 of 34 Vietnamese-Inspired Peach Salad Heami Lee A fruity summer staple gets a savory treatment in this sunny salad. Its dressing imports Southeast-Asian flavors via fish sauce, lime juice, and red chilies for a unique sweet, savory, and spicy balance you'll find intriguing. If you can source them, use white-fleshed donut peaches: They're flatter, sweeter, and have a smoother texture. GET THE RECIPE 31 of 34 Hoisin-Serrano Meatballs and Rice Noodle Salad You might be able to find Serrano chiles year-round, but their growing season is summertime. Tossed with sweet hoisin, these peppers bring a kick to this summer salad that makes it extra-special. Short on time? Make the meatballs and dressing ahead of time, and put it together when you're ready to eat. GET THE RECIPE 32 of 34 Tomato and Peach Salad With Serrano Ham Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless Who would have thought that tomatoes and peaches could create such a lovely combination? This summer salad marries the sweetness of peaches, the juiciness of tomatoes, the peppery kick of arugula, the creaminess of Manchego cheese, and the saltiness of Serrano ham. Adding roasted salted almonds gives it the perfect, satisfying crunch. GET THE RECIPE 33 of 34 Niçoise-Inspired Potato Salad Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Carla Gonzalez Hart This hearty summer salad recipe is a delightful twist on the classic French dish, Niçoise. It spotlights roasted potatoes paired with haricot verts, grape tomatoes, and kalamata olives. A lively dill and Dijon dressing elevates this vibrant dish, and hard-boiled eggs add more protein, so you'll feel full (but not overly so) for hours. GET THE RECIPE 34 of 34 Peanutty Dumpling Salad Victor Protasio Nothing says summertime like a busy dinnertime. Who has time to cook when you're trying to enjoy every last hour of the sunlight? This salad is an easy and filling dinner that is as quick to make as it is to eat (because you'll want to eat it all up!). It calls for salad greens and frozen dumplings that are a total time-saver but don't sacrifice taste. GET THE RECIPE Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit