When hot summer days come and we dust off our grills and smokers to cook up some nice smoky meats, these cold summer salad recipes offer refreshing side dishes for any occasion, from the 4th of July to a family backyard BBQ.
From hearty options like pasta salads, creamy potato salads, and filling bean salads, to the sweet and savory combination in fruity salads with peach, watermelon, and lime dressings, and, of course, old-fashioned fluff salads – each dish brings a burst of seasonal flavor to your table.
Gina’s Recipe Rundown:
Why I love it: Each recipe in this collection is thoughtfully chosen to highlight the season’s best produce — from sweet berries and stone fruits to garden-fresh herbs and crunchy greens.
They’re not only delicious but also light, nourishing, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and tangy, creamy and hearty, or zesty and bold, there’s a salad here to match every craving.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Cool and velvety, creamy cucumber salad is made with sliced cucumbers and red onions. All tossed in a dill-infused creamy dressing for a refreshing crunch – it is my go-to for any summer gatherings.
Get the recipe: Creamy Cucumber Salad
Hawaiian Coleslaw
This tropical twist on a classic slaw combines crisp cabbage, shredded carrots, and sweet pineapple tidbits for a refreshing crunch. Tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s an ideal side dish for summer barbecues and gatherings with an island vibe!
Get the recipe: Hawaiian Coleslaw
Apple Cucumber Salad
With a crisp crunch in every spoonful, Apple Cucumber Salad combines juicy apples, refreshing cucumbers, and red onion. A splash of lemon-honey dressing ties it all together – yum!
Get the recipe: Apple Cucumber Salad
Pesto Orzo Salad
Chewy orzo and juicy cherry tomatoes make this a satisfying pasta salad, nothing like the ordinary pasta salads. It’s tossed with pesto and Parmesan for a herby, nutty finish. It will be a classic side dish for BBQ or summer meals.
Get the recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Southwest Chicken Salad
Loaded with corn, black beans, and seasoned chicken, this salad is bold and colorful. Creamy avocado and spicy dressing give it a Tex-Mex kick. Perfect for a light summer lunch and weekly meal prep.
Get the recipe: Southwest Chicken Salad
Butter Bean Salad
Tender butter beans are the star in this simple, rustic salad. Red onion and a light vinaigrette add brightness and balance. Bean salad is always amazing for 4th of July and backyard BBQs.
Get the recipe: Butter Bean Salad
Peach Caprese Salad
Sweet peach slices, fresh mozzarella, and basil make this a light, elegant salad – a fruity summer twist on an Italian classic. A drizzle of balsamic glaze enhances the contrast of sweet and savory. Oh, so good!
Get the recipe: Peach Caprese Salad
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Creamy and soft, this authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad features elbow noodles, scallions, and grated carrots – it is that simple! A tangy-sweet apple cider vinegar and mayo-based dressing gives it island vibes.
Get the recipe: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Chickpea Avocado Salad
Creamy yet hearty, Chickpea Avocado Salad features ripe avocado, chickpeas, and juicy tomatoes. A splash of lemon keeps it light and fresh. Healthy and loaded with flavors!
Get the recipe: Chickpea Avocado Salad
Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
This salad offers juicy bites of tomato and cucumber paired with crumbled feta. A simple vinaigrette adds a tangy Mediterranean touch – so simple and versatile, it goes well with any grilled meat and is good to make ahead.
Get the recipe: Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
Kidney Bean Salad
Sturdy kidney beans bring a hearty texture to this salad. With celery, hard-boiled eggs, and red onion in a tangy dressing, it’s simple and filling. Ideal for lunches and meal prep, but works well for BBQ sides, too.
Get the recipe: Kidney Bean Salad Recipe
Green Pea Salad
Sweet green peas, cheddar cheese, and bacon give this salad a mix of creamy and crisp textures. It’s lightly dressed for a smooth, tangy, and savory taste. You can easily make it with frozen peas, too!
Get the recipe: Green Pea Salad
Easy Fruit Salad
Filled with juicy seasonal fruits, this salad is light and naturally sweet. Honey-lime dressing adds a zesty boost. You can use any fruits and berries available. In my recipe, I go with: watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, mango, green and red grapes, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and kiwi. Kids love it!
Get the recipe: Easy Fruit Salad
Easy Chef Salad
Be your own chef with this easy summer salad. Lettuce, turkey, ham, cheese, and hard-boiled eggs come together in this protein-packed Chef Salad. Each bite is crisp, cool, and savory. This recipe is easy to customize with whatever ingredients your family loves the most.
Get the recipe: Easy Chef Salad
Ambrosia Salad
Soft and fluffy, Ambrosia Salad mixes sweet tropical fruits, mini marshmallows, and whipped topping. It’s a creamy treat with bursts of citrus and coconut in every bite. Truly divine sweet salad I can’t get enough of!
Get the recipe: Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This salad is creamy and satisfying with tender rotini pasta and crunchy veggies. Crispy bacon and ranch dressing give it a savory, crowd-pleasing twist. And I just love how comforting and filling it is.
Get the recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese
This combination is something you have to try this summer, it tastes better than you think! Juicy watermelon cubes are paired with tangy goat cheese and fresh mint. This salad is crisp, refreshing, and full of contrast.
Get the recipe: Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese
Broccoli Salad With Dried Cherries
Crisp broccoli, chewy cherries, and crunchy sunflower seeds give this Broccoli Salad a nice (and healthy) bite. Tossed with bacon and a sweet-tangy dressing, it’s both fresh and flavorful. Amazing for summer BBQs, picnics, and potlucks.
Get the recipe: Broccoli Salad Recipe with Dried Cherries
Grilled Corn Salad
Summer BBQ classic side dish. Smoky and sweet, Grilled Corn Salad uses lightly charred corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, and lime. It’s fresh, colorful, and full of summery flavor.
Get the recipe: Grilled Corn Salad
Deviled Egg Potato Salad
Inspired by classic deviled eggs, this potato salad is creamy and slightly tangy. It blends boiled potatoes with egg, mustard, and a smooth dressing. Simple but so irresistible!
Get the recipe: Deviled Egg Potato Salad
Avocado Chicken Salad
My favorite salad idea for lunch prep in summer! Smooth and chunky, Avocado Chicken Salad blends ripe avocado with tender shredded chicken. Red onion and lime juice add a fresh, zesty flavor. You can’t go wrong with this one.
Get the recipe: Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Best Southern Potato Salad
A classic side, my version of Southern Potato Salad is smooth and rich with tender potatoes – truly the best I’ve made so far! It’s flavored with mustard, mayo, and dill relish.
Get the recipe: Best Southern Potato Salad
Tuna Salad with Egg
Classic and satisfying, this tuna salad combines flaked tuna with chopped hard-boiled eggs for a rich, creamy texture. It’s full of flavor, easy to make, and perfect for sandwiches or lettuce wraps to make for summer picnics and road trips.
Get the recipe: Tuna Salad with Egg
Bacon Ranch Potato Salad
Packed with bold flavor, Bacon Ranch Potato Salad features soft potatoes, smoky bacon, and green onions. Rustic and easy to make, tossed with ranch dressing, this salad is tangy and creamy – a perfect side dish for a BBQ cookout.
Get the recipe: Bacon Ranch Potato Salad
BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad
Hearty and flavorful, BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad brings together grilled chicken, pasta, and vegetables. It’s tossed in a smoky-sweet barbecue ranch sauce. A SUPER yummy lunch to pack for work or make for family.
Get the recipe: BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad
Strawberry Jello Salad
Sweet and creamy, Strawberry Jello Salad has a fun, jiggly texture. Made with strawberry gelatin and whipped topping, it’s a fruity favorite for kids!
Get the recipe: Strawberry Jello Salad
Greek Feta Chicken Pasta Salad
Bright and bold, this Greek-inspired pasta salad includes grilled chicken, olives, and tomatoes. Crumbled feta and zesty dressing bring all the flavors together for a staple summer salad for BBQ parties.
Get the recipe: Greek Feta Chicken Pasta Salad
Orange Fluff Salad
Light and jiggly, Orange Fluff Salad mixes orange Jell-O, whipped topping, marshmallows, and canned fruit. It’s sweet, creamy, and super nostalgic. If you love fluff salads, you have to try this one!
Get the recipe: Orange Fluff Salad
Oriental Chicken Salad
Savory and crisp, Oriental Chicken Salad features shredded chicken, cabbage, and crunchy noodles. The sesame dressing adds bold flavor – I love it for lunch or dinner to skip takeout!
Get the recipe: Oriental Chicken Salad
Chicken Caesar Salad
A crunchy classic, Chicken Caesar Salad combines romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, Parmesan, and croutons. It’s finished with creamy Caesar dressing. Good old Caesar, just like in a restaurant!
Get the recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad
Hawaiian Chicken Salad
Tender chunks of chicken are paired with juicy pineapple and crunchy celery for a mix of sweet and savory textures. This Hawaiian salad is creamy, tropical, and perfect for warm-weather lunches or backyard BBQ! But my favorite way to enjoy it is in a sandwich!
Get the recipe: Hawaiian Chicken Salad
Best Egg Salad Recipe Ever
A twist added to grandma’s award-winning ingredients, this is truly the Best Egg Salad Recipe EVER. Quick, easy, and positively delicious!
Get the recipe: Best Egg Salad Recipe EVER
This fresh summer salad collection is your go-to guide for easy, delicious recipes that celebrate the best of the season.
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