My Family Asks for These 13 Summer Salad Recipes Over and Over

Summer is the perfect season for refreshing salads that not only tantalize your taste buds but also keep you cool and nourished. As the temperatures rise, we often seek lighter fare that celebrates the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Salads provide a wonderful way to incorporate vibrant seasonal produce while maintaining a balanced diet. In this article, we will explore a variety of delightful salad recipes that are easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and ideal for those warm, sunny days. Whether you are hosting a gathering, enjoying a picnic, or simply looking for a light meal, these salads will cater to all your culinary needs.

My Family Asks for These 13 Summer Salad Recipes Over and Over

Beat the heat this summer with a Refreshing Watermelon & Feta Salad! This delicious dish combines sweet, juicy watermelon with creamy feta and fresh mint, drizzled with lime juice for a zesty kick. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light meal, this salad is not just visually stunning but also packed with hydration and nutrients. Easy to make and bursting with flavors, it’s a must-try this season! #WatermelonSalad #SummerSalad #HealthyEating #Feta #RefreshingSalad #PicnicRecipes

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Ingredients

4 cups watermelon, cubed

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted

5 cups arugula

1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup pecans, toasted

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cucumber, diced

1/4 cup red onion, diced

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

1/4 cup parsley, chopped

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

8 ounces pasta (fusilli or penne)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup mozzarella balls, halved

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, shredded

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic glaze

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1 avocado, diced

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro for garnish

4 cups green cabbage, shredded

2 cups apples, julienned (preferably Granny Smith)

1/2 cup carrot, grated

1/4 cup raisins

1/4 cup almond slivers

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup orzo pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved

1/4 cup red onion, diced

1/4 cup parsley, chopped

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

2 ripe mangos, diced

1 avocado, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

2 tablespoons lime juice

Salt and pepper to taste

8 ounces soba noodles

1 cup carrots, julienned

1 cup bell pepper, sliced

1 cup snap peas

1/4 cup green onions, sliced

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon ginger, grated

4 medium beets, roasted and diced

5 cups mixed greens

1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup walnuts, toasted

3 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups cucumbers, diced

2 cups tomatoes, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon white vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, crumbled feta, and red onion.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined.

Pour the dressing over the watermelon mixture and gently toss to coat.

Sprinkle with chopped mint leaves, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve chilled for a refreshing summer treat!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

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Grilled Peach & Arugula Salad 🍑🥬

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the peach halves cut side down for 3-4 minutes until grill marks form. Remove from grill and let cool slightly.

In a large bowl, combine arugula, goat cheese, and toasted pecans.

In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Cut the grilled peaches into slices and add them to the salad mixture.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

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Mediterranean Chickpea Salad 🌍🥗

In a large mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and parsley.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss to coat evenly.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes (including chill time) | Servings: 6

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Caprese Pasta Salad 🍝🍅

Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water to chill.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad, then season with salt and pepper.

Toss everything together and serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4-6

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Spicy Quinoa & Black Bean Salad 🌶️🥑

In a saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool.

In a large bowl, combine black beans, red bell pepper, corn, red onion, and diced avocado.

Once quinoa is cooled, add it to the vegetable mixture.

Drizzle lime juice over the salad, season with cumin, salt, and pepper, and toss everything to combine.

Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

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Crunchy Cabbage & Apple Slaw 🥬🍏

In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, apples, carrots, raisins, and almond slivers.

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to combine evenly.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes (including chill time) | Servings: 6

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Zesty Greek Orzo Salad 🇬🇷🍋

Cook the orzo according to package instructions, then rinse under cold water and drain.

In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta, olives, red onion, and parsley.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss to coat. Serve chilled.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

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Tropical Mango & Avocado Salad 🥭🥑

In a large bowl, combine diced mango, avocado, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.

Drizzle lime juice over the salad, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Toss gently to combine and serve immediately for a refreshing dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

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Asian Sesame Noodle Salad 🍜🥦

Cook soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

In a large bowl, combine noodles, carrots, bell pepper, snap peas, green onions, and sesame seeds.

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and ginger together.

Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss to combine. Serve chilled.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4-6

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Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad 🥗🍠

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap beets in aluminum foil and roast for about 45-60 minutes until tender. Cool, peel, and dice.

In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, roasted beets, goat cheese, and walnuts.

Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including roasting) | Servings: 4