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Around here, BBQ foods are a summer staple. We're talking ribs, steaks, burgers, and more. But just as important are the summer sides to keep things light and fresh! From a cool cucumber salad to grilled corn salad with cilantro vinaigrette, this list of summer salad recipes is perfect for balancing out all those hearty grilled dishes. If you thought salads were just a bowl full of mixed greens, think again! We're taking seasonal produce to a whole new level with some of the best salad recipes ever. Think: creative twists on pasta salad recipes, crisp salads featuring summer fruits, and even a cheeseburger salad that acts as a main course for your weeknight dinner!
When it comes to making the best summer salads, the key is using fresh ingredients. Head to the farmers' market to look for cucumbers, corn, watermelon, and juicy tomatoes. You'll put them all to good use with recipes like the classic caprese salad and the watermelon salad with feta and mint. Looking for a picnic side dish? We've got you covered! Try a salad that can be made ahead of time, like the broccoli salad or the layered salad. Whichever recipe you choose, be sure to have your favorite salad dressing handy. (Might we suggest the Drummond all-time favorite, homemade ranch?)
Cucumber Salad
It doesn't get more refreshing than this! The cool, crisp cucumbers are the star ingredient in this make-ahead salad recipe.
Get the Cucumber Salad recipe.
Cheeseburger Salad
Classic cheeseburgers get a healthy-ish spin by add crisp greens and veggies. Don't worry—it still has plenty of pickles!
Get the Cheeseburger Salad recipe.
Chickpea Salad
This chopped salad is bursting with color thanks to fresh veggies like tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and avocado. It's also pretty hearty from the chickpeas.
Get the Chickpea Salad recipe.
Strawberry Arugula Salad
Sweet seasonal strawberries work surprisingly well with peppery arugula and tangy feta in this bright summer salad. We also love the crunch from the pecans!
Get the Strawberry Arugula Salad recipe.
Caprese Pasta Salad
This pasta salad has all the components of a classic Caprese—juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil.
Get the Caprese Pasta Salad recipe.
Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
Swap out your typical corn on the cob for a corn salad instead. It's loaded with hearty mix-ins like pinto beans and avocado.
Get Ree's Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette recipe.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Light, bright, and filled with sweet fruits—this salad is perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day.
Get the Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.
Greek Salad
This classic salad is made up of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta. It's perfectly refreshing, easy to make, and delicious when paired with your favorite lamb burger.
Get Ree's Greek Salad recipe.
Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
Does anything scream summer more than a juicy watermelon? We certainly don't think so! This salad pairs the sweet fruit with crunchy cucumber, mint, and roasted pistachios for a refreshing salad that everyone will love.
Get Ree's Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint recipe.
Broccoli Salad
Not all salads have leafy greens. This one swaps the lettuce for fresh broccoli and tons of tasty add-ins (bacon, cheddar, and dried cranberries).
Get the Broccoli Salad recipe.
BLT Pasta Salad
Everything you love about a BLT sandwich with the delicious addition of pasta! It even has a dressing made with ranch seasoning mix!
Get the BLT Pasta Salad recipe.
Grilled Pork Salad with Strawberries
The combination of warm, grilled pork with crisp lettuces and juicy strawberries is utter perfection. And, it's even hearty enough for a hungry cowboy.
Get Ree's Grilled Pork Salad with Strawberries recipe.
Caesar Salad Spears
If you're hosting a big cookout, this is a great way for serving salad to a crowd. Simply give each person a spear or two alongside grilled steaks or whatever your main course might be.
Get Ree's Caesar Salad Spears recipe.
Grilled Shrimp Panzanella
"I love panzanella with beautiful tomatoes and chunks of bread," Ree says. In fact, it's one of her favorite summer meals.
Get Ree's Grilled Shrimp Panzanella recipe.
Easy Taco Salad
Loaded with ground beef, cheese, and avocado—this salad recipe is hearty enough to serve for dinner any night of the week. But it's especially fun on "taco Tuesdays."
Get the Easy Taco Salad recipe.
Green Goddess Potato Salad
Every good cookout needs a good potato salad. This one has a tangy, herby, mayo-based dressing that's sure to brighten up your meal.
Get Ree's Green Goddess Potato Salad recipe.
Layered Salad
Grab a big glass bowl! You'll love being able to see all the beautiful layers in this picnic-friendly salad.
Get Ree's Layered Salad recipe.
Classic Three-Bean Salad
This quick side dish has a ton of texture thanks to fresh green beans. But we also love the bits of diced onion and celery for crunch.
Get the Classic Three-Bean Salad recipe.
Greek Salad with Chicken
To give this simple salad a fun twist, add homemade toasted pita chips instead of croutons. It couldn't be easier!
Get Ree's Greek Salad with Chicken recipe.
Ginger Shrimp Salad
Marinate your shrimp in a mixture of garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and soy sauce for a delicious mix-in to this simple green salad.
Get Ree's Ginger Shrimp Salad recipe.
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