As the heat of summer rolls in, our family switches over to lighter, more refreshing dinners. Gone are the heavy soups and casseroles and in with the light salads and BBQ’d meats with fresh-baked bread on the side. I’ve gathered our collection of summer salads that are easy to make and delicious to eat. There is something for everyone from heavier pasta based salads to fresh and light cucumber salad.
We love pairing BBQ’d meats with salads during the summer- the meat fills you up while the salad balances out the heaviness with a lighter and more refreshing side. As an added bonus these salads are colorful and present well on a plate. Add a slice of homemade bread and it’s a meal you’ll want on repeat all summer long.
Salad Side Dishes
Our collection of salads are beyond your basic lettuce and dressing-we have cucumber salad, broccoli salad, carrot salad and more! Try something new today to brighten up your table the next time a summer salad craving hits.
Pasta Salads
Adding a bit of pasta to your salad gives you a heavier, more fulfilling meal. These pasta salads make great lunch (or even light dinner) options. They are perfect for bringing to work or even just meal prepping ahead of time for busy lunches at home.
Dessert Salads
While these dessert salads aren’t a traditional salad recipe, we had to include them! They are beautiful to look at and even better to eat! They are festive for summer and perfect for bringing to an event. Also, the kids get a kick out of the idea that these are considered “salads” and consider them the best summer salads.
The best summer salads are light, fresh, and easy to put together. Look for recipes that use seasonal produce, are ready in 30 minutes or less, and hold up well if they need to sit out for a bit.
You want something that travels well and feeds a lot of people. Pasta salads, potato salads, and layered salads are always a hit. Several of the recipes in this list are perfect for exactly that
Dessert salads are creamy, sweet salads that feel more like a treat than a side dish. Think fluffy fruit salads with whipped cream or pudding. They are a beloved Midwest staple and a fun surprise on any summer table.
Store the dressing separately until you are ready to serve. For salads with crunchy toppings like croutons or nuts, add those at the last minute too. Most of the recipes here include storage tips so nothing goes to waste.
Try These Entrées
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