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Home » Salads

If You’re Making One More Summer Salad, Make It One of These 17

Published: Aug 31, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Summer salads are at their best when they’re fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor, and these recipes hit that sweet spot every time. They’re easy to throw together, look great on the table, and taste like something you’ll actually want to eat more than once. Whether you’re making lunch for yourself, adding something bright to dinner, or pulling a dish together for friends, these salads keep things simple without being boring. If you’re going to make one more before the season’s out, it should be one of these.

An overhead image of serving the salad in a bowl.
Blueberry Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Chickpea Salad

Overhead image of chickpea salad in a bowl.
Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This chickpea salad is simple to prepare and holds its texture well when made in advance. Fresh herbs and a citrus-based dressing make it a dependable option for a summer salad.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad

Simple Chopped Salad

An overhead image of vegan chopped salad in a bowl with a serving spoon in the middle.
Simple Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Ready in under 15 minutes, this vegan salad uses a mix of chopped vegetables for a crisp and refreshing result. Its ease and fresh ingredients make it a natural pick for a summer salad.
Get the Recipe: Simple Chopped Salad

Chickpea Tuna Salad

An image of chickpea tuna salad in a bowl.
Chickpea Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

With no cooking involved, this chickpea tuna salad is quick to assemble and works well served on bread or as part of a meal. Its convenience makes it a practical companion to a summer salad.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Tuna Salad

Blueberry Salad

An overhead image of serving the salad in a bowl.
Blueberry Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spinach, feta, and a light balsamic dressing pair with blueberries in this salad that takes only 15 minutes to make. The balance of flavors makes it a fitting addition to any summer salad.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Salad

Raw Carrot Salad

An overhead image of raw carrot salad on a plate.
Raw Carrot Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This raw carrot salad is crunchy, uncomplicated, and ready in just a few minutes. Its refreshing texture makes it a smart choice to round out a summer salad.
Get the Recipe: Raw Carrot Salad

Classic American Potato Salad

An overhead image of the classic American potato salad in a white serving dish.
Classic American Potato Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

American-style potato salad with boiled eggs and a creamy base keeps well when prepared ahead of time. Its classic style makes it a reliable partner for a summer salad spread.
Get the Recipe: Classic American Potato Salad

Dense Bean Salad

An overview of a bowl of dense bean salad surrounded by fresh ingredients.
Dense Bean Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Black beans, chickpeas, avocado, and a simple cilantro-lime dressing create a hearty bean salad. Quick preparation makes it a good match for a summer salad.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Jello Salad

Top view of Jello Salad with fresh strawberries.
Jello Salad. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

With its creamy texture and mild sweetness, this jello salad fits easily on any warm-weather table. Its chilled preparation complements other summer salad dishes.
Get the Recipe: Jello Salad

Waldorf Salad

An overview of a plate of Waldorf Salad with wooden spoons, surrounded by fresh ingredients.
Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Waldorf salad combines fruit and crunch in a cool, creamy mix. Its refreshing nature makes it an easy choice for a summer salad selection.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Veggie Taco Salad

An overhead image of veggie taco salad in a bowl with a fork.
Veggie Taco Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegetarian taco salad uses familiar taco toppings without meat and comes together quickly. The textures and convenience make it a practical side for a summer salad.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Taco Salad

Frog Eye Salad

An image of Frog Eye Salad on a glass cup topped with cherry.
Frog Eye Salad. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Frog eye salad mixes pasta, fruit, marshmallows, and pudding for a creamy and sweet dish. It pairs well with other items at a summer salad gathering.
Get the Recipe: Frog Eye Salad

German Potato Salad

A plate of German Potato Salad.
German Potato Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tender potatoes, crisp bacon, and a vinegar-based dressing shape this German potato salad in under an hour. Its hearty feel makes it a strong addition to a summer salad lineup.
Get the Recipe: German Potato Salad

Macaroni Salad

Bowls filled with Macaroni Salad.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Elbow macaroni, chopped vegetables, and a creamy dressing make up this classic macaroni salad. It’s simple to prepare and works well at potlucks as part of a summer salad collection.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

7 Layer Salad

A glass container filled with 7 Layer Salad.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This 7 Layer Salad uses familiar ingredients built in layers, creating a dish that’s simple and visually appealing. Its ease of preparation makes it a practical summer salad choice.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Fruit Salad with Cool Whip

Bowls of fruit salad with cool whip.
Fruit Salad with Cool Whip. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Fruit combined with whipped topping makes for a salad that’s quick to assemble. Its light, sweet flavor works well alongside other dishes in a summer salad spread.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Salad with Cool Whip

Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

An image of cranberry salad with pecans served in a white salad bowl with a fork on the side.
Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cranberry pecan salad features tangy goat cheese and a quick dressing that adds contrast. Its mix of textures and flavors fits neatly into a summer salad lineup.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

Watergate Salad

A close-up view of a bowl of Watergate Salad with cherries on top.
Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Pineapple, pudding mix, and whipped topping come together in this easy Watergate salad. Its quick assembly and chilled nature make it a fitting companion for a summer salad.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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