I Tried 19 Pinterest-Famous Summer Salads So You Don’t Have To

Some of the most popular Pinterest famous summer salads show up again and again in feeds, so I decided to find out if they’re actually worth making. I went through a bunch of the top-pinned ones, followed the recipes exactly, and got real about the results. Some were great. Some... not so much. If you’ve ever wondered which viral salads are worth your time—and which ones to skip—I’ve got you.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Roasted-Sunchoke-Salad.jpg

Roasted Sunchoke Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mango Avocado Salad

An overhead image of avocado salad in a serving bowl. — Mango Avocado Salad. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Mango and avocado tossed in a quick lemon vinaigrette make a fresh salad ready in minutes. This recipe is a solid choice for easy summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad

Classic American Potato Salad

Classic American potato salad with boiled eggs is simple to prep ahead and tastes better the next day. It works well when you want no-fuss sides.
Get the Recipe: Classic American Potato Salad

No Mayo Coleslaw

Crunchy cabbage and carrots mix with a creamy peanut dressing for a mayo-free summer slaw. It’s practical for making ahead and adds cool crunch.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Coleslaw

Pesto Tortellini Salad

A close up view of cooked tortellini pasta salad in a white bowl. — Pesto Tortellini Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tortellini pasta salad comes together fast with fewer than ten ingredients and takes about 20 minutes. This one fits well for quick summer lunches.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad

Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Close up of beet salad on a white platter with two forks on the right side. — Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted beets with arugula, goat cheese, grapefruit, and pistachios create a light but flavorful salad. It’s great when you want fresh and simple.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Spinach Avocado Salad

Spinach and avocado combine with tomatoes, radishes, and lemon vinaigrette in a bright, no-hassle salad. This dish suits easy summer meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad

Heirloom Caprese Salad

An overhead photo of caprese salad served in a white bowl. — Heirloom Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Caprese salad uses just a few fresh ingredients and keeps things simple. It’s a good way to bring summer vibes without a lot of prep time.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Caprese 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.

Vegan chopped salad is full of crisp vegetables and comes together quickly. It’s a reliable choice when you need a fresh meal fast.
Get the Recipe: Simple Chopped Salad

Vegan Niçoise Salad

An image of vegan nicoise salad served on a big bowl. — Vegan Niçoise Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Chickpeas, crisp veggies, and olives make this vegan Niçoise salad a well-rounded pick. It’s light but filling for summer lunches.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Niçoise Salad

Roasted Sunchoke Salad

Roasted sunchokes and fennel add texture and flavor to a greens-based salad. This one is fresh and simple, perfect for summertime meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sunchoke Salad

Vegan Caesar Salad

Crisp lettuce, creamy vegan dressing, and crunchy toppings make this Caesar salad quick to prepare. It works for sides or a fast lunch.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Caesar Salad

Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Burrata, cherry tomatoes, and summer mix with balsamic glaze create a simple, fresh dish. It’s perfect when you want something easy and creamy.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

Couscous, tofu, and lemon dressing keep this salad light yet filling. This one fits well when you want a crisp dish to complement your meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

Avocado Salad

Avocado salad with bright citrus dressing is creamy and fresh. It works any time of day to keep meals feeling light and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad

Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Chopped crispy chicken citrus salad on a white plate with purple kitchen towel. — Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chopped winter salad with chicken, citrus, pomegranate, and kale in an orange Dijon dressing is filling. It’s a good pick to brighten the season.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

The Best Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Overhead image of best broccoli salad with creamy dressin on a bowl. — The Best Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Broccoli, bacon, and cranberries mixed with creamy dressing make a crunchy salad. It’s a quick side that balances heavier dishes well.
Get the Recipe: The Best Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad

Broccoli and shredded carrots on a mixing spoon. — Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Broccoli, apples, and yogurt dressing create a creamy salad with plenty of crunch. It works well as a side or even a stand-alone meal.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad

Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad

Radicchio and endive with chicken and honey mustard dressing bring bold flavor without heaviness. It’s fresh for summer lunches.
Get the Recipe: Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad

Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime and Sesame

Little gem lettuce with herbs, maple, lime, and sesame makes a crisp and flavorful salad. It’s easy to toss together when you want something light.
Get the Recipe: Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime and Sesame