11 summer salads so good, you won’t miss the grill

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Ditch the grill, keep the chill! These 11 summer salad recipes are so good, they’re bursting with fresh flavors that’ll make you forget all about burgers and hot dogs.

Mexican Macaroni Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Grape Salad

Grape Salad in clear bowl with green grapes in background.
Grape Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Calling all summer potlucks! This grape salad recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s super easy to make, bursting with fresh grapes, and guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please?”.
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Cabbage Apple Salad

Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon.
Cabbage Apple Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Beat the summer heat with a refreshing Cabbage Apple Salad! This vibrant dish combines crisp red cabbage with sweet Golden Delicious apples, all tossed in a tangy dressing. It’s a perfect side for any summer barbecue or potluck.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Layered Salad

A layered salad in a clear glass trifle bowl on a wooden board, with peas, lettuce, and red tomatoes, next to a floral patterned cloth.
Layered Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

As the summer sun warms your kitchen, whip up this vibrant layered salad! Crisp romaine lettuce becomes the base for a rainbow of colorful vegetables, all punctuated by the savory crunch of bacon. A creamy mayonnaise dressing ties everything together, making this dish a delightfully refreshing and flavorful addition to any potluck.
Get the Recipe: Layered Salad

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

A salad with strawberries, blueberries and feta cheese.
Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Capture the essence of summer with this easy berry salad. Bursting with fresh blueberries and strawberries, it’s tossed in a delightful sweet and tangy dressing.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Kachumber Salad

Kachumber salad in a white bowl with fancy silver spoons on the side.
Kachumber Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Perfect for a summer side dish, Kachumber Salad bursts with color and freshness. This Indian staple features a vibrant mix of chopped raw vegetables like juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, pungent red onions, and fiery chile peppers. Topped with fresh cilantro or coriander leaves and a sprinkle of ground spices, a squeeze of citrusy lime or lemon juice finishes it all off. Kachumber pairs beautifully with any Indian dish, from light veggie curries to flavorful biryani.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber Salad

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli Salad with Bacon inside wooden bowl.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Beat the summer heat with this refreshing Broccoli Salad twist! Packed with bacon and bursts of blueberries, this hearty cold salad is a breeze to make. Perfect for any summer gathering, it’s completely low-carb, sugar-free, gluten-free, and grain-free, making it a guilt-free crowd-pleaser – even for diabetics! Loaded with nutrients, it’s a healthy and delicious potluck or party addition.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Amish Macaroni Salad

Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

You gotta try this Amish macaroni salad this summer! It’s the creamiest, sweetest side dish ever, and sooo easy to throw together. Perfect for BBQs or picnics, this salad is guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say “potato salad, who?”
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Spring Onion Potato Salad

A bowl of spring onion potato salad.
Spring Onion Potato Salad. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This Spring Onion Potato Salad is a total winner for summer cookouts! Creamy potatoes and a light dressing get a fresh kick from spring onions – it’s so easy and yummy.
Get the Recipe: Spring Onion Potato Salad

Mexican Macaroni Salad

Mexican Macaroni Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Beat the summer heat with a refreshing Mexican Macaroni Salad! This vibrant dish packs a punch with chopped vegetables and a zesty taco seasoning dressing. It’s sure to be a hit at any potluck or barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This Mexican Street Corn Salad is loaded with yum and super easy to whip up, even on those hot summer days. Bonus? You can totally make it any time of year!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Apple Pear Slaw

Bowl of fresh apple and pear slaw salad.
Apple Pear Slaw. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Beat the summer heat with this crisp and colorful Apple Pear Slaw with a sweet and tangy Caramel Cider Vinaigrette! It’s a refreshing blend of juicy fruits and a light dressing, perfect for a light and flavorful summer side dish.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pear Slaw

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