Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and gather with friends and family for a BBQ. But let’s face it, no BBQ is complete without some awesome side salads to complement all that grilled goodness. We’ve put together a list of side salads that are quick and easy to make and packed with fresh, seasonal flavors.
Feta Beet Salad
Beet salad with feta, pistachios, fresh herbs, and a lemon olive oil dressing. The beets bring a rich color and earthy flavor, while the feta adds a creamy tang. Pistachios give it a nice crunch. This salad is a great addition to any summer BBQ, adding a refreshing and vibrant touch to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Feta Beet Salad
Baby Kale Salad
Quick baby kale salad tossed in tahini dressing, topped with roasted BBQ chickpeas and apple slices. The kale is hearty yet tender, the dressing is creamy and nutty, and the chickpeas add a smoky crunch. Apple slices bring a sweet freshness. Perfect for a summer cookout, it’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baby Kale Salad
Bok Choy Salad
Crispy bok choy salad with sesame dressing, sliced almonds, and toasted sesame seeds. The bok choy is crunchy and refreshing, the sesame dressing is rich and nutty, and the almonds add a nice texture. This salad pairs great with grilled steak or chicken, making it a versatile side for your BBQ spread.
Get the Recipe: Bok Choy Salad
Blueberry White Bean Salad
White bean salad with blueberries, basil, mint, and pickled red onions in a tahini turmeric dressing. The beans are creamy, the blueberries add a burst of sweetness, and the herbs bring a fresh aroma. The pickled onions provide a tangy kick, and the seeds add crunch. Perfect for summer, it’s both nutritious and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry White Bean Salad
Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad
Tofu pasta salad with fresh summer veggies and balsamic dressing. The tofu is a great protein boost, while the veggies add color and crunch. The balsamic dressing ties it all together with a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. Light and healthy, this salad is a perfect side for your summer BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad
Creamy Cucumber Salad
A healthier take on creamy cucumber salad with quick pickled red onions. The cucumbers are cool and crisp, the dressing is creamy but light, and the pickled onions add a zesty tang. This refreshing salad is perfect for any summer cookout, bringing a cool contrast to grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cucumber Salad
Cucumber Melon Salad
Cucumber and melon salad with pickled onions and cantaloupe. The cucumbers are crisp, the melon is sweet and juicy, and the pickled onions add a tangy bite. This salad is great alongside any grilled meat, making it a refreshing side dish for summer BBQs.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Melon Salad
Greek Pasta Salad
Greek pasta salad with fresh veggies. The pasta is hearty, the veggies add crunch and freshness, and the dressing brings a tangy, herby flavor. A healthy spin on the classic side dish, this salad is perfect for your BBQ, adding a light yet satisfying element to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Greek Pasta Salad
Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad
Summer veggies with tart cherry balsamic glaze, grilled and mixed with orzo. The veggies are charred and flavorful, the glaze adds a sweet-tart balance, and the orzo makes it hearty. Delicious as a warm or cold side dish for your summer get-together, it’s versatile and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad
Jicama Salad
Light and crunchy jicama salad with mango, red pepper, cucumber, and honey lime dressing. The jicama is crisp, the mango is sweet, the red pepper adds color and crunch, and the dressing is sweet and tangy. Perfect with any Mexican dish or grilled main course, this salad is refreshing and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Jicama Salad
Mango Black Bean Salad
Mango black bean salad ready in minutes. The black beans are hearty, the mango adds sweetness, and the other ingredients add freshness and crunch. A refreshing, protein-packed side dish for summer, this salad is quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mango Black Bean Salad
Simple Summer Tomato Corn Salad
Fresh corn, tomato, and basil salad. The corn is sweet and crunchy, the tomatoes are juicy and ripe, and the basil adds a fragrant touch. Simple and perfect for summer, this salad brings the best of the season’s flavors to your BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Simple Summer Tomato Corn Salad
Lentil Tabbouleh
Lentil tabbouleh with tomatoes, herbs, lemon, and spices. The lentils are hearty and filling, the tomatoes are fresh and juicy, and the herbs and lemon add brightness. A more satisfying twist on the traditional recipe, this salad is perfect for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Tabbouleh
Watermelon Bacon Salad
Watermelon bacon salad with a salty, crunchy kick. The watermelon is sweet and juicy, the bacon adds a savory crunch, and the other ingredients balance it out. Great for any summer party, this salad is refreshing and fun.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Bacon Salad
Sweet Corn Peach Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Honey mustard chicken salad with sweet corn and peaches. The chicken is tender, the corn is sweet and crunchy, and the peaches add a juicy sweetness. A mayo-free, light lunch that’s perfect for summer, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn Peach Honey Mustard Chicken Salad