Is it getting hot? Cool down with these 21 salads

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If you’re seeking relief from the heat, look no further than these 21 refreshing salads. They combine flavors and textures that are perfect for any summer meal, ensuring you get a delightful eating experience without the heaviness of traditional hot dishes. With ingredients that boast peak season freshness, these salads offer a nutritious way to dine well and stay cool, all at once.

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When the heat rises, opt for a salad that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts combines sweet and nutty flavors for a delicious cooldown. It’s light yet fulfilling, making it ideal for a summer lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

A plate with Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes.
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Nothing says summer like the smoky sweetness of grilled peaches. Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes is the perfect dish to enjoy on a warm day, blending juicy fruits with fresh veggies. It’s a delightful mix that’s sure to cool you down.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

Egg Salad

The Best Egg Salad on the Planet.
Egg Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

For a classic choice that’s creamy and comforting, you can’t go wrong here. Egg Salad is easy to whip up and perfect for a quick, cool meal. You can savor it as a standalone meal or use it as a filling for your sandwich during a relaxing lunch.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad

Classic Low Carb Caprese Salad

A top-down shot of a classic caprese salad in a black dish.
Classic Low Carb Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Keep things light and tasty with a salad that’s simple yet wonderfully refreshing. Classic Low Carb Caprese Salad is perfect for those hot days when you want something quick and satisfying without being too heavy. It’s a timeless choice that never fails to please.
Get the Recipe: Classic Low Carb Caprese Salad

Steak & Pasta Salad

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combine the rich flavors of steak with the lightness of pasta for a meal that’s both hearty and refreshing. Steak & Pasta Salad is great for a more filling meal that won’t weigh you down. Perfect for dinner al fresco on a warm evening.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dive into a dish that brings you a hearty texture and light flavors, ideal for a hot day. Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes is full of nutrients and taste, making it a smart choice for a fulfilling meal that keeps you cool. It’s robust enough to satisfy your hunger while keeping things light.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black bowl with forks nearby.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you want something that feels gourmet without the fuss, this salad is a go-to. Salmon Pasta Salad mixes flaky fish with cool pasta, ideal for a nourishing meal that’s easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a luxurious yet laid-back summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Rotisserie chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Make your meal prep quick and easy with a salad that uses pre-cooked chicken. Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is a convenient and tasty option that’s great for busy days. It’s a hearty dish that’s still refreshing enough for summer.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re in the mood for vibrant flavors, this pasta salad hits all the right notes. Pesto Orzo Salad is packed with fresh tastes and is wonderfully light, making it perfect for a hot day. It’s quick to make and even quicker to disappear from your plate.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Experience a burst of freshness with every forkful. Shirazi Salad is popular for its use of juicy vegetables, making it incredibly refreshing during the heat. It’s a simple yet flavorful choice that’s always a hit at summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up your salad routine with a Tex-Mex twist on a classic Caesar. Tex-Mex Caesar Salad brings bold flavors in a chilled dish, perfect for cooling down on a spicy note. It’s a fun variation that’s both familiar and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Herbed potato salad on a white platter.
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a refreshing twist on a classic summer dish? Try Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic! This light and fresh salad has a zesty flavor thanks to the herbs and is the perfect side dish for any barbecue or picnic.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This salad is a wonderful mix of coastal flavors and light pasta, ideal for a hot day. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is quick to prepare and packed with flavors that feel like a seaside getaway. It’s perfect for a summer meal or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

A bowl of yellow bean and potato salad.
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Keep cool with a salad that combines tender beans and potatoes in a refreshing way. Yellow Bean & Potato Salad is a hearty yet light option for those looking for something different at their summer table. It’s filling without being heavy, ideal for hot weather.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

Southern Ham Salad

A bowl of Southern ham salad and croissants on a wooden table.
Southern Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a touch of the South to your meal with a salad that’s both hearty and refreshing. Southern Ham Salad is perfect for a light lunch or as part of a bigger spread. It brings together rich flavors in a cool, easy-to-eat format.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad

Coronation Chicken Salad

A pan of coronation chicken salad next to a plate of lettuce and tomatoes.
Coronation Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Celebrate summer with a regal salad that’s cool and creamy. Coronation Chicken Salad is known for its unique flavor and comforting qualities, perfect for a picnic or lunch. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad

Coleslaw

A bowl of coleslaw with vegetables and a fork.
Coleslaw. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

For a crunchy side that goes with just about anything grilled, this is your pick. Coleslaw is crisp, cool, and slightly tangy, making it the perfect accompaniment to any summer barbecue. It’s easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Four Mediterranean Tuna Salad stuffed avocados on a white plate.
Mediterranean Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table with a salad that’s brimming with taste yet light on the palate. Mediterranean Tuna Salad is an excellent choice for a nutritious, cool meal that satisfies without overwhelming. It’s ideal for a refreshing lunch.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Greek Salad

Greek Salad with a round block of feta in the middle.
Greek Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Opt for a classic Greek Salad when you need something quick, refreshing, and filling. This salad is packed with crisp vegetables and tangy flavors, making it a perennial favorite for cooling down on a warm day. It’s simple, delicious, and always a pleasure to eat.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Refresh yourself with a salad that’s as hydrating as it is tasty. Cucumber Salad with Feta is the perfect dish for those exceptionally hot days, offering a crisp, cooling bite with every spoonful. It’s light, flavorful, and ideal for a quick summer snack or side.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan

Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan on a white platter.
Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of spring and summer with a salad that highlights fresh asparagus. Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan is light and zesty, perfect for a refreshing meal. It’s a bright, tasty way to enjoy the season’s best.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan

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