Planning a summer party? These 23 salads are so good, they might just outshine the main course. From crisp and refreshing to bold and hearty, there’s something here for every kind of guest (even the picky ones). Trust us—skip the boring sides and bring one of these instead.
Carrot Raisin Salad
Throwing a summer party? This carrot raisin salad is crunchy, sweet, and ridiculously easy to toss together. It’s just carrots, cabbage, and raisins mixed up with a tangy lemon-mayo dressing—and somehow, it always disappears first. Make a double batch and stash a little for yourself before it’s gone. Trust me, it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad
Mexican Macaroni Salad
Mexican Macaroni Salad is a super easy summer side that always hits the spot. It’s loaded with crunchy veggies and tossed in a creamy, taco-style dressing that kids (and adults) go nuts for. Make a big batch for cookouts, potlucks, or just a chill night on the patio. It’s one of those dishes you’ll end up craving all summer long.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad
Grape Salad
This creamy grape salad is straight-up party gold—sweet, easy to throw together, and gone before you know it. Kids go wild for it, adults aren’t shy either, and yeah… it’s one of those dishes that magically disappears. Everyone’s gonna ask how you made it. Just trust me and make a double batch—you’ll be glad you did.
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad
Cabbage Apple Salad
This crunchy Cabbage Apple Salad is totally a summer go-to. Red cabbage, Golden Delicious apples, and a tangy dressing come together for that sweet-meets-zesty vibe that just works. It’s super easy to throw together and makes an awesome lunch or side. So fresh, so light—you’ll wanna eat it on repeat. Honestly, once you try it, you won’t stop craving it.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad
Layered Salad
Throwing a summer party? This layered salad’s always a hit—crunchy lettuce, fresh veggies, crispy bacon, and that creamy mayo dressing we all secretly love. It’s super easy to make, you can prep it ahead, and it disappears fast. Don’t be surprised when people start begging for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Layered Salad
Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta
This Mediterranean White Bean Salad is packed with creamy beans, juicy tomatoes, and crumbled feta—so fresh and tasty. It’s super easy to throw together and perfect for those warm summer days when you want something light but still filling. Plus, it’s great for meal prep or as a side at your next BBQ!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta
Quinoa Salad
This salad’s got everything going for it—quinoa, chickpeas, crunchy cucumbers, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing, with pistachios tossed on top for a little extra crunch. It’s fresh, filling, and super easy to throw together. Works great for lunch or as a side with dinner. Once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat. I’ve already lost count how many times I’ve made it this month.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad
Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad
Pennsylvania Dutch Potato Salad is that creamy, tangy classic that always hits the spot. It’s got a warm, slightly sweet dressing and just the right crunch, with that good old-fashioned flavor everyone knows and loves. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or a chill family dinner — and trust me, it disappears fast, so maybe make a little extra!
Get the Recipe: Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
If you’re into deviled eggs, this pasta salad is your new best friend. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with eggs, relish, mustard, and just the right hit of paprika. Perfect for summer parties, cookouts, or whenever you’re craving something easy and nostalgic. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it all season long. I brought it to one BBQ and now it’s all anyone asks me to bring.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Big Mac Salad
This Big Mac Salad is super easy to make and packed with flavor. It’s a filling meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a quick lunch. Plus, it’s a fun twist on the classic Big Mac, and you’ll love how simple it is to throw together!
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Beet Salad with Feta
This beet and feta salad is super easy to toss together and totally hits the spot on a warm day. It’s great as a quick lunch, a side dish, or just something light to snack on. The bright colors make it look fancy without any effort. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes you’ll keep craving. Throw it together once, and you’ll see what I mean.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Feta
Festive Mexican Rice Salad
This Mexican Rice Salad is a fun mix of rice, beans, corn, and a zesty dressing that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect side dish or main course for any get-together. Plus, it’s super easy to make and always gets a lot of compliments!
Get the Recipe: Festive Mexican Rice Salad
Asian Cucumber Tomato Salad: Easy And Refreshing
This Asian cucumber tomato salad is fresh, crunchy, and loaded with flavor—perfect for summer hangouts. Just toss it together and you’re good to go. The juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers with that zingy dressing? So good. It’s one of those dishes that disappears fast, so maybe make extra. Trust me, your friends will be all over it.
Get the Recipe: Asian Cucumber Tomato Salad: Easy And Refreshing
Crispy Smashed Potato Salad
This smashed potato salad is a total winner with roasted garlic, a creamy lemon and herb dressing, and crispy potatoes that are soft on the inside. It’s got the perfect mix of flavors and textures that’ll have everyone going back for more. Great for BBQs, potlucks, or just a cozy dinner at home. You’ll want to make this one again and again!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potato Salad
Seafood Pasta Salad
This seafood pasta salad is cool, creamy, and perfect for a hot day. It’s loaded with shrimp, crab, and pasta all tossed in a super tasty dressing. Easy to make, even easier to eat—this one’s always a hit at BBQs and picnics. Don’t be surprised if it’s gone before you grab a second helping!
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad
Watermelon and Feta Salad
Watermelon Feta Salad with Kalamata Olives is such a cool and tasty side for hot summer days. It only takes 5 ingredients and comes together super fast—perfect when you want something easy and fresh. Plus, it’s a great way to mix sweet and salty in every bite!
Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Feta Salad
Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef
Throwing a summer party? This easy taco salad bowl is a total win—flavor-packed ground beef, all your fave toppings, and yep, you can eat the bowl too. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and perfect if you’re keeping things on the lighter side. Super simple to whip up and always a hit!
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef
Pea Salad
Old-school pea salad is creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or whenever you need an easy make-ahead dish. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that always gets compliments without any fuss. You can whip it up ahead and just chill until it’s time to dig in!
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad
Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze
This burrata salad is basically summer in a bowl—spring mix, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and that creamy burrata we all love. A drizzle of good olive oil and balsamic glaze ties it all together. It’s light, fresh, and super easy to throw together. Perfect for those hot days when you just want something chill and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Pasta Salad without Mayo
Keep it cool this summer with this super easy no-mayo pasta salad. It’s tossed in a tangy Italian dressing and makes an awesome side for BBQs or a quick grab-and-go lunch. No fuss, just fresh flavor. Trust me, you’ll be making this one on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad without Mayo
Cashew Aoli Mason Jar Salad
This Cashew Aioli Mason Jar Salad is a summer lifesaver—fresh, tasty, and totally Whole30 friendly. The creamy cashew dressing is seriously next-level, and tossing it all in a mason jar just makes life easier. It’s light, filling, and way better than whatever sad lunch you were planning. Make a few ahead and you’re good to go all week!
Get the Recipe: Cashew Aoli Mason Jar Salad
Vegan Couscous salad
Couscous kinda gets overlooked, but it’s actually an awesome way to pack in a bunch of flavor. This one’s loaded with veggies and totally works as a main or a side for whatever you’re grilling. It’s super easy to throw together and tastes just as good cold the next day. Definitely one to keep in the rotation.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous salad
Rainbow Salad
This Rainbow Veggie Salad is packed with fresh, crunchy veggies and tons of color—it’s basically sunshine in a bowl. It’s super easy to throw together and tastes just as good as it looks. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or when you just want something light and fresh. Trust me, it won’t last long!
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Salad