Who says salad season ever has to end? With these 21 salads to freshen up your meals, it’s like summer never left the dining table. It’s all about bringing freshness to your meals, whether it’s a light lunch to power through the day or a substantial salad that stands its ground as a main course. So, let’s toss aside the notion that salads are just for certain times of the year and dive into a world where every season is salad season.
Egg Salad
A creamy delight that turns a simple ingredient into a rich, flavorful spread, this salad is perfect for sandwiches or as a side. Combining mayonnaise, mustard, and crisp celery adds depth while still keeping the preparation simple. Ideal for picnics or a quick, satisfying lunch, it’s a classic that never fails to please.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad
Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Chopped ham gets a delicious makeover in this salad, mixing with the crunch of fresh celery and the tang of pickles, all bound by a creamy dressing for a nostalgic bite. It’s a versatile dish that serves up well on crackers, in sandwiches, or even by itself for a quick snack. This old-fashioned favorite reminds us that sometimes, the best flavors come from the simplest of ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Shirazi Salad
Bringing freshness to any meal, this Persian salad mixes cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions with a zesty lime and olive oil dressing for a refreshing side. Its simplicity highlights the natural flavors of the vegetables, making it a perfect companion to heavier dishes. Whether served alongside grilled meats or as part of a meze platter, it adds a crisp, clean taste that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Capturing the essence of elote, this salad turns grilled corn into a creamy, spicy dish that’s both easy to make and share. Tossed with cotija cheese, lime, and chili powder, it brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food right to your table. Pair it with a cold beer or a smoky mezcal for a truly festive meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
This salad elevates the chicken salad game by incorporating the sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of walnuts, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. Perfect for filling sandwiches or topping greens, it offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. It’s a testament to the power of adding a little sweet and crunch to your chicken salad, making it a dish that’s far from ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Salmon Pasta Salad
Here’s a dish that combines the richness of salmon with the heartiness of pasta, all tied together with a creamy dressing for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner option or a substantial lunch, this salad brings a touch of elegance to the table. The addition of fresh vegetables and herbs only enhances its appeal, making it a favorite for those who love the combination of pasta and seafood.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Pesto Orzo Salad
A light and herby dish, this salad uses orzo as a base for a vibrant mix of fresh basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and arugula, creating a dish that’s as colorful as it is tasty. It’s perfect for picnics or as a side dish at your next barbecue, offering a fresh alternative to the usual pasta salads. The flavors are bright and summery, making it a hit for any occasion that calls for a little something special on the side.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Utilizing the convenience of rotisserie chicken, this pasta salad becomes a quick and flavorful option for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend lunches. It’s a hearty dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor, combining chicken, pasta, and your choice of veggies in a satisfying way. This salad is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
A zesty take on the traditional Caesar, this salad incorporates bold Tex-Mex flavors with the crunch of tortilla strips for an exciting twist on the classic. It’s a spicy, savory dish that pairs well with anything from a chilled margarita to a cold beer, adding a little kick to your salad course. This Tex-Mex Caesar is sure to become a new favorite, bringing a bit of southwestern flair to your dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
This dish is a light yet filling option, blending the flavors of the Mediterranean with tender shrimp and orzo for a salad that’s both nutritious and indulgent. The combination of fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a lemony dressing makes it a refreshing choice for any meal. It’s a salad that not only satisfies your hunger but also transports your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Combining the warmth of curry with the sweetness of raisins, this chicken salad brings an exotic twist to the table that’s both unexpected and delightful. The creamy dressing and tender chicken create a base that’s elevated by the bright burst of flavor from the raisins. It’s an ideal dish for those looking to step outside their culinary comfort zone while still enjoying the familiarity of a chicken salad.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Steak & Pasta Salad
This salad is a hearty eater’s dream, blending slices of succulent steak with al dente pasta and a medley of fresh veggies, all tossed in a robust dressing. It’s a fusion of flavors and textures that transforms the salad from a side dish to the main event, proving that salads can be filling and refined. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or simply treat yourself to a decadent lunch, this dish has got you covered.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
Fresh herbs and green garlic lend their vibrant flavors to this potato salad, making it a refreshing take on a classic side dish. It’s the perfect blend of creamy and zesty, with each ingredient adding a layer of complexity that’s rare in traditional potato salads. Ideal for outdoor picnics or as a side to your favorite grilled meats, this salad is a celebration of spring and summer flavors.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Hearty wheat berries provide a chewy base for this nutritious salad, with flaky tuna and ripe tomatoes adding a fresh, oceanic twist. Dressed in a light vinaigrette, it’s a satisfying meal that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds, offering a balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins. This salad is a standout choice for those seeking a healthy but flavorful lunch option that’s easy to pack and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Classic Low Carb Caprese Salad
Simplistic in its ingredients but profound in its flavors, this Low-carb Caprese salad combines ripe tomatoes with creamy mozzarella and fresh basil, all drizzled with a balsamic reduction. It’s a testament to the beauty of minimalist cooking, where quality ingredients take center stage, creating a dish that’s both light and deeply satisfying. Perfect as a starter or a light meal, this salad pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, making it a staple for any summer table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Low Carb Caprese Salad
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
This vibrant salad combines the earthy flavors of potatoes with the crisp, fresh taste of yellow beans, all tossed in a light, herby dressing. It’s a colorful side dish that brings a touch of elegance to any meal, proving that potatoes and beans can be anything but ordinary. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply looking for a delightful side, this salad is a fresh, tasty choice that complements a wide array of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Enjoy the bright flavors of the Mediterranean with this tuna salad, featuring a mix of crunchy vegetables, olives, and flaky tuna, all tossed in a lemony, olive oil dressing. It’s a light yet fulfilling dish that captures the essence of coastal cuisine, perfect for a quick lunch or a healthy dinner. This salad is a go-to for anyone looking to infuse their meals with the vibrant tastes and textures of the Mediterranean.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Coleslaw
A classic coleslaw brings crunch and tang to any meal, combining shredded cabbage and carrots with a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s the ultimate side dish, capable of complementing everything from barbecue to sandwiches, and it’s just as delicious on its own. This version is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for those who appreciate the simple joy of crisp vegetables and a dressing that hits all the right notes.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
Summertime on a plate, this salad pairs the smoky sweetness of grilled peaches with the bright acidity of tomatoes, creating a refreshing and complex dish. The contrasting flavors and textures make each bite exciting, offering an indulgent and wholesome culinary experience. It’s an ideal choice for those warm evenings when you’re craving something light yet flavorful, and it pairs perfectly with a chilled rosé.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
Greek Salad
Crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, sharp red onions, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese come together in this Greek salad, offering a taste of the Aegean with every bite. It’s a refreshing dish that’s as suited to a light lunch as it is to a side at dinner, bringing a burst of color and flavor to the table. This salad is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients, proving that sometimes, the best dishes are the ones that let their components shine.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad
Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
Tender asparagus spears, thinly shaved Parmesan, and a tangy lemon dressing combine in this salad for an elegant and easy-to-prepare dish. It’s a perfect example of how a few high-quality ingredients can create a sophisticated salad for a dinner party yet simple enough for a weekday meal. The brightness of the lemon enhances the fresh flavors of the asparagus and Parmesan, making it a refreshing addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan