Mid-summer is in full swing, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy fresh, flavorful salads. This collection features 15 irresistible recipes, including plenty of pasta salad options, designed to be the star of your next picnic or potluck. From light and refreshing to hearty and satisfying, there’s a salad for every taste and occasion.
![Mexican Macaroni Salad in a bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Mexican-Macaroni-Salad-1-1140x855-1.jpg)
Cowboy Caviar
![A bowl of bean and corn salad with diced avocado, red onion, tomatoes, and cilantro surrounded by tortilla chips.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cowboy-Caviar5.jpg)
Cowboy Caviar is an absolute hit! Packed with protein-rich beans, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, zesty cilantro, and rich avocado, it’s a versatile dish that’s equally delicious as a dip or salad. Even picky eaters can’t resist!
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar
Grape Salad
![Grape Salad in clear bowl with green grapes in background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Recipe-for-Grape-Salad.jpg)
Looking for a refreshing summer side dish? Look no further than this grape salad! It’s effortless to make, bursts with flavor, and won’t last long on the table.
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad
Carrot Raisin Salad
![A bowl of coleslaw with shredded carrots and raisins on a wooden surface, next to a red and white checkered cloth.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Carrot-Raisin-Salad-6.jpg)
Carrot lovers, unite! This salad is totally crunch-worthy with shredded carrots, sweet raisins, and a surprise cabbage kick. It’s all tossed in a creamy, lemony dressing that’s so good, even picky eaters will gobble it up!
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad
Cabbage Apple Salad
![Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Cabbage-Apple-Salad-2.jpg)
Beat the summer heat with a light and refreshing Cabbage Apple Salad! Crisp red cabbage and juicy Golden Delicious apples come together in a flavorful dressing. It’s the perfect side dish to lighten up any summer meal!
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.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Layered-Salad-2.jpg)
This layered salad is total dinner goals! It’s got all the colors of the rainbow in veggie form, stacked high on crunchy lettuce. Plus, there’s a secret creamy sauce that’ll make even the pickiest eaters go crazy. It’s so easy to whip up, you’ll be a kitchen rockstar in no time!
Get the Recipe: Layered Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad
![Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/mexican-street-corn-salad-resized.jpg)
Craving a taste of summer? This Mexican Street Corn Salad is your answer. It’s packed with deliciousness and takes barely any time to throw together, even on the hottest days. Plus, it’s a year-round crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Kachumber Salad
![Kachumber salad in a white bowl with fancy silver spoons on the side.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kachumber-Salad-1600.jpg)
Chill out with a Kachumber Salad! This totally refreshing Indian salad is packed with crunchy veggies, spicy kick, and a squeeze of citrus. Perfect for your next potluck!
Get the Recipe: Kachumber Salad
Peach Tomato Caprese Salad
![Sliced peaches, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella slices on a tray.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Peach-Tomato-Salad-with-Mozzarella-Set-2-4876.jpg)
Calling all summer lovers! This Peach Caprese Salad is the answer to your cravings. We’re talkin’ about delicious peaches, mozzarella so good it melts in your mouth, and that amazing basil smell, all on a bed of lettuce for some green action. This super easy crowd-pleaser is perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Peach Tomato Caprese Salad
Mexican Macaroni Salad
![Mexican Macaroni Salad in a bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Mexican-Macaroni-Salad-1-1140x855-1.jpg)
Beat the summer heat with our Mexican Macaroni Salad! It’s a totally fresh take on a classic, packed with colorful veggies and a zingy taco-inspired dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer lunch.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad
Apple Pear Slaw
![Bowl of fresh apple and pear slaw salad.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/yummy-Apple-Pear-Slaw.jpg)
Cool off this summer with a fruity fiesta! Our Apple Pear Slaw with a yummy Caramel Cider Vinaigrette is like a rainbow in a bowl. Kids love the sweet and tangy dressing, and the crunchy apples and pears are super refreshing. It’s the perfect light side dish for a hot day!
Get the Recipe: Apple Pear Slaw
Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing
![A salad with strawberries, blueberries and feta cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/berry-salad-l.jpg)
This berry salad is totally refreshing and perfect for summer! It’s packed with good-for-you stuff and the simple dressing lets the berry sweetness shine. A perfect light bite.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing
Big Mac Salad
![A person holding serving spoons in a bowl of Big Mac salad.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bacon-Cheeseburger-Salad-rotated.jpg)
Calling all picky eaters! This Big Mac Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on a classic burger that kids will love. It’s super easy to make, keeps everyone full, and is perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Broccoli Salad with Bacon
![Broccoli Salad with Bacon inside wooden bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Broccoli-Salad-29.jpg)
Who says broccoli can’t be fun? This unexpected twist on a classic salad combines crispy bacon, sweet blueberries, and tender broccoli for a flavor explosion. It’s fast, healthy, and incredibly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Amish Macaroni Salad
![Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/amish-macaroni-salad-1260846-edited.jpg)
Looking for a new summertime staple? Look no further! This Amish macaroni salad is a creamy, sweet dream come true. Simple enough for weeknights, it’s guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say “potato salad.” Even picky eaters will love this crowd-pleasing side dish!
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad
Spring Onion Potato Salad
![A bowl of spring onion potato salad.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Spring-Onion-Potato-Salad.jpg)
Craving a fresh and easy side dish? This Spring Onion Potato Salad is perfect for your next potluck! Creamy potatoes, tangy dressing, and a burst of spring onion flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spring Onion Potato Salad