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These 21 Summer Salad Recipes Deserve Your Full Attention

Your daily greens have truly never looked this good.

Headshot of Annabel IwegbueBy Annabel Iwegbue
summer salads
Getty Images

You guys. We are so close. Soon enough, we'll be in the full throes of summer BBQs, beach days, and late sunset happy hours. Are you prepared? No, I don't mean emotionally ready (if you're anything like me, you've been dreaming of the sunshine since Thanksgiving), what I'm asking is if your affairs are in order for the summertime happenings? This is when we've gotta stock up on all of the goods necessary for an ideal beach picnic or to mindlessly float in the pool for hours on end—Sharpay Evans-style, of course.

Oh, and in between all of this lounging, you're gonna need some fuel. Sorry if I set off any cravings right now, but absolutely n-o-t-h-i-n-g hits harder on a late summer afternoon than settling in with a spritz and a Big Ass Salad. I'm actually sort of tearing up just thinking about (like, how does life have some many tiny gifts to offer?). If you're ready to make *that* gorgeous scenario a regular reality this season, consider yourself in the right place.

Below, we went ahead and corralled some of the freshest summer salad recipes out there at the moment, and these will certainly put that box of organic spring mix you never end up finishing to absolute shame. Get ready to devour some deliciously exceptional eats because getting your daily serving of fruits and veggies has truly never looked (and tasted!) this scrumptious.

1

Stone Fruit Couscous Salad

stone fruit
How Sweet Eats

Couscous hits different when it's warm out, esp when paired with refreshing stone fruits. This bowl features a dream lineup of peaches, cherries, grilled corn, feta cheese, and pistachios to create a bowl that perfectly toes the line between savory and sweet.

Get the recipe at How Sweet Eats.

2

Chipotle Potato Salad

chipotle potato salad
All The Healthy Things

I'm telling you now that you've never had a potato salad quite like this. The spicy chipotle dressing is a star-maker for sure, but it's the crispy bacon topping that'll make you the most popular potluck guest with this dish in tow.

Get the recipe from All The Healthy Things.

3

Summer Kale Caesar Salad with Corn & Tomato

kale caesar
Kate Cooks

No, my friend, this isn't your run-of-the mill kale caesar. Beyond the delicious corn and tomato add-ons, a cashew-based dressing takes center-stage in this variation. The crunchy corn nuts on top might make you go feral for this salad. Don't say you weren't warned.

Get the recipe at Kate Cooks.

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4

Sweet Corn, Peach and Tomato Salad with Crispy Quinoa

summer
How Sweet Eats

Yes, summer marks Stone Fruit Szn. And do you know what Stone Fruit Szn signals? Putting fresh peaches into anything and everything. Including a yummy bowl that's drenched in basil vinaigrette. Yes, it is in fact a flavor combo that extends past your wildest dreams.

Get the recipe at How Sweet Eats.

5

Strawberry Arugula Salad

minimalist baker
MINIMALIST BAKER

I've got three words for you: Sugar. Roasted. Pecans. They tie this bowl together perfectly. And if the prospect of roasting intimidates you, might I add that this salad can be prepped in just under 30 minutes? She's quick and simple.

Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker.

6

Fattoush Salad

fattoush
The Mediterranean Dish

I love a meal with some heart, and nothing screams "hearty" quite like subbing in pita chips for croutons, as this salad does. This dish is a Middle Eastern staple and for good reason. (The reason is that it's deliciously addictive).

Get the recipe from The Mediterranean Dish.

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7

Citrus Kale Salad with Baked Chicken

sweet c's designs
Sweet C's Designs

If you're a kale hater, but you still wanna reap its health benefits, try this recipe out. All of the salad's additional elements (from the adobo seasoning to the sunflower seeds) might distract your tastebuds enough to sneak these good-for-you greens in. Think smarter, not harder.

Get the recipe from Sweet C's Designs.

8

Pesto Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad

pesto salad
Half-Baked Harvest

If you're into club sandwiches (and who isn't?), you'll be very intrigued by this recipe. It's basically a deconstructed club, that uses yummy orzo as a base. Congrats on your new summertime dinner fave.

Get the recipe from Half-Baked Harvest.

9

Spicy Fruit Salad

spicy fruit salad
MINIMALIST BAKER

I can think of no better way to fulfill your daily fruit intake. Chili powder on mangos is already popular, but seasoning a whole fruit salad really takes things to the next level. That next level is one that's satisfying as hell on a hot summer day.

Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker.

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10

Summer Chicken Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

summer chicken salad
Half-Baked Harvest

Yeah you read correctly. The hot bacon dressing will have you in a straight trance. But so will the herb grilled chicken and peppers. There's a whole lotta goodness happening here.

Get the recipe from Half-Baked Harvest.

11

Blueberry Walnut Summer Salad

blueberry walnut
Live Simply Natural

This salad's the best for when you're low on time with a slight sweet tooth. It's simple and nutrient-rich, my friends, the way a good salad should be. Plus the prep is basically just "throw all of the ingredients together and dive in." Love that.

Get the recipe from Live Simply Natural

12

Crunchy Lemon Parmesan Salad

crunchy lemon parmesean
Sweet C's Designs

This is actually just a meal that you need in your life, summer and beyond. It's flexible AF, so feel free to add or subtract ingredients as you wish. Do you want chicken? Throw it in here! Croutons? Don't be shy!

Get the recipe from Sweet C's Designs.

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13

Kale Kimchi Salad

sweet potato soul
Sweet Potato Soul

Who here loves the tasty kick of kimchi? With massaged kale and and roasted sweet potatoes, the famous fermented cabbage perfectly ties this lovely entree salad together.

Get the recipe from Sweet Potato Soul.

14

Caprese Peach Salad

caprese
Lemon Tree Dwelling

I repeat: STONE. FRUIT. SZN. I know you're probably ready to make this fruit plate yours by sight alone, but I'll let you in on one more thing. It takes only 10 minutes to make. Yeah. You better get to mixing ASAP.

Get the recipe from Lemon Tree Dwelling.

15

Pineapple Crunch Salad

lemon tree dwelling
Lemon Tree Dwelling

Okay, I know that all of the pineapple on pizza antagonists will loudly disagree, but no other fruit is a better fit for a savory dish. Trust the process and embrace the crispy chicken/pineapple/honey mustard flavor combo. You won't regret it.

Get the recipe from Lemon Tree Dwelling

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16

Roasted Delicata Squash, Pomegranate and Arugula Salad

cookie and kate
Cookie and Kate

This is the perfect party salad. Not only is it super easy to make in large portions, but just look at how pretty it is! Your friends will be ooh-ing and aah-ing when you bring this bad boy out during the rooftop hangs.

Get the recipe from Cookie and Kate.

17

Tomato Orzo Salad with Tahini Dressing

tomato orzo salad
JULIA GARTLAND

This dish is killing it in the pasta salad game. With its fresh, nutty taste, this tomato orzo salad will be the perfect opening act for your main courses this season.

Get the recipe from The Kitchn.

18

Napa Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing

pinch of yum salad
Pinch of Yum

I'd like to open up a dialogue about how ridiculously good sesame oil is on everything. It just doesn't seem fair. If you'd like to switch things up a bit on this one, swap in shrimp instead of chicken! Thank me later.

Get the recipe from Pinch of Yum.

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19

Green Goddess Salad

green goddess
Baked by Melissa

Going to drop this salad here, JIC you haven't already seen its many devoted fans on TikTok. Give this cabbage-based bowl a try and you'll quickly realize why it's got people talking. (Spoiler: Because it is really freaking good and wildly nutritious).

Get the recipe from Baked by Melissa.

20

Zucchini Carpaccio Salad

smitten kitchen
Smitten Kitchen

IMHO? Zucchinis? Severely underrated. Cucumbers monopolize a lot of the hype that zucchinis deserve, and I'm grateful that this arugula salad gives them their due spotlight.

Get the recipe from Smitten Kitchen.

Headshot of Annabel Iwegbue
Annabel Iwegbue

Annabel Iwegbue is an assistant editor at Cosmopolitan who covers lifestyle, beauty, and astrology. Just, you know, all of the things. Before joining Cosmo, she wrote for Harper's Bazaar, The Knockturnal, and Black Film. You can check out some of Annabel’s work here and also find her on Instagram and Twitter.

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