20 Light and Simple Summer Salads
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When the weather warms up, I start craving lighter meals that are easy to put together. That’s why I pulled together this list of light and simple summer salads—the kinds of salads I make all season long when I want something quick, fresh, and still filling.
Some of these are classic veggie salads, and a few are pasta salads that are great for dinner or a side for a cookout.
These are the recipes I keep coming back to whenever I need something that feels fresh but still easy enough for a busy day.
Here’s What to Make This Summer
I’m sharing all of my favorite summer salads from the blog—everything from crunchy veggie salads with tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs to creamy pasta salads with lemon, feta, or a little bit of spice.
There’s a little mix of everything depending on what you’re in the mood for. These are the kinds of salads that are easy to prep ahead for cookouts, family dinners, or just a quick lunch outside.
1
Tajin Creamy Cucumber Salad with Queso Fresco
Tajin creamy cucumber salad with queso fresco is a quick, no-cook recipe made with sour cream, lime, and queso fresco. A great warm-weather side.
Check out this recipe
2
Strawberry Spring Salad with Feta, Blueberries, and Balsamic Drizzle
This strawberry spring salad is tossed with blueberries, pecans, feta, balsamic vinaigrette, and finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Check out this recipe
3
20-Minute Simple Black Bean Pasta Salad
A simple and quick black bean pasta salad packed with fresh ingredients like fusilli, arugula, sweet corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and a yogurt lime dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s great as a meal or side dish!
Check out this recipe
4
20-Minute Shrimp Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Light, tart, shrimp cilantro lime pasta salad with finely diced onion and minced garlic. It's the perfect pasta salad year-round.
Check out this recipe
5
Bruschetta Pasta Salad
This bruschetta pasta salad is made with tomatoes, basil, garlic, marinated mozzarella, and a balsamic dressing, all mixed with fusilli for a simple and delicious meal.
Check out this recipe
6
Creamy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
This creamy cilantro lime pasta salad comes together with fusilli pasta, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and sweet corn, all mixed with a tangy cilantro lime dressing.
Check out this recipe
7
Pickle Pico De Gallo Pasta Salad
Pickle pico de gallo pasta salad is made with macaroni, a creamy dressing, and crunchy pickles. Serve it fresh with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken.
Check out this recipe
8
Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad
Made with flaky tuna, fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, and a creamy dressing, this tuna pasta salad is a delicious and simple dish for BBQs, potlucks, or casual family meals.
Check out this recipe
9
10
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Deviled egg pasta salad is made with macaroni, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing with mustard and paprika. Serve it fresh with grilled chicken or sandwiches.
Check out this recipe
11
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Dill pickle pasta salad is made with macaroni, diced dill pickles, sweet onions, and a creamy dressing. Serve it fresh with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken.
Check out this recipe
12
20-Minute Elote Pasta Salad
Sweet corn elote is delicious. Adding it to a bowl of pasta creates a magical combination. Mexican street corn is salty, tangy, and creamy, making it absolutely delicious!
Check out this recipe
13
Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad
This creamy ranch pasta salad features shell pasta coated in ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and crunchy roasted garbanzos. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and pairs perfectly with your favorite mains like crispy chicken cutlets or hot honey bites.
Check out this recipe
14
Quick Corn Tuna Salad (20-minutes)
Delicious corn tuna salad with green onions, cherry peppers, and fresh lemon juice.
Check out this recipe
15
Big Mac Style Pasta Salad
Big Mac inspired pasta salad is loaded with tangy pickles, crisp lettuce, and creamy burger sauce, all mixed with pasta for a fun dish that’s great for football Sundays or picnics.
Check out this recipe
16
Greek Orzo
Greek Orzo is a simple dish inspired by a meal at my favorite Greek spot in NYC. Tossed with a zesty lemon-garlic dressing, fresh herbs, and creamy feta
Check out this recipe
