20 Light and Simple Summer Salads
These are all of my favorite light and simple summer salads in one place. Pasta salads, potato salads, fresh veggie bowls, and colorful summer dinner salads that are healthy and still filling. Most come together with a simple dressing and whatever is already in the fridge.
I make these all spring and summer long. Some work as a side for a cookout or a picnic. Others are a full dinner when I don’t want to turn on the stove.
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.
20-Minute Mexican Pasta Salad
A quick Mexican pasta salad with black beans, sweet corn, arugula, and a yogurt lime dressing. Ready in 20 minutes.
Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Creamy dill pickle pasta salad with crunchy pickles, sweet onions, and cracked pepper. Tangy, cold, and easy to make.
Creamy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad with Avocado and Sweet Corn
Cilantro lime pasta salad with avocado, sweet corn, and cherry tomatoes. Creamy dressing, no mayo, ready for cookouts.
Easy Pickle Pico De Gallo Pasta Salad
Pickle pico de gallo pasta salad that’s tangy, fresh, and different from anything else at the table. Easy and cold.
Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad with Crispy Bacon and Garbanzos
Ranch pasta salad with crispy bacon and crunchy roasted garbanzos. Creamy, loaded, and perfect for summer sides.
Bruschetta Pasta Salad
Bruschetta pasta salad with tomatoes, basil, garlic, marinated mozzarella, and balsamic dressing tossed with fusilli.
Arugula Pasta Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
Arugula Caesar pasta salad with a creamy homemade dressing and crunchy roasted chickpeas. Light, peppery, and filling.
30-Minute Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad
Shrimp pesto pasta salad with fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette. Light enough for summer, done in 30.
20-Minute Shrimp Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Shrimp cilantro lime pasta salad with a zesty dressing and pan-seared shrimp. Bright, fresh, and ready in 20 minutes.
Southern-Style Macaroni Salad
Southern macaroni salad that’s creamy, tangy, and perfect for cookouts. A classic cold side dish the whole table loves.
The Best Tuna Salad for Sandwiches
The best tuna salad for sandwiches with mayo, lemon juice, shredded carrots, and cracked pepper. Better cold from the fridge.
Quick Corn Tuna Salad (20-Minutes)
Quick corn tuna salad with sweet corn, creamy mayo, and fresh ingredients. Cold, easy, and ready in 20 minutes.
High Protein Dill Pickle Chicken Salad With Zero Mayo
High protein chicken salad with dill pickles and zero mayo. Serve on bread, in a wrap, over greens, or with crackers.
The Zesty Greek Potato Salad Everyone Asks For
Greek potato salad with small potatoes, olives, and a zesty dressing. No mayo, light, and perfect for summer sides.
Easy Mexican Street Corn Potato Salad
Mexican street corn potato salad with roasted corn, golden potatoes, lime, and cotija cheese. Great for cookouts.
Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette
Cucumber feta salad with a tangy lemon Greek vinaigrette. Crisp, light, cold, and ready in minutes.
Strawberry Spring Salad with Feta, Blueberries, and Balsamic Drizzle
Strawberry salad with feta, blueberries, pecans, and balsamic drizzle. Fresh, simple, and perfect for spring and summer.
Mediterranean-Inspired Greek Orzo with Lemon and Feta
Greek orzo salad with a zesty lemon-garlic dressing, fresh herbs, and creamy feta. A light Mediterranean summer side.
