29 Summer Salad Recipes for Peak Produce Season
As the days get longer, our summer salad standards only get higher. We want juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, sweet corn, ripe stone fruit, and bold dressings built for hot weather and even hotter grills. These easy summer salad recipes make the most of peak-season produce, whether you’re headed to a backyard cookout, packing a picnic, or trying to assemble lunch without turning on the oven.
This collection includes everything from classic Caprese salad and creamy coleslaw to grilled corn salads, fruit-packed combinations with watermelon and nectarines, hearty potato salads (and pasta salads too), and refreshing dinner salads topped with salmon or halloumi. Some are crisp and cooling, others rich and satisfying, but every one belongs in your warm-weather rotation. Whether you need salad ideas for summer weeknights, a backyard barbecue side dish, or a make-ahead picnic, you’ll find plenty of fresh inspiration here.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Micah Morton, prop styling by Elizabeth Jaime1/29Tomato Caesar
Thick slices of peak-season tomatoes replace romaine in this bold, Caesar-inspired summer salad recipe, finished with anchovies, Parmesan, garlic, and crunchy toasted breadcrumbs.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova, Prop Styling by Gerri K. Williams2/29Crunchy and Bright Greek Salad
Photograph by Scott Semler, Food Styling by Drew Aichele, Prop Styling by Maggie DiMarco3/29Tomato Aguachile
Inspired by Mexican aguachile, this refreshing tomato salad bathes peak-season specimens in a spicy, citrusy dressing that delivers brightness, heat, and plenty of summer flavor.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Kendra Vaculin, prop styling by Gözde Eker5/29Tomato Salad With Crème Fraîche and Olive Granola
Layer peak-season produce over lemony crème fraîche and top with crunchy olive-and-seed granola in this flavor-packed tomato recipe.
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Alison Attenborough, prop styling by Heather Greene6/29Peaches and Tomatoes With Burrata and Hot Sauce
Sweet peaches and ripe tomatoes meet creamy burrata and spicy hot sauce in this colorful salad that works equally well as a light summer lunch or dinner side.
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Aneta Florczyk7/29Watermelon, Endive, and Fig Salad
Photograph by Shawn Michael Jones, Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by Stephanie De Luca8/29Hot-and-Sour Fruit Salad
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Sean Dooley, Prop Styling by Marina Bevilacqua10/29Jammy Cumin Plums and Feta Salad
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Aneta Florczyk11/29Honeydew Salad With Ginger Dressing and Peanuts
Honeydew melon, serrano chiles, peanuts, ginger, and fish sauce create a crunchy, spicy, and refreshing Thai-inspired summer salad that pairs especially well with BBQ ribs.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by Stephanie De Luca13/29Strawberry Salad With Black Pepper-Feta Croutons
Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by Caroline Hwang, prop styling by Elizabeth Jaime14/29Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad With Cabbage
Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Kaitlin Wayne, prop styling by Stephanie De Luca16/29Creamy Sesame Pasta Slaw
Tangy coleslaw meets creamy pasta salad in this summery lunch or cookout side dish. The sauce is inspired by Japanese sesame seed dressing and punctuated by zingy buttermilk.
Photograph by Elizabeth Coetzee, Food Styling by Sean Dooley, Prop Styling by Christina Allen17/29Creamy Tahini Chicken Salad
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Shuai Wang, Prop Styling by Megan Forbes and Christina Hussey19/29Grilled Corn Tiger Salad
This crunchy summer salad combines the idea of Mexican esquites with the spicy, vinegary dressing of Chinese tiger salad into a refreshing side dish for the hottest days.
Photograph by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Emilie Fosnocht20/29Green Bean and Farro Picnic Salad
Tender green beans, chewy farro, and a bright vinaigrette make this hearty grain salad ideal for beach days, packed lunches, and summer picnics. Add some heft with a hard-boiled egg or tinned fish.
Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, Prop Styling by Linden Elstran21/29Dill Pickle Potato Salad
Quick homemade pickles add sharp, briny crunch to this creamy, tangy riff on a classic summer cookout side dish; it’s perfect for piling next to pulled pork sandwiches or fried chicken.
Photograph by Alex Huang, Food Styling by Tiffany Schleigh, Prop Styling by Tim Ferro23/29Summer Bean Gribiche
Laura Murray24/29Grilled Corn and Poblano Chile Salad
Turn charred corn, smoky poblano chiles, scallions, lime juice, and hot sauce into this vibrant side dish that makes an excellent relish for grilled pork chops.
Photograph by Elliott Jerome Brown Jr., Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by Emma Ringness25/29Grilled Summer Salad With Creamy Miso Dressing
Toss charred corn and shishitos with avocado, herbs, and a creamy miso-aquafaba dressing for a satisfying vegetarian summer side.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Susan Ottaviano, Prop Styling by Stephanie De Luca26/29Grilled Corn and Steak Fattoush
Grilled steak, charred corn, juicy tomatoes: “This recipe hits all the right notes,” reports one reviewer. But it’s the sugar-and-sumac-spiced pita chips that’ll have you making it again and again—they make a great snack with your afternoon spritz.
Photo by Emma Fishman, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou, Prop Styling by Elizabeth Jaime27/29Cold Shrimp in Dill Cream Sauce
Photograph by Heami Lee, Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by JoJo Li28/29Seared Halloumi Cheese and Nectarine Salad
Golden seared halloumi, juicy nectarines, fresh mint, and sharp onion make this sweet-salty summer salad recipe ideal for outdoor dinners and warm summer evenings.
Photo by Caleb Adams29/29Summer Salmon Niçoise
This take on niçoise salad pairs slow-roasted salmon with potatoes, green beans, olives, and eggs for a hearty, refreshing summer dinner salad, perfect for warm nights.
