If you need a healthy summer salad recipe, then you'll love this list of our top favorites!
These summer salads aren't just any boring ol' salads.
Each one is healthy, bursting with flavor, and big on texture. They were also written with health in mind—each of them is gluten-free and either dairy-free or can be made dairy-free.
To save this list for when you need a little salad inspo, either bookmark this page in your web browser or Pin one of these images to Pinterst if that's how you save recipes. You can also visit each summer salad recipe here and click on the printable recipe card on each recipe.
Delicious Summer Salad Recipe Roundup
1. Superfood Black Bean & Quinoa Salad
I think this one has been around long enough now to call it a blog classic! One of the first recipes I posted on my blog back in 2011, it's one of the most popular black bean quinoa salads on the internet. It's packed with nutrition and flavor and is a staple in my kitchen. Get it here >
2. Curry Quinoa Salad
Curry quinoa salad always hits the spot. This is a healthier twist on Ina Garten's (the Queen!) curry couscous salad. I changed up the ingredients to load it with nutrition, but the classic flavors remain. I love this one for lunch, and I particularly like taking it to a party for variety. Everyone loves it. Get it here >
3. Apple Cider Lentil Salad
Gah, just typing all of these out is making me hungry! This Apple Cider Lentil Salad looks almost too simple, but once you take a bite, you'll get the hype. It came from a recipe my aunt made that used apple cider (not apple cider vinegar, but straight apple cider) to cook the lentils she was subbing in a dish that originally used farro. The results were terrific! The spicy arugula with the sweet lentils is fantastic. Give it a try, and you'll know what I mean. Get it here >
4. Avocado Caprese Summer Salad
Another spin on a classic, this simple salad is incredible when tomatoes are in season. Instead of mozzarella, I use avocado to make this dish vegan (and delicious!) Plating this up is gorgeous and highlights big ripe, juicy summer tomatoes. If you don't mind the cheese, go ahead and throw a few slices of mozzarella in, too. Get it here >
5. Herby Potato Salad
I love this no-mayo potato salad any day of the week! I like to leave the potato skins on some Yukon golds for extra fiber and flavor. The herbs are loaded with nutrients and bursting with flavor.
This is great with grilled chicken and one of the slaws mentioned below for a summer BBQ-style meal. Get it here >
6. Energy-Boosting Black Bean & Sweet Potato Salad
I wrote this recipe last year when I wanted a delicious nutrient-packed lunch that would give me energy for the rest of the afternoon. I love keeping a big batch of this in the fridge for lunches and snacks throughout the week. If the sweet potatoes at your store are on the smaller side use two to stretch it out a little - you really can't go wrong there. Get it here >
7. Mango, Avocado & Cucumber Summer Salad
This salad is all about fresh flavor and texture.
The sweet & smooth mango with the creamy avocado and crisp cucumber is a fantastic combo. It's also SUPER hydrating, so fill up on this one often, especially if you ever feel dehydrated. Get it here >
8. Broccoli Slaw (In 5 Minutes!)
A more recent discovery, I'm in love with broccoli slaw. It's made from the stems of broccoli and mixed with carrots and a traditional coleslaw dressing. It stands up to any BBQ-style food and makes a great side to bring to any party. You can easily make it vegan by using Veganaise instead of regular mayo. Get it here >
For those traditionalists out there, I wrote up traditional coleslaw for another who wants the cabbage crunch with their meal. It's just like the broccoli slaw above, only a different base. If you need a double batch for a party, mix a bag of broccoli slaw with traditional cabbage slaw and double the dressing. It would be a hit! Get it here >
9. Thai Peanut Superfood Slaw
Thai Peanut Superfood Slaw is so over-the-top good, that one the readers in our community commented, "Oh my!!! I just made [Thai Peanut Superfood Slaw] and it would have to honestly be the tastiest salad I have had. The dressing is unbelievable—I have to now make a second bowl as I have managed to demolish the first one!"
Yes, it's that good. The creamy peanut dressing packs a punch with fresh garlic and ginger and the crisp cabbage and veggies that make this slaw one of those dishes that you can't stop eating. Get it here >
10. Summer Corn Salad
And, what goes great with a summer salad? Homemade dressing!
Visit the homemade salad dressing page in my recipe archive to learn how to easily whip up salad dressing at home. Not only does homemade salad dressing taste better than storebought dressing, but it's also way healthier and will save you money, too.
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