20 Fresh Salad Recipes for Summer

Perfect for using up fresh produce you have on hand from the farmers market or grocery store, here is a roundup of 20 fresh and easy salad recipes for summer.

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One of my secrets to maintaining long term weight loss success is eating a wide variety of vegetables throughout the year. Not only does this provide my body with a mix of vitamins and antioxidants, but it prevents boredom in the kitchen. After all, if you eat the same bland salad greens with dried grilled chicken on top, you’ll get bored with healthy eating really quickly.

The truth is, creating a delicious salad packed with flavor doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether it’s adding in fresh herbs, topping it with crunchy nuts, finishing with shaved nutty Parmesan, or with a splash of toasted sesame oil, I have lots of little tips and tricks for creating a salad recipe that tastes nothing like health food.

Prepping ahead:

If the salad base is made of lettuce. I don’t recommend dressing the salad more than 5 minutes before you plan to serve. You’ll wilt the greens if you dress the salad too far in advance. To save time, you can prep the vinaigrette up to 3 days beforehand and simply toss with the greens right before serving. If you’re dressing a cabbage-based salad or a village salad that doesn’t have lettuce, you can dress it a bit more ahead of time.

Once you’ve added the dressing, many of these salads will only last a few hours. I highly recommend waiting to dress the salad until you’re ready to enjoy it. Other salads will last longer in the refrigerator, including many with grains. As the grains absorb the dressing, the salad will become even more flavorful.

Frequently asked questions:

What grains work best for absorbing salad dressing?

Brown rice, quinoa, bulgur, spelt, farro or freekeh. These are great for adding fiber and protein. They’re also filling and help keep you satisfied. I find that if I enjoy a really hearty salad for lunch, I’m less inclined to want to snack throughout the day.

Which salad dressings are the healthiest?

I’m proud to say that I never purchase store bought salad dressings. I grew up eating homemade salad dressings, and no store bought dressing will ever see the light of day in my refrigerator. Homemade dressings are easier to prepare than you think. Many of them require just a few ingredients which you most likely already have in your pantry. They’re also way more nutritious than anything you could find at the store. Some of my favorites include my Honey Mustard Vinaigrette, Japanese Ginger Salad Dressing, and Healthy Ranch Dressing.

As you can see from the following list, salads don’t have to be boring. The salads on this list are extremely flavorful and packed with vitamins and nutrients. Enjoy this roundup of 20 fresh salad recipes for summer!

Recipes:

Avocado Green Goddess Salad Dressing

4.39 stars average

This creamy avocado green goddess salad dressing is packed with flavor and full of heart-healthy fats. Make a batch for dipping with your favorite veggies!

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Lebanese Fattoush Salad

5 stars average

Fattoush is a Middle Eastern salad made with toasted pita bread. Mine is given a flavor boost by using za’atar to season the pita chips.

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Greek Brown Rice Salad

4.23 stars average

This brown rice salad is given a Greek twist with cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, creamy feta, and Kalamata olives.

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Italian Garden Salad with Fennel

4.86 stars average

This fast and easy salad recipe is made with your favorite salad greens and crunchy fennel then drizzled with a lemony parmesan vinaigrette.

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Kale Salad with Apples and Walnuts

5 stars average

This hearty massaged kale salad is made with sweet apples and crunchy walnuts. Great for making ahead and packing in lunches!

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Lebanese Chopped Salad

5 stars average

Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and scallions are tossed with parsley, za'atar, lemon and olive oil in this fresh and healthy Lebanese Chopped Salad recipe.

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Arugula Salad with Shrimp

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This fresh and flavorful arugula salad is topped with sautéed shrimp, sliced fennel and creamy white beans.

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Chicken Caesar Salad Bowls with Quinoa

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This hearty and satisfying salad bowl recipe is filled with leafy romaine, juicy chicken and protein-packed quinoa then drizzled with a Caesar vinaigrette.

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Chicken Caesar Salad with Quinoa and a Lemony Vinaigrette Recipe

Taco Salad Bowls with Ground Beef

5 stars

These taco salad bowls are piled high with seasoned ground beef, creamy avocado, fresh veggies and crunchy tortilla chips.

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Traditional Greek Salad

5 stars average

This traditional Greek salad is made with fresh veggies, creamy feta, kalamata olives, and a simple lemon-oregano vinaigrette.

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Fruit Salad with Honey Yogurt Dressing

3.97 stars average

Cool, creamy and slightly sweet, your entire family will love this fresh fruit salad tossed in a tangy honey-yogurt dressing.

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Tuna Nicoise Salad with Green Goddess Dressing

5 stars average

This protein-packed Tuna Nicoise Salad is drizzled with a rich and creamy avocado green goddess dressing.

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Tuna Nicoise Salad with Avocado Dressing - a healthy entree salad recipe

Strawberry Arugula Salad

4.60 stars average

This fresh and simple salad recipe is made with sweet strawberries, spicy arugula, and crunchy cashews.

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Cucumber Zucchini Salad

4.49 stars average

This raw zucchini cucumber salad with a lemon basil vinaigrette is a fun and healthy way to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer.

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Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad with Feta and Basil

5 stars average

This summery salad is made with grilled corn and zucchini tossed with creamy feta and fresh basil. The ideal side dish for backyard cookouts and barbecues!

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Healthy Asian Chicken Chopped Salad

4.60 stars average

This crunchy, flavor-packed Chinese chicken chopped salad is filled with veggies and tender chicken then tossed in a creamy, peanut dressing.

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Middle Eastern Syrian Salad

4.64 stars average

This easy to make and flavorful Middle Eastern Syrian Salad is dressed with lemon juice, fresh garlic, olive oil and mint.

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Ginger Salad Dressing

4.09 stars average

This is the healthy version of your Japanese steakhouse favorite! Made with just five simple ingredients, you're going to love this ginger salad dressing!

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