These Summer Salads Are Fresh, Healthy, and Full of Good-For-You Ingredients

Craving a light, healthy, and easy-to-make meal? There's nothing as refreshing as a summer salad to curb your cravings. These colorful dishes are complete with the season's best offerings including bright berries, good-for-you greens, and so many more fresh ingredients. They're perfect when you want to add a healthy spin to your backyard cookout menu, and they make for easy meals when you can't get food on the table fast enough. With ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen, these salads can be made by even the most inexperienced chef, and they contain some of summer's freshest finds. Read ahead for the best summer salad recipes, and enjoy all the flavors of the season in one hearty forkful!

Additional reporting by Brittany Natale

01
Rainbow Quinoa Salad With Honey-Citrus Vinaigrette
Little Ferraro Kitchen

Rainbow Quinoa Salad With Honey-Citrus Vinaigrette

Colorful, healthy, and packed with flavor, this rainbow salad will make anyone fall in love with just one bite. Did we mention how good the honey-citrus vinaigrette is?

Get the recipe: rainbow quinoa salad with honey-citrus vinaigrette

02
Shrimp Salad With Jicama, Strawberries, and Avocado
Cookin Canuck

Shrimp Salad With Jicama, Strawberries, and Avocado

Juicy shrimp and sweet strawberries marry together to make this mouthwatering salad. Top it off with sliced nuts or even a hint of basil.

Get the recipe: shrimp salad with jicama, strawberries, and avocado

03
Grilled Chicken and Corn Salad
Averie Cooks

Grilled Chicken and Corn Salad

The perfect barbecue side, this grilled chicken and corn salad will make hot dogs take the back seat. Top it off with crumbled feta, if you so please.

Get the recipe: grilled chicken and corn salad

04
Caprese Salad
The Cookie Rookie

Caprese Salad

A summertime staple, it doesn't get much better than caprese salad. Add a rich balsamic glaze to top it off.

Get the recipe: caprese salad

05
3-Bean Salad With Wild Rice
Well Plated by Erin

3-Bean Salad With Wild Rice

Kidney, garbanzo, and black beans team up to make this salad as protein-packed as they come. With wild rice and fresh veggies, this will be a crowd-pleaser.

Get the recipe: three-bean salad with wild rice

06
Tomato Salad With Chickpeas, Avocado, and Cucumber
Cooking Classy

Tomato Salad With Chickpeas, Avocado, and Cucumber

Red and yellow cherry tomatoes are the star of this healthy salad. Cucumbers, avocados, and chickpeas work together to give this as much flavor as you could wish for.

Get the recipe: tomato salad with chickpeas, avocado, and cucumber

07
Roasted Cherry Tomato, Arugula, and Sorghum Salad
Cookie + Kate

Roasted Cherry Tomato, Arugula, and Sorghum Salad

Bursting with flavor, the roasted cherry tomatoes that top this healthy salad give it that drool-worthy flavor you've been looking for. Add nuts of your choice to really make this salad shine.

Get the recipe: roasted cherry tomato, arugula, and sorghum salad

08
Spring Carrot, Radish, and Quinoa Salad With Herbed Avocado Mash
Cookie + Kate

Spring Carrot, Radish, and Quinoa Salad With Herbed Avocado Mash

Veggie-lovers, rejoice! This jam-packed bowl has all the flavors, colors, and ingredients you could dream of. Add extra quinoa to make your meal more hearty.

Get the recipe: spring carrot, radish, and quinoa salad with herbed avocado mash

09
Greek Chickpea, Cucumber, Tomato, and Farro Salad
Cookie + Kate

Greek Chickpea, Cucumber, Tomato, and Farro Salad

This ravishing salad is about as gorgeous as they come. With light cucumbers, hearty chickpeas, and juicy tomatoes, you'll want to eat this for every meal of the day.

Get the recipe: Greek chickpea, cucumber, tomato, and farro salad

10
Crispy Chickpea and Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
Ready Set Eat

Crispy Chickpea and Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

This recipe inspired by Katie Lee features hearty tabbouleh served on a bed of good-for-you greens. Crispy chickpeas add a crunch, leaving you practically begging for more.

Get the recipe: crispy chickpea and quinoa tabbouleh salad

11
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Well Plated

Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad

Watch out! The best summer veggies of all teamed up to make this colorful and healthy salad. With crumbled feta cheese and chopped cilantro, you'll be scraping your bowl for more.

Get the recipe: cucumber tomato avocado salad

12
Grilled Corn and Barley Salad With Blueberries and Goat Cheese
Sweet Peas and Saffron

Grilled Corn and Barley Salad With Blueberries and Goat Cheese

With a nod to one of summer's favorite ingredients, this grilled corn salad is even better than it looks. Dig in!

Get the recipe: grilled corn and barley salad with blueberries and goat cheese

13
Jicama and Pineapple Spinach Salad
Cookin Canuck

Jicama and Pineapple Spinach Salad

Take your salad to the next level when you incorporate fresh pineapple into the mix. Juicy and oh so sweet, this fruit will make your salad shine.

Get the recipe: jicama and pineapple spinach salad

14
Summer Fruit Salad With Mint and Almonds
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Summer Fruit Salad With Mint and Almonds

You'll get fork-fulls of fresh fruit, glorious mint, and crunchy nuts when you bite into this dreamy summer salad. Pair it with a glass of ice-cold sweet tea for best results.

Get the recipe: summer fruit salad with mint and almonds

15
Vegan Farro Salad With Citrus Vinaigrette
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Vegan Farro Salad With Citrus Vinaigrette

Looking for a salad that won't bore your taste buds? This vegan farro salad is just what you need. The citrus vinaigrette will take your taste buds to places they've never been before.

Get the recipe: vegan farro salad with citrus vinaigrette

16
Arugula Salad With Grapes, Farro, and Black Pepper Vinaigrette
Pinch of Yum

Arugula Salad With Grapes, Farro, and Black Pepper Vinaigrette

Imagine: juicy grapes, tangy arugula, and a black pepper vinaigrette with a bite. Top it off with grilled chicken if you're looking to add extra protein.

Get the recipe: arugula salad with grapes, farro, and black pepper vinaigrette

17
Mexican Grilled Street Corn Quinoa Salad
Half Baked Harvest

Mexican Grilled Street Corn Quinoa Salad

Having a barbecue? Not without this salad, you aren't! With lime juice, cilantro, and chili powder, it's the side dish of everyone's dreams.

Get the recipe: Mexican grilled street corn quinoa salad

18
Zucchini, Mint, and Millet Salad With Cilantro Dressing
My Darling Lemon Thyme

Zucchini, Mint, and Millet Salad With Cilantro Dressing

If you've never topped a salad with mint, you're missing out! This fresh herb adds the extra flavor you need, meaning you won't be able to get enough.

Get the recipe: zucchini, mint, and millet salad with cilantro dressing

19
Chopped Brussels Sprouts, Kale, and Chard Salad
Cooking For Keeps

Chopped Brussels Sprouts, Kale, and Chard Salad

If Brussels sprouts are on your list of favorite veggies, you need to make this salad ASAP! It features candied pancetta, pears, and blue cheese, so you already know it's going to be a hit.

Get the recipe: chopped Brussels sprouts, kale, and chard salad with candied pancetta, pears, and blue cheese

20
Tropical Quinoa Salad
Get Inspired Everyday

Tropical Quinoa Salad

Take your taste buds to the tropics when you whip up this delightful salad. It has a lovely coconut-lime dressing that will make you forget about every other kind.

Get the recipe: tropical quinoa salad with jicama and coconut-lime dressing

21
Southeast Asian Tomato Salad
Always Order Dessert
Cooking For Keeps

Southeast Asian Tomato Salad

Light, easy, and to the point, this Asian salad can be whipped up in minutes. The secret ingredient is dark brown sugar, and wow, it makes it good.

Get the recipe: Southeast Asian tomato and cucumber salad

22
Shredded Brussels Sprouts, Kale, and Kumquat Salad
Always Order Dessert
Cooking For Keeps

Shredded Brussels Sprouts, Kale, and Kumquat Salad

The summer season calls for kumquats and this recipe is chock-full of them! Brussels sprouts and kale make this salad healthy and filling, too.

Get the recipe: shredded Brussels sprouts and kale salad with mustard vinaigrette and kumquats

23
Arugula, Dried Cherry, and Wild Rice Salad With Lemony Dressing
Cookie + Kate

Arugula, Dried Cherry, and Wild Rice Salad With Lemony Dressing

The tangy arugula mixed with the sweet dried cherries makes this salad a treat for your taste buds. The lemon dressing really gives it a kick!

Get the recipe: arugula, dried cherry, and wild rice salad with lemony dressing

24
Apple, Cabbage, and Walnut Salad
Always Order Dessert
Cooking For Keeps

Apple, Cabbage, and Walnut Salad

Easy and simple, this apple, cabbage, and walnut salad has some serious flavors that will excite your taste buds. Feel free to add sliced almonds or pecans, too.

Get the recipe: apple, cabbage, and walnut salad

25
Savory Mango, Cucumber, and Watermelon Salad
Always Order Dessert
Cooking For Keeps

Savory Mango, Cucumber, and Watermelon Salad

The summer salad of all summer salads, this mango, cucumber, and watermelon dish pairs well with a sunny afternoon and a tall glass of lemonade. Serve it cold for best results.

Get the recipe: savory mango, cucumber, and watermelon salad

26
Watermelon Caprese Salad
Always Order Dessert
Cooking For Keeps

Watermelon Caprese Salad

Add a summertime twist to your caprese salad when you pair it with watermelon. The juicy melon adds the perfect kick to the caprese.

Get the recipe: watermelon caprese salad

27
Black Bean Quinoa Salad With Orange Vinaigrette
Damn Delicious

Black Bean Quinoa Salad With Orange Vinaigrette

The ideal summertime dinner side, this black bean salad is filling, hearty, and oh so good. Topped with an orange vinaigrette, it's got just the kick you need.

Get the recipe: black bean quinoa salad with orange vinaigrette

28
Kale, Quinoa, and Blueberry Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Kale, Quinoa, and Blueberry Salad

Why blueberries aren't featured in more salads is beyond us. This rich salad is seriously good for you, and you have more than just the blueberries to thank for that.

Get the recipe: kale, quinoa, and blueberry salad

29
Green Goddess Quinoa Summer Salad
Pinch of Yum

Green Goddess Quinoa Summer Salad

This delicious salad features a homemade green goddess dressing, and talk about healthy. See how many veggies you can top it off with. The more the merrier!

Get the recipe: green goddess quinoa summer salad

30
Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad

Traditional caprese calls for tomatoes, but switch things up with juicy strawberries if you're feeling adventurous.

Get the recipe: strawberry caprese pasta salad

31
Cucumber Corn Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Cucumber Corn Salad

For a lighter lunch, you could eat this black bean and corn salad as is or eat it with a pita, tortilla chips, or extra protein.

Get the recipe: cucumber corn salad

32
Avocado and Bell Pepper Salad
Inspiralized

Avocado and Bell Pepper Salad

This avocado and bell pepper salad is a fresh and crunchy side to have on hand for every barbecue. It's also incredibly easy to put together — red and green bell peppers are cut up using a spiralizer, making preparation a breeze!

Get the recipe: avocado and bell pepper salad

33
Quinoa, Black Bean, Corn, and Tomato Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Quinoa, Black Bean, Corn, and Tomato Salad

You can treat this as a standalone lunch or use it as the base for DIY burrito bowls. The choice is yours!

Get the recipe: quinoa, black bean, and corn salad

34
Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Pasta Salad
Half Baked Harvest

Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Pasta Salad

Need something both healthy and filling? Throw together this pasta salad, which features a hint of cheddar cheese to give it an extra kick.

Get the recipe: corn, tomato, and avocado pasta salad

35
Avocado, Blue Cheese, and Strawberry Salad
Simply Delicious Food

Avocado, Blue Cheese, and Strawberry Salad

The unexpected flavors found in this good-for-you salad come together to create a delicious dish. Serve it with a dressing made of balsamic vinegar, oil, and a touch of orange juice.

Get the recipe: avocado, blue cheese, and strawberry salad

36
Avocado Egg Salad
Alexandra's Kitchen

Avocado Egg Salad

More unique than traditional avocado salads, this avocado egg salad can be served as is or piled high on a piece of sourdough bread. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables for a tasty vegetarian spread.

Get the recipe: avocado egg salad

37
Summer Tomato Salad with Avocado and Pecans
Tales of a Kitchen

Summer Tomato Salad with Avocado and Pecans

Both crunchy and creamy, this summer salad will wow everyone you serve. Bursting with flavor and an array of herbs such as basil, parsley, and thyme, this creative salad will definitely be a memorable one.

Get the recipe: summer tomato salad with avocado and pecans

38
Avocado Shrimp Salad
Pinch of Yum

Avocado Shrimp Salad

Mashed avocado, chilled cooked shrimp, and zesty lemon take center stage in this fresh salad. More hearty than other salads, this one will help you cool down on a hot day.

Get the recipe: avocado shrimp salad

39
Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad
The Cookie Rookie

Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad

This strawberry avocado pasta salad is an inventive take on the traditional pasta salad that's usually served at summer barbecues. A balance of avocado, feta, strawberries, and poppy seed dressing create a light dish that will have you coming back for seconds.

Get the recipe: strawberry avocado pasta salad