Summer Salads
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.
A collection of crowd-pleasing summer salad recipes perfect for backyard barbecues, cookouts, and picnics! These summer salads are some of my most popular recipes!
Summer Salad Recipes
You simply can’t have a summer cookout or barbecue without an array of summer salads! Whether you like yours creamy and crunchy, tangy, or even sweet, I have just about every option you could think of. Below you’ll find my collection of summer salad recipes featuring everything from classics *literally* everyone loves, to new and unique options you will be so excited to try!
I usually like to highlight my top recommendation when sharing a list of recipes like this. Today, I can’t help but choose my macaroni salad. Not only has it been one of my top recipes for years, but it’s also been #1 on Google for years too! If you love macaroni salad, you must try my version at least once!
1. Macaroni Salad
Starting off with what might be one of my most popular summer salad recipes, macaroni salad. This recipe has thousands of 5-star reviews!
Macaroni Salad
2. Broccoli Salad
Another fan favorite, my broccoli salad turns green veggies into an irresistible side dish!
Broccoli Salad
3. Corn Salad
Perfect for summer! This corn salad features all the summer veggies: corn, tomatoes, jalapeno, and more.
Corn Salad
4. Potato Salad
A cookout classic! My potato salad is always such a hit, I always come home with an empty bowl when I bring it to parties.
Potato Salad
5. Cucumber Salad
This cucumber salad pairs well with so many dishes, but especially Mediterranean inspired ones like my Greek chicken orzo.
Cucumber Salad
6. Ambrosia Salad
A bit different from the rest of my summer salad recipes, ambrosia salad is an old-fashioned dessert salad. It’s so refreshing and an absolute must-try!
Ambrosia Salad
7. Chicken Salad
Great for picnics or school lunches, my chicken salad is easy to make and packs nicely.
Chicken Salad
8. Fruit Salad
A little sweet among all the savory, fruit salad is the perfect anytime salad. We love it equally at brunch and cookouts!
Fruit Salad
9. Ramen Noodle Salad
Switch up your summer salads with this unique ramen noodle salad! It’s so quick and easy to make.
Ramen Noodle Salad
10. Shrimp Pasta Salad
Similar to my macaroni salad, this shrimp pasta salad is one of my family’s favorite recipes!
Shrimp Pasta Salad
11. Caprese Salad
Turn the Italian classic into an easy-to-eat salad! We love serving this alongside spaghetti with meat sauce or rigatoni.
Caprese Salad
12. Egg Salad
Perfect for egg salad sandwiches or serving on a bed of lettuce! This is a great warm weather lunch option.
The Best Egg Salad Recipe
13. Coleslaw
Another classic summer salad, coleslaw pairs nicely with barbecue like pulled pork or pulled chicken.
Easy Coleslaw Recipe
14. Texas Caviar
Also known as cowboy caviar, this dish can be served as a salad or even as a dip with tortilla chips!
Texas Caviar
15. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
If you love buffalo chicken dip or buffalo chicken pizza, you’re going to love this pasta salad!
Buffalo Chicken Style Pasta Salad
16. Brussels Sprouts Salad
Brussels sprouts salad is the perfect salad to transition from summer into fall.
Brussels Sprouts Salad
17. Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Another dessert salad option, this is a favorite in my family.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad (no Cool Whip or Jello)
18. Pasta Salad
Perfect for cookouts and picnics! This recipe is loved by everyone–even kids.
(The Best) Pasta Salad Recipe
19. Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
A fun hybrid of two tasty summer recipes, this pasta salad is so unique and so good.
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! In fact all of these summer salad recipes benefit from having a little bit of time to sit so the flavors can meld before serving.
Yes! Since many of these salads are mayo or dairy-based, they need to be refrigerated. If you plan to serve them outdoors on a hot day, keep them in a cooler or place them on ice to keep them as cold as possible, then stick them back in the fridge as soon as you can.
What pairs well with summer salad recipes?
These warm-weather salads always pair well with picnic or barbecue foods like pulled chicken, pulled pork, sloppy joes, or smashburgers. They also pair nicely with grilled chicken, hot dogs, and anything else you like to serve during the summer!
I hope you found at least one summer salad recipe you’d like to try in this list. Personally, we tend to rotate between, macaroni, potato, and broccoli salads for our cookouts all summer long. And of course, we serve lemonade on the side to wash it all down!
Did I miss any of your favorites? Or do you have an idea for another summer salad recipe? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Have a great summer!
If you try any of these recipes, be sure to tag me on Instagram (I love seeing what you create!), and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook
