Top 10 Summer Salad Recipes for a Light Meal

Posted on by Morgan

Summer is the perfect time for fresh, light salads that are easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors. Here are ten refreshing summer salad recipes that are perfect for a light meal or as a complement to your main course.

1. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta, and red onion.
  2. Dress Salad: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss to combine.

2. Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups cubed watermelon
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, gently mix watermelon, feta, and mint.
  2. Dress Salad: Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Layer Ingredients: Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter, alternating them.
  2. Add Basil: Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices.
  3. Dress Salad: Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Greek Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, olives, and feta.
  2. Dress Salad: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss with the salad.

5. Corn and Black Bean Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix corn, black beans, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
  2. Dress Salad: Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss with the salad.

6. Strawberry Spinach Salad

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 1/4 cup pecans, toasted
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, and pecans.
  2. Dress Salad: Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently.

7. Avocado and Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 avocados, diced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: Gently mix avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl.
  2. Dress Salad: Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

8. Asian Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix cucumbers.
  2. Dress Salad: Whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Pour over cucumbers and toss. Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.

9. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups mixed greens
  • 2 medium beets, roasted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: Arrange mixed greens on a platter. Top with roasted beets, goat cheese, and walnuts.
  2. Dress Salad: Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.

10. Panzanella Salad

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups crusty bread, cubed and toasted
  • 2 cups tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix toasted bread cubes, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and basil.
  2. Dress Salad: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss with the salad.

These salads are not only refreshing and light but also packed with flavor, making them ideal for summer meals.