17 Summer Salads That Are Light, Bright, and Delicious

Summer meals call for salads that feel just right—light on effort, bright in flavor, and easy to pair with anything hot off the grill. These 17 summer salads are built to hold up through heat, time, and full plates. Each one brings something fresh without getting soggy or lost on a crowded table. Whether you’re planning a cookout, picnic, or casual dinner, this is the kind of list that makes the season easier.

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing. — Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Veggie Couscous Salad

Veggie Couscous Salad combines crisp vegetables and fluffy grains into a summer salad that holds its own during hot, busy cookouts. It keeps its texture and structure even when served outdoors, making it practical for grilling season. The fresh herbs and citrusy dressing add just enough brightness to balance grilled foods. This is a summer salad built for staying sharp whetn the table gets crowded.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad

Zucchini Noodle Salad

Zucchini Noodle Salad swaps pasta for fresh spiralized zucchini, creating a light and crunchy salad perfect for hot-weather meals. It holds its shape well and stays cool without wilting in the sun. The avocado and herbs make it feel fresh while staying balanced beside grilled mains. This salad brings crispness to the table without weighing the meal down.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus Asparagus Couscous layers grains and vegetables in a summer salad that works cold or warm, depending on the grilling schedule. The citrus keeps it sharp, while asparagus holds firm for a solid bite every time. It stays structured even when made ahead, making it useful for long cookouts. This salad pulls its weight quietly while bringing brightness to every plate.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

An overhead shot of a wooden serving bowl filled with salad next to cornbread on a cutting board. — Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad leans into bold flavor with barbecue chicken and crisp greens that won’t wilt under the summer heat. The slaw and dressing add a tangy crunch that stands up to the richness of grilled meats. It’s a full-meal salad that’s fast to prep and easy to serve outdoors. This is the salad you grab when you want big flavor that stays fresh.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Easy Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados

A black plate with a halved avocado filled with a shrimp salad, garnished with lime. A fork rests beside it. A wooden board holds more avocado halves in the background. A wooden bowl with mixed salad ingredients is partially visible. — Easy Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Easy Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados are cold, fast, and packed with protein—everything you want from a light salad during grilling season. The shrimp brings structure while the avocado keeps it smooth and cool. It comes together in minutes and stays balanced through long outdoor meals. This one adds something rich without tipping the whole meal over.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados

Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad

Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad delivers firm texture and big flavor, making it a smart pick for hot summer meals. It holds up on picnic tables, stays bold even when made ahead, and doesn’t wilt under pressure. The herbs and spices keep it bright while the couscous keeps it grounded. This salad doesn’t fade into the background—it holds its ground beside the grill.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Overhead view of cucumber salad. — Ukrainian Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad is crisp, quick, and coated in a light vinegar dressing that wakes up the plate. The cucumbers stay crunchy and refreshing, even on the hottest days. It’s the kind of salad that clears the palate between heavier grilled bites. This one shows how sharp and simple can steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Quinoa Cucumber Salad

A white plate with a serving of quinoa salad mixed with diced cucumbers, chopped herbs, red onions, nuts, and feta cheese. A gold fork is resting on the plate. The background is a light, textured surface. — Quinoa Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Quinoa Cucumber Salad brings together firm grains and fresh cucumbers for a cool, structured dish made for hot days. The lemon dressing and herbs help balance heavier grilled foods without falling apart. It’s quick to make and holds up well at any outdoor meal. This salad keeps things light while anchoring the plate.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Cucumber Salad

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad features cucumber, tomato, and fresh herbs in a light mix that adds crunch and clarity to summer meals. The vinegar dressing helps it stay sharp and fresh for hours, even in warm weather. It’s a simple combination that holds texture well next to grilled mains. This salad is clean, cool, and ready for the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime, and Sesame

A bowl of salad containing leafy greens, fresh herbs, sliced onions, and black sesame seeds on a light surface. Another dish with similar contents is partially visible to the side. There are scattered herbs around the bowl. — Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime, and Sesame. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime, and Sesame brings a firm, crisp base with a punchy finish. The greens stay sturdy, and the dressing adds brightness without overpowering the plate. It’s small but strong, perfect for meals that need structure and balance. This one keeps it simple while still standing out.
Get the Recipe: Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime, and Sesame

Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad

A close-up of a dish featuring rice, sliced cucumbers, herbs, and pieces of a pink ingredient, possibly grapefruit. A spoon is lifting a portion from the plate. The background shows a small bowl with a yellow interior. — Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad adds texture and snap with every bite, making it a standout for summer grilling. The cool cucumbers contrast the crunchy rice without softening it. It’s fast to prep and doesn’t lose structure even after sitting out. This salad crackles with energy, keeping things lively and crisp.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad

Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

A bowl of kale salad on a wooden table. — Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing is crisp and steady, thanks to sturdy greens and fresh fruit that won’t wilt. The creamy dressing adds just enough weight without dragging down the whole plate. It’s a salad that works early and lasts through long meals. This one keeps its cool and doesn’t fold under pressure.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Mango Salad

Mango Salad blends fresh fruit with herbs in a sweet-savory mix made for sun-filled tables. It’s fast, fresh, and stays put through backyard dinners. The mango holds its texture while the acidity keeps it from feeling heavy. This salad brings color and clarity to the plate with zero effort.
Get the Recipe: Mango Salad

Marinated Tomatoes

Closeup of marinated heirloom tomatoes in a yellow and white pie dish. — Marinated Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Marinated Tomatoes soak up flavor and shine in any summer setting without breaking down. The herbs and oil balance each bite, making them useful as a topping or side. They stay fresh even after hours outside, making them a smart move for any outdoor meal. This salad proves tomatoes can carry the meal when dressed right.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes

Cowboy Caviar

A bowl of bean and corn salad with diced avocado, red onion, tomatoes, and cilantro surrounded by tortilla chips. — Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Cowboy Caviar mixes beans, corn, and avocado into a dish that stays firm, even after hours on the table. It doubles as a salad or dip and holds its texture through heat and time. It’s a colorful, bold mix that pairs well with just about anything off the grill. This salad adds volume without falling apart.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad builds off grilled corn, mixing it with cheese and lime to form a salad that doesn’t get soggy. It can be made in advance and holds its punch throughout the meal. The creamy-spicy finish pairs perfectly with grilled dishes. This salad stands tall and never blends into the background.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad brings heat and crunch with a fast prep time and flavor that keeps its edge. The cucumbers stay sharp and the seasoning stays bold, even after chilling. It’s the kind of quick salad that handles the grill’s big flavors without getting lost. This one comes in fast and holds its ground through the heat.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad