23 Summer Salads Perfect for Grilling Season

Summer grilling calls for salads that can stand up to smoky flavors and outdoor meals. These 23 summer salads perfect for grilling season are designed to hold their texture and flavor alongside grilled dishes. Each salad offers fresh, crisp ingredients that complement the heartiness of the grill. With options that stay firm and fresh, these recipes fit right into any summer cookout or barbecue.

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl. — Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

California Steak Salad

California Steak Salad features grilled steak, greens, and citrus in a bold salad that acts as a main dish during grilling season. Each bite balances hearty protein with fresh flavors, making it a strong meal choice. The salad holds together well, even with the weight of the steak. This salad shows up ready to take center stage at any summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: California Steak Salad

Zucchini Noodle Salad

Zucchini Noodle Salad features spiralized squash and creamy avocado, offering a light and crunchy option for grilling season. This salad stays firm and fresh, even after sitting out for a while, making it practical for cookouts and barbecues. The fresh herbs add brightness that pairs well with smoky grilled flavors. It’s a chilled salad that holds its shape and keeps the meal feeling fresh throughout summer days.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus Asparagus Couscous blends bright citrus dressing with tender asparagus and grains that stay firm from prep to plate, ideal for summer grilling meals. This salad can be served warm or cold, adapting to whatever the day’s cooking schedule demands. The fresh, sharp flavors complement grilled foods without overpowering them. It’s a reliable salad that keeps its form even when main dishes shift during busy grilling sessions.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Veggie Couscous Salad

Veggie Couscous Salad combines crisp vegetables with fluffy couscous to create a salad that stands strong during grilling season. Its quick assembly and firm texture make it a great choice for outdoor meals where salads need to hold up without wilting. Fresh herbs and a light dressing keep it fresh and balanced, perfect for complementing grilled dishes. This salad brings calm and structure to any summer gathering, proving itself a reliable companion for grilled feasts.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad

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 layers bold barbecue chicken over crisp greens that resist wilting, making it a strong choice for grilling season. The tangy slaw and dressing add crunch and balance to the smoky chicken, creating a full-meal salad that works well for quick dinners. Its sturdy ingredients mean it can hold up to outdoor dining without losing texture. This salad steps in as a hearty option when grilling takes center stage and time is short.
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 combine protein-rich shrimp with creamy avocado for a cooling salad perfect for grilling season. Served cold and quick to prepare, this salad adds richness and texture without extra fuss. It’s a great choice when you want a light but filling side that stands out alongside grilled items. This salad carries the meal with ease, making it a standout for summer outdoor dining.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados

Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad

Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad brings chewy grains, fresh herbs, and bold spices together in a salad built to hold up during grilling season. Its firm texture and complex flavors make it suitable for picnics, potlucks, or casual backyard barbecues. This salad maintains its structure well, even after sitting out, which is essential for outdoor meals. It’s a strong salad that can stand on its own when grilling takes the spotlight.
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 offers crisp cucumber slices dressed in a refreshing vinegar mix, perfect for cutting through the richness of grilled foods. It’s quick to prepare and holds its crunch, making it a practical choice for summer grilling gatherings. The dill adds a clean, focused flavor that complements smoky dishes. This salad keeps its cool and sharpness, balancing heavier grilled plates with ease.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

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

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad delivers heat and crunch in a salad that comes together in under ten minutes, fitting well into grilling season’s fast pace. The bold seasoning stays balanced while adding excitement to any outdoor meal. It can be made in batches ahead of time and still keeps its texture and flavor at the table. This salad brings a fiery edge that stands up to the boldness of grilled fare.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean 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 pairs light grains with crisp cucumbers to create a salad that remains firm and fresh throughout grilling season. The lemon and herbs add brightness that complements smoky grilled dishes without losing structure. It’s simple to prepare and holds its texture even after sitting out. This salad keeps everything together when summer meals get busy.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Cucumber Salad

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad combines firm cucumber, ripe tomato, and a touch of acidity to create a crisp, refreshing salad that holds up well during grilling season. Every ingredient plays a role in maintaining texture and flavor, making it a dependable side for outdoor meals. Served cold and fresh, it balances heavier grilled proteins with clean, bright notes. This salad stays grounded and focused when summer plates are full.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Baked Feta and Egg Salad

Two slices of bread topped with egg salad and garnished with fresh herbs are placed on a gray plate. A small dish with lemon slices is partially visible in the background on the left. The surface below is light-colored. — Baked Feta and Egg Salad. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Baked Feta and Egg Salad offers a rich and creamy option that holds its shape during grilling season without relying on heavy dressings. The baked feta adds firmness and flavor, while the eggs provide substance that complements grilled dishes. It can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for summer meals. This salad brings more than flavor—it helps set the tone for relaxed outdoor dining.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta and Egg 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 combines crisp greens with nutty crunch and bright flavors that stay structured during grilling season. The lime and maple bring clarity, while sesame adds texture that holds up well in outdoor settings. Though modest in size, this salad carries strong flavor and resilience alongside grilled foods. It quietly supports the meal while standing firm through summer gatherings.
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 layers crunchy rice with cool cucumber in a salad that snaps and holds its texture during grilling season. The dressing balances the components without causing sogginess, making it practical for outdoor meals. It’s quick to eat and stays firm even on busy picnic tables. This salad crackles with energy and stands tall amid the summer spread.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad

Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Overhead view of olivier salad with two egg halves. — Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Russian Potato Salad combines chunky vegetables, pickles, and eggs in a creamy mix that keeps its form during grilling season. It’s a comforting, cold salad that stays steady through second helpings and long outdoor meals. The straightforward ingredients bring substance without complexity. This salad arrives like a friend who knows exactly what’s needed at a summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: Russian Potato Salad (Olivier 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 combines firm greens and fresh fruit with a creamy finish that stays intact during grilling season. The kale holds its structure while the apple adds brightness, making it a crisp companion to grilled dishes. It remains fresh and upright even after hours in the bowl. This salad was crafted to stay steady when summer meals get lively.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Feta Beet Salad

Beet salad with crumbled feta, pistachios and fresh herbs on a plate with serving spoon. — Feta Beet Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Feta Beet Salad layers tender beets with crumbled feta and herbs, creating a salad that maintains texture and flavor throughout grilling season. Its slightly sweet and earthy notes add depth to outdoor meals without needing extras. The textures remain clear and firm, even after sitting. This salad leads quietly but confidently on any summer table.
Get the Recipe: Feta Beet Salad

Mango Salad

Mango Salad mixes sweet brightness and crunch in a salad that balances sharp and sweet flavors while maintaining structure during grilling season. It’s quick to prepare and holds its shape from fridge to plate, fitting well with summer cookouts. Each bite stays distinct, even on a busy table. This salad brings sunshine and steadiness to any outdoor meal.
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 capture the essence of summer with fresh heirloom tomatoes soaked in a bright marinade of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and oregano. This salad holds its shape and flavor, making it a refreshing addition to grilling season meals. It can be served as a salad or a topping, adding vibrant color and taste. This salad turns simple summer tomatoes into a lasting star of the cookout.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes

Thai Chicken Salad

Thai Chicken Salad layers marinated chicken with bright herbs and sharp dressing, creating a salad that holds up well during grilling season. The textures stay firm and the flavors remain bold, making it strong enough to stand alone. It’s a fresh, lively option for outdoor lunches or dinners. This salad carries the meal forward without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad blends creamy and sweet flavors into a salad that stands up well during grilling season gatherings. Its straightforward ingredients come together quickly, making it a convenient choice for potlucks and barbecues. The salad holds its texture and flavor through multiple servings. This salad’s familiar taste makes it a steady presence at summer get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

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, tomatoes, cilantro, and avocado into a refreshing salad and dip that holds up during grilling season. The combination of ingredients keeps the salad firm and flavorful, perfect for outdoor meals. It’s easy to prepare and serves well as a side or snack at barbecues. This salad brings a lively mix that stays solid through summer celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad piles charred corn, cheese, and spice into a bold salad that stands strong during grilling season. The messy, flavorful mix holds up well and can anchor a plate alongside grilled meats. The dressing ties the elements together without softening the crunch. This salad shouts confidence and carries its own weight at any summer barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad