• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • X
 Trending:  Easy Recipes
Erren's Kitchen
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Finder
    • All Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Appetizer
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Side
      • Dessert
      • Drinks
    • Type
      • Quick and Easy
      • Vegetarian
      • Pasta
      • Soups
      • Salads & Dressings
      • Rice Dishes
      • Comfort Food
      • Slow Cooker
    • Protein
      • Chicken & Poultry
      • Seafood
      • Beef, Pork, & Lamb
    • Cuisine
      • Italian Food
      • Asian Food
      • American
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican Food
      • Southern
    • Method
      • Slow Cooker
      • One Pot/One Pan
      • Oven-Baked and Roasted Recipes
      • Stovetop
    • Desserts
      • Brownies & Bars
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Pies & Tarts
      • Muffins, Breads & Donuts
      • Ice Cream Recipes
  • Videos
  • Conversions
    • US Sticks of Butter Conversion Charts
    • Basic ounces to grams weight conversions
    • Oven Temperature Conversions
    • Butter in the US and the Rest of the World
    • British Dessert Spoon Conversions
    • US Cups to ounces & grams for common ingredients
    • Basic Volume Conversions
  • About
    • Erren’s Kitchen
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Erren
    • Collaborate
    • Life Stories
    • Contact
    • Our Philosophy

Specialties:

Quick & Easy
Italian
Poultry
Better Than Takeout!
Desserts
Meat
Pasta
Home / Best Recipes

Dressing Up for Summer: 12 Salads with Attitude

Erren Hart

|

last Updated:

08/26/2024

This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Few things are as satisfying as a fresh, vibrant salad packed with flavor. Whether you’re after a light, healthy meal or a side dish to complete your dinner, summer salads are the way to go. They’re simple to make, filled with seasonal goodness, and easily adaptable to suit any palate. In this roundup, we’ve gathered some of the most delicious and refreshing summer salad recipes that will make your meals both effortless and delightful. With crisp greens, juicy fruits, and zesty dressings, these recipes are all you need for a perfect summer feast.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

A Mediterranean Orzo Salad in a big white bowl topped with tomatoes.
Photo credit: Lisa’s Healthy Kitchen.

This vibrant side salad bursts with classic Mediterranean flavors – a symphony of freshness in every bite. Simple to prepare, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any protein, transforming your summer meals into flavorful fiestas.

Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Savory Steak and Squash Salad

A salad with slices of steak on top.
Photo credit: xoxoBella

This steak and squash salad with apple maple dressing and cranberries is a tasty and different choice that you can enjoy anytime. With its delicious flavors and satisfying mix of steak, squash, and greens, it’s a recipe you gotta try if you want a yummy and filling meal salad.
Get the Recipe: Savory Steak and Squash Salad

Vegan Pasta Salad

A close up image of Vegan Pasta Salad with broccoli and sliced olives.
Marly McMillen/Namely Marly

Craving a healthy and flavorful meal in minutes? Look no further than this easy vegan pasta salad! Simply toss cooked pasta with a tangy Italian vinaigrette and your favorite chopped veggies for a satisfying side dish or light lunch.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Pasta Salad

Strawberry Salad

a close up image of a Strawberry Salad with greens, feta cheese and fresh strawberries.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This vibrant salad combines fresh greens, juicy strawberries, and creamy feta cheese, making it a perfect light dish for warm weather. It’s a great option for a quick lunch or a picnic side.

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Salad

Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

Image Credit: Noshing With The Nolans

This recipe isn’t just for nostalgia! This classic tuna pasta salad is the perfect choice for busy days. It’s incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for quick lunches on the go. But don’t be fooled by its simplicity – the flavor combination is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a welcome addition to any summer barbecue. So ditch the boring sandwiches and whip up this satisfying and versatile dish in minutes!

Get The Recipe: Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

Chicken Cobb Salad

An overhead photo of cob salad layered with eggs, bacon, tomatoes lettuce etc
Image Credit: fortyforks/ iStock

This protein-packed salad features juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a generous crumble of blue cheese. It’s guaranteed to become your go-to summer dinner!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Cobb Salad

Chopped Flank Steak Salad

Chopped Flank Steak Salad.
Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen

Grilled Chopped Flank Steak Salad is an easy, tasty meal with tender marinated steak, fresh veggies, and homemade dressing. It’s so satisfying!
Get the Recipe: Chopped Flank Steak Salad

Shrimp and Egg Salad

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Craving a delicious and healthy meal without the fuss? This Shrimp & Egg Salad recipe is your answer. Packed with protein and flavor, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a light lunch or a quick dinner.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp and Egg Salad

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Roasted Eggplant

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Roasted Eggplant in a bowl with a loaf a bread and wine glass on the table in the background
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This couscous salad comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a light lunch or a healthy side dish. No time to spare? This recipe is your new best friend!

Get The Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Roasted Eggplant

Italian Rice Salad – Insalata di Riso

Italian rice salad in a large bowl.
Photo credit: xoxoBella

This delicious Italian rice salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or summer BBQs. It also makes a versatile side for a quick lunch or dinner. Every bite is bursting with fresh salad veggies, giving it that Mediterranean flair!
Get the Recipe: Italian Rice Salad – Insalata di Riso

Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken

pasta salad with chicken, peppers and herbs in a white bowl
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken is your summer side dish MVP! Packed with flavor and easily prepared ahead of time, it’s the ideal companion for picnics, backyard barbecues, or any warm-weather gathering.

Get The Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken

Bacon And Asparagus Pasta Salad

Close-up of a Bacon and Asparagus Pasta Salad with rotini pasta, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, bacon, and grated Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a light dressing, served in a large white bowl.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Bacon and Asparagus Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Get The Recipe: Bacon And Asparagus Pasta Salad

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe:




A woman with long dark hair and a dark blue shirt is smiling while leaning on a kitchen counter. In front of her are a plate of pasta and a cutting board with chopped herbs. A potted plant, a cooking pot, and a marble backsplash are in the background.

Welcome

Thank you for visiting Erren’s Kitchen! Here you will find a collection of easy & delicious recipes made with fresh, simple ingredients.

MORE ABOUT ERREN

FOLLOW ON SOCIAL!

Don’t forget to tag me on social @ErrensKitchen to be featured!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • X

Trending


  • Best EVER Potato Wedges

    Best EVER Potato Wedges

  • Seriously, The Best Broccoli of Your Life

    Seriously, The Best Broccoli of Your Life

  • The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

    The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

  • Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce

    Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce

  • Award Winning Banana Bread

    Award Winning Banana Bread

  • Crispy Roasted Potatoes

    Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Reader Favorites


  • Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • The Best Brussels Sprouts of Your Life

    The Best Brussels Sprouts of Your Life

  • Ultimate Orange Cake

    Ultimate Orange Cake

  • Fudgy Chocolate Chip Brownies

    Fudgy Chocolate Chip Brownies

Quick
Desserts
Dinner
Comforts
Poultry
Pasta
Meat
Seafood
Sides

Favorite Recipes from 2024

These posts were seen over 4.5 million times!

  • The Best Brussels Sprouts of Your Life

    The Best Brussels Sprouts of Your Life

  • Seriously, The Best Broccoli of Your Life

    Seriously, The Best Broccoli of Your Life

  • Quick & Easy Chinese Noodle Soup

    Quick & Easy Chinese Noodle Soup

  • Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

    Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

  • Donut Glaze Recipe

    Donut Glaze Recipe

  • Crispy Roasted Potatoes

    Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Still hungry?

Subscribe to my Newsletter for all my latest recipes!

All Recipes
Dinner Ideas
Conversion Guide
Quick & Easy
Erren hart of Erren's Kitchen leaning on a kitchen island.

About your Chef

I’m Erren, I have a passion for cooking and baking from scratch to create simple, nourishing, delicious recipes made with fresh ingredients, free from artificial additives and preservatives you find in prepackaged foods.

Meet Erren
Life Updates
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • X
Contact
Work with Me
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer

© All Rights Reserved. Brand by MRD. Site by OC.