Summer is the perfect time for fresh, flavorful salads to show up on the table more often! They’re easy to prep ahead and they go well with just about anything coming off the grill. Plus they often travel well if you’re taking them to family reunions or summer BBQs.

I’ve rounded up 23 of my favorite summer salads, including the fresh broccoli salad that is my husband’s all-time fave, the kale and wild rice salad that I can’t get enough of, and the chicken and pasta vineyard salad that my kids go crazy for.

Some of these salads make a great side dish and others are perfect for an easy dinner!

If you’re looking for fresh salad inspiration this summer, this list has a little bit of everything! I make all of these on repeat during the warmer months (and pretty much all year round, too).

1
A white bowl of chopped broccoli salad with shredded cheese, diced onion, bacon bits, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries coated in a light sauce.

The Best Broccoli Salad

Made with fresh broccoli and the most delicious homemade dressing, this is the best broccoli salad recipe. It is always popular at potlucks and BBQs!
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2
Pesto pasta salad topped with pine nuts in a white bowl.

Pesto Pasta Salad with Peas and Parmesan

Get excited about pasta salad again with this amazing pesto pasta salad with peas and Parmesan. So light, so simple, so delicious!
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3
White bowl with wooden spoon on the side of tortellini salad with mozzarella, chicken, roasted red peppers and tomatoes.

Pesto Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Toss

This delicious pesto balsamic chicken tortellini toss is loaded with so many yummy ingredients and flavors, like roasted tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, artichokes and more!
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4
Serving of Greek pasta salad on white plate with fork to the side.

Greek Pasta Salad

This delicious pesto balsamic chicken tortellini toss is loaded with so many yummy ingredients and flavors, like roasted tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, artichokes and more!
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5
large white bowl with greens, pasta, chicken, grapes, fresh basil, and pine nuts

Vineyard Chicken and Pasta Salad

A perfectly light, fresh dinner, this vineyard chicken and pasta salad is crazy delicious! So many tasty ingredients and that dressing…yum!
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6
serving of kale and wild rice salad in white bowl with fork

Kale and Wild Rice Salad

This gorgeous kale and wild rice salad is loaded with so many delicious ingredients: chicken, avocados, feta, almonds, apples, and more! It’s so good!
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7
white serving bowl filled with salad ingredients for loaded fresh basil couscous green salad

Loaded Fresh Basil and Sweet Corn Couscous Green Salad

This loaded couscous green salad is AMAZING! It comes together fast…and that fresh basil dressing will knock your socks off.
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8
Top down view of a white bowl filled with diced chicken, diced avocado, chunks of fresh corn, and bacon bits.

Avocado Chicken Salad

This avocado chicken salad is irresistible! Perfect for a light, healthy dinner, it’s also delicious for a quick lunch or great for party food. Bonus: it comes together FAST (15 minutes or less)!
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9
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Smashed Yukon Gold Potato Salad

Potato salad gets a little makeover with this smashed potato salad. Simple and delicious, the tender Yukon gold potatoes and classic dressing are perfect!
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10
Closeup of honey lime fruit salad.

Honey Lime Fruit Salad

The best fruit salad ever! This honey lime fruit salad is so easy and delicious with just enough flair to make it feel extra-special.
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11
White bowl filled with Mexican street corn salad, topped with cilantro and lime.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Best summer side dish ever! This creamy Mexican street corn salad (aka esquites) is incredibly easy and packed with the most amazing smoky, fresh flavors.
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12
Top down view of grilled chicken orzo salad in white serving bowl.

Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Orzo Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

Bursting with flavor…and vegetables, this grilled chicken orzo salad with a quick homemade honey lime dressing is out of this world delicious (not to mention super pretty to look at!).
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13
Cowboy caviar dip in white bowl.

Easy Cowboy Caviar

This cowboy caviar dip (a.k.a. shrapnel dip!) is literally thrown together making it one of the easiest…AND tastiest snacks/appetizers ever. It’s perfect for potlucks and BBQs!
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14
Grilled chicken cobb salad in white bowl with lettuce, tomatoes, eggs, bacon and blue cheese.

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

Light and healthy, this grilled chicken Cobb salad is packed with yummy ingredients (bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese!) with a homemade dressing that is simple and tasty!
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Fresh Green Bean Salad with Balsamic Dressing

This fresh green bean salad with balsamic dressing is so bright and fresh and flavorful. It is the perfect summer side dish!
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16
Pasta salad on oval white tray with olives, tomatoes, parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Tri-Color Pasta Salad

Simple to prepare, this tri-color pasta salad is the best. The creamy dressing, with a hint of pesto, is so flavorful and delicious!
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BBQ Chicken Salad Cilantro Lime Rice Bowls

If you love BBQ Chicken Salad, you’ll go crazy over these BBQ Chicken Salad Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice. Quick and so delicious, they make the perfect lunch or dinner!
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Summer Roasted Vegetable Orzo Salad with Fresh Basil

Simple roasted vegetables are tossed with orzo, fresh basil and a light and delicious homemade dressing. This orzo summer salad is fantastic!
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19
Top down view of a white oval dish with potato chunks, bacon pieces, and chopped parsley.

German Potato Salad

German potato salad is simple and so delicious! An egg- and dairy-free dressing is tossed with tender potatoes, simple herbs and bacon.
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20
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Chopped Thai Crunch Salad with Sweet and Spicy Dressing

A healthy chopped Thai salad full of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and tossed with a Thai vinaigrette and a creamy spicy peanut dressing.
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Greek Pita Bread Salad

Light and refreshing, this Greek pita bread salad is filled with toasted pita bread, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese and chickpeas. Yum!
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22
Wooden salad bowl with fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, sliced red onions, feta cheese, chopped pecans and poppy seed dressing.

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing

This strawberry spinach salad is filled with yummy, fresh ingredients and tossed with a creamy, sweet, tangy poppy seed dressing. It is beautiful and delicious!
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23
A wooden spoon taking a scoop of cooked orzo salad with tomatoes, pine nuts, and basil out of a white casserole dish.

Orzo Salad with Tomatoes, Basil and Feta

This light and refreshing orzo salad with tomatoes, basil and feta is the perfect side dish and is delicious as a main dish, too. Simple and so tasty!
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