Beat the heat and skip those heavy meals that make you feel yucky when it’s so ridiculously hot outside! These 13 salad recipes are so packed with flavor and protein, that they’ll turn a side dish into a full-blown dinner. Forget wimpy salads – these are the real deal, perfect for keeping you cool and satisfied on a hot summer night.
Vegan Couscous Salad
Don’t judge a salad by its grain! This couscous creation bursts with vibrant colors and surprising heartiness. Packed with a rainbow of fresh vegetables, it satisfies like a main course or complements anything grilled for a complete summer feast.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Hearts of Palm Salad
Sunshine on a plate! Tender hearts of palm mingle with crisp vegetables in a light vinaigrette. This refreshing salad is a summer dream, perfect for a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad
Spinach Caprese Salad
Beat the heat with this classic summer combination. Imagine cool baby spinach topped with the perfect trio: fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and salty prosciutto. Each bite is a burst of summery goodness, light and satisfying for a midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Caprese Salad
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Protein power meets summer freshness. Fluffy quinoa forms the base for a bounty of crisp vegetables, making this salad a refreshing and nourishing meal. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead for those busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Celebrate the season’s bounty with this vibrant quinoa salad. Roasted butternut squash adds a touch of sweetness, while salty feta cheese provides a delightful contrast. Dried cranberries burst with tartness, and smoky roasted red peppers add depth. Every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Goat Cheese and Dried Cherry Salad
Take your taste buds on a flavor adventure! This unique salad combines creamy goat cheese with sweet dried cherries for a surprising burst of flavor. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your friends at your next summer potluck.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese and Dried Cherry Salad
Avocado Tomato Salad
Ditch the boring lettuce! This summer salad bursts with fresh, ripe tomatoes and creamy avocado. A homemade dressing with a touch of acidity adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s a refreshing and flavorful salad that’s perfect for a hot summer day.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Bacon Egg Salad
This ain’t your grandma’s egg salad. Crispy bacon adds smoky shrapnel to creamy, crumbled eggs. A hint of peppery bite cuts through the richness, making it a delicious and satisfying option for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Spinach Orzo Salad
A delightful surprise awaits! A light and airy cheese souffle sits beside a refreshing herb salad, offering a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. It’s an elegant meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, perfect for a summer dinner party.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Lemon Kale Salad
Tired of boring salads? This vibrant option features fresh kale tossed in a zesty lemon dressing with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s a refreshing and light option perfect for a summer lunch.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Kale Salad
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Close your eyes and be transported! Cool cucumbers and juicy tomatoes, tossed in a flavorful vinaigrette, capture the essence of summer by the sea. It’s a refreshing and light taste of the Mediterranean.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Craving a flavorful and satisfying lunch? Look no further! Tender chicken mingles with crisp vegetables, all bathed in a bold, tangy sauce. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, perfect for a quick and delicious summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
This salad will change your mind about Brussels sprouts! Shredded Brussels sprouts are tossed with a light vinaigrette and topped with your favorite nuts or seeds for added crunch. It’s a healthy and flavorful salad that’s perfect for a summer side dish.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad