It’s summer so we’re constantly looking for easy and lighter recipes we can enjoy. Here’s our favorite fix: amazing salads so good, they’d be right at home on a fancy restaurant menu. These 11 recipes are packed with flavor and filling ingredients, making them the perfect dinner option.
Vegan Couscous Salad
Fluffy couscous forms the base for this vibrant salad, packed with a rainbow of chopped vegetables. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity – every bite explodes with flavor, making it a hearty main course or a perfect partner to anything grilled.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Tomato Quinoa Salad
This protein-packed salad is a healthy and satisfying choice. Fluffy quinoa provides a base for a bounty of fresh vegetables, making it a refreshing and nourishing meal. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Hearts of Palm Salad
Light and refreshing, this salad is a summer dream. Tender hearts of palm mingle with crisp vegetables, all tossed in a light vinaigrette. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad
Goat Cheese and Dried Cherry Salad
Take your taste buds on an 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
Spinach Caprese Salad
This salad is a summer symphony on a plate. Baby spinach leaves become a cool, green canvas for vibrant red tomatoes and creamy white mozzarella pearls. Each bite is filled with flavor – the sweet tang of tomatoes, the milky richness of cheese, and a hint of peppery warmth from the fresh spinach. It’s a simple yet satisfying combination that captures the essence of the season.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Caprese Salad
Harvest Quinoa Salad
This salad is a celebration in a bowl. Fluffy quinoa becomes a bed for roasted butternut squash, its sweetness contrasting perfectly with the salty tang of crumbled feta cheese. Dried cranberries add pops of tartness, while roasted red peppers lend a smoky depth. With every bite, you’ll experience a symphony of fall flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Craving a flavorful and satisfying lunch? Look no further than Kung Pao Chicken Salad. 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
Avocado Tomato Salad
Forget boring salads. This vibrant dish bursts with fresh, seasonal vegetables and a homemade dressing that packs a zesty punch. Every bite is a taste of summer sunshine.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Escape to the Mediterranean with this refreshing salad. Cool cucumbers and juicy tomatoes are tossed in a flavorful vinaigrette, capturing the essence of a summer day by the sea.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato 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
Lemon Kale Salad
Tired of the same old salad? 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