Summer Salad Series Is Back! It’s officially summer salad season, and I’m bringing back my Summer Salad Series! When you live in Miami, summer means heat, humidity, and plenty of days when the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven. Instead, I’m reaching for meals that are cool, refreshing, and easy to put together—and salads check all those boxes.
Summer Salads are Anything but Boring!
But let’s be clear: salads should be anything but boring! These aren’t just a bowl of lettuce with a few vegetables tossed on top. I’m talking about salads with different textures, colorful ingredients, satisfying proteins and carbohydrates, healthy fats, and dressings that pull everything together. Fresh fruits and vegetables can also help add hydration, which is especially welcome during those hot summer months. Whether you’re shopping at the farmers’ market or using ingredients you already have in your fridge, these recipes are all about making summer eating flavorful, simple, and enjoyable.
Last summer, I shared some of my favorite go-to summer salads, and I had so much fun seeing which ones you made and loved. Since then, I’ve added more salads to my recipe collection, and I couldn’t resist bringing the series back with some new favorites. Without further ado, a round-up of my summer salads that are currently on repeat and with the hope it gives you plenty of inspiration for keeping meals fresh and interesting.
Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce
Fresh, flavorful, and packed with a little heat, this cilantro jalapeño sauce is one of my favorite ways to brighten up a meal. It’s made with simple, real ingredients and comes together quickly, making it an easy addition to tacos, grain bowls, or even roasted veggies. I love sauces like this because they not only add big flavor but also encourage us to enjoy more vegetables and balanced meals in a delicious way.
Kale Brussels Salad
This Kale Brussels Salad is my take on a favorite I used to grab from Whole Foods—fresh, crunchy, and perfect for make-ahead lunches. It’s packed with fiber, flavor, and a bright, zesty dressing that brings everything together for a nourishing and satisfying salad.
Lemon Couscous Salad
If you love the zesty Lemon Couscous Salad from Whole Foods, you’ll love this easy homemade version! Made with pearl couscous, fresh herbs, lemon, and crisp veggies, it’s a bright, refreshing dish that’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a side dish.
Broccoli Salad
If you’ve ever had classic broccoli salad, you probably know it’s usually loaded with bacon, mayo, and sugar. But this version? It keeps all the crunch and flavor, without the bacon. It’s fresh, lightly creamy, and the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory.
Panzanella Salad
Panzanella Salad is one of those recipes that feels like summer in a bowl—fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor. This classic Italian bread salad is the perfect way to use up day-old bread, pairing it with juicy tomatoes, crisp vegetables, and a bright dressing that ties it all together. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own yet light and refreshing, making it one of my favorite go-to salads for warm days or easy entertaining.
Roasted Beets and Labneh with Walnut Gremolata
This roasted beets and labneh with walnut gremolata recipe brings together tender beets, creamy labneh, and a bright, crunchy topping for a simple, nutrient-rich dish.
Shredded Beet and Apple Salad
This shredded beets and apple salad is crisp, refreshing, and bright—another simple way to enjoy beets. Inspired by a Food Network classic, it highlights how preparation can change everything.
Orzo Salad with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta
A fresh and easy orzo salad with spinach, tomatoes, and feta, tossed in a light Italian dressing—perfect for summer meals and meal prep.
Sesame Ginger Slaw
This sesame ginger slaw is crisp, colorful, and packed with flavor from a sweet and tangy dressing. The perfect make-ahead side dish for summer meals, cookouts, and weeknight dinners.
Summer Farro Salad with Strawberries and Feta Cheese
This Summer Farro Salad with Strawberries and Feta Cheese combines hearty farro, fresh berries, basil, and lemon vinaigrette for a fresh and flavorful summer salad.
Summer Squash Ribbon Salad with Homemade Ricotta and Basil Oil
This Summer Squash Ribbon Salad with homemade ricotta and basil oil is a fresh, no-cook summer salad featuring zucchini, yellow squash, and seasonal herbs.
Perfect for Your Labor Day!
Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing, a salad that’s hearty enough to be a meal, or a colorful side to bring to a gathering, I hope you’ll find plenty of inspiration in this collection. With Labor Day just around the corner, these summer salads are also perfect for bringing to a BBQ or gathering—easy to make, full of fresh flavors, and a little more exciting than the typical side salad. Pick one (or a few!), make it your own, and let the salad be anything but boring!
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