What are some good summer salads?

There’s no shortage of delicious summer salad ideas that are quick to make and bursting with flavor. Some of my favorites include tomato-corn salad, watermelon and feta salad, cucumber-dill salad, and pasta salads loaded with fresh herbs. But the true winners are the ones like this one—full of colorful vegetables, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy seeds. They’re easy to customize, pair perfectly with grilled meats, and always disappear fast at potlucks. Looking for inspiration? Try our crowd-pleasing Baked Chicken Wings alongside any of these salads.

What is the meaning of summer salad?

A summer salad refers to a dish made with fresh, in-season produce often raw or lightly cooked and served chilled or at room temperature. It celebrates the best flavors of summer: juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, fresh herbs, corn, bell peppers, and more. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for hot days when you want something satisfying without turning on the oven.

What are the 4 types of salads?

Salads come in all forms, but they generally fall into these four categories: Green salads – Made with leafy greens like romaine, spinach, or arugula. Vegetable salads – Like this summer salad, which skips the lettuce and loads up on crisp veggies. Protein salads – Include meats, seafood, eggs, beans, or cheese for extra heartiness. Grain or pasta salads – Built around ingredients like quinoa, couscous, or tortellini with add-ins. Our salad fits right between vegetable and protein types, especially when you toss in chickpeas or chicken for a full meal.

What is a sunshine salad?

A sunshine salad is typically bright, colorful, and packed with vibrant produce that mirrors the colors of a sunny day. It might include ingredients like oranges, yellow bell peppers, shredded carrots, and golden tomatoes. Often sweet and tangy with a citrus vinaigrette, it’s a fun, fruit-forward twist on a traditional summer salad . Don’t miss our Homepage to explore more fresh, bright recipes to bring sunshine to your table.

Summer Salad – A Colorful, Flavor-Packed Recipe Straight From My Texas Kitchen

Description

Bursting with vibrant summer flavors, this colorful salad is a showstopper side dish that complements grilled meats, seafood, or plant-based mains. It’s a must-have for sunny potlucks and backyard cookouts alike.

Ingredients

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (about 1¾ cups)
1 medium cucumber, chopped (about 1½ cups)
1 bell pepper, diced (any color, about 1 cup)
1 cup sliced snap peas
1 cup fresh corn kernels (may use canned or frozen and thawed)
½ small red onion, sliced or diced (about ½ cup)
¾ cup (4 ounces) crumbled soft goat cheese
½ cup roasted sunflower seed kernels
½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley or fresh basil
3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive or avocado oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, finely minced
½ teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, place piles of the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, snap peas, corn, red onion, goat cheese, and sunflower seeds.
In a small bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk or shake together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to combine well. The goat cheese will “melt” into the salad, creating a creamy texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

No cucumber? Try fresh radish slices, chopped zucchini, or even crisp kohlrabi for a refreshing crunch.
Out of red onion? Sliced scallions (green onions) add a similar mild bite.
No snap peas? Snow peas or thinly sliced pole beans make great stand-ins.
No goat cheese? Crumbled feta or a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan work beautifully.
Missing sunflower seeds? Toss in slivered almonds, roasted pumpkin seeds, or some crunchy edamame for texture.
No fresh parsley or basil? Fresh mint, oregano, or a blend of whatever herbs you’ve got will still bring the dish to life.
Out of red wine vinegar? Use a splash of lemon juice, white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or a bit of Dijon mustard for tang.

Cooking is all about flexibility use what you have, trust your taste, and enjoy the process.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American