12 Not-So-Basic Summer Salad Recipes
Jul 01, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy + disclosures for details.
If you’re over the same old side salads, you’re in the right place. These are anything but your typical summer salads—from the juicy crunch of Cucumber Onion Salad and Crab Salad Stuffed Avocados, to flavor-packed stunners like Panzanella, Pear Salad with Gorgonzola, and Crunchy Asian Cucumber Watermelon Salad. With recipes like Quinoa Asparagus Salad, Spiralized Daikon “Rice Noodle” Bowl, and Simple Watermelon Feta Salad, your salad game’s about to get a serious upgrade!
Table of Contents
- Cucumber Onion Salad
- Asparagus Salad
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Pear Salad with Gorgonzola
- Crab Salad Stuffed Avocados
- Cabbage Salad
- Spring Greens
- Panzanella
- Simple Watermelon Feta Salad with Cucumber, Basil, and Mint
- Quinoa Asparagus Salad (aka Spring Tabouli)
- Crunchy Asian Cucumber Watermelon Salad
- Spiralized Daikon “Rice Noodle” Bowl
Cucumber Onion Salad
This Cucumber Onion Salad is a light and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for summer. It’s made with just a few simple ingredients, including cucumber, onion, vinegar, and dill, and it’s ready in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Onion Salad
Asparagus Salad
This Asparagus Salad recipe is the perfect fresh and light side dish for spring. Crisp veggies, feta cheese, and a lemon avocado dressing make this salad a delicious addition to any meal. It’s also gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a versatile option for various dietary needs.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Salad
Italian Chopped Salad
This Italian chopped salad is a fresh and hearty dish that is bursting with zesty Italian flavors. Made with fresh romaine lettuce, mozzarella, salami, and chickpeas, this salad is tossed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette. It’s a delightful gluten-free main dish or side salad perfect for any occasion!
Get the Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad
Pear Salad with Gorgonzola
This Pear Salad with Gorgonzola is a delightful mix of sweet and savory. Candied pecans and a tangy Dijon dressing perfectly complement the juicy pears and creamy gorgonzola, making it a fantastic addition to any meal or potluck.
Get the Recipe: Pear Salad with Gorgonzola
Crab Salad Stuffed Avocados
These Crab Salad Stuffed Avocados are a light and healthy option for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. Crabmeat, celery, red onion, and bell pepper are combined with fresh mint, lemon juice, and a touch of swiss cheese, then piled into avocados and topped with pistachios. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick and refreshing meal.
Get the Recipe: Crab Salad Stuffed Avocados
Cabbage Salad
This vibrant Cabbage Salad is a delightful and nutritious side dish, perfect for any season. Featuring a colorful mix of shredded cabbage, crunchy veggies, and a flavorful peanut dressing, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both vegan and gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Salad
Spring Greens
This Spring Greens salad is a celebration of fresh, seasonal flavors! Tender greens, herbs, fennel, and radishes are tossed in a bright lemon dressing for a simple and delicious dish that’s perfect as a side or light meal. It’s also easily adaptable to vegan diets.
Get the Recipe: Spring Greens
Panzanella
This Panzanella recipe is the perfect way to use up that day-old bread! This salad is packed with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a tangy vinaigrette, making it a refreshing and flavorful meal. Add mozzarella for extra flavor!
Get the Recipe: Panzanella
Simple Watermelon Feta Salad with Cucumber, Basil, and Mint
This Watermelon Feta Salad is a quick and refreshing summer dish that’s perfect for entertaining. With cucumber, basil, and mint, it’s a light, low-carb, and vegetarian-friendly option that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Simple Watermelon Feta Salad with Cucumber, Basil, and Mint
Quinoa Asparagus Salad (aka Spring Tabouli)
This vibrant Quinoa Asparagus Salad by Feasting at Home, also known as Spring Tabouli, is bursting with fresh flavors from asparagus, peas, dill, and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for gatherings or a light lunch, this easy, vegan salad can be made ahead of time. It’s a delightful way to celebrate spring!
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Asparagus Salad (aka Spring Tabouli)
Crunchy Asian Cucumber Watermelon Salad
This refreshing Crunchy Asian Cucumber Watermelon Salad is a delightful mix of sweet and savory! Crisp cucumbers, juicy watermelon, and crunchy red bell pepper are tossed in a tangy lime-flavored Asian dressing, making it perfect for potlucks or a light lunch. Garnish with cilantro and Thai basil for an extra burst of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Asian Cucumber Watermelon Salad
Spiralized Daikon “Rice Noodle” Bowl
This refreshing and vibrant bowl features healthy daikon “noodles” tossed with crisp cucumber, carrots, and creamy avocado. Drizzled with a zesty tamari-lime and rich cashew sauce, it’s a delightful vegan and gluten-free meal. Garnish with fresh herbs and toasted cashews for added flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Spiralized Daikon “Rice Noodle” Bowl