12 Not-So-Basic Summer Salad Recipes

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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!

Cucumber Onion Salad

Overhead shot of Cucumber Onion Salad in a bowl
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

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

Asparagus salad recipe
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

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

Italian chopped salad with salami and chickpeas
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

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

Pear and Gorgonzola Salad with Pecans foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

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

Crab Salad Stuffed Avocados foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

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

Cabbage salad recipe
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

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

Simple, herby, and delicious, this spring salad recipe is made with tender spring greens, fresh herbs, shaved fennel, and radishes tossed in a lemon dressing
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

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

Panzanella salad
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

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

watermelon and feta salad in a white bowl
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

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)

A plate containing quinoa, green peas, sliced green onions, leafy greens, herbs, and crumbled cheese; a fork rests on the plate.
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

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

Crunchy Asian Cucumber Watermelon Salad | foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

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

Spiralized Daikon Noodle Bowl
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

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

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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