23 Refreshing Summer Dinner Salads That You Can Easily Make

I think, when the weather warms up, everyone finds themselves craving something light but super satisfying for dinner. Well, honestly, what’s better than summer salads? Having a big bowl of these fresh ingredients is always going to hit the spot after a hot day.

This is exactly what I feel after I have a bowl of watermelon and feta salad. Having said that, have you ever tried a watermelon and feta salad? It’s fantastic, believe me! Or a grilled chicken Caesar salad? It never fails to impress. Well, there are times when I am in the mood for something super refreshing, so I go for a chickpea and cucumber salad with a simple lemony dressing. 

Whatever it is, I know that salads are really fun and flavorful, especially if you want to enjoy a light dinner in summer. The best part is that they are all so easy to make, and honestly, they make summer dinners feel effortless, but still special. Here I am sharing a few favourites with you:

23 Refreshing Summer Dinner Salads That You Can Easily Make

1. BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad – just so delicious; my number one! It has my favorite barbecue chicken, grilled on sticks. It is very easy to prepare and so flavourful!

I often serve this for lunch or dinner, and it is a great hit with my family.

Get The Recipe From Here – The Defined Dish

2. Strawberry Crunch Salad With Champagne Vinaigrette

Who says healthy food can not be delicious? This crisp and refreshing salad begs to differ! It is one of those dishes that is gone in an instant at the table.

Is it not a joy to find something that is healthy and really appreciated by everyone, from your picky child to the adult who is always hungry? The fresh taste and feel-good ingredients are bound to make this salad a family favourite.

Get The Recipe From Here – How Sweet Eats

3. Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad

This Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad has Juicy, spiced chicken, fresh lettuce, sweet corn, black beans, creamy avocado… all coming together and feels incredible, fresh, vibrant and full of flavor. Now, tell me, isn’t that what summer is supposed to be made of?

That chipotle ranch and lime vinaigrette? That’s the mic drop every summer salad deserves. Who wants to have such a heavy meal when the evenings are made for patios, chilled drinks, and food that gets a little kick on the table?

Get The Recipe From Here – Jar Of Lemons

4. Summer Corn Salad With Avocado

This salad has sweet, crisp corn, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and a dash of lime – all into one salad bowl. Pure sunshine in a bowl! It can not get lighter or more refreshing than this.

This is for warm evenings, backyard barbecue events, and lazy dinners on the terrace. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you wonder: Does summer even really start until the corn hits the table?

Get The Recipe From Here: Kale For Nia Kravings

5. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad has chickpeas, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onions, olives, and crumbles of salty feta. You just need to toss everything in a zesty olive oil and lemon dressing.

It is light enough for a warm evening, and honestly, I don’t think there is a better excuse to pretend that you are  dining seaside on a Greek island, even if you’re just hanging out in your backyard. Summer dinner salad goals, right there!

Get The Recipe From Here – The Mediterranean Dish

6. Watermelon Feta Mint Salad

This is a salad which we can say is amazing and fresh. This Watermelon Feta Mint Salad is such a light and refreshing salad and is best for you to feel cool when the weather is warm. You are just going to love it.

Get The Recipe From Here – The Mediterranean Dish

7. Caprese Pasta Salad

This Caprese Pasta Salad is so tasty and is tossed together with some whole wheat fusilli and olive oil and white balsamic dressing. And the best part? You can serve it warm or chill it for later.

This makes it awesome for a summer dinner or even packing it up for a picnic. 

Get The Recipe From Here – Cookie And Kate

8. Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad

You like peaches? Then you definitely need to have this Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad.

It is perfect for those warm evenings when you want something light yet satisfying, this salad is a proof of the magic that happens when simple ingredients are treated right. 

Get The Recipe From Here – Downshiftology 

9. Taco Salad With Cilantro Lime Dressing

Get ready to spice up your salad game with this Taco Salad! This is not an average salad you can think of. Every bite of this salad is pure crunch and burst of flavour.

I think this salad is a perfect stand out for any summer dinner. This is the kind of dish that will make you choose salad over tacos.

Get The Recipe From Here – How Sweet Eats 

10. Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad

Want something so refreshing and healthy? I suggest you give this Herbed Quinoa & Chickpea Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing. It’s a salad that doesn’t just sit quietly on the side. It steals the show. You will find yourself just picking this particular dish always. This salad is so easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.​

Get The Recipe From Here – Cookie And Kate

11. Grilled Shrimp & Avocado Salad

This Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Salad is an absolutely refreshing and flavor-packed meal. You will fall in love with this salad.  I find this salad perfect for those evenings when I crave something light yet satisfying. This salad is so easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.

Get The Recipe From Here: Cooked And Loved

12. Greek Orzo Salad With Feta And Cucumbers

Craving a salad that dances with flavor and keeps things cool? This Cucumber Feta Orzo Pasta Salad is your go-to summer sidekick. I often bring this salad to my picnic or simple week night dinners. It is a light and satisfying option that doesn’t skimp on flavour. ​

Get The Recipe From Here – Whats Gaby Cooking

13. Kale Caesar Salad With Crispy Chickpeas

This Chickpea Caesar Salad is one of my favourites. It is such a refreshing and flavour packed meal. It is light and satisfying at the same time. You love to have it on those warm evenings when you crave something light and hearty. 

Get The Recipe From Here – Minimalist Baker 

14. Tuna Niçoise Salad

Looking for a salad that’s got more personality than your average leafy bowl? Meet the Niçoise Salad – the French icon that basically moonlights as a full meal in disguise! You get tender baby potatoes, snappy green beans, juicy tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs striking a pose, briny olives bringing the drama, and tuna- the cool, protein-packed guest of honor – all hanging out on one deliciously dressed platter. It’s like the ultimate summer dinner party… on a plate. Bon appétit, but make it fun! 

Get The Recipe From Here – Recipe Tin Eats 

15. Grilled Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad

This Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad is the ultimate fresh summer dinner salad to tantalize your taste buds. A salad is light, yet it is fulfilling. It is perfect for warm evenings when one is craving something quick, cool, and elegant without a lot of fuss!

Get The Recipe From Here – The Bitter Side Of Sweet

16. Asian Chopped Salad With Peanut Dressing

If you like eating salads that have a nutty yet creamy note, then this Chopped Salad with Sesame Peanut Dressing is the right choice. I really love the fact that it is crunchy and so flavorful, and the credit goes to the fact that it is loaded with crisp veggies and does not hold back on texture or taste.

I can bet that you will instantly love the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and a little zingy, which makes this salad feel more like a main event than a side dish.

Get The Recipe From Here – Fraiche Living 

17. Zucchini Ribbon Salad With Lemon and Parmesan

The Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Lemon and Parmesan Cheese is a fresh, light, and flavorful salad. You will find it perfect for summer dining.

This is such an elegant dish and yet so simple. The plus point is that it’s gluten-free and vegetarian which makes it a versatile addition to any meal. 

Get The Recipe From Here – Recipe Runner

18. Buffalo Chickpea Salad

 If you are a heat and spicy lover, like me, you have to try this Buffalo Chickpea Salad. This salad adds a spicy and satisfying twist on the classic chickpea salad, but it is totally vegan.

Also, this salad is so versatile. You can add it to a sandwich, wrap it in lettuce or scoop it up with crackers. It is always going to taste yummy. 

Get The Recipe From Here – From My Bowl 

19. BLT Salad With Buttermilk Dressing

This BLT Salad with Buttermilk Dressing is too good. You really need to have it. This salad is tangy and rich. I think this one is perfect for a summer dinner. It has all the flavours of a BLT and is lighter and refreshing. You will fall in love with this one. 

Get The Recipe From Here – Ladonna Rose

20. Avocado Egg Salad Lettuce Cups

These Avocado Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps are just amazing. You should definitely try them. They are basically a delightful twist on the classic egg salad. These wraps are so satisfying and so colourful. These are gluten-free, so they make a good nutritious and delicious choice for a yet fulfilling meal. 

Get The Recipe From Here – Just A Little Bit Of Bacon

21. Grilled Veggie Couscous Salad

This Grilled Vegetable Couscous Salad is a beautiful and hearty dish. You will just fall in love with this salad. It’s a perfect summer dinner option that is both light and filling. It offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.​

Get The Recipe From Here – Food Network

22. Sweet Potato And Black Bean Salad

This salad is so flavourful and so fulfilling that I love it. You should really try this salad and fall in love with it as I did. It is just yummy and satisfying and hits the spot everytime.

Get The Recipe From Here – Naturally Ella

23. Spinach Blueberry Walnut Salad

Who knew that spinach could actually be popular on the summer dinner table? This Spinach Blueberry Salad from Walder Wellness provides the ultimate sweet, juicy blueberry crunch from walnuts, creamy feta along with a tangy homemade vinaigrette.

All these packed into a bowl of leafy green goodness. It is light, refreshing, yet just fancy enough to transform any weeknight dinner into a backyard picnic, wherever you may be!

Get The Recipe From Here – Walder Wellness

Conclusion

So, just like that, now, you have salads that are cool and crisp and are totally going to steal your dinner spotlight. And making them is pretty simple, right? 

These salads are the perfect balance between healthy and hearty. These are simple and yummy meals that you can put together quickly, but they are still going to feel like you are eating something special . 

Let me know if you give it a try! I bet you will love it.