15 Non-Boring Salads To Make That Taste Like Summer

The weather is heating up, which means your motivation to be in the kitchen might be going down. Need some mealtime inspiration to keep you nourished and refreshed without slaving over a hot stove? Check out our 15 favorite summer salads. They’re full of light, bright flavors – and salads are the perfect meal to prepare ahead of time (just leave the dressing on the side), so you can soak up more hours in the sun. Mediterranean Tuna Salad Lately, I’ve been making this recipe once a week to have on hand for quick weekday lunches. It’s perfectly balanced with fresh veggies, and the tuna and beans pack it with protein. But for me, it’s the parsley that takes it to the next level – I always add extra. If you’re not a tuna fan, sub in shredded or grilled chicken to keep you full and satisfied. Need a shortcut? Buy pre-cooked chicken – there are plenty of healthy options that don’t have any weird ingredients. (We’re looking at you, seed oils .) Or, cook up your protein on the grill so you can get some sunshine while you prepare your yummy, nutrient-packed meal. Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad Sweet, nutty, sesame-marinated chicken breast over a rainbow of crunchy veggies. Top with jalapenos to give it a hot summer kick. Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Name a more wholesome summer ingredient than strawberries. They’re a favorite for a reason, and this salad is loaded with them. Toss them in with some crunchy nuts, avocado slices, and goat cheese over a bed of peppery arugula, and you have a crowd-pleasing side dish. Salmon Cobb Salad When it comes to salads that act as a meal, the cobb is queen. It’s absolutely protein-packed, with hard boiled eggs, bacon, and salmon. Avocado slices, your choice of cheese, and loads of veggies balance out this dish to keep you full and nourished – so you can enjoy your carefree summer day. Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad Shredded Brussels sprouts give this classic antipasto Italian salad a nutrient-packed upgrade. Focusing on balancing your hormones? Eat this during your follicular phase . Cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts help your body metabolize estrogen and are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals necessary during this phase in your cycle . Crunchy Lemon Parmesan Salad Keep it simple with this three-ingredient crowd-pleaser. It comes together quickly, so you can spend more time outdoors. Focus on using quality ingredients and add your favorite protein if you want more substance. Pesto Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad It’s hard to say which ingredient is the star of this summery salad . The pesto, the cajun grilled chicken, the avocado, the sundried tomatoes – they all scream summer nights. But for me, it’s the homemade Thousand Island dressing that really steals the show. Soulva Greek Chicken Salad Homemade Greek-ranch dressing ? Say no more. Pro tip: Level up any homemade dressing by adding your favorite collagen powder – protein-packed, antiaging, and delicious. Win-win-win. Watermelon Cucumber Salad (a.k.a. “Kate Middleton’s Favorite Summer Salad”) Is this dish actually a favorite of the Princess of Wales? We’re not sure. But one thing we do know: This juicy, minty fruit salad is sure to refresh. Thai Crunch Tuna Salad Sweet chili sauce gives this tuna salad the perfect spicy-sweet somethin’-somethin’. Enjoy with bell pepper slices, on a sandwich, or by the spoonful. Chicken Apple Salad Thinking of adding more pickled items to your diet ? Start here! The pickled shallots add a tangy flavor to the sweet apples, and pickled veggies are a great way to support your body’s flora . Taco Salad with Yogurt Dressing Lighten up your taco night with an easy taco salad. This one has a Greek yogurt dressing – the perfect way to sneak in some extra protein and calcium! Italian Rice Salad (Insalata di Riso) A bed of rice instead of greens is the base for this refreshing salad – a classic Italian dish that will have you feeling like you’re summering on the Amalfi Coast. Maroulosalata (Greek Lettuce Salad) Another seemingly simple dish that packs a flavorful punch. Don’t skimp on the scallions for an appetizing, oniony crunch. Crunchy Thai Peanut Salad When you’re looking for a dish that checks all the flavor and texture boxes, this salad is sure to deliver. And look how colorful it is! Closing Thoughts With a huge variety of fruits and vegetables in season during summer , it’s the perfect time to try some refreshing new flavor combinations. Which of these light, bright, flavorful salads will you try first? Support our cause and help women reclaim their femininity by subscribing today.