There’s nothing like a fresh, vibrant salad on a hot summer day. From the classic chicken caesar, to a savory Thai beef salad, here are seven mouth-watering salad recipes to try this summer!
1. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 large romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- Caesar dressing
Instructions:
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Let cool, then slice
- In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and croutons
- Top with grilled chicken slices
- Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss to combine
2. Steak and Arugula Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak
- 6 cups arugula
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- Balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Season the flank steak with salt and pepper, then grill to desired doneness. Let rest, then slice thinly
- In a large bowl, combine arugula, red onion, and cherry tomatoes
- Add the sliced steak on top
- Sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently
3. Turkey Cobb Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey breast, diced
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Ranch dressing
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and blue cheese crumbles
- Arrange turkey breast, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, and bacon on top
- Drizzle with ranch dressing and toss to combine
4. BBQ Pork Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded BBQ pork
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Ranch dressing
Instructions:
- Warm the shredded BBQ pork
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, red onion, corn, and shredded cheddar cheese
- Add the BBQ pork on top
- Drizzle with ranch dressing and toss gently
5. Thai Beef Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 pound sirloin steak
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- Thai dressing (fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili flakes)
Instructions:
- Season sirloin steak with salt and pepper, then grill to desired doneness. Let rest, then slice thinly
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and mint
- Add the sliced steak on top
- Drizzle with Thai dressing and toss gently
6. Grilled Salmon Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 6 cups spinach
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon-dill vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then grill over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Let cool, then flake
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, red onion, and cherry tomatoes
- Add the flaked salmon on top
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese
- Drizzle with lemon-dill vinaigrette and toss gently
7. Grilled Chicken and Berry Summer Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Instructions:
- Brush chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side, let rest and slice
- Combine mixed greens, berries, and red onion in a bowl
- Add sliced grilled chicken, goat cheese, and almonds
- Drizzle with dressing and toss gently
These summer salads are perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner. Enjoy the taste of summer with these hearty and healthy recipes!