Summer means fresh vegetables, and it summons different recipes of salads. The list contains different recipes that are delicious, quick, and easy to make.
In summer, the word “salad” can mean a lot more than leafy greens. It includes potato salad, pasta salad, corn salad, bean salad, etc. Cold yet fresh and easy to make, these dishes are perfect for warm days and outdoor meals. You can either stick to classics or mix in bold new flavors; your choice is endless. It does not matter if you are into simple salads or want something a little different; there is a summer salad out there for you. With so many choices, you will never be bored.
So, here is a complete list for you.
1. Corn Salad
Warm days are the perfect time to enjoy sweet corn at picnics, potlucks, and BBQs. One of the best ways to serve corn is in a fresh corn salad. It is quick to make and easy to customize with whatever ingredients are available or how you like it. Just toss everything together, season it to taste, and it is ready to go! This simple yet flavorful dish always brings the fresh taste of summer to the table.
List of ingredients –
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn, rinsed and drained if frozen, and steamed, boiled, or grilled if fresh
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Recipe details –
Combine onion, corn, tomatoes, feta, and basil in a large bowl. Now, add oil and lime juice, then toss everything together. The last step is to season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Shrimp Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a summer favorite, and it is easy to make! It can also be served warm or cold, however you like it. However, making the same version every time can get quite boring. This recipe offers a fresh twist to the dish, inspired by Peruvian ceviche. It adds bold lime and fresh cilantro to make the salad even more flavorful. It features tender shrimp and just a handful of other simple ingredients. Light, bright, and full of flavor, it is a great way to break out of the usual pasta salad routine.
List of ingredients –
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 tsp. Plus 1 Tbsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more
- 1/2 lb. cavatappi
- 1 lb. shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
- 3 Tbsp. Extra-virgin olive oil
Recipe details –
Start by tossing the onion, lime juice, and a bit of salt in a large bowl and let it sit. Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and spread it on a baking sheet to chill in the fridge for about 10 to 15 minutes. In a separate pot, boil water with salt and prepare a bowl of ice water. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes until just pink, then transfer to the ice water to cool. Once chilled, pat the shrimp dry. Add bell pepper, tomatoes, cilantro, Old Bay, cooked shrimp, and chilled pasta to the onion mixture. Drizzle with oil, toss everything together, and season with more salt if needed.
3. Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad
On a hot summer day, it is the perfect time to have refreshing dishes on hand. From cold soups to icebox treats, these recipes are essential. That is where this cucumber, tomato, and onion salad comes in. It features peak-of-summer ingredients that are packed with water, aka the foods that will refresh and rehydrate you as you eat. It is also perfect for when your garden or the local farmers’ market is overflowing with cucumbers and tomatoes. However, this salad also does surprisingly well with out-of-season produce, due to its year-round availability!
List of ingredients –
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar (red wine, white wine, or rice wine)
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes (1½ lb.), halved
- 1 English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and sliced
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 roughly chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, cilantro, dill, mint, and/or parsley)
Recipe details –
In a large bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, and onion, then toss everything to combine. Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh herbs on top for extra flavor.
4. Viral Spiral Cucumber Salad
Are you looking for a fresh twist on your classic cucumber salad? Spiral-ify it! Featuring a spicy-sweet harissa dressing and showered with feta and dill, this take on viral TikTok spiral cucumber salad will be the first dish to disappear at your summer potluck. The magic of this salad lies in the way the cucumber is cut, so it stretches open in beautiful spirals, almost like an accordion.
List of ingredients –
- 1 lb. Persian cucumbers (3 to 4)
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 small clove of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp. harissa
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest, plus more
- 3 Tbsp. feta, crumbled
- 1 Tbsp. Small fresh dill fronds
Recipe details –
Place a cucumber between two chopsticks on a cutting board, with the long side facing you. Slice diagonally at 1/4-inch intervals, cutting about three-quarters through until the knife hits the chopsticks. Turn the cucumber so the cuts face down, then slice vertically at 1/4-inch intervals across the top. Transfer to a bowl and repeat with the rest. Sprinkle with salt, pressing it into the cuts, and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture. Drain and pat the cucumbers dry, then return them to the bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together garlic, harissa, honey, and lemon zest to make the dressing. Pour it over the cucumbers and toss gently. Arrange on a platter, spoon any leftover dressing from the bowl on top, then finish with crumbled feta, fresh dill, and a bit more lemon zest.
5. Tomato Salad
On a hot day, a tomato salad is the perfect pick. Juicy tomatoes, red onions, herbs, feta, and a simple vinaigrette make it a go-to dish for any summer meal or gathering.
List of ingredients –
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (about 1 c.)
- 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp. honey
- 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 lb. ripe tomatoes, cored, cut into 1/2″ wedges
- 4 oz. feta, crumbled
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh herbs, such as tarragon, parsley, mint, and/or basil
Recipe details –
Start by soaking the onion in a medium bowl of ice water for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then to mellow its flavor. Drain and pat dry. Meanwhile, whisk vinegar, honey, and mustard in a large bowl, then slowly whisk in oil until blended and smooth. Season with salt and pepper, add the tomatoes, and stir gently to combine. Let the tomatoes marinate for 5 minutes. Now, add the feta, herbs, and onions to the bowl. Toss everything gently and serve it right away!
These recipes are easy and super quick to make. Choose one to make it tonight and watch it become your absolute favorite!
