10 Summer Salads Made with Seasonal Produce

Photo via iStockphoto.com/VezzaniPhotography

In the summer, salads are a healthy and refreshing meal option. They’re light, flavorful, and can be changed based on what’s in season. To satisfy your salad cravings, we rounded up ten different recipes with ingredients ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to whole grains.

1. Asparagus, Tomato, and Feta Salad
via Cooking Classy

Seasonal asparagus is the main ingredient in this simple salad, accompanied by tomatoes, feta, and walnuts for an extra crunch. A homemade vinaigrette is drizzled on top, made with ingredients you most likely already have in your kitchen.

2. Cucumber, Tomato, Avocado Salad
via Natasha’s Kitchen

A zesty, lemon dressing and cilantro give this salad a refreshing flavor. This salad pairs well with grilled seafood, such as shrimp or salmon.

3. Cauliflower, Corn, and Cucumber Salad
via Valentina’s Corner

Cauliflower, corn, and cucumber make this salad a great side option or as a meal served on top of a bed of lettuce. For a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

4. Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad
via Cafe Delites

Fire up the grill for this protein-packed salad made with grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and avocado. Chicken thighs are used in this recipe, but chicken breasts would also work.

5. Peach Salad with Grilled Basil Chicken and White Balsamic-Honey Vinaigrette
via Cooking Classy

Seasonal fruits and vegetables are abundant in this salad with fresh peaches and corn-on-the-cob. While it’s not recommended to use dried basil, if you have to, use ⅓ the amount of fresh basil the recipe calls for.

6. Cilantro Lime Shrimp Avocado Salad
via Add a Pinch

This ceviche-like salad is packed with healthy fat from the avocado and olive oil used in the dressing. After cooking the shrimp, be sure to allow ample time for them to cool before making the salad.

7. Lemony Cucumber Couscous Salad
via Budget Byte

Israeli couscous, which is larger than regular couscous, is mixed with parsley, lemon, cucumbers, and feta. To add protein to the salad, add some grilled chicken or hummus.

8. Blackberry Apricot Salad
via Dinner at the Zoo

Grilled corn adds a smoky essence to this salad, balanced out by blackberries, apricots, and beets. To save time, you can make the corn, beets, and dressing a couple of days in advance.

9. Kale Summer Salad
via The Balanced Berry

For an easy lunch, stack the ingredients in a mason jar. Put the dressing on the bottom and layer on the kale, fruit, and nuts.

10. Watermelon Feta Salad
via Chef Savvy

Juicy watermelon, blackberries, and feta are layered on top of spring mix for an easy salad that comes together in under ten minutes. The balsamic vinaigrette is made with only three ingredients: balsamic vinegar, oil, and brown sugar.