Easy Salad Recipes that Impress

Last Updated on April 9, 2022 by Ellen Christian

These easy summer salad ideas that impress are perfect for family parties or cookouts this summer. Get the full list right here.

Easy Summer Salad Ideas

I always make a few salads when we entertain in the summer because they can usually be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. I hate being in the kitchen cooking when everyone else is chatting and having fun.

There are so many different salads you could make, but here are a few of my favorites.

The word salad means a lot of different things. According to the dictionary, a salad is a cold dish of various mixtures of raw or cooked vegetables, usually seasoned with oil, vinegar, or other dressing and sometimes accompanied by meat, fish, or other ingredients.

I tend to be partial to vegetable salads with the occasional pasta salad thrown in for variety. If you’re looking for a refreshing summer mocktail, try my Watermelon Lime Aqua Fresca.

Summer salads that impress

• Easy Southwest Salad with Certified Angus Beef and Fresh Corn
• Quick and Easy Broccoli Pasta Seafood Salad
• Easy Loaded Tuna Mason jar Salad
• Ambrosia Salad
• Healthy Broccoli Salad with Bacon
• Spring Sorghum Grain Salad

• Cucumber Salad with Dill
• Paleo Shrimp Salad
• Mediterranean Tuna Antipasto Salad
• Fancy Fruit Salad
• Aeolian Salad
• Caprese Salad with Sardines

Things to think about

When putting together your summer salad, don’t forget to think outside of the box. There’s more to a salad than just lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers.

Have you thought about adding a few edible flowers to your salad? Pansies are one of my favorite edible flowers. Not only do they make your salad look pretty, they taste delicious.

Also, consider what you want to top your salad with. Homemade dressing is a delicious option to offer your guests. You may want to try my Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing or my Herb Infused Balsamic Vinegar.

Serving Tip

If you’re entertaining outside, it can be helpful to use a metal serving tray to carry everything outside. Otherwise, you’ll end up making endless trips in and out of the house with food, drinks, and extra napkins.

After all, summer should be about relaxing, not about spending more time in the kitchen.

What types of summer salads do you enjoy?

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• Make pumpernickel croutons