29 Summer Salads I Keep In Rotation For Every BBQ Invite

ByMandy

Summer brings warm days, good food, and fun with friends. Fresh salads always help make the table brighter and tastier. There are 29 summer salads kept ready for every BBQ invite. These salads get asked for again and again because they never disappoint.

A honey hot chicken salad with succulent fried chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, cucumber slices, and mixed greens, all topped with a creamy dressing.
Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

A bowl of mixed salad with grilled shrimp, avocado, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bold flavors shine through when shrimp meets a velvety avocado dressing. It’s got just the right amount of kick to keep things interesting. A combination of textures here really ties everything together. Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing is perfect for a quick BBQ side that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Laccha Pyaz

Close-up of thinly sliced red onions, marinated with herbs and spices, placed on a white plate.
Laccha Pyaz. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Layers of fresh, thinly sliced onions give this simple dish its charm. Sprinkle on some tangy and spicy flavors, and you’re set for a refreshing bite. The crunch here adds a great contrast to your grilled favorites. Go ahead and try Laccha Pyaz for something uniquely vibrant and fuss-free.
Get the Recipe: Laccha Pyaz

Healthy Chicken Salad

Close-up of a salad with grilled chicken, strawberries, blueberries, pecans, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing on a bed of leafy greens.
Healthy Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Packed with wholesome ingredients, this option isn’t about any unnecessary heaviness. A mixture of protein and greens keeps things feeling balanced. Healthy Chicken Salad strikes that nice balance where it complements the BBQ vibe without stealing the spotlight. It’s just easy, fresh, and balanced in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.
Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crisp apples meet an unexpected pop of tangy dressing just the right amount of brightness here. Every bite offers a crunch that pairs well with anything from grilled fish to meat. Honeycrisp Salad proves that simplicity doesn’t mean boring and always feels refreshing on the table. Give it a shot for a change of pace.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Dense Bean Salad

A spoonful of chickpea salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, and feta cheese being served from a bowl.
Dense Bean Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Small bursts of flavor come from every bean you bite into, making this perfect as a side. Add a little punch with bold flavors without overthinking combinations. It’s hearty enough to hold its ground yet pairs nicely with smoky grilled foods. Dense Bean Salad keeps things simple but enough for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Buffalo Chicken Salad

A croissant sandwich filled with buffalo chicken and blue cheese, served on a white plate with celery sticks in the background.
Buffalo Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Just enough spice from buffalo sauce paired with crisp greens it’s all about that classic combo. It can hold its own or pair up with anything else you have sizzling. Crunchy veggies and tender chicken make Buffalo Chicken Salad far from predictable but approachable at the same time. It’s a crowd pleaser for sure.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Mediterranean Salad

A fresh salad with chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, red onion, feta cheese, black olives, and parsley on a bed of lettuce.
Mediterranean Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bright and bold with a mix of contrasting elements throughout the dish. Don’t let the simplicity fool you the combination gives off rich texture and flavor. Mediterranean Salad pairs perfectly with so many BBQ mains without needing to do much work. Light yet flavorful, it’s great all around.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salad

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Some hearty pasta tossed in with bursts of salami, making this dish one to remember. This setup tastes bold while also being a crowd pleaser sometimes the simplest things are best. Italian Pasta with Salami fits into just about any BBQ table dynamic. Take it up a notch with this approachable, hearty mix.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, grated cheese, and dressing.
Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Creamy dressing meets crisp lettuce sometimes familiarity in a dish is key. A sprinkling of crunchy toppings makes a wonderful match for grilled proteins. Caesar Salad is always one people come back to without trying anything overly complicated. It’s simple, fresh, with essential textures to go alongside BBQ dishes.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad

Taco Pasta Salad

A bowl of fusilli pasta mixed with ground beef, black beans, chopped tomatoes, and herbs, garnished with lime wedges.
Taco Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A mix up of fun flavors working together perfectly it’s more hearty than it looks. Think pasta with spices and taco-inspired richness throughout. Taco Pasta Salad always feels like a good middle ground to balance big flavors at the cookout. Perfect in its uniqueness, it works perfectly with any BBQ table spread.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

A bowl of orzo salad with mixed vegetables, including olives, tomatoes, and spinach, garnished with herbs.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Orzo captures bright citrus and spice tones that make each bite come together perfectly. It’s light but bold and has just enough richness without anything overpowering. Mediterranean Orzo Salad brings forward clean flavors to complement smoky and rich mains. Simple preparation, but big results on the table.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Cabbage Salad

Cabbage salad in a white bowl with chips in the background.
Cabbage Salad. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Crunchy slices paired with dressing give this dish its standout texture in any lineup. It might seem basic at first, yet small tweaks add that memorable factor. Cabbage Salad becomes the perfect side without complicating flavors unnecessarily. Add flavor and texture however you see fit for a super refreshing bite.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

A bowl of Mexican street corn salad garnished with lime wedges and cilantro.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Classic corn is taken up a notch with layers of smoky and creamy flavors combined all in one bowl. Unexpected ingredients add richness without taking away from its simplicity. Mexican Street Corn Salad feels bold enough to stand up next to your BBQ but easy enough to make it often. It’s a great way to mix up classic corn flavors.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Tomato, Cucumber, And Onion Salad

Chunks of tomato, cucumber, and onion in a bowl.
Tomato, Cucumber, And Onion Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simple slices make up this refreshing dish, but there’s enough brightness to keep things interesting. Every bite cuts through heavier grilled meals and gives balance to the plate. Tomato, Cucumber, And Onion Salad works in its charm without doing anything too complicated.
Get the Recipe: Tomato, Cucumber, And Onion Salad

Chicken Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad topped with grilled chicken pieces, croutons, and grated cheese on a bed of romaine lettuce. Dressing is served on the side.
Chicken Caesar Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Grilled chicken makes a bold appearance in this classic dish that pairs protein with crisp greens. Toss in creamy dressing, and you’ve got something that stands out without trying too hard. Chicken Caesar Salad brings bold but defined flavors that make it great for BBQ pairings. It’s hearty, fresh, and ready to share.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad

Grilled Paneer Salad

A close-up of a salad featuring grilled tofu cubes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and leafy greens, all drizzled with a creamy dressing.
Grilled Paneer Salad. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Get ready for smoky, charred chunks complemented by fresh greens. Grilled Paneer Salad packs a balance between indulgence and freshness. It’s all about an easy combination that feels delicious without doing too much. Dish it out, and you’ve got a new favorite addition for the day.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Paneer Salad

Potato Salad

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A classic side dish that feels like comfort on a plate. Potato Salad brings together a creamy blend that pairs perfectly with anything off the grill. It’s simple, hearty, and a crowd-pleaser every single time. Toss some onto your plate, and it’s bound to bring smiles at the table.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

A bowl of vibrant pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of dressing.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Freshness meets hearty and wholesome in a mix of veggies tossed with pasta. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies keeps things colorful and loaded with flavors from the grill. Perfect for piling alongside your BBQ lineup, it’s easy to serve and even easier to enjoy. Everyone will keep asking for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Kachumber

Kachumber salad in a grey bowl.
Kachumber. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Crisp and fresh elements combine to make something truly memorable. Kachumber sticks to simple flavors, staying light yet refreshing. It’s all about cutting through big flavors with clean crunch and juicy textures. Serve it up, and it always brings balance to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Close-up of a delightful broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Mixed ingredients are visible in detail, showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of this fresh broccoli salad.
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Enjoy a mix of crunch and creaminess in every bite. Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing offers a smoother twist to the usual salads, making it a little different but still exciting. It’s great for serving up something a little unconventional yet fitting. Add it alongside the spread, and it fits right in every time.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A bold kick paired with cool, crisp bites hits just right. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad leans on simple flavors with enough zing to keep things fun. It makes for a creative add-on without overpowering everything else. Add this to your table, and it gives variety the perfect edge.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Kala Chana Chaat

Kala chana chaat served in a blue bowl.
Kala Chana Chaat. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

A hearty mix that’s packed with textures and flavors in every spoonful. Kala Chana Chaat blends wholesome elements into something that feels rich yet simple. It’s a side option that balances familiarity with something different. Drop it onto plates, and everyone will love the surprise.
Get the Recipe: Kala Chana Chaat

Green Goddess Salad

A close-up of a plate with bright green guacamole, chopped vegetables, and tortilla chips on the side.
Green Goddess Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy meets crisp in this bowl of goodness that pairs well with everything around. Green Goddess Salad stands out with its smooth hints and vibrant, leafy base. It’s always fresh without doing too much, letting it complement larger meals with ease. Make room for it, and everyone tends to go back for more.
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Salad

Quinoa Salad

Close-up of a quinoa salad with chickpeas, chopped cucumber, parsley, red onion, and a light dressing, with a spoon partially visible.
Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Lighter grains paired with crunchy veggies make this a great go-to combo. Quinoa Salad gives you an option that feels refreshing and filling without being heavy. It’s a versatile dish that’s easy to serve up and enjoy. Another great addition to keep the spread balanced.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A fun mix that swaps heavy dough for fresh greens inspired by your favorite flavors. Pizza Salad feels playful and exciting while still adding a lighter twist to big spreads. With all the crowd-favorite notes, you can expect everyone to lean in for a taste. Serve it up, and it’s sure to get conversation going.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

A bowl of fresh red cabbage coleslaw garnished with herbs.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bright colors meet a crunchy texture in this dish that’s simple yet bold. Red Cabbage Coleslaw is a little different from the usual but fits perfectly every single time. It pairs with heavier mains without feeling like too much, keeping balance on your table. Scoop up a portion and it’s bound to make its mark.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh fruits and nuts come together for a light, creamy mix. Waldorf Salad is a timeless addition that feels comforting while staying unique in the lineup. It’s great for contrasting bigger barbecue flavors without upstaging them. Just add it in, and watch how easily it fits into the spread.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Green Salad

A close-up of a fresh green salad with mixed leafy greens, cucumber slices, and pecans on a plate with a gold fork.
Green Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Leafy, light, and fresh, this dish is as easy as it gets. Green Salad lets the simple flavors shine on their own for a side option that’s clean and refreshing. Not overcomplicated, it’s a great companion to everything else on the table. It’s a quick fix that adds balance at every invite.
Get the Recipe: Green Salad

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

A honey hot chicken salad with succulent fried chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, cucumber slices, and mixed greens, all topped with a creamy dressing.
Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet and spicy notes dance over chunks of tender meat tossed lightly with greens. Hot Honey Chicken Salad brings bolder textures to the mix while still keeping it light enough for pairing. It’s a dish that’s as versatile as it is enjoyable. Pass it around you’ll see plates emptied in no time.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

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