11 Refreshing Summer Salads to Make in 2025

Summer is the perfect time to embrace fresh, vibrant, and light meals that keep you cool and energized.

Salads are a go-to option during the warmer months, offering endless possibilities for creativity and flavor.

In this article, we’ll explore 11 refreshing summer salads that are perfect for 2025. Each recipe includes a detailed description, a list of ingredients, and step-by-step instructions to help you create these delicious dishes.

1. Watermelon Feta Salad

This salad is a quintessential summer dish, combining the sweetness of watermelon with the saltiness of feta cheese. The addition of fresh mint and a drizzle of balsamic glaze creates a perfect balance of flavors. It’s light, hydrating, and incredibly refreshing, making it an ideal choice for hot days.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 medium seedless watermelon, cubed
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, feta cheese, and mint leaves.
2. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad and toss gently to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve chilled and enjoy!

2. Caprese Pasta Salad

A twist on the classic Caprese salad, this version incorporates pasta for a heartier dish. Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil are tossed with pasta and a light balsamic vinaigrette. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light main course.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then rinse under cold water and drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

3. Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad

Grilled peaches add a smoky sweetness to this vibrant salad. Paired with peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and toasted pecans, it’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures. A drizzle of balsamic glaze ties everything together beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• 4 cups arugula
• 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup pecans, toasted
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan. Lightly brush the peach halves with olive oil.
2. Grill the peaches for 2-3 minutes on each side until they have grill marks.
3. In a salad bowl, arrange the arugula, goat cheese, and toasted pecans.
4. Place the grilled peach halves on top and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
5. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

4. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Packed with protein and fiber, this quinoa salad is both nutritious and delicious. It features cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at a summer BBQ.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve chilled and enjoy!

5. Strawberry Spinach Salad

This salad is a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors. Fresh strawberries, spinach, and crunchy almonds are tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a great way to incorporate seasonal fruits into your meals.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup almonds, toasted
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, and almonds.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately.

6. Corn and Feta Cheese Salad

This simple yet flavorful salad combines sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

7. Kiwi Salad

This vibrant salad features slices of juicy kiwi, mixed greens, and a tangy yogurt-based dressing. It’s a refreshing and unique dish that’s perfect for summer.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens
• 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens and kiwi slices.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately.

8. BLT Pasta Salad

This salad brings the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich to a pasta dish. Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce are tossed with pasta and a creamy dressing. It’s a crowd-pleaser at any summer gathering.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups lettuce, chopped
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then rinse under cold water and drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, bacon, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Serve chilled.

9. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Salad

This salad is a great alternative to traditional leafy greens. Shaved Brussels sprouts are paired with fresh Parmesan cheese and a simple homemade dressing. It’s a crunchy and flavorful dish that pairs well with grilled meats.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Brussels sprouts, shaved
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the shaved Brussels sprouts and Parmesan cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately.

10. Cucumber and Avocado Salad

This light and creamy salad is perfect for hot summer days. Thinly sliced cucumbers and cubed avocados are tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that pairs well with grilled meals.

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 2 avocados, cubed
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a salad bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, cubed avocados, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

11. Quinoa and Roasted Veggie Salad

This hearty salad is packed with fiber, protein, and nutrients. Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions are combined with quinoa and cherry tomatoes, then tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a filling and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the zucchini, bell pepper, and onion in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, and cherry tomatoes.
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and toss well.
5. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

These 11 refreshing summer salads are perfect for 2025, offering a variety of flavors and textures to suit any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light side dish or a hearty main course, these recipes are sure to keep you cool and satisfied all summer long. Enjoy!