Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy a BBQ with friends and family. But no BBQ is complete without a selection of refreshing salads to keep things light and fresh. These summer salads are not only easy to prepare, but they’re also packed with flavor and vibrant ingredients. Whether you’re looking for something classic or a bit more adventurous, these recipes will add a tasty twist to your next BBQ.
Contents
- 1 Watermelon Feta Salad
- 2 Caprese Salad
- 3 Grilled Corn Salad
- 4 Cucumber Avocado Salad
- 5 Greek Salad
- 6 Quinoa Tabbouleh
- 7 Strawberry Spinach Salad
- 8 Asian Slaw
- 9 Peach Burrata Salad
- 10 Mexican Street Corn Salad
- 11 Broccoli Bacon Salad
- 12 Mediterranean Orzo Salad
- 13 Pineapple Cucumber Salad
- 14 BLT Pasta Salad
- 15 Grilled Zucchini Salad
- 16 Avocado and Mango Salad
- 17 Caesar Salad with Grilled Romaine
- 18 Tomato and Cucumber Salad
- 19 Spinach and Berry Salad
- 20 Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad
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Watermelon Feta Salad
Combine cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh mint in a large bowl. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and balsamic glaze, then gently toss everything together. The sweet watermelon contrasts beautifully with the salty feta, making this salad a refreshing and flavorful addition to any BBQ.
Caprese Salad
Slice ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into thick rounds, then arrange them on a platter with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. This classic Italian salad is simple yet full of flavor, making it a perfect side dish for your summer BBQ.
Grilled Corn Salad
Grill fresh corn on the cob until it’s slightly charred, then cut the kernels off and place them in a bowl. Add diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper. This salad is a great way to use up leftover grilled corn, and it’s bursting with summery flavors.
Cucumber Avocado Salad
In a bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, diced avocado, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Toss with a dressing made from lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This salad is light, refreshing, and has a lovely creamy texture from the avocado, making it an ideal complement to grilled meats.
Greek Salad
Mix together chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese in a large bowl. Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. This salad is a Mediterranean classic that’s packed with fresh flavors and is always a hit at BBQs.
Quinoa Tabbouleh
Cook quinoa according to package instructions, then let it cool. Mix it with chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumbers, and green onions. Toss with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This salad is light, healthy, and has a zesty, herby flavor that pairs well with grilled dishes.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Combine fresh spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, and crumbled goat cheese in a bowl. Add a handful of candied pecans for crunch, and drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette. This salad is a wonderful mix of sweet, tart, and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser at any BBQ.
Asian Slaw
In a large bowl, mix together shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and sliced bell peppers. Toss with a dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey. Top with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds. This crunchy, flavorful slaw adds a nice Asian twist to your BBQ menu.
Peach Burrata Salad
Slice ripe peaches and arrange them on a plate with torn burrata cheese and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. This salad is a delicious blend of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors, making it a perfect summertime dish.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Grill corn until charred, then cut the kernels off the cob and mix with mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and crumbled cotija cheese. Toss in some chopped cilantro for extra flavor. This salad is a BBQ favorite, inspired by the classic Mexican street food, elote.
Broccoli Bacon Salad
In a large bowl, mix together small broccoli florets, crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped red onion. Toss with a dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a bit of sugar. This salad is hearty and full of flavor, making it a great side dish for your BBQ.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions, then toss with chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. This salad is light yet satisfying, with a bright and tangy flavor that pairs well with grilled meats.
Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Combine diced pineapple, sliced cucumber, and red onion in a bowl. Toss with a dressing made from lime juice, honey, and a pinch of chili powder. This salad is refreshing with a bit of a kick, making it a fun and flavorful addition to your BBQ spread.
BLT Pasta Salad
Cook your favorite pasta and let it cool. Mix with chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, and fresh arugula. Toss with a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This salad is a fun twist on the classic BLT sandwich, perfect for a summer BBQ.
Grilled Zucchini Salad
Slice zucchini into long strips and grill until tender. Arrange on a platter and top with crumbled feta, fresh mint, and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice. This simple salad is full of smoky, charred flavor and pairs beautifully with any grilled main dish.
Avocado and Mango Salad
In a bowl, combine diced avocado, ripe mango, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Toss with lime juice and a bit of olive oil. This salad is a tropical treat that adds a burst of color and flavor to your BBQ table.
Caesar Salad with Grilled Romaine
Cut romaine hearts in half and grill them until lightly charred. Top with Caesar dressing, croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese. This twist on the classic Caesar salad adds a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with BBQ dishes.
Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Mix together sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion in a bowl. Toss with olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. This simple, refreshing salad is a staple at any BBQ and adds a light, crisp element to your meal.
Spinach and Berry Salad
Combine fresh spinach leaves with mixed berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Add crumbled feta or goat cheese and toss with a balsamic vinaigrette. This salad is a beautiful and tasty way to incorporate summer’s best fruits into your BBQ spread.
Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad
Grill halved peaches until they’re slightly charred, then slice and toss with fresh arugula, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted almonds. Drizzle with a honey-balsamic vinaigrette. This salad is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, making it a standout dish at any BBQ.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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