From zippy potato salads, quinoa salads, coleslaws, and pasta salads that just seem to get better and better over time, we can’t get enough of this list of 30 healthier, light and refreshing summer potluck salads to make now.
With the official first day of summer lingering around the corner (can’t wait for you to get here June 21!), we can’t help but daydream of picnics, potlucks, and pool parties. That’s because we know these shindigs always have the best food.
Childhood memories of cookouts and summer get-togethers bring up all the happy memories of summer’s answer to comfort food: All the side dishes you can fill a plate with and for me that means all the salads.
We’re talking salads that’ll cool you down even on the hottest of days; dishes eaten pool-side, picnic-style, or enjoyed on those lazy summer eves with all the grilled foods and in the company of family and friends.
So whether you’re a caprese salad junkie, coleslaw queen, or broccoli salad aficionado (this one’s my fave!), the gang’s all here. You’ll recognize healthier riffs on your classic faves, plus some new inspiration. But whatever your craving, we’ve got you covered so you can bring your best potluck game all summer-long.
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You get the idea. Now let’s dig in.
These healthy sides will be your best friend for potlucks, cookouts and more.
June 1: Avocado Caprese Salad
FoodieCrush
Caprese salad is basically the Beyoncé of potluck sides, and this is the one that keeps me singing all summer long.
June 2: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Salt and Lavender
This super healthy side is bursting with bright Mediterranean flavors from kalamata olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, fresh oregano and parsley, and chickpeas to make it extra hearty.
June 3: Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Salad
FoodieCrush
Greek yogurt is spiked with fresh garlic, dill, mint, and lemon for a zingy and ultra refreshing cucumber salad that goes well with absolutely anything. Plus, it seriously couldn’t be easier to throw together!
June 4: Three Bean Salad with Dried Cranberries and Celery
Flourishing Foodie
White beans, black beans, and garbanzo beans tango with a garlic-balsamic vinaigrette in this cranberry and celery-studded salad that’s a breeze to make.
June 5: Chicken and Berry Pesto Pasta Salad
Spoonful of Flavor
Berries and pesto aren’t two ingredients you’d naturally think to pair together, but this pasta salad with chicken, spinach, and fresh mozzarella proves the combination works like a charm!
June 6: Cucumber Basil and Watermelon Salad
FoodieCrush
A zippy lime dressing gives the pop to this fresh and crunchy watermelon salad spiked with just the right bites of mango and jalapeño to get your potluck hoppin’.
June 7: Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Stephanie Lee Nutrition
Broccoli salad’s a potluck oldie hit, but it comes with a lot of fat and calories — not this recipe though! Don’t worry, it’s still wonderfully creamy and has (turkey) bacon and cheese, it’s just got less sugar, less mayo (thanks to the addition of Greek yogurt), and more veggies (hey cauliflower)!
June 8: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Jo Cooks
Inspired by the popular Mexican street food — esquites — this salad is packed with awesome smoky flavor. It features fresh corn kernels, red bell pepper, green onions, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and plenty of feta or cotija cheese for a nice, salty bite.
June 9: Greek Pasta Salad with Cucumbers and Artichoke Hearts
FoodieCrush
Greek salad gets pasta-fied in this addictive side which has all of the flavors you love in a classic Greek salad. It’s easily customizable too, so add more veggies if you like, and use a long or short noodle for your pasta!
June 10: Garbanzo Summer Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing
Vanilla and Bean
This summery salad is an excellent (and easy) way to get your veggies in. It’s chock-full of healthy ingredients like hearty wheat berries and garbanzo beans, peppers, cucumber, carrots, onion, and lots of fresh herbs, all tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing.
June 11: Strawberry Caprese Farro Salad
A Beautiful Plate
A bed of nutty farro tossed with homemade pesto, plus the addition of juicy strawberries makes for a fun departure from the traditional caprese salad.
June 12: Smashed Avocado Chicken Salad
A Saucy Kitchen
All you need are 9 ingredients to make this healthy and simple chicken salad, made creamy with smashed avocado and brightened up with fresh lemon juice. As Ina would say, “how easy is that?”
June 13: Easy Mexican Coleslaw
FoodieCrush
Mayo haters rejoice, ’cause this coleslaw’s for you! It’s zesty and naturally-sweetened with honey, and boasts tons of awesome Mexican flavors, including fresh lime and cilantro (and of course hot sauce for good measure). Not to mention this slaw goes with anything.
June 14: Orzo Pasta Salad
Chelsea’s Messy Apron (as seen on The Recipe Critic)
Here’s another one for all the mayo naysayers. This orzo salad is full of healthy veggies, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and a lemon-honey-garlic vinaigrette that ties it all together.
June 15: Herbed Red Potato Salad
Cookie and Kate
This is not your mama’s potato salad (and that’s a good thing). Inspired by the French potato salad variety, it’s lightened and brightened-up with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and plenty of fresh parsley and green onions, making it healthy and full of amazing flavor!
June 16: Charred Corn Red Pepper Farro Salad
Joyful Healthy Eats
Charred corn and onion and roasted red peppers give this goat cheese-studded farro salad a killer smoky flavor, and zesty lime and fresh cilantro brighten everything up nicely.
June 17: Honeydew Melon & Blackberry Salad
This Healthy Table
Honeydew is definitely the melon that gets the least attention, but this gorgeous salad quickly reminds us why we should show it some more love! When paired with tart blackberries, fresh watercress, and spring onions, and tossed in a lemon-honey vinaigrette, it totally steals the show.
June 18: Thai Quinoa Salad
FoodieCrush
This versatile power salad can be eaten for lunch, but it also doubles as a hit side for any potluck or cookout. It features protein-packed quinoa, crunchy peanuts, tons of crisp, colorful veggies, and fresh herbs, and a satisfying sesame-ginger-lime vinaigrette.
June 19: Israeli Couscous Salad with Broccoli, Chickpeas, and Pesto
Double Thyme
Tiny pearls of Israeli couscous are tossed with roasted broccoli florets, chickpeas, a vibrant walnut pesto, and fresh-grated Pecorino cheese in this super addictive salad.
June 20: Herb-Lovers Lemony Orzo Salad
Gimme Some Oven
This nutritious herb-loaded orzo salad is just begging to be packed up for your next picnic. It’s full of chickpeas, greens, and cheese, but is easily customizable with whatever types of greens, herbs, and cheese you use.
June 21: Watermelon Salad
Little Broken
It doesn’t get much more refreshing than watermelon and cucumber. This bright, easy to make salad with arugula, feta, and a balsamic glaze is the perfect antidote to a hot summer day.
June 22: Israeli Salad
Feasting at Home
This light chopped salad is bursting with amazing summery flavors thanks to a colorful array of fresh veggies and herbs, and plenty of lemon.
June 23: Creamy Tuscan Pasta Salad
FoodieCrush
When in doubt, a good pasta salad is always a safe bet for a potluck or party, and this one, inspired by the flavors of Tuscany, is a guaranteed hit. It’s got three different types of salamis (I mean, how can you go wrong there), provolone cheese, Italian white beans, black olives, tomatoes, baby spinach, onions, egg noodles, and a creamy Italian dressing you won’t be able to resist.
June 24: Broccoli Slaw with Golden Raisins and Walnuts
Vanilla and Bean
Not all broccoli salads are created equal, but this one is incredibly addicting. It’s spiffed up with golden raisins and walnuts, and it comes together fast in the food processor (even better, you can use the entire broccoli too — stem, leaves, and florets)! It’s also easy to make ahead of time, and holds up well in the fridge. What’s not to love?
June 25: Asian Ramen Noodle Salad
FoodieCrush
If you’ve been to a potluck, you’ve had this salad in some form or another. It’s a classic, and always a hit, thanks to crunchy ramen noodles and cabbage, juicy oranges, and a crazy-addictive dressing (this version has less sugar)!
June 26: Strawberry Avocado Chicken Pasta Salad
Creme De La Crumb
There’s a lot going on in this pasta salad, but it works, and it covers all the bases — carbs, protein, veggies, and fruit! Bowtie noodles, arugula, spinach, avocado, sweet strawberries, shredded chicken, nuts, and cheese get tossed together with a creamy balsamic dressing.
June 27: Mediterranean Three Bean Quinoa Salad
Two Peas and Their Pod
Channel the Mediterranean with every savory bite of this healthy protein power salad.
June 28: Roasted Garlic Italian Couscous Salad
Little Spice Jar
This pearl couscous features tomatoes roasted with garlic, basil, olives, roasted red peppers, chunks of fresh mozzarella, and a roasted garlic Italian-style dressing for a light but satisfying salad that hits every flavor note.
June 29: Avocado Black Bean Corn Salad with Lime Dressing
Chew Out Loud
This crowd-pleasing salad doubles as a dip, but whether you enjoy it on its own or with tortilla chips, you can easily make it ahead of time. Bonus? It’s full of antioxidants and superfoods, and free of refined sugars!
June 30: How to Make the Best Potato Salad
FoodieCrush
While it isn’t the healthiest salad on this list, I simply couldn’t leave my favorite potato salad of all time out of this round-up. It’s the potato salad I grew up with and that started my summer-side-salad obsession. While nobody does it quite as well as my mom, I highly suggest you be like me and still make it all summer long.
This recipe round-up was curated and written by FoodieCrush contributor Hayley Putnam of Seven Day Weekend. Follow her foodie tastes and other flights of fancy on Pinterest and Instagram.
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