10 Salads for Spring and Summer

Summer is quickly approaching and it’s the perfect time to reap the nutritional benefits that salads can offer. Here are 10 options, varying from side salads perfect to go with your BBQ to salads worthy of being their own entrée, from chef and professional cyclist Jessica Cerra.

Summer Couscous Salad

This colorful Israeli couscous salad is highlighted by crunchy fresh veggies, a bright pop of pomegranate seeds, and a zesty basil-citrus dressing. Complement your grilling with this recipe at your next BBQ, or keep a large batch on hand for a quick weeknight side dish. Get the recipe here.

Pickled Cucumber, Jalapeño, and Watermelon Salad

Crisp, juicy, and sweet with natural hydration benefits, nothing says summer more than watermelon. Kick it up in this salad with spicy pickled jalapeño, cucumber, and red onion, finished off with a pop of mint and salty feta cheese for the perfect balance of flavors. Get the recipe here.

Rustic Broccoli Salad with Tarragon Dressing

This salad is loaded with all the goodies! Steamed broccoli, summer tomatoes, crunchy radishes, salty olives, creamy avocado, and tangy hearts of palm create a harmonious balance on your plate. All dressed up with a fresh tarragon vinaigrette, you won’t have a problem getting your daily servings of veggies in. Get the recipe here.

Citrus, Pomegranate and Avocado Salad

Popping with color and flavor, this salad is a bright and refreshing meal on a warm summer evening. The sweet and spicy orange grilled chicken recipe is the perfect pairing. Get the recipe here.

Corn, Basil, and Arugula Salad with Roasted Shrimp

This salad has summer written all over it with crisp sweet corn, peppery arugula, and the perfect touch of basil to make a statement. Serve it up as a colorful side dish, or top with shrimp, scallops, or chicken for a light lunch or dinner. Get the recipe here.

Farm-to-Market Table Salad

The seasonal offerings at the local farmers market inspired this salad recipe. Whether you get the ingredients from the farmer’s market or from the grocery store, they are robust and flavorful this time of year. A mixture of grilled veggies and fresh veggies are a unique twist in this hearty salad. Get the recipe here.

Papaya, Cucumber, and Peanut Shrimp Salad

Papaya, cucumber, and avocado are highlighted with fresh basil in this salad recipe perfect for a hot summer day. The creamy, peanut-y shrimp creates the perfect pairing. This low-calorie dish will help you stay on track with maintaining race weight during the height of the season. Get the recipe here.

Power Salad

This salad has it all with a variety of veggies, marinated kale, crunchy almonds, sweet pomegranate seeds, and a bright citrus dressing. Pile your plate high with this nourishing meal to power up for all of your training. Get the recipe here.

Summer Tomato and Avocado Salad with Halibut

The variety of vibrant, juicy tomatoes in season right now is endless. Heirloom, Roma, on-the-vine, cherry—any and all summer tomatoes make the perfect salad combo with creamy avocado. It’s a great topper for fish or chicken or side dish for your fresh summer spread. Get the recipe here.

(Healthy) Sweet Potato Salad

Try this fresh, updated version to potato salad this summer. Sweet potatoes add more fiber and vitamins to the dish, while the heavy amounts of mayo in traditional potato salad are swapped with a tangy mustard vinaigrette. Get the recipe here.