Fresh and Easy Salads to Enjoy Before the Season Turns

Warm weather calls for meals that are quick, fresh, and light and salads are a great place to start. With seasonal produce still going strong, now’s the time to enjoy crisp textures and bright flavors.

These simple salad ideas are made to fit into busy days without much fuss. Whether you’re packing lunch or pulling something together last-minute, they come together fast and taste great.

You’ll find a mix of greens, grains, and proteins that work well for weekday meals or casual get-togethers. They’re flexible, flavorful, and just right before the season shifts.

Club Sandwich Salad

All the best parts of a club sandwich come together in this bowl—crisp lettuce, turkey or chicken, bacon, and cherry tomatoes. It’s layered with creamy dressing and crunchy croutons to keep things interesting. Perfect when you’re craving the sandwich but want something lighter and fresher.
Get the Recipe: Club Sandwich Salad

Pizza Salad

Think of this as a pizza, but built on greens instead of crust. It’s loaded with pepperoni, mozzarella, olives, and your favorite toppings, then drizzled with Italian dressing. It’s a quick fix when you want pizza flavors without the heaviness.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Wendy’s Jalapeño Popper Salad

This one brings the heat, thanks to spicy jalapeños paired with crispy chicken and bacon. The creaminess from shredded cheese and ranch dressing cools things down just enough. It’s bold, a little fiery, and totally satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Wendy’s Jalapeño Popper Salad

Kale Quinoa Salad

Hearty kale teams up with fluffy quinoa for a salad that feels both fresh and filling. Tossed with veggies and a bright vinaigrette, it’s perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch. Bonus: it holds up really well, even after a day in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Kale Quinoa Salad

Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

This one mixes pantry staples in the best way—pesto, tuna, and sundried tomatoes come together for something herby and savory. It’s a no-fuss kind of salad that feels anything but boring. Great on its own or with some crusty bread on the side.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Quinoa Taco Salad

Everything you love in a taco, built around protein-packed quinoa. It’s got black beans, corn, avocado, and a lime-y dressing that pulls it all together. Whether warm or chilled, it’s a solid go-to for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Taco Salad

Cobb Salad

Loaded with bacon, eggs, chicken, and avocado, this is the kind of salad that eats like a full meal. Each ingredient has its place, and the mix of textures really works. It’s classic for a reason—balanced, hearty, and easy to make ahead.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Salmon Salad

Fresh or canned salmon works here, paired with crisp greens, cucumber, and a light dressing. It’s rich in flavor without feeling heavy. Great for those days when you want something quick but still packed with protein.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Inspired by the viral grinder sandwich, this one’s pasta-based and packed with deli meats, cheese, and tangy dressing. It’s bold, a little briny, and super filling. Works well for potlucks or packed lunches.
Get the Recipe: Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

Big Mac Salad

It’s all your burger favorites, minus the bun. Ground beef, pickles, special sauce, and shredded cheese sit on a bed of crisp lettuce. Fun, easy, and totally satisfying when you want fast food flavors in a lighter form.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Strawberry Chicken Salad

This salad pairs sweet and savory so well—juicy strawberries, grilled chicken, and a poppy seed dressing over greens. Toss in some nuts or feta for added crunch and flavor. It’s especially great in warmer months.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Chicken Salad

Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

Tofu adds protein while couscous keeps it light and fluffy. Fresh veggies and herbs make it bright, and the simple dressing ties it all together. It’s easy to batch-cook and great for a meat-free lunch.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

Antipasto Salad

Loaded with meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated veggies, this one is full of bold, punchy flavors. It’s inspired by classic Italian appetizers but works great as a full meal. Perfect when you want something no-cook and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Cobb Salad with Buttermilk Garlic Dressing

This take on the Cobb keeps the staples—bacon, egg, chicken, avocado—but adds a creamy garlic dressing that brings it all together. It’s rich, flavorful, and very filling. Ideal for those days when you need a salad that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad with Buttermilk Garlic Dressing

Crispy Chicken Salad

Breaded chicken adds that crave-worthy crunch, balanced by fresh veggies and a creamy dressing. It’s simple and comforting, with a great mix of textures. Works well as a weeknight dinner or quick lunch.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken Salad

Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

This version skips the tortillas but keeps everything else—spiced ground beef, avocado, cheese, and salsa. It’s quick to assemble and big on flavor. Great if you’re cutting carbs but still want something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

Chinese Chicken Salad

Crisp cabbage, shredded chicken, crunchy noodles, and a sesame dressing give this salad great texture. It’s light but has plenty of flavor, with a sweet-savory balance. Ideal for warm days or quick lunches.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Tortellini Salad

Cheese-filled tortellini are the star here, mixed with veggies, herbs, and Italian dressing. It’s pasta salad with a twist—more filling and fun. Great for BBQs or make-ahead lunches.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Salad

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Combining tender pasta with flaked salmon, this salad is simple but flavorful. A light, tangy dressing keeps things fresh. It’s one of those meals you can make with pantry basics and still feel like you’ve had something special.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Greek Shrimp Orzo Salad

Shrimp and orzo make a perfect pair, especially when tossed with olives, cucumber, and feta. It’s bright, salty, and quick to prep. A great option for warm-weather meals or picnics.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Orzo Salad

Taco Pasta Salad

Everything you’d expect in a taco seasoned beef, tomatoes, cheese gets tossed with pasta for a fresh spin. It’s hearty but not heavy, and you can make it ahead for busy days. Add a dollop of sour cream or salsa to finish it off.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad