Fresh and Fabulous: Summer Salad Recipes to Bring to Your Next BBQ

Hello, lovely moms!

Summer BBQs are the perfect occasion to showcase vibrant, delicious salads that complement the season’s flavors and keep everyone refreshed. Whether you're hosting or just contributing a dish, a great salad can be the star of the show. Here are some fabulous summer salad recipes that are sure to be a hit at your next BBQ. They’re easy to make, full of fresh ingredients, and perfect for sharing with friends and family.

1. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad 🫒

This refreshing salad is packed with protein, fiber, and Mediterranean flavors that will brighten up any BBQ spread.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa

• 2 cups water or vegetable broth

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced

• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water. Cook quinoa in water or vegetable broth according to package instructions. Let it cool.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Pour over the salad and toss to combine.

4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

2. Summer Corn and Black Bean Salad 🌽

This colorful salad is a fantastic blend of sweet corn, hearty black beans, and fresh herbs.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husked and kernels removed (or 3 cups frozen corn)

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

• 1 avocado, diced

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp lime juice

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. If using fresh corn, cook the kernels in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly charred. Let cool.

2. In a large bowl, combine corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, avocado, and cilantro.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Pour over the salad and toss to combine.

4. Serve immediately or chill until ready to enjoy.

3. Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad 🍉

This sweet and savory salad is a refreshing twist on traditional summer fare, perfect for cooling down on a hot day.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed

• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Dressing:

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine watermelon, feta cheese, mint leaves, and red onion if using.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently to combine.

3. Serve immediately or chill until serving time.

4. Caprese Pasta Salad 🍅

A delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, this pasta version is hearty enough to be a main dish or a side.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie work well)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Pour over the pasta salad and toss to combine.

3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

5. Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad 🥒

This light and crunchy salad brings a burst of flavor with a tangy sesame dressing, perfect for complementing grilled meats.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots

• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

• 2 tbsp sesame seeds

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp rice vinegar

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp grated ginger

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cucumber, shredded carrots, green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Pour over the salad and toss to coat.

3. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

These summer salads are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them ideal for your next BBQ.

Cheers to fresh flavors and sunny vibes! ☀️💕