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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    Beat the Early Summer Heat with These 24 Refreshing Salads

    Published: May 31, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Summer’s creeping in, and all I can think about is staying cool without giving up good food. Refreshing salads are totally saving the day right now—crisp veggies, juicy fruits, and zesty dressings that hit just right. These aren’t your boring side salads either; we’re talking bold flavors and serious chill vibes. Trust me, you’re gonna want these in your rotation.

    Mint Watermelon Fruit Salad With Blueberries

    A bowl of watermelon fruit salad with blueberries in a bowl.
    Mint Watermelon Fruit Salad With Blueberries. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    This quick and easy mint watermelon fruit salad combines crisp and juicy watermelon with sweet blueberries coated in a minty simple syrup.
    Get the Recipe: Mint Watermelon Fruit Salad With Blueberries

    Spicy Peach Coleslaw Without Mayonnaise

    A bowl of peach coleslaw without mayo in a bowl with wooden spoons.
    Spicy Peach Coleslaw Without Mayonnaise. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

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    Spicy Peach Coleslaw without Mayonnaise is a classic summer salad with peach dressing that delivers a fresh variation you’re going to love.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Peach Coleslaw Without Mayonnaise

    Tomato Salad With Peaches

    A black bowl of tomato salad with peaches and feta.
    Tomato Salad With Peaches. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Fresh Peach and Tomato Salad can’t be beat when summer produce is at its best. Try combining fresh peaches with juicy tomatoes, then sprinkle with salty feta for a light and refreshing summer salad
    Get the Recipe: Tomato Salad With Peaches

    Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette

    A platter of green bean and potato salad.
    Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Full of fresh summer flavors, this cold green bean salad recipe adds in tender new potatoes for a refreshing take on a classic summer meal.
    Get the Recipe: Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette

    Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries

    A clear glass bowl of corn salad with blueberries.
    Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    You’ll love this Grilled Corn Salad with Blueberries with a little cumin, onions and cilantro to give this a savory twist.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries

    Zucchini Pasta Salad With Balsamic Vinegar

    Zucchini noodles with cherry tomatoes on a white platter with a wooden spoon
    Zucchini Pasta Salad With Balsamic Vinegar. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Pull out the spiralizer and make a refreshing Zucchini Salad with Balsamic Vinegar with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and zoodles.
    Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pasta Salad With Balsamic Vin

    Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins

    A bowl of carrot and raisin salad next to a bunch of carrots.
    Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Fresh carrot raisin salad is EASY and so flavorful! All you need is a bowl and a grater to make this slightly sweet classic salad.
    Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins

    Summer Pasta Salad With Fresh Peaches

    A pasta salad with peaches, corn and tomatoes in a serving bowl.
    Summer Pasta Salad With Fresh Peaches. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This refreshing summer salad is made with fresh peach slices, sweet corn, juicy grape tomatoes, pine nuts, and your favorite pasta. It’s one of my go-to cold pasta dishes to beat the heat.
    Get the Recipe: Summer Pasta Salad With Fresh Peaches

    Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

    A pea salad with cheddar cheese in a serving bowl.
    Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This green pea salad is a Southern favorite that comes together in one bowl. Easy to make ahead, it’s flavorful with a touch of a spicy kick.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

    Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

    Ranch pasta salad in a bowl with a wooden spoon.
    Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    With all the classic flavors of creamy ranch dressing, salty bacon, and cheddar cheese, this ranch pasta salad is a refreshing crowd pleaser, the perfect summer potluck food.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

    Burrata With Oranges

    Close-up of a vibrant spring salad with slices of fresh mozzarella, orange segments, arugula leaves, and cracked black pepper sprinkled on top.
    Burrata With Oranges. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Creamy Burrata with Oranges instead of tomatoes is a great, light salad when the tomatoes are no longer fresh. A perfect salad for summer.
    Get the Recipe: Burrata With Oranges

    Easy Overnight 7 Layer Salad – It’s a Classic

    A bowl of seven layer salad next to individual servings.
    Easy Overnight 7 Layer Salad – It’s a Classic. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    With its gorgeous rows of colors and bright flavors, this classic Southern seven-layer salad is the perfect make-ahead dish for Memorial Day. Served in a clear glass bowl that showcases all the beautiful colors.
    Get the Recipe: Classic 7 Layer Salad

    Corn And Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt

    A creamy cucumber salad with corn in a glass bowl with a serving spoon
    Corn And Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Jazz up your salad menu with a Corn and Cucumber Salad. The mixture of veggies in a creamy yogurt, mayo and dill dressing make it a favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Corn And Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt

    No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

    Parsley being sprinkled over warm potato salad
    No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This warm Roasted Potato Salad is not only great for your next potluck or cook out, but it’s perfect for a simple dinner.
    Get the Recipe: No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

    Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers

    A serving bowl of antipasto salad.
    Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This irresistible antipasto pasta salad is EASY to make with a simple homemade dressing, an Italian inspired pasta that’s great for summertime.
    Get the Recipe: Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers

    Greek Cucumber Salad With Lemon Dressing

    A bowl of Greek salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese on a white surface—perfect for spring recipes. Small bowls of olives and feta are nearby.
    Greek Cucumber Salad With Lemon Dressing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Looking for a quick and flavorful salad recipe? Try our Greek Salad with refreshing cucumbers and zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
    Get the Recipe: Greek Cucumber Salad With Lemon Dressing

    Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar

    A bowl of cucumber salad with onions and two serving spoons
    Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This tangy Cucumber Salad is light, refreshing, and since it has no mayo, it’s perfect for warm summer days.
    Get the Recipe: Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar

    Cold Lemon Orzo Salad With Shrimp

    A large bowl of shrimp orzo salad.
    Cold Lemon Orzo Salad With Shrimp. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This cold lemon orzo salad recipe effortlessly marries shrimp, citrus, garlic, and fragrant basil for a quick and easy summer dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Cold Lemon Orzo Salad With Shrimp

    Broccoli Salad With Cranberries And A Honey Yogurt Dressing

    A bowl of broccoli salad on a serving tray.
    Broccoli Salad With Cranberries And A Honey Yogurt Dressing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    You’re going to love this healthy broccoli salad served with a yogurt dressing that’s sweetened with honey. An old fashioned salad you’ll love.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad With Cranberries And A Honey Yogurt Dressing

    Classic Southern Macaroni Salad

    Classic Southern Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Classic Southern Macaroni Salad is a summertime comfort food, which is great if you’re craving Southern flavors this summer.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Macaroni Salad

    Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto

    Delicious pesto pasta salad with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes in a glass bowl.
    Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Easy to make basil pesto pasta salad with bow tie pasta is a flavorful, colorful side that’s great for summer picnics or cookouts. It’s one of my favorite easy pasta salad recipes.
    Get the Recipe: Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto

    Light and Fresh Spinach Salad with Strawberries

    A bowl of spinach and strawberry salad covered with a poppy seed dressing.
    Light and Fresh Spinach Salad with Strawberries. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This strawberry spinach salad with poppy seed dressing has strawberries, fresh spinach and romaine along with pickled onions.
    Get the Recipe: Light and Fresh Spinach Salad with Strawberries

    Seafood Pasta Salad

    seafood pasta salad in a bowl.
    Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    Seafood Pasta Salad is always such a hit at any summer cookout. It’s a perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, onion-y & sweet from the imitation crab.
    Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

    Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe With Zesty Honey Dressing

    A bowl filled with sliced cucumbers, thin red onion slices, and fresh dill makes a perfect choice for spring salads. A wooden spoon rests beside the bowl, with part of a blue-striped cloth napkin visible.
    Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe With Zesty Honey Dressing. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    This Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe With Zesty Honey Dressing is a delicious and easy recipe you can make year-round in under 10 min.
    Get the Recipe: Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe With Zesty Honey Dressing

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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