Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy a classic cookout with friends and family. While burgers and grilled chicken are a staple, no cookout is complete without a selection of refreshing salads and sides to complement the meal. This season, take advantage of the freshest ingredients by whipping up cucumber salads, refreshing watermelon salads, and tomato-laden Caprese.
Of course, no summer spread would be complete without the cookout classics like potato salad, panzanella, pasta salad, crunchy coleslaw, and more. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or a casual picnic, this roundup of must-make salads will help you create the perfect summer menu.
Farro Salad with Cantaloupe, Cucumbers, and Fresh Mint
Start your cookout menu with a quintessential summer side: Farro Salad. This dish combines juicy cantaloupe, crisp cucumbers, and fresh mint for a refreshing base. Sweet cherry tomatoes add vibrant color and flavor, while farro provides a hearty, nutty texture. Top it off with salty feta and a tangy red wine vinaigrette for an easy, make-ahead salad that’s sure to impress.
Creamy Vegan Macaroni Salad
For those following a plant-based diet or looking for a dairy-free alternative, this Creamy Vegan Macaroni Salad is a must-try. We’ve kept the same beloved components of a classic macaroni salad—tender elbow pasta, crunchy celery, sweet bell pepper, a hint of mustard, and a splash of vinegar—but swapped in vegan mayonnaise and vegan sour cream. This creamy dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon, Raisins, and Sunflower Seeds
This Broccoli Salad is packed with flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. The broccoli is coated in a mayonnaise-vinegar mixture, allowing the diced bacon, onions, raisins, and sunflower seeds to stick to each bite. The result? A perfect balance of saltiness, crunch, and sweetness in every forkful.
Classic Greek Salad
Put your summer produce in the spotlight with Ina Garten’s Classic Greek Salad. All you need is a simple vinaigrette, good olive oil, and fresh ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives to create a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. This salad is perfect as a side or even as a light main course.
Esquites-Inspired Summer Pasta Salad
Pan-roasted corn is the star of this zesty Esquites-Inspired Summer Pasta Salad, perfect for picnics, cookouts, or any occasion where you need a side that can double as a vegetarian main dish. Inspired by the Mexican street food favorite, esquites, this salad features roasted corn kernels dressed with mayonnaise and Cotija cheese, finished with lime juice. We’ve added sour cream for a creamy dressing and opted for twirly cavatappi pasta, making it easy to enjoy with every bite. For a kick of heat, leave in the minced jalapeño seeds, or scrape them out for a milder dish.
Grilled Potato Salad with Herby Vinaigrette
Take your potato salad to the next level with this Grilled Potato Salad. Grilling the potatoes adds a subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with an herby vinaigrette. Toss the potatoes in the dressing right off the grill to ensure they soak up all the delicious flavors and stay moist and flavorful.
Grilled Cabbage Caesar Salad
Add a summery twist to the classic Caesar salad by grilling the cabbage. The hearty cabbage leaves hold up well to the creamy Caesar dressing, while charred bread croutons add crunch and texture. Finish with a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan and a grind of black pepper for a simple, yet satisfying side or main dish.
Guy’s Black Bean and Corn Salad
Guy Fieri’s Black Bean and Corn Salad is a hearty summer dish packed with grilled sweet corn, black beans, and plenty of fresh veggies. It’s the perfect addition to any cookout, offering a burst of flavor and color that will brighten up your table.
Artichoke and Tomato Panzanella
Giada De Laurentiis’ Artichoke and Tomato Panzanella is a vibrant and tasty salad that’s easy to whip up with pantry staples. The combination of tomatoes, artichokes, basil, and olives creates a colorful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any summer gathering.
With these delicious salads, your summer cookout will be a hit. Each dish is packed with fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and a touch of creativity that will leave your guests craving more. So, fire up the grill, set the table, and get ready to enjoy the best of summer with these must-make salads.
