16 Summertime Salads

These fresh, colorful salads—with veggies, fruits, hearty grains and more—are gorgeous enough to brighten up a picnic table all by themselves.

Bacon, Blue Cheese and Nectarine Salad [1]

Nectarines appear twice in this irresistible rainbow of a salad: sliced on top for pretty summer punch and pureed in the dressing for fruity tang and silky smoothness. (Note: The dressing can be made ahead and chilled for up to 3 hours; if possible, return the dressing to room temperature before serving.)

Bacon, Blue Cheese and Nectarine Salad [2]

Thai Beef and Noodle Salad [5]

Lean flank steak, whole wheat pasta and crisp vegetables make this Asian-inspired salad a healthy choice. Ditching that time-consuming (and all-too-easy-to-forget) step of marinating the meat makes it genius.

Thai Beef and Noodle Salad [6]

Arugula Salad with Brioche Croutons [9]

Any crouton is delicious, but a crouton made with buttery brioche? Divine. It’s a luxe addition to this simple lemon-dressed salad from Epicure Catering in Michigan. (This recipe makes a generous amount of croutons; store extras in an airtight container for a day or two.)

Arugula Salad with Brioche Croutons [10]

Quinoa Salad with Roasted Zucchini, Almonds and Feta [13]

You could make a meal of this dish: caramelized zucchini, crunchy almonds, salty cheese and hearty quinoa, all dressed in honey-basil vinaigrette. The recipe comes from Little Eater, in Columbus, Ohio.

Quinoa Salad with Roasted Zucchini, Almonds and Feta [14]

Boston Lettuce Stacks with Grilled Peaches, Feta and Pecans [17]

This easy summer salad pairs the textures and flavors of buttery, slightly sweet and crisp Boston lettuce with grilled warm peaches and crunchy nuts.

Boston Lettuce Stacks with Grilled Peaches, Feta and Pecans [18]

Watermelon, Feta and Mint Salad [21]

Discover the savory potential of watermelon in this five-ingredient salad.

Watermelon, Feta and Mint Salad [22]

24-Hour Tex-Mex Salad [25]

$24-Hour Tex-Mex Salad$

Layered salads, popular in the 1970s and 1980s, are making a comeback. Assemble this easy potluck salad in either individual jars or a clear salad bowl, dressing and all, then refrigerate.

24-Hour Tex-Mex Salad [26]

Greek Orzo Salad [29]

Olives and feta give salty punch to this pasta salad from Surdyk's Liquor and Cheese Shop in Minneapolis.

Greek Orzo Salad [30]

Orange Tabbouleh [33]

This hearty, healthy salad combines juicy fruit, flavorful fresh herbs and warm spices. Even people who are skeptical of the nutritious bulgur wheat will be surprised how much they like it.

Orange Tabbouleh [34]

Brussels Sprouts Salad with Hazelnuts [37]

Cheesy, tender Brussels sprouts are just three-microwave-minutes away.

Brussels Sprouts Salad with Hazelnuts [38]

Garden Slaw with Spicy Asian Dressing [41]

This side-dish salad tastes great with burgers or pulled pork sandwiches. Or you can toss the slaw with shredded chicken or chopped cooked ham for a main-dish salad.

Garden Slaw with Spicy Asian Dressing [42]