Providing refreshment and nourishment, these are the satisfying summer salad recipes I can’t wait to make this season!

To start, let us rejoice for a minute that summer is upon us along with all the sunshine and warm temperatures that come with it!

After what felt like a particularly long winter, I’ve happily ~~shoved~~ stowed away my heavy sweaters and boots, clearing room in my closet for sundresses and sandals aplenty. And kaftans. This year, I’m all about embracing the kaftan! That’s the vibe. *wink*

The new season doesn’t just prompt wardrobe changes, however. It also prompts changes to my diet. From the very minute temperates hit north of 80º – the thought of cooking up a heavy pasty or curry dish for dinner is less than appealing. And yes you can absolutely forget about soup or anything that requires an oven.

This “the less heat required in cooking, the better” approach to meal prep has us all turning to the the salad sections of our favorite cookbooks as well as Pinterest (my fav!) for creative and tasty takes on perhaps the most versatile dish on the planet!

Summer = Salad Season

Perhaps the best thing about salad?

There is no limit to the many different concoctions one can whip up and today we’re looking at SEVERAL options!

Naysayers will say that salads aren’t filling, which is true if you’re sticking with just romaine lettuce. But when you incorporate sources of plant-based proteins (farro, quinoa, kale, etc), top off your salad with a flavorful filet of salmon or even turn to chilled pasta — a salad is quickly elevated from a side dish to the main attraction.

To help spruce up your Pinterest board with fresh inspiration, today I’m sharing the satisfying summer salad recipes I personally can’t wait to make this season!

Satisfying SUMMER SALAD RECIPES

Satifying Summer Salad Recipes I Can't Wait to Make I Wendy Polisi Roasted Garlic Tomato Lentil Salad #veganeats #summerrecipe — Credit to Wendy Polisi

ROASTED GARLIC AND TOMATO LENTIL SALAD

As soon as this appeared while browsing Pinterest, I immediately flagged it as one of the satisfying summer salad recipes I can’t wait to make to pack for lunches at work. Lentils are among my favorite things ever and Wendy Polisi’s Roasted Garlic and Tomato recipe sounds loaded with flavor — as well as nutrients.

Kale and Napa Slaw Crunchy BBQ Cauliflower Salad

Obviously this beautiful photo also immediately caught my eye on Pinterest and upon reading its ingredients knew it was one of the satisfying summer salad recipes I definitely have to make as it’s a little bit more out of my wheelhouse. I have a love of cauliflower but honestly have never made BBQ cauliflower. From The First Mess, this recipe also includes chickpeas to provide added protein that’s both filling and good for you!

Satisfying Summer Salad Recipes I Asian Noodle Salad Recipe by Julia Frey at Vika Linka — Credit to Julia Frey at Vinka Linka

ASIAN NOODLE SALAD IN PEANUT DRESSING

If you’re allergic to peanuts you’ll need to sit this one out but gosh to I love myself an Asian-inspired salad with peanut dressing. Julie Frey at Vinka Linka is speaking directly to my stomach with this Asian Noodle Salad and I can’t wait to whip this up for a cookout. There’s enough in this satisfying salad to make it work as your entire meal and not just a side. Yum, yum!

BON APPETITE’S LENTIL KALE SALAD

In 2020 I discovered this recipe while reading an issue of Bon Appetite and it remains one of the most satisfying summer salad recipes I look forward to making again and again in the hot months ahead. Caution — this salad recipe is NOT a quick one. It’s easy, but it takes time to fully marinade and bring the flavors together. For the reason I took to making the salad over two days but it’s really up to you depending on your schedule.

Satisfying Summer Salad Recipes I Almond Crusted Salmon Recipe by Munkin Time #summerrecipes #30minuterecipe — Credited to Munkin Time

30-Minute Almond Crusted Salmon

Upon learning I’m significantly Vitamin D deficient — I’ve been really getting back into salmon! It’s rich in Vitamin D as well as other great things like protein, Omega-3s and Vitamin B. So naturally I was on the hunt for different ideas when I landed on this gorgeous almond encrusted salmon that is HIGH on the list of most satisfying summer salad recipes. I was also super impressed that this can come together in 30 minutes — making it a perfect meal for work nights.

Satisfying Summer Salad Recipes I Farro Tomato and Cucumber Recipe by The Kitchn #saladrecipes — Credited to The Kitchn

FARRO SALAD WITH TOMATOES AND CUCUMBER

This is an oldie and a goodie in my book! Farro is one of my favorite ingredients ever. It’s an excellent source of plant-based protein but also has such a fantastic nutty flavor to it that works as a great base. So obviously I had to include The Kitchn’s variation as one of my favorite satisfying summer salad recipes. A perfect way to take advantage of the ultra flavorful tomatoes and basil that’s available in the warmer months.

Satisfying Summer Salad Recipes I Grilled Street Corn Recipe by Half Baked Harvest — Credited to Half Baked Harvist

Street Corn & Quinoa Salad

Another filling and satisfying ingredient to include in salads is quinoa and in the summer months? There’s really no better time to include corn as it is so freshly and readily available. Half Baked Harvest’s recipe is especially perfect for using up any leftover corn you may have from a cookout and is a refreshing option for dinner!

Thank you for reading! Be sure to follow Dreaminlace on Pinterest to discover more recipes and style inspo.

I hope you and all of your loved ones have a wonderful summer season.

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