Quick and easy summer salads - and easy healthy dressing recipes - to make when it's too hot to cook. Including options that are paleo, keto, Whole30, and vegan too!
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The dog days of summer are here. And when it's hot like this, the last thing I want to do is turn on the stove. So here are 10 easy healthy paleo and keto summer salads - including my all-time favorite. I've made this one twice this week!
Easy Summer Salad Recipes
Easy Tomato Cucumber Salad
My favorite homegrown tomato and cucumber salad! Just add red onions, vinegar, olive oil and fresh basil or mint for an amazing flavor. This salad is my go-to for barbecues, picnics and family gatherings and it's always a hit.
Strawberry Chicken Salad with Spinach
This spinach salad with chicken, strawberries and walnuts is a light and healthy take on the classic strawberry salad. And the homemade dressing is quick and easy with just a few simple ingredients. It's perfect for lunch or brunch too!
Broccoli Salad with Bacon
This healthy broccoli salad recipe will bring back that old-school favorite! It uses crumbled bacon, red onions, apple cider vinegar, walnuts for crunch and golden raisins for that perfect combination of salty, sweet and sour. It's the perfect side dish for BBQ or to take as a dish to pass.
Antipasto Salad
This antipasto salad is made with crunchy romaine lettuce, olives, peppers, prosciutto and pepperoni - all the flavors from antipasti in an easy salad. Just toss with a quick homemade Italian dressing with garlic and herbs, and you've got a hearty main dish salad.
Avocado Caprese Salad
This Caprese salad uses avocado instead of fresh mozzarella to keep it dairy-free and vegan. Add heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic to take it over the top.
Avocado BLT Salad
If you love a BLT sandwich, this salad is for you. It has bacon, lettuce and grape or cherry tomatoes plus avocado for an extra creamy texture. Top it with an easy chipotle vinaigrette for a delicious taste.
Shrimp and Arugula Salad
This simple classic salad is inspired by a salad I had in Sicily. The arugula is dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice. Add large cooked and chilled shrimp for a perfect summer salad.
Raspberry Avocado Turkey Salad
Fresh summer berries pair with roasted turkey breast, walnuts and bibb lettuce for this fruit topped salad. Try it with other summer fruits like watermelon or peaches to change it up.
Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts
This classic chicken salad is perfect for a no-cook dinner. Serve it over a bed of mixed greens or spinach and kale salad - or wrap it in a grain-free tortilla. Or make a salad plate with roasted sweet potato salad or a cassava flour pasta salad with grilled veggies and Italian dressing.
Arugula strawberry salad with Meyer lemon vinaigrette
Try this quick and easy arugula strawberry salad with Meyer lemon vinaigrette as a starter or side salad with fish on the grill.
And here are a few simple dressing recipes you can use to top any salad ingredients you have on hand:
All are gluten-free, dairy-free, and perfect for easy healthy summer salads!
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Wendy says
These look great! I'm always looking for new salad ideas and ways to incorporate more vegetables. I have to remind myself often that even though I can't have nightshades, my family CAN, so I will be using these ideas this summer! 🙂
Lisa says
I hope you enjoy them, Wendy!
Cate says
It looks very fresh and tasty!
Lisa says
Thanks Cate!
Lily Casella says
I have tried some of your recipes, I tell you they are all delicious, they look fresh and l like the way you use herbs and spices to bring out the flavor from the meat and the vegetables you cook. I have just got into eating paleo meals just recently, for five months now I'm love it.
Thank you
Lisa says
Thanks so much Lily! I'm glad you're loving it! 🙂