20 Essential Summertime Salads

Salads don't have to be a pile of wilted greens coated in an excessive amount of oily, calorific dressing. The summer season brings with it the most amazing produce, which is perfect for making extravagant salads that take center stage at the dinner table, rather than being a last-minute afterthought. In these warm, sunny months filled with ripe fruits and vegetables, there is no excuse to ever make a flavor-free, entirely underwhelming salad.

Fluffy quinoa, refreshing mint, and juicy avocados combine to make a protein-packed, fresh but filling salad.

For the Avocado and Mint Quinoa Salad recipe, click here.

This hearty salad will satisfy even the hungriest carnivores amongst you. Filled with all our favorite summery ingredients, this salad makes a delicious, almost indulgent, meal.

For the BLT Chopped Salad With Corn, Feta, and Avocado recipe, click here.

A simple Caesar salad is a classic for a reason. Make the dressing yourself for the creamiest, silkiest coating on those crunchy leaves.

For the Caesar Salad recipe, click here.

Add some seafood to your salad this summer. This colorful dish is so refreshing — just what a hot summer's day needs.

For the Calamari, Chile, and Watermelon Salad recipe, click here.

West Coast ingredients meet Eastern flavors in this exotic salad. Whole-wheat pasta and slices of ripe avocado are tossed in a raspberry-soy vinaigrette for the tastiest dish.

For the California Asian Pasta Salad recipe, click here.

Make the most of summer's fresh corn in this bright and crunchy Mexican-inspired salad. Char the corn gently, and toss it with sour cream, spices, and cilantro to add zing and richness.

Charred Mexican Corn Salad recipe, click here.

Swap the classic Greek salad for this super simple variation on the traditional recipe. The dried plums add a hint of sweetness to the refreshing, crisp salad.

For the Dried Plum, Tomato, and Feta Salad recipe, click here.

This light salad is packed full of flavor from the caramelized onions, fresh spring peas, salty feta, and nutty farro.

For the Farro Salad With Spring Peas, Onions, and Feta recipe, click here.

This French-inspired salad is made wonderfully decadent thanks to the perfectly poached eggs, blanched asparagus, and salty prosciutto.

For the Frisée Salad With Asparagus and Prosciutto recipe, click here.

Cooking all the ingredients for your salad on the grill ensures that your meal will be packed full of the most addictive smoky flavors.

For the Grilled Eggplant, Tomato, and Mozzarella Salad recipe, click here.

Turn a simple summer salad into a satisfying meal by tossing the leaves with avocado, and topping it with a grilled filet of fresh salmon.

For the Grilled Salmon and Avocado Salad recipe, click here.

Enjoy your layered taco salad without ingesting your daily allowance of calories in one sitting, thanks to the subtle changes made to this classic Tex-Mex favorite.

For the Healthy Taco Salad recipe, click here.

Make the most of summer's fresh zucchinis by lightly marinating them before tossing them with roast chicken, fresh herbs, green leaves, and a mustard dressing.

For the Marinated Zucchini Chicken Salad With Marcona Almonds recipe, click here.

This Tuscan bread and tomato salad is so perfect for summer: Filling, refreshing, and easy to make. Use the ripest, juiciest tomatoes, and imagine you're dining in the beautiful Tuscan countryside.

For the Panzanella Salad recipe, click here.

Thinly sliced raw baby beets are so pretty, and are the perfect match for the season's cherry tomatoes. The Manchego cheese cuts through the earthy sweetness of the beets, and the walnuts add a satisfying crunch.

For the Raw Beet and Cherry Tomato Salad With Manchego Cheese and Walnuts recipe, click here.

Make the most of this fabulous grilling season by serving a classic Salade Niçoise topped with a perfectly grilled tuna steak at every dinner party you host this summer.

For the Salad Niçoise recipe, click here.

Add some heat to your summer salads by tossing thinly sliced raw vegetables in a maple dressing, and serving with a spicy sesame-wasabi topping sprinkled over the top.

For the Spicy Sesame Salad recipe, click here.

Finely chopped herbs are always refreshing and delicious: This citrusy tabbouleh salad combines parsley, tomatoes, and cracked wheat or bulgur to give the salad some extra substance.

For the Tabbouleh Salad recipe, click here.

Salads don't get any more delicious than this luxurious grilled steak salad. Your favorite cut of meat is cooked on a smoky grill and served atop a crunchy, sweet and sour Thai salad.

For the Thai Grilled Steak Salad recipe, click here.

Add a boost of color to your summer dining table by serving up a huge bowl of this tri-color slaw. This bright salad makes the perfect side dish for every summer barbecue you host over the next few months.

For the Tri-Color Slaw With Lime Dressing recipe, click here.