60 Summer Salads to Serve at Any Cookout
Take advantage of the season's freshest flavors.
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When the temperatures climb, the Drummonds know it's time to give the oven a break. Instead of spending too much time in the kitchen, Ree reaches for healthy dinner recipes that help beat the Oklahoma heat—like one of her family's favorite grilling recipes and an easy summer side dish. "Ladd will grill steaks (does a grilled meal count as a no-stove dinner?!) and we'll have them with an iceberg wedge salad. Sometimes, we'll even have the salad as a main course," Ree says.
That's where these summer salads come in. Whether she's making a classic Caesar or mixing things up with creative salad toppings, The Pioneer Woman loves a salad that feels fresh and satisfying. This list includes everything from a watermelon-orzo salad with arugula and feta to a clever spin on a BBQ favorite, complete with cheeseburger patties and pickles.
The key to making the best summer salads is using fresh ingredients. Head to the farmers' market to look for cucumbers, corn, watermelon, and juicy tomatoes. You'll put them all to good use in recipes like the classic Caprese salad and the Greek pesto pasta salad. Looking for a picnic side dish? Try a salad that can be made ahead of time, like the broccoli salad or one of the heartier pasta salad recipes. Whichever one you choose, be sure to have your favorite salad dressing handy, such as the Drummond all-time favorite: homemade ranch.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This sunshine-ready salad brings all the bold flavors—romesco dressing, roasted tomatoes, olives, and peppers. A handful of crispy chickpeas on top gives it that perfect crunch.
Get Ree's Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe.
Taco Pasta Salad
Everything you love about street corn and tacos comes together in this hearty summer salad. It's got spicy chorizo, charred corn, Cotija cheese, and a creamy chili-lime dressing, plus crunchy tortilla chips on top.
Get Ree's Taco Pasta Salad recipe.
Fish and Chips Salad
Who says you can't turn a pub classic into a salad? This clever twist pairs crispy fish and fries with butter lettuce, pickled onions, and a drizzle of tartar-style dressing.
Get the Fish and Chips Salad recipe.
Dill Pickle Ranch
This one's technically a dressing, but it's too good not to include. Creamy, herby, and extra tangy thanks to chopped pickles, it turns any simple salad into something you'll crave again and again.
Get Ree's Dill Pickle Ranch recipe.
BLT Pasta Salad
It's everything you love about a BLT, plus pasta. Tossed with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and romaine in a creamy, zippy ranch dressing, it's basically summer in a bowl.
Get the BLT Pasta Salad recipe.
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
This is a side that disappears fast! Its rich and creamy, packed with bacon, cheddar, dill pickles, and ranch—like your favorite baked potato turned into a cookout-friendly dish.
Get the Loaded Baked Potato Salad recipe.
Crab Cakes with Arugula Salad
Golden crab cakes get paired with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon and olive oil. Add a dollop of creamy caper rémoulade on the side and dinner feels fancy in the best way.
Get Ree's Crab Cakes with Arugula Salad recipe.
Shrimp Pasta Salad
Cool, creamy, and just the right amount of zesty, this pasta salad stars Old Bay–roasted shrimp, crisp veggies, and a dressing that ties everything together.
Get the Shrimp Pasta Salad recipe.
Waldorf Salad
This retro favorite still holds its own. Crunchy apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts come together in a creamy lemony dressing that's as refreshing as ever.
Get the Waldorf Salad recipe.
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Cheese-stuffed pasta meets bold Italian flavors in this crowd-pleasing dish. With salami, olives, mozzarella, and a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette, it’s hearty enough to steal the show.
Get the Tortellini Pasta Salad recipe.
Green Goddess Salad
This salad lives up to its name with a gorgeous mix of greens like cabbage, cucumbers, snap peas, and green onions. It's all coated in a creamy, herby avocado dressing that's packed with flavor from basil, spinach, parmesan, and lemon.
Get the Green Goddess Salad recipe.
Caesar Salad
Sometimes, simple is best. This classic Caesar pairs crisp romaine with homemade croutons, lots of parmesan, and a rich dressing that's way better from scratch than anything in a bottle.
Get the Caesar Salad recipe.
Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad
Forget the lettuce—this one's all about pasta, peas, arugula, and bright herbs. A fresh pesto brings everything together, and the lemon-parmesan breadcrumbs on top seal the deal.
Get Ree's Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
With juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, olives, feta, and tender orzo, this salad has all the bold Mediterranean flavors you love in every bite. A lemony dressing ties it all together.
Get Ree's Mediterranean Orzo Salad recipe.
Ramen Noodle Salad
This potluck favorite has it all: crunchy noodles, sweet mandarin oranges, coleslaw mix, and green onions tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. It holds up great in the fridge, too.
Get the Ramen Noodle Salad recipe.
Asparagus Salad
Tender-crisp asparagus gets tossed with bacon, radishes, walnuts, and parmesan for a salad that’s fresh, salty, and just the right amount of crunchy. It's perfect for summer gatherings.
Get the Asparagus Salad recipe.
Salad with Radishes
Use any mix of greens you like, then toss in a bunch of peppery radishes and drizzle on a bright, homemade dressing. It's a light, versatile salad you'll come back to again and again.
Get Ree's Salad with Radishes recipe.
Carrot Ribbon Salad
Thin ribbons of fresh carrot look stunning on the plate, especially with lemon-tahini dressing and a sprinkle of pistachios, mint, and parsley. It's simple but feels a little fancy.
Get Ree's Carrot Ribbon Salad recipe.
Bow Tie Pasta Salad
This colorful salad has a little bit of everything, like bow tie pasta, diced ham, cheddar, sweet peas, and bell peppers, all tossed in a creamy dressing. It's a great make-ahead option for any summer cookout.
Get the Bow Tie Pasta Salad recipe.
Cabbage Salad
This crunchy salad brings together green cabbage, tart apples, peppery arugula, and toasted pecans for a bright, satisfying bite. A zippy vinaigrette pulls it all together.
Get the Cabbage Salad recipe.
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