12 Summer Salads for BBQs That Steal the Show

Summer BBQs aren’t just about burgers and ribs—let’s be real, sometimes the side dishes are the real stars of the plate. Whether you’re headed to a cookout, hosting in your backyard, or just need a fresh and easy dish for your family, these 12 summer salads will totally steal the spotlight.

These aren’t your average leafy green bowls. We’re talking flavor-packed, colorful, crowd-pleasing recipes that pair perfectly with grilled favorites and will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe).

12 Summer Salads to Try Now

1. Watermelon Feta Mint Salad

Sweet, juicy watermelon meets creamy feta and fresh mint for the ultimate refresher. Drizzle with balsamic glaze to level it all the way up. This salad screams summer in every bite.

2. Classic Pasta Salad

This one never goes out of style. Toss together cooked rotini, cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, red onions, and Italian dressing. Add cheese cubes or salami for extra flavor.

3. Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad

Fresh off the grill corn gets mixed with ripe avocado, red onion, and lime juice. Sprinkle with cilantro and a dash of chili powder for a smoky-sweet combo that’s hard to beat.

4. Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad

Thin-sliced cucumbers, red onions, and a tangy dill dressing—this one is cool, crisp, and incredibly refreshing on a hot summer day.

5. Caprese Salad Skewers

All the flavor of the traditional Caprese salad, but on a stick! Skewer cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction.

6. Southern-Style Potato Salad

A BBQ classic. Creamy mayo, mustard, relish, hard-boiled eggs, and soft potatoes come together in a nostalgic, comforting dish everyone expects (and secretly loves).

7. Strawberry Spinach Salad

Fresh strawberries, baby spinach, red onion, and candied pecans topped with a light balsamic vinaigrette. Add grilled chicken if you want to turn it into a full meal!

8. Southwest Black Bean & Corn Salad

This zesty, colorful salad features black beans, corn, red peppers, onions, and a lime-cilantro dressing. It’s protein-packed and perfect as a side or scoopable dip with chips.

9. Broccoli Crunch Salad

Raw broccoli florets, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, bacon bits, and a tangy-sweet mayo-based dressing. It’s crunchy, sweet, savory, and super satisfying.

10. Greek Orzo Salad

Orzo pasta tossed with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta, all dressed in a lemony oregano vinaigrette. Simple and light, but full of flavor.

11. Coleslaw with a Twist

Add some chopped apple and a little poppy seed dressing to your classic cabbage coleslaw. It’s a fresh spin on a traditional side that adds a subtle sweetness.

12. Tropical Fruit Salad

Mango, pineapple, kiwi, and strawberries drizzled with lime juice and honey. Serve chilled for the ultimate sweet ending—or beginning—to your BBQ spread.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—12 show-stopping salads that are easy to make, totally delicious, and will have your guests going back for seconds (and thirds). Whether you’re grilling ribs, hot dogs, or veggie skewers, a good salad makes the whole plate feel complete.