Mae’s Top 10 Summer Salads
Summer is the perfect season for vibrant meals that celebrate freshness, simplicity, and seasonal produce. Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering, prepping a no-cook weeknight dinner, or just craving something light and flavorful, a good salad hits the spot every time.
This year, my salad game has been all about bright herbs, crisp textures, and wholesome ingredients. Below are 10 of my favorite summer salads from 2025 (so far) —including three of my own from the @goodlivingxmae Instagram page—grouped by flavor and vibe so you can easily find your match.
🥭 FRESH & FRUITY
When the heat is on, nothing feels more refreshing than fruits in your salad bowl. This category is all about juicy, hydrating ingredients like watermelon, mango, peaches, and strawberries. These sweet-savory combos bring a burst of brightness to your summer table and pair beautifully with grilled mains or stand alone as light, energizing meals. it’s also a guaranteed hit with kids, who will love the colour and burst of unexpected sweetness!
1. Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Nothing says summer like juicy strawberries. Paired with baby spinach, creamy goat cheese, toasted pecans, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this salad is perfect for brunch or served alongside grilled chicken.
My go-to: Delish’s Strawberry Spinach Salad
2. Mango & Black Bean Salad
Sweet mango meets hearty black beans in this colorful and protein-packed dish. Tossed with bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and a zesty chili-lime vinaigrette. Great as a side, taco topping, or scoopable dip.
Inspired by: BBC Good Food’s Mango Salad with Black beans
3. Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad
When summer peaches are in peak season, grill them and pair with burrata, arugula, and a honey-lemon vinaigrette. Elegant and effortless.
What I’m loving right now: Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad by Wanderings in my Kitchen
🥕 HEARTY & WHOLESOME
Need a salad that actually fills you up? These nourishing options are packed with fiber, protein, and good fats to fuel your day. Featuring ingredients like sweet potatoes, quinoa, kale, and chickpeas, these bowls are great for lunch meal prep or dinner with minimal fuss. They're proof that salads can be both comforting and crave-worthy.
4. Roasted Sweet Potato & Kale Salad (My Original Recipe)
This soul-nourishing bowl starts with roasted sweet potatoes tossed in smoked paprika. Add chopped kale, dried cranberries, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a maple-Dijon vinaigrette. It’s satisfying enough for dinner and perfect for meal prep. 🧡 See it here
5. Zesty Chickpea & Cucumber Crunch Bowl
This no-lettuce salad is full of texture and plant-based protein. Chickpeas, cucumber, radish, red cabbage, and dill come together in a lemon-tahini dressing. Get it here: NYT Cooking’s Lemony Chickpea Salad
6. Quinoa Tabbouleh with Mint & Parsley
A refreshing twist on traditional tabbouleh using gluten-free quinoa. Loaded with parsley, mint, cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon juice. Inspired by: Cookie + Kate’s Quinoa Tabbouleh
🌿 HERBY & VIBRANT
Fresh herbs are the magic of summer salads—adding aroma, flavor, and that garden-to-table feel. In this category, you’ll find bold pesto pasta, smoky grilled corn, and slaws with punchy vinaigrettes. These salads are big on zest and perfect for those who love a little bite, crunch, and herbal flair in every forkful.
7. Garden Herb Pesto Pasta Salad with Prawns (My Original Recipe)
One of my absolute summer favorites: fusilli pasta tossed with a homemade herb pesto (parsley, cilantro, Thai basil), seared tiger prawns, cherry tomatoes, and garden-fresh garnish. 🌿 Watch the reel on Instagram
8. Charred Corn & Avocado Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
Grill your corn for a smoky finish, then mix with creamy avocado, red onion, cilantro, and lime. Add black beans or grilled shrimp to make it a meal. Try a version from: Food52
9. Watermelon, Cucumber & Feta Salad (My Original Recipe)
This salad is a summer icon. Sweet watermelon, crisp cucumber, salty feta, mint leaves, and balsamic glaze = flavor harmony. Check out my version of this classic summer salad.
10. Sesame Asian Slaw
A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, green onions, and a soy-sesame dressing. Slivered almonds and toasted sesame seeds take it over the top. Perfect for BBQs or lunch bowls. Inspired by: Minimalist Baker’s Asian Slaw
Save, Pin & Share
Want to revisit these later? Pin this post or bookmark it for your weekly meal planning. And if you try any of these recipes (or remix them), tag me on Instagram @goodlivingxmae—I'd love to see your creations.
