Every product is independently reviewed and selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Summer BBQs aren’t complete without a spread of fresh, flavorful salads that capture the season’s best ingredients.
Whether you’re grilling for a backyard party or hosting a laid-back picnic, these 23+ summer BBQ salad recipes offer the perfect mix of color, crunch, and cooling contrast to smoky, char-grilled mains.
From creamy classics to vibrant veggie-packed bowls, these crowd-pleasing dishes are quick to prep, easy to customize, and made to impress.
With bold dressings, seasonal produce, and a variety of textures, you’ll find something here for every guest and every grill session.
Get ready to elevate your summer table with refreshing sides that taste like sunshine in a bowl.
23+ Irresistible Summer BBQ Salads to Make This Weekend
These 23+ summer BBQ salad recipes bring together the best flavors of the season in dishes that are as versatile as they are delicious.
From sweet-and-savory combinations to tangy and crisp veggie mixes, each salad adds something special to your cookout spread.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or keeping things simple, these recipes are guaranteed to become staples in your summer rotation.
Grilled Corn Salad
Grilled Corn Salad is the smoky, sweet, and tangy side dish your summer BBQ needs.
The charred kernels burst with caramelized flavor, while fresh cilantro, red onion, and a hint of lime add brightness and bite.
A sprinkle of crumbled feta brings a creamy, salty contrast that balances the sweetness of the corn perfectly.
Whether served next to grilled meats or spooned over tacos, this salad adds a vibrant crunch and pop of color to any plate.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad blends the classic flavors of Italy into a cool, creamy dish made for outdoor gatherings.
Juicy cherry tomatoes, soft mozzarella pearls, and fragrant basil leaves combine with al dente pasta for a refreshing, hearty salad.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze and a touch of olive oil tie everything together with a sweet and tangy finish.
Serve it chilled as a flavorful standalone or alongside grilled chicken or seafood for a balanced summer spread.
Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Watermelon Cucumber Salad is a crisp, hydrating mix that cools you down even on the hottest grill days.
Sweet watermelon chunks meet the clean crunch of cucumber, enhanced by fresh mint and a dash of lime juice.
The contrast of flavors—sweet, tart, and herbal—makes every bite unexpectedly delightful.
Enjoy it as a palate cleanser, light side dish, or a refreshing complement to spicy BBQ fare.
Southwest Quinoa Salad
Southwest Quinoa Salad packs bold flavor into every protein-rich bite, perfect for adding substance to your summer BBQ table.
Black beans, corn, and red bell pepper mingle with fluffy quinoa, while a zesty lime-cilantro dressing delivers a tangy, herbal punch.
Creamy avocado slices on top provide a silky contrast to the vibrant crunch beneath.
This salad stands strong on its own or adds depth to grilled meats and tacos.
Greek Chickpea Salad
Greek Chickpea Salad brings the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean to your backyard barbecue.
Earthy chickpeas are tossed with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and salty Kalamata olives in a lemony vinaigrette.
Crumbled feta adds a creamy, tangy edge that elevates each mouthful.
It’s a hearty yet refreshing dish that pairs effortlessly with grilled lamb, chicken, or veggie skewers.
Broccoli Apple Slaw
Broccoli Apple Slaw is a sweet-and-savory twist on traditional BBQ sides, full of crunch and color.
Crisp broccoli florets and tart apple matchsticks are tossed with shredded carrots and a light yogurt-based dressing.
Sunflower seeds add a nutty snap, while a hint of honey rounds out the flavor with gentle sweetness.
It’s a refreshing upgrade to coleslaw and a perfect match for smoky ribs or grilled burgers.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad brings the bold, creamy essence of elote into a spoonable, BBQ-ready form.
Roasted corn kernels are tossed with creamy mayo, zesty lime juice, and a sprinkle of chili powder, creating a smoky-sweet bite with just the right heat.
Cilantro and cotija cheese add a fresh and salty finish that clings to every golden kernel.
Perfect as a side for grilled meats or scooped with tortilla chips, this salad is a standout all on its own.
BLT Pasta Salad
BLT Pasta Salad transforms the iconic sandwich into a cool, tangy crowd-pleaser for your summer spread.
Crisp bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine meet tender pasta, all wrapped in a creamy ranch-style dressing.
Each bite is savory, crunchy, and comfortingly familiar, with just enough zest to balance the richness.
It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or stands proudly as a satisfying main dish.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Strawberry Spinach Salad is a sweet and earthy blend that brings color and elegance to your BBQ lineup.
Fresh strawberries burst with juicy flavor against tender baby spinach, while thin red onions add a delicate sharpness.
A drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette and a scattering of toasted almonds finish the dish with tang and crunch.
This salad is refreshing on its own and a perfect companion to grilled fish or chicken.
Asian Cucumber Salad
Asian Cucumber Salad offers a cool, tangy escape from the heat of the grill with every crisp bite.
Thin-sliced cucumbers soak up a soy-sesame vinaigrette laced with garlic, rice vinegar, and a touch of chili.
The flavors are bold yet light, with a satisfying crunch and refreshing finish.
It complements BBQ pork, beef skewers, or tofu dishes with ease and flair.
Orzo Arugula Salad
Orzo Arugula Salad is a peppery, lemony delight that feels light yet indulgent at every turn.
Orzo pasta mingles with fresh arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan, offering a balance of brightness and richness.
A lemon-olive oil dressing ties it together with a zingy, silky touch.
It’s the perfect base for grilled shrimp or a refreshing side that stands on its own.
Dill Potato Salad
Dill Potato Salad puts a fresh, herbaceous twist on a BBQ staple.
Tender baby potatoes are tossed in a tangy Greek yogurt and Dijon dressing, packed with fresh dill and a hint of garlic.
The result is creamy yet light, with a garden-fresh aroma and a smooth, velvety texture.
It’s a delicious alternative to heavier mayo-based salads and pairs wonderfully with smoky sausages or veggie skewers.
Peach Burrata Salad
Peach Burrata Salad is a luscious mix of sweet fruit and creamy cheese that screams summer elegance.
Juicy, ripe peaches melt against the soft, rich texture of burrata, while arugula adds a peppery bite beneath.
A drizzle of honey and balsamic reduction enhances the sweetness and tang, making each bite feel indulgent yet fresh.
Perfect as a starter or a bright companion to grilled chicken or prosciutto.
Avocado Corn Salad
Avocado Corn Salad is a creamy, crunchy mix that captures the essence of peak summer produce.
Sweet grilled corn blends with buttery avocado and crisp bell peppers, tossed in a zesty lime vinaigrette.
Red onion adds sharpness, while fresh cilantro brings a fragrant herbal note that lingers.
This salad shines alongside BBQ chicken or as a dip with tortilla chips.
Tomato Peach Salad
Tomato Peach Salad is a sweet-savory medley that balances fruity freshness with garden ripeness.
Juicy heirloom tomatoes and sweet peaches are sliced and layered with torn basil and a splash of red wine vinegar.
The textures are soft and silky, and the flavor is pure sunshine on a plate.
It pairs effortlessly with grilled seafood or makes a stunning centerpiece for a light BBQ meal.
Broccoli Grape Salad
Broccoli Grape Salad is a surprising combination that delights with every crunchy, juicy bite.
Fresh broccoli florets mingle with sweet grapes, toasted almonds, and crispy bacon in a tangy yogurt dressing.
The blend of savory and sweet, creamy and crisp, makes it an instant BBQ favorite.
It’s hearty enough to enjoy on its own and bold enough to complement grilled ribs or burgers.
Chickpea Avocado Salad
Chickpea Avocado Salad is a protein-packed powerhouse with creamy, zesty flavor in every forkful.
Mashed avocado coats chickpeas, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with a smooth, citrusy dressing.
The texture is hearty but light, and the flavor is refreshing with a touch of heat from crushed red pepper.
This salad is satisfying on its own or as a bright contrast to smoky grilled meats.
Cabbage Mango Slaw
Cabbage Mango Slaw is a tropical twist on the classic slaw, full of color and crunch.
Shredded red and green cabbage combine with ripe mango slices and a tangy lime-ginger dressing.
Hints of chili add a subtle kick, while the mango lends juicy sweetness that soothes the palate.
It’s the perfect partner for BBQ pork, grilled tofu, or spicy shrimp tacos.
Kale Apple Salad
Kale Apple Salad is a crisp, tangy creation that brings a refreshing crunch to any summer BBQ.
Thinly sliced apples add sweetness to the earthy bite of kale, while a light lemon-honey vinaigrette softens the greens.
Toasted walnuts and crumbled goat cheese create a creamy, nutty contrast in texture and flavor.
It’s a vibrant side that pairs well with grilled pork chops, chicken, or veggie burgers.
Tomato Basil Salad
Tomato Basil Salad captures the simple brilliance of sun-ripened tomatoes and fragrant herbs.
Juicy tomato slices are layered with fresh basil leaves and finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a touch of sea salt.
The aroma is garden-fresh, and the flavor is bold yet clean, making it a timeless summer classic.
Serve it as a light starter or next to grilled steak or garlic shrimp.
Lentil Feta Salad
Lentil Feta Salad is a hearty, tangy bowl of texture and nutrition that holds its own on any BBQ table.
Earthy lentils combine with crisp cucumbers, red onions, and creamy feta, tossed in a lemony herb dressing.
Each bite is a balance of soft and crunchy, salty and citrusy, rich and refreshing.
Great on its own or as a cooling side to spiced grilled meats or kebabs.
Quinoa Tabbouleh
Quinoa Tabbouleh is a fresh, zesty twist on a Middle Eastern favorite, made lighter for summer feasts.
Fluffy quinoa replaces bulgur and soaks up the lemon juice and olive oil, while parsley, mint, tomatoes, and cucumbers add brightness.
The aroma is citrusy and herbaceous, and the texture is light yet satisfying.
This salad complements grilled lamb, falafel, or anything off the skewer.
Roasted Beet Salad
Roasted Beet Salad is a vibrant, earthy mix of flavors that brings depth and color to your BBQ lineup.
Tender roasted beets are paired with tangy goat cheese, arugula, and candied walnuts for a luxurious bite.
A balsamic glaze ties it all together with a sweet, rich finish that lingers.
Serve it as a sophisticated side or a cool contrast to smoky barbecue dishes.
Conclusion
Your summer BBQ deserves more than just the usual sides—and with these 23+ summer BBQ salad recipes, you can serve up freshness, flavor, and flair with every dish.
Each salad is a celebration of seasonal ingredients, making your meals lighter, brighter, and more memorable.
