Fun and Flavorful Salad Ideas for Summer (No Cooking Skills Required)

If the thought of turning on the stove makes you sweat more than the summer heat — we've got some summer salad ideas are for you.

These fresh, flavour-packed salads come together fast, with simple ingredients. No fancy skills. No weird tools. Just toss, drizzle, and enjoy.

1. Mango Avocado Salad

Tastes like summer in a bowl. Sweet, creamy, tangy.

You’ll need:

• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1 ripe avocado, cubed
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens

Dressing:

• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• Optional: Chili pepper flakes

To make it:

1. Put mango, avocado, onion, and greens in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and chili pepper flakes.
3. Drizzle dressing over salad. Toss gently. Eat right away.

2. Caprese Salad Skewers

No fork required. A crowd-pleaser and picnic star.

You’ll need:

• 20 cherry tomatoes
• 20 mini mozzarella balls (a.k.a. bocconcini)
• 20 fresh basil leaves
• 20 small skewers or toothpicks

Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (buy it bottled and just squeeze it over the skewers)

To make it:

1. On each skewer, layer: tomato → basil → mozzarella.
2. Arrange on a platter. Drizzle balsamic glaze on top.

3. Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad

Okay, this one has one step with heat – but it’s worth it. (Or skip the grilling. Still delicious.)

You’ll need:

• 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• 1 ball burrata cheese (about 200g)
• 4 cups arugula or mixed greens
• ¼ cup pine nuts, walnuts, or pecans, toasted or plain

Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette (buy it at the store or make an easy one at home with 2 to 3 parts oil, 1 part vinegar, salt and pepper)

To make it:

1. Optional: Grill peaches cut-side down for 2–3 minutes until charred.
2. Arrange greens on a platter.
3. Add peach slices, tear burrata over top, sprinkle nuts.
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.

4. Thai Quinoa Salad

Make-ahead friendly. Tastes better the next day.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa (about ½ cup dry)
• ½ cup shredded carrots (buy pre-shredded to save time)
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Peanut Lime Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon warm water (to thin if needed)

To make it:

1. Whisk all dressing ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
2. Toss quinoa, veggies, and herbs in a large bowl.
3. Add dressing and mix well. Chill before serving.

PRO TIP: For extra protein, add in a can of chickpeas!

5. Watermelon Feta Salad

No cooking, no stress — just 3 ingredients and a drizzle.

You’ll need:

• 3 cups watermelon, cubed
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

Dressing:

• 1 tablespoon balsamic reduction or glaze

To make it:

1. Combine watermelon, feta, and mint in a bowl.
2. Gently toss to mix.
3. Drizzle balsamic glaze over top. Done.

RELATED: Need more inspiration? Here's a ranking of the best salads ...

Pro Tips for Salad Success (Even If You Hate Cooking)

• Use pre-washed greens and pre-cut produce when possible.
• Don’t stress about perfection. If your avocado is mushy or your tomato slices are uneven, no one cares.
• Keep a few staples on hand: balsamic glaze, lime juice, olive oil, and feta go with almost anything.

Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or just want to keep things simple this summer, these easy salad recipes bring big flavor with low effort. Try one tonight — no stove, no stress, no regrets.