Lifestyle

12 Fast & Fresh Salads for Warm Weather Evenings

LifestylePublished May 17, 2016
By Eunice Park
herbed quinoa salad

Everyone loves a good salad, and if you’re craving some fresh ingredients, they make the perfect meal. Salads are healthy and versatile, don’t take a lot of time to make (so long as you're open to chopping), and really hit the spot as the weather gets warmer. 

So let's get creative with the salad-making, shall we? If you’re looking for a variety of vegetables and combination of flavors, check out the salads we found. From Asian Ramen Noodle Salad to Caribbean Chicken Salad, there’s one for you. 

Image via pinchofyum.com

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Broccoli Slaw-placeholder
Broccoli Slaw
recipegirl.com

Broccoli Slaw

This Broccoli Slaw from Lori of Recipe Girl is crunchy and delicious and the sweet and tangy dressing give the slaw another depth of flavor. This slaw pairs well with grilled meat or even pulled pork. Don’t expect any leftovers!

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Quinoa & Kale Protein Salad-placeholder
Quinoa & Kale Protein Salad
foodiecrush.com

Quinoa & Kale Protein Salad

With kale being touted as a super food, you could call this Quinoa and Kale Protein Salad from Heidi of Foodiecrush a super salad. There’s a nice blend of heartiness and fruit. Pomegranate seeds give the salad a nice crunch and clementines more sweetness, making this wholesome salad one that you won’t forget.

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Strawberry, Blueberry & Greens Salad with Honey Vinaigrette-placeholder
Strawberry, Blueberry & Greens Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
thekitchenismyplayground.com

Strawberry, Blueberry & Greens Salad with Honey Vinaigrette

If you want to enjoy the fresh seasonal fruit of spring, this Strawberry, Blueberry & Greens Salad with Honey Vinaigrette from Tracey of The Kitchen Is My Playground embraces pretty berries. Sliced almonds and a tangy honey vinaigrette make it extra delicious.

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Layer Salad-placeholder
Chicken Bacon Ranch Layer Salad
melissasouthernstylekitchen.com

Chicken Bacon Ranch Layer Salad

If seven-layer salads are your thing, don’t miss out on this Chicken Bacon Ranch Layer Salad from Melissa of Melissa Southern Style Kitchen. It’s amazing to look at (put it in a trifle bowl) and offers different flavors with two different homemade dressings: Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing or Garlic and Herb Buttermilk Dressing. Set some aside; there won’t be any left!

More from CafeMom: 12 Moms Share Their Easiest, Go-To Dinner Ideas for Busy, Tired Nights

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Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad with Chicken and Lemony Honey Ginger Dressing-placeholder
Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad with Chicken and Lemony Honey Ginger Dressing
cookingclassy.com

Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad with Chicken and Lemony Honey Ginger Dressing

This Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad with Chicken and Lemony Honey Ginger Dressing from Jaclyn of Cooking Classy will add class to any meal. The combination of chicken, almonds, red bell pepper, and crunchy wonton skins make it bold and flavorful. Who can resist such scrumptiousness?

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Herbed Quinoa Garden Veggie Salad-placeholder
Herbed Quinoa Garden Veggie Salad
pinchofyum.com

Herbed Quinoa Garden Veggie Salad

Quinoa fans: This Herbed Quinoa Garden Veggie Salad from Lindsay of Pinch of Yum will enlighten your palate. Grape tomatoes, a bunch of herbs, and a special lemon herb vinaigrette give this salad a burst of flavor. Irresistible to say the least!

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Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing-placeholder
Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing
the chunkychef.com

Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing

If you like crisp romaine (cold crisp romaine is even better), this salad with Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing from Amanda of The Chunky Chef will definitely dress up your greens. Homemade croutons take the salad to another level of yumminess!

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Mediterranean Pasta Salad-placeholder
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
gimmesomeoven.com

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad from Ali of Gimme Some Oven is a twist on a classic pasta salad. Loaded with fresh veggies and olives and plenty of feta, and tossed in a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette, this salad is great for picnics and parties.

More from CafeMom: 11 No-Bake Cookies for a Sweet Treat That Won't Heat Up the House

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Caribbean Chicken Salad-placeholder
Caribbean Chicken Salad
wellplated.com

Caribbean Chicken Salad

If you’re hankering for tropical flavors, this Caribbean Chicken Salad from Erin of Well Plated is chock-full of crisp veggies, black beans, juicy chicken, and sweet oranges. Topped with a mango lime dressing, the salad’s unique combination will make you want lunch pronto.

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Asian Ramen Noodle Salad-placeholder
Asian Ramen Noodle Salad
gimmesomeoven.com

Asian Ramen Noodle Salad

Asian Ramen Noodle Salad has been a solid staple at potlucks for a long time. Ali from Gimme Some Oven has freshened up her version of Asian Ramen Noodle Salad with ingredients such as fresh mango, avocado and edamame and toasted almonds. It’s crunchy, sweet, and savory, and it will still be the hit at a potluck!

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Southwestern Chopped Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing-placeholder
Southwestern Chopped Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
juliasalbum.com

Southwestern Chopped Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

If you’re gluten-free, this Southwestern Chopped Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing from Melissa of Julia's Album is hearty with chicken and chopped veggies is a good option. Canned black beans and corn make the recipe quick, and red and orange bell pepper and avocado add freshness. A little salt enhances all the flavors.

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Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad-placeholder
Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad
budgetbytes.com

Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad

Some of the most simple salads require a few ingredients, are inexpensive, and still taste delicious, like this Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad from Beth of Budget Bytes. Squash, zucchini, broccoli, and tomatoes and an easy vinaigrette of oils and Dijon mustard make this a foolproof salad for spring.

More from CafeMom: 11 Crowd-Pleasing Dishes Just in Time for a Summer Barbecue (PHOTOS)

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