5 Summer Salads I Have on Repeat

Summer’s here, and you know what that means: I’m living in linen and swimsuits, chasing my kids around the pool, and reaching for the kind of food that’s equal parts refreshing and delicious. These five summer salads are my current obsessions—light enough for lunch, satisfying enough for dinner, and packed with seasonal ingredients that actually make me feel good. If I could eat them every day? Honestly, I just might.

Here’s what’s been on repeat in my kitchen and showing up on my feed:

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1. Lemon-Herb Orzo Salad – watch me make it!

Let’s kick it off with my favorite Italian summer salad—and the one I’m making on autopilot. It’s fresh, zesty, and gets better as it sits (aka perfect for mom life).

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo, cooked and cooled
• 1 red onion
• 1/2 cucumber diced
• 1/2 cup grilled asparagus
• 1/2 avocado
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta
• 1/2 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
• Parmesan
• Basil
• Capers
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp Garcia de la Cruz olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions:

1. Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cool water, and let it chill.
2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, add pasta
3. Season with salt and pepper. Chill for 30 minutes or more for max flavor.

💡 Optional add-in: grilled shrimp

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2. 🍉 Watermelon, Feta & Mint Salad (with a Chili-Lime Twist)

Sweet, salty, and a little spicy—this salad is pure summer joy. Inspired by Mexican street fruit, it’s hydrating and addictive.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cubed watermelon
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 tsp chili powder (or Tajín)
• Drizzle of honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Toss watermelon, mint, and feta in a large bowl.
2. Squeeze fresh lime juice over top and sprinkle with chili powder.
3. Add a drizzle of honey if your watermelon isn’t super sweet. Serve chilled.

📌 Pro Tip: Serve on a platter for that wow-factor.

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3. 🍑 Grilled Peach & Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese

This one’s basically a sunset in a bowl. The smoky peaches, creamy goat cheese, and peppery arugula are a chef’s kiss combo.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• 4 cups arugula
• 2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Brush peach halves with olive oil and grill for 2–3 minutes on each side.
2. Slice grilled peaches and layer over arugula.
3. Top with goat cheese, nuts, and a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze.

💡 Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken or prosciutto.

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4. 🌽 Mexican Street Corn & Tomato Salad (Esquites-Inspired)

Inspired by elote, but make it a salad. This one is smoky, creamy, and herb-packed—perfect for BBQs or Taco Tuesdays.

Ingredients:

• 3 ears corn, grilled and cut off the cob (or 2 cups frozen roasted corn)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta
• 2 tbsp mayo or Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine corn, tomatoes, cilantro, and cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo/yogurt, lime juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss everything together and chill before serving.

🔥 Optional: Add chopped jalapeño for heat!

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5. 🥒 The Viral Green Goddess Chopped Salad (That Actually Lives Up to the Hype)

This TikTok-famous salad has been everywhere—and for good reason. It’s crunchy, creamy, and totally addictive. The version I love is from Baked by Melissa, and yes—you will want to eat it with chips like dip.

Ingredients:

• 1 small green cabbage, finely chopped
• 1–2 cucumbers, finely diced
• 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced

Green Goddess Dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup walnuts or cashews
• 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small shallot
• 1 cup basil leaves
• 1 cup spinach
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed for consistency

Instructions:

1. Blend all dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy.
2. Mix chopped veggies in a bowl and pour dressing on top.
3. Toss well and serve with tortilla chips, or just dig in with a fork.

💚 Crunch level: 10/10.

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🥄 Save This Post—Your Summer Salad Game Is Now Elite

Whether you’re hosting friends or just trying to feed yourself between dance practices and bedtime stories, these salads have you covered. They’re fast, fresh, and full of feel-good ingredients. Plus, you can always dress them up with your favorite protein or pair with a glass of chilled rosé (because, balance).

If you try any of these, tag me on Instagram @CityGirlGoneMom—because I love seeing how you make them your own.

What salads are you loving this summer? Comment below!