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18 summer salads for easy lunches

Photographer: Ali Redmond.
Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.

Summer just got better with these easy salad lunches. In 30-minutes or less, you’ll have lunch at the table in just a couple of steps. Filled with peak-season produce like cucumbers, tomatoes and leafy greens, these fresh salads are ones you’ll want to make all summer long. Try our High-Protein Chicken Pasta Salad or our Avocado Black Bean Salad fo...

Summer just got better with these easy salad lunches. In 30-minutes or less, you’ll have lunch at the table in just a couple of steps. Filled with peak-season produce like cucumbers, tomatoes and leafy greens, these fresh salads are ones you’ll want to make all summer long. Try our High-Protein Chicken Pasta Salad or our Avocado Black Bean Salad for fresh, flavorful recipes you’ll return to all season long.

01 of 18

Orzo Salad with Broccoli & Chickpeas Is High in Fiber

A recipe image of Orzo Salad with Broccoli & Chickpeas.
Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.

This bright, veggie-packed orzo salad comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for meal prep, picnics or easy lunches. Briny capers, fresh lemon and parsley add plenty of flavor to every bite.

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02 of 18

Cucumber-Chicken Salad Is a Quick, High-Protein Lunch

A recipe image of Cucumber-Chicken Salad.
Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.

This creamy cucumber-chicken salad is a refreshing, protein-packed option for lunch or a light dinner. Fresh dill and cider vinegar add a bright flavor that pairs perfectly with the cool, crunchy vegetables.

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03 of 18

Lebanese Tomato-Cucumber Salad

A recipe image of Lebanese Tomato Cucumber Salad.
Credit: Photographer: Jason Donnelly, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Food Stylist Assistant: Debra Cioccio, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.

This simple Lebanese-inspired salad highlights fresh summer produce with a bright, tangy dressing and plenty of fresh oregano. Letting the salad sit before serving allows the tomatoes and cucumbers to soak up the red-wine vinegar and olive oil, creating a flavorful, juicy side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, fish or pita.

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04 of 18

5-Ingredient Avocado & Black Bean Salad

Bowl containing avocado black beans cherry tomatoes and red onions
Credit: Ali Redmond

This Avocado & Black Bean Salad comes together in just 20 minutes with a handful of simple ingredients. The combination of fiber-rich beans and healthy fats from avocado makes this salad both satisfying and refreshing. It’s an easy option for potlucks, picnics and busy weeknights.

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05 of 18

Tomato Crunch Salad Is a Quick, High-Fiber Side

A recipe image of Tomato Crunch Salad
Credit: Photographer: Stacy K. Allen.

This vibrant tomato salad is inspired by Southeast Asian flavors, pairing juicy tomatoes with a tangy lime–fish sauce dressing. Serve it alongside grilled meats, seafood or rice dishes for a fresh and complete summer meal.

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06 of 18

Creamy Cucumber-Tomato Salad with Feta & Chickpeas

A recipe image of High-Protein Creamy Cucumber-Tomato Salad with Feta & Chickpeas.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.

This high-protein cucumber-tomato salad gets a creamy upgrade with a blended cottage cheese dressing. Fresh herbs, lemon and garlic add bright, savory flavor, while chickpeas and feta boost the protein to make it more satisfying than a typical side. It’s a refreshing, no-cook dish that pairs well with a variety of mains.

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07 of 18

High-Protein Chicken Pasta Salad

A recipe image of High-Protein Chicken Pasta Salad
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.

This high-protein chicken pasta salad is a satisfying, meal-prep-friendly dish that’s perfect for lunches, potlucks or easy dinners. Tender chicken, whole-wheat pasta and feta cheese boost the protein, while crisp vegetables add freshness and crunch. A zesty lemon–red-wine vinaigrette brings everything together for a bright, balanced flavor in every bite.

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08 of 18

Chickpea, Cabbage & Cucumber Salad

A recipe image of Chickpea, Cabbage & Cucumber Salad
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Lauren Odum, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.

This easy salad comes together quickly for lunch or dinner. From crisp cucumbers to crunchy cabbage, it’s super fresh with tons of textural contrast. Tomatoes add a pop of sweetness and acidity. If you don’t have chickpeas on hand, white beans make an excellent swap.

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09 of 18

High-Protein Veggie Salad

A recipe image of High-Protein Veggie Salad.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This colorful, protein-packed salad combines black beans, fresh vegetables and a zesty lime dressing for a quick, satisfying meal. With fiber-rich beans, leafy greens and healthy fats from avocado oil, it delivers bold, fresh flavor in every bite.

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10 of 18

Carrot-Vinegar Salad

A recipe image of Carrot-Vinegar Salad.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This carrot-vinegar salad is a simple, refreshing side that highlights crisp vegetables and a lightly sweet-tangy dressing. Finished with fresh herbs, this quick salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes and comes together in just 20 minutes.

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11 of 18

Cucumber Salad with Spicy Yogurt Dressing

A recipe image of Cucumber Salad with Spicy Yogurt Dressing
Credit: Photographer: Jason Donnelly, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Food Stylist Assistant: Debra Cioccio, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.

Cool, crisp and creamy, this cucumber salad is the kind of refreshing side dish you’ll want on repeat all summer long. Persian cucumbers, red onion and jalapeño are tossed in a tangy cilantro-lime yogurt dressing that’s packed with bright, herby flavor and just a hint of heat. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, burgers or tacos for an easy dish that comes together in just 15 minutes.

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12 of 18

Tomato, Cucumber & White Bean Salad

A recipe image of Tomato, Cucumber & White Bean Salad with Chive Vinaigrette.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This fresh salad highlights crisp vegetables and creamy white beans tossed in a vibrant chive vinaigrette. Blending the dressing creates a smooth, herb-forward sauce that evenly coats every bite. Served over tender baby kale, this quick entree is light, satisfying and packed with plant-based nutrients.

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13 of 18

Cucumber Crunch Salad

A recipe image of Cucumber Crunch Salad.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This cucumber crunch salad gets big flavor from a quick dill pickle vinaigrette. Fresh dill, shallot and lemon brighten the dressing, while toasted cashews help make it satisfying. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy, refreshing side dish for grilled chicken, fish or burgers.

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14 of 18

Green Bean & Tuna Salad

A recipe image of Green Bean & Tuna Salad.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This bright green bean and tuna salad is a quick, protein-packed entree that comes together in just 25 minutes. Crisp green beans, flaky tuna and fresh herbs are tossed in a tangy Dijon vinaigrette, while peperoncini add a briny pop of flavor. Serve it on its own for a light dinner or with crusty bread for a more filling meal.

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15 of 18

Lemon-Garlic Dense Bean Salad with Feta

A recipe image of Dense Lemon-Garlic Bean Salad with Feta.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

Lemon and red-wine vinegar brighten this hearty bean salad, while creamy feta and crunchy roasted almonds add richness and texture. Serve it on its own for a quick lunch or pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a simple dinner.

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16 of 18

Crunchy Cucumber, Radish & Snap Pea Chopped Salad

A recipe image of Crunchy Cucumber, Radish & Snap Pea Chopped Salad.
Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio.

This chopped salad combines crisp cucumber, sweet snap peas and peppery radishes with a bright lemon-shallot dressing. Letting the shallot stand briefly in the lemon juice softens its bite while building flavor in the dressing.

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17 of 18

Roasted Vegetable & Bean Pasta Salad

A recipe image of Roasted Vegetable & Bean Pasta Salad.
Credit: Photographer: Diana Chistruga.

This easy pasta salad is a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion. Roasted vegetables and white beans add plant-based fiber and protein, while a quick herb vinaigrette ties everything together. If you want to make it more filling, grilled chicken would be an excellent addition.

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18 of 18

Chopped Italian Chickpea Salad

A recipe image of Chopped Italian Chickpea Salad.
Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist Phoebe Hauser.

This chopped Italian-inspired salad combines crisp lettuce, creamy chickpeas, juicy tomatoes and sharp provolone in a zesty red-wine vinaigrette. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own for lunch yet versatile enough to serve alongside grilled chicken or fish.

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