By Lisa Esile, MS,
When the sun is high and the days are warm, few things hit the spot like the cool, sweet burst of fresh fruit. Adding in-season summer fruit to salads can transform a simple dish into something spectacular, lending a natural brightness that elevates every bite. Plus, it’s like a built-in dressing—adding moisture, tang, and a splash of color to your plate. This is why we love our summer salads with fruit! Each of these recipes is whole-food, plant-based, made with unprocessed or minimally processed ingredients. Dig into one today!
Worried you might be overdoing it on fruit? Don’t be. Read this article to see why more fruit is better.
Mango Rice Salad Bowls
For a fast, fresh grain bowl loaded with mango-licious flavor, these stunning Mexican-inspired bowls have you covered. A base of brown rice and black beans is loaded with crisp bell peppers, juicy mango, and zesty red onion, creating a rainbow of textures and flavors. Finish with a swirl of creamy avocado-lime dressing.
“I really enjoyed this salad because it has so many flavors, and the beans make up for the protein. Very easy to make and best of all, it was filling.” —Jean
“I really enjoyed this salad because it has so many flavors, and the beans make up for the protein. Very easy to make and best of all, it was filling.” —Jean
10-Minute Strawberry Cucumber Salad
This quick summer salad delivers bright, cooling flavors in every bite and doesn’t take all day to prepare (because who has time for that, when the sun is out!). Crisp cucumbers and tangy strawberries combine with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a sprinkle of walnuts for a touch of richness. Finish with a citrusy Dijon dressing and watch everyone swoon.
“This salad is amazing. So light and refreshing with all the best of summer flavors! My family could not stop eating it.” —So Cal Mom
“This salad is amazing. So light and refreshing with all the best of summer flavors! My family could not stop eating it.” —So Cal Mom
Pineapple Cucumber Salad
This simple three-ingredient salad pairs sweet pineapple with cool, crunchy cucumber and fresh chopped mint for a burst of refreshing flavor. Season with salt and pepper, and it’s ready for prime time. Enjoy it on its own as a refreshing snack, or serve it as a side at your next cookout.
“Everyone at a church potluck enjoyed this and thought it was really good. —Barbara
“Everyone at a church potluck enjoyed this and thought it was really good. —Barbara
Farro Salad With Blueberries and Lemon Dressing
Chewy farro, juicy blueberries, and crisp fennel come together in a fresh and unexpected way in this flavor-packed salad that’s hearty enough to be a main meal. Tossed with tender spinach and scallions, and finished with a punchy lemon–maple dressing, this salad is bright, balanced, and full of seasonal flavor. Note: Readers initially reported being unsure about the flavor combinations, but ultimately ended up loving them!
“So delicious. Everything goes together very well and all the different layers of flavour make this a keeper.” —Liane
“So delicious. Everything goes together very well and all the different layers of flavour make this a keeper.” —Liane
Peach and Tomato Salad
Succulent peaches and ripe tomatoes take the lead in this effortlessly elegant summer salad, layered with tender greens, sliced shallots, and a hint of fresh herbs. Serve with veggie burgers, veggie skewers, or plant-based steaks.
> “I enjoyed this recipe! Such a nice delight.” —Excellent
> “I enjoyed this recipe! Such a nice delight.” —Excellent
Melon and White Bean Salad
Sweet melon and tender white beans come together in this fruity salad that’s all about clean, refreshing flavor. Finished with fresh herbs and a bright citrus splash, this light, five-ingredient dish is perfect for summer—no stove required.
“Wow! Absolutely delicious with white or regular balsamic. Very refreshing and filling for a summer night meal!” —William
“Wow! Absolutely delicious with white or regular balsamic. Very refreshing and filling for a summer night meal!” —William
Plum-Spinach Salad with Curried Lentils
If your plum tree is overflowing or you spot perfect plums at the store, this salad is a must-make. Sweet plums pair perfectly with crisp spinach and spiced, crispy lentils, all tossed in a tangy citrus dressing. Walnuts (or pumpkin seeds) add satisfying crunch, while fresh parsley brings a subtle, aromatic finish.
“Excellent—flavors work well together. I had this salad three days in a row.“ —TL
“Excellent—flavors work well together. I had this salad three days in a row.“ —TL
Ginger-Lime Watermelon Salad
This cooling watermelon salad gets a bright kick from lime, ginger, and a touch of chili and is equal parts sweet, tangy, and refreshing. Feel free to skip the sugar or swap in a drizzle of maple syrup if you prefer a less refined option.
“Very good; I've made it probably a dozen times. I use quinoa or farro and both are great.” —Keri
“Very good; I've made it probably a dozen times. I use quinoa or farro and both are great.” —Keri
Green Bean and Mango Salad
Created by Jessica Nadel as a greener take on classic Thai mango salad, this dish balances juicy mango with tender green beans and fresh veggies. Tomatoes, red onion, and a handful of peanuts add color and crunch, while a simple tamari-lime lends a bright, savory finish. You’ll be licking your fingers after this one!
“Really loved this salad, even though I changed peanuts into berlotti beans:) Mango and cilantro tasted sooo good together and I didn't need the sugar in the dressing.” —Bianca
“Really loved this salad, even though I changed peanuts into berlotti beans:) Mango and cilantro tasted sooo good together and I didn't need the sugar in the dressing.” —Bianca
Grilled Pineapple Veggie Bowl with Spicy Cashew Crema
Grilled pineapple adds a delicious, smoky, caramelized flavor to this hearty summer salad, packed with grilled veggies like portobellos, bell peppers, and squash. Serve over a bed of cooked brown rice and edamame and drizzle with a ginger-infused cashew cream, for a mouthwatering summer meal that’s built to satisfy as well as impress!
Summer Noodle Bowls with Fresh Corn and Blackberries
Cold noodles make perfect sense in summer, providing substance while still being refreshing. Ready in 35 minutes, these sensational noodle bowls are packed with fresh produce, including sweet corn, juicy blackberries (or cherries), crisp radishes, and tender baby spinach. Thin noodles, such as capellini or whole grain spaghetti, work well in this dish. A creamy lime-avocado dressing adds tangy richness to each bite.
“Yum! My family really enjoyed this recipe.” —Kelly
“Yum! My family really enjoyed this recipe.” —Kelly
Tropical Fruit Salad with Ginger-Lime Dressing
This stunning, fruit-laden summer salad—created by Jamaica-born Chef Troy Levy—features sweet watermelon, juicy papaya, crisp cucumber, and tart pomegranate seeds in a palate-pleasing combination that’s perfect for entertaining. A lemongrass–ginger–lime dressing adds zing, while seaweed flakes and dried oyster mushrooms lend a savory edge.
Fresh Pineapple and Barley Salad
This tropical barley salad combines chewy whole grains with sweet pineapple, crisp bell pepper, and fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), all tossed in a creamy cashew-lime dressing. Served in lettuce cups and finished with a hint of ancho chile, it’s a perfect option for a summer meal. Note: With cooked barley on hand, this comes together in about 20 minutes!
“Very tasty and easy to make.” —Lydia
“Very tasty and easy to make.” —Lydia
Stone Fruit Pasta Salad with Fennel
The secret to this salad’s success is the balance of hearty whole grain pasta with the tangy sweetness of fresh nectarines and cherries. Peppery arugula and finely chopped fennel add a subtle depth that ties everything together, and a simple, creamy dressing made from blended chickpeas, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard lends a creamy tang that melds perfectly with the other flavors.
“My daughter made this for me when she invited me over for dinner. It was totally delicious! I had to get the recipe so that I can make it.” —Mary Lou
“My daughter made this for me when she invited me over for dinner. It was totally delicious! I had to get the recipe so that I can make it.” —Mary Lou
Spinach, Pineapple, and Strawberry Salad
Strawberries are a welcome addition to just about any salad—their bold color and tangy-sweet flavor can elevate even the simplest mix. In this recipe, they’re paired with sweet golden pineapple and balanced by the fresh green goodness of spinach and edamame. (Thawed frozen edamame works just fine.) A sprinkle of chopped chives and almonds and a drizzle of Dijon vinaigrette is all it takes to finish this beauty off!
“This salad was delicious! The combination of the sweet strawberries and grilled pineapple contrasted nicely with the sharp mustard. Such a perfect summer dinner.” —So Cal Mom
“This salad was delicious! The combination of the sweet strawberries and grilled pineapple contrasted nicely with the sharp mustard. Such a perfect summer dinner.” —So Cal Mom
Vegan Pineapple Coleslaw
Juicy pineapple pairs with crisp cabbage and grated carrot in this tangy coleslaw with a tropical twist. Unlike traditional slaws weighed down by mayonnaise, this recipe keeps things light with a creamy tofu-based dressing made in minutes using lemon juice, pineapple juice, and a touch of cayenne. Enjoy with a veggie burger or as a side dish at your next cookout.
Summer Celebration Fruit Bowls
A summer gathering isn’t complete without a big bowl of fresh fruit salad. This tasty version uses a scooped-out watermelon as the bowl—a fun presentation, though any bowl will do. Watermelon, cantaloupe, and strawberries are mixed with cucumber and jicama, then brightened with lime juice and fresh mint. Sprinkle with Tajín or chili seasoning just before serving for an extra kick.
Grilled Peach and Blueberry Pasta Salad
Grilled peaches take center stage in this summery pasta salad, becoming irresistibly juicy and caramelized as they cook—think drip-down-your-chin sweetness with a hint of smoky depth. Paired with fresh blueberries, peppery arugula, hearty multigrain penne, and a zesty lemon–Dijon dressing, this stand-out summer salad is one to bookmark for when you can get your hands on some peaches!
“Loved this salad.” —Fran
“Loved this salad.” —Fran
Grilled Watermelon and Honeydew Salad
Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew in this simple, elegant summer salad. Lightly charred and chilled, the melons are cubed and tossed with white balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, and crunchy roasted pistachios.
“Wow! So good and different! We are a family of seven, and six out of seven gobbled it up, especially my picky eater!” —AJ
“Wow! So good and different! We are a family of seven, and six out of seven gobbled it up, especially my picky eater!” —AJ
Power Berry Quinoa and Kale Salad
This colorful salad is made with just a handful of ingredients and is perfect for any occasion, from entertaining to a quick, light lunch to get you through your workday. It starts with a base of quinoa, chia seeds, and baby kale tossed in a simple dressing. Top with crunchy pepitas and a trio of berries: blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
“It turned out tasty and colourful.” —Anna
“It turned out tasty and colourful.” —Anna
Strawberry-Mint Salad with Easy Maple-Dijon Dressing
This fresh strawberry-mint salad strikes a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and crisp flavors. Juicy berries, red onion, and crunchy jicama (or cucumber) are tossed in a taste bud–tingling dressing of Dijon, lime, maple syrup, and red pepper flakes. Finished with fresh mint or basil, it’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect as a light side dish for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Peachy-Orange Arugula Salad
Juicy orange and a mix of fresh and grilled peaches make this mouthwatering salad one to remember. Serve it over a bed of arugula or your favorite salad greens, and finish with a touch of lime juice, maple syrup, and fresh rosemary. Primo!
“Nutritious, easy to prepare.” —Cecilia Tanlo
“Nutritious, easy to prepare.” —Cecilia Tanlo
For more recipes using your favorite summer fruits, check out these tasty collections:
About the Author
About the Author
Lisa Esile, MS
As an author, Do Nothing meditation instructor, and wellness coach, Lisa Esile combines her love for food and nutrition with her mental health background and delights in helping people find a stress-free way to make lasting lifestyle changes. Esile has a master’s degree in human nutrition and is the co-author/illustrator of Whose Mind Is It Anyway? Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life. Learn more at lisaesile.com.
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