Bless your heart, summertime in the South is a scorcher. The kind of heat that makes you crave a tall glass of sweet tea and a meal that won’t weigh you down. That’s where our trusty summer salads come in. Our summer salads are packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients that are light on the stomach but big on flavor, keeping you cool all summer long.

From the Market to Your Plate

Let’s start with a classic burst of summer sunshine. Our Watermelon and Fresh Cheese Salad with Jalapeño-Honey Vinaigrette is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Juicy watermelon cubes are tossed with crisp jalapeño and crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese for a salty bite, and a fresh burst of mint for that perfect summery aroma. Dress it all up with a simple vinaigrette of honey and lime juice, and you’ve got a side dish that’s as light as a cool breeze.

Kick it Up a Notch

Feeling a little adventurous? Try our Blueberry Maple Chicken Kale Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette. Seasonal blueberries dapple with maple syrup across browned, juicy chicken breasts. Delicate baby kale stands up brilliantly to bacon vinaigrette, transforming this dish from satisfying side to an elegant, bright main.

Don’t Forget the Classics

Sometimes, you just can’t beat a good old-fashioned Creamy Potato Salad. Yukon golds are the star here, mixed with the mustard, dill, and mayo gold standard. This dish is a cookout’s best friend, but is also perfect for a picnic lunch.

Salad for the Grill Masters

Summer means firing up the grill, and salads like our Herbed Cucumber Salad is the perfect companion to your favorite grilled meats. A colorful and refreshing option, it doesn’t get better than a crunchy bite cucumber, juicy pop of tomatoes, and freshly cut herbs. This light salad stands up to grill marks, fatty cuts, and smoked specialties with ease.

Looking for Something Different?

Craving something unique? Chicken Salad with Dumpling Crackers is a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Crispy dumpling wrappers makes this a wonderful salad you can share with friends. Dress this chicken salad up any way you like! Add hatch chiles and cilantro for a Tex-Mex flare or apples for a fresh crunch. The world is your salad!

Picnic Pick-Me-Up

Our Mason Jar Cornbread Salad with Buttermilk Vinaigrette is a symphony of sweet cornbread crumbles, creamy black beans, juicy tomatoes, and crisp veggies, all drizzled with a tangy buttermilk dressing. Layer it up in jars for a grab-and-go lunch or a refreshing side dish at your next potluck. This recipe is sure to become a new summer staple!

A Beautiful Duet

Our Green Goddess Cobb Salad takes the classic up a notch with a creamy herb dressing packed with flavor. Think tender chicken, crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, and all the fixings, bathed in a vibrant green goddess dressing. It’s a hearty yet refreshing salad that’s perfect for a light summer lunch or a satisfying dinner.

Make a Splash

Dive into summer with our Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad! Succulent shrimp mingle with al dente pasta in a dreamy, mayonnaise-based dressing kissed with lemon and dill. Chopped celery and red bell pepper add a delightful crunch, while fresh parsley brings a pop of color. This elegant yet easy salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at potlucks and picnics, or a perfect light lunch on a hot summer day.

For more summer salads that beat the heat, check out our May/June 2024 issue or subscribe to our newsletter!