Easy Summer Salads and Spreads
When it’s too hot to cook, you’ll want to have these Easy Summer Salads and Spreads on hand in the fridge!
Most are ready in less than 10-minutes and perfect for the heat!
These Southern Classic summer salads pair well with just about anything – barbecue, smoked chicken, fried catfish or as a sandwich or dip!
Many of these recipes can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, which helps when you’re starving and it’s too hot to cook! Enjoy!
These recipes are quick and easy, with ingredients you probably already have on hand! Plus, you get a bonus recipe for All-Purpose Sweet and Tangy Salad Dressing!
Why you’ll love these recipes!
- Nothing fancy or gourmet – just simple and fast
- Most of these can be made in less than 10-minutes!
- Serve any of these as a snack with crackers and veggies, as a sandwich or put a scoop on a fresh tomato or ripe avocado!
Simple ingredients:
Most of the ingredients for these easy summer salads and spreads are based on what you probably have in your pantry or freezer: canned tuna, eggs, frozen shrimp, leftover ham, broccoli, chicken, pasta, celery, cheese, mustard and mayonnaise.
Easy storage:
These quick and easy salads and spreads will hold up well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Make ahead:
During the hottest months, I like to make about 3 of these recipes at a time. That way, I get a little variety and, if someone stops by, I have something cool to offer them!
Tips:
Missing an ingredient? Don’t sweat it! Here are some common substitutions you can apply to any of these summer recipes:
- No lemon? Use white vinegar
- No mayonnaise? Use plain yogurt or a combination of cream cheese and sour cream
- Out of celery? Use chopped water chestnuts, bell pepper or celery salt
- No pickle relish? Finely dice sweet or dill pickles, squeeze in a paper towel to drain
- No dill? Use a little tarragon or caraway
- Out of green onions? Use red or yellow onions
- If you’re taking one of these summer salads or spreads to a picnic, keep it chilled by placing the serving bowl in a bowl of ice.
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
When you can’t get to Acapulco, this works!
Delicious Chicken Salad
Put a big scoop of this in a fresh tomato or on a croissant!
Southern Pimento Cheese
A Southern staple…
Deviled Ham Spread
Spread some of this on a buttery cracker…
Vermicelli Summer Salad
This cold pasta salad is perfect for groups!
Shrimp Dill Salad
Use frozen cooked shrimp for this quick recipe!
Crunchy Asian Salad
Refreshing, cold and crunchy…
Classic Caprese
Serve as an appetizer or snack…
Orange Shrimp and Scallop Ceviche
No cooking required…seriously!
Seafood Cobb Salad
A summer spin on the traditional Cobb Salad
Broccoli Crunch
Delicious way to get your greens with Broccoli Crunch!
Marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad
This is always a good side dish or snack!
Serving suggestions:
Most of these easy summer salads and spreads can be served safely outdoors if they’re placed in a bowl of ice.
Pair with a nice cheeseboard-full of a variety of cheeses, crackers, dried fruit and cold cuts
Don’t forget to serve the National Drink of the South – a big glass of cold, homemade Sweet Tea
Related recipes:
Here’s some other ideas to incorporate with your summer salad menu!
- 5-Minute Lemon Butter Sauce
- Tex-Mex Sour Cream Sauce
- Orange Creamsicle Icebox Pie
- No Bake No Egg Lemon Icebox Pie
- No Bake Coconut Cream Pie
If you make any of these summer salads, please scroll down and leave a rating and comment! I love to hear from you!
