23 Fresh Salads for When the Weather is Hot

When the heat kicks in, no one wants to stand over a stove. These fresh, crisp salads are light, flavorful, and perfect for hot weather meals. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just need something simple and satisfying for lunch, these salads are cool, colorful, and packed with seasonal ingredients. From creamy classics to crunchy chopped creations, these 23 salads are made for sunny days.

Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad

Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad
Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Recreate Panera’s beloved Green Goddess Cobb Salad in your own kitchen. This refreshing bowl combines crisp greens, succulent grilled chicken and tangy pickled onions, all drizzled with a creamy herb dressing. Perfect for keto followers seeking a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home!
Get the Recipe: Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad

Panera BBQ Chicken Salad: A Flavor-Packed Copycat Recipe

Panera BBQ Chicken Salad: A Flavor-Packed Copycat Recipe
Panera BBQ Chicken Salad: A Flavor-Packed Copycat Recipe. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in Panera’s BBQ Chicken Salad—a flavor explosion featuring tender chicken, fresh greens, and creamy barbecue ranch dressing. This hearty, protein-packed meal satisfies cravings while keeping lunch light and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Panera BBQ Chicken Salad: A Flavor-Packed Copycat Recipe

Copycat Panera Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken (Complete Recipe)

Copycat Panera Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken (Complete Recipe)
Copycat Panera Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken (Complete Recipe). Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in Panera’s vibrant Fuji Apple Salad with tender chicken, crisp greens, and sweet-tart apple slices. This refreshing dish balances protein and flavor perfectly, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying lunch or dinner that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken (Complete Recipe)

Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing

Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing
Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This zesty taco salad takes your favorite Mexican flavors and adds an irresistible crunch with Fritos corn chips. Every bite delivers a perfect blend of seasoned meat, fresh veggies, and cheesy goodness. A crowd-pleasing family dinner that’s ready in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing

Smoked Chicken Taco Salad

Smoked Chicken Taco Salad
Smoked Chicken Taco Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This mouthwatering taco salad features smoky chicken straight from the smoker, blended with zesty taco seasonings. It’s a perfect balance of healthy ingredients and bold flavors that transforms an ordinary meal into a delicious fiesta – ready in minutes for your busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Taco Salad

Chicken Salad Chick Dill-icious Diva Recipe

Chicken Salad Chick Dill-icious Diva Recipe
Chicken Salad Chick Dill-icious Diva Recipe. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in this refreshing homemade chicken salad that perfectly captures Chicken Salad Chick’s signature flavors. Cool cucumber and aromatic dill blend with creamy, tangy dressing for a versatile dish that elevates both sandwiches and crackers. Make this crowd-pleaser your new go-to lunch favorite!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Chick Dill-icious Diva Recipe

Panera Greek Salad

Panera Greek Salad
Panera Greek Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Experience the vibrant flavors of this homemade Greek salad featuring creamy feta, briny kalamata olives and zesty pepperoncini. Drizzled with our signature Dijon vinaigrette, this refreshing dish delivers restaurant quality taste with simple, fresh ingredients you’ll love.
Get the Recipe: Panera Greek Salad

Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe with Imitation Crab

Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe with Imitation Crab
Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe with Imitation Crab. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Dive into this refreshing pasta salad featuring sweet imitation crab, crisp vegetables, and creamy ranch dressing. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or anytime you need a delicious cold meal option.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe with Imitation Crab

Pasta House Company Salad and Vinaigrette Dressing

Pasta House Company Salad and Vinaigrette Dressing
Pasta House Company Salad and Vinaigrette Dressing. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in restaurant-quality comfort food at home with this velvety fettuccine alfredo. Tender shrimp and pasta swim in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce that rivals Olive Garden’s beloved classic, ready in just half an hour for a quick weeknight luxury.
Get the Recipe: Pasta House Company Salad and Vinaigrette Dressing

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Stetted.

This quick chicken Caesar pasta salad combines classic flavors into one satisfying dish. It’s ready in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or summer gatherings. Creamy, crunchy, and loaded with protein – your new go-to meal for effortless entertaining!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Wendy’s Summer Berry Chicken Salad

Wendy’s Summer Berry Chicken Salad
Wendy’s Summer Berry Chicken Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Recreate Wendy’s beloved seasonal berry salad anytime! Juicy berries, tender grilled chicken and tangy feta cheese combine atop crisp mixed greens for a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Wendy’s Summer Berry Chicken Salad

Cucina! Cucina! Italian Chopped Salad

Cucina! Cucina! Italian Chopped Salad
Cucina! Cucina! Italian Chopped Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Transport your taste buds to Italy with our perfect copycat of Cucina! Cucina!’s legendary chopped salad. Every forkful delivers savory chicken, premium salami, and sharp cheese tossed in a tangy homemade vinaigrette that rivals the restaurant original.
Get the Recipe: Cucina! Cucina! Italian Chopped Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad
Tuna Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This refreshing tuna pasta salad combines flaky fish with al dente pasta and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for busy weekdays or outdoor gatherings when you need something both satisfying and light.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pasta Salad

Costco Quinoa Salad Copycat Recipe

Costco Quinoa Salad Copycat Recipe
Costco Quinoa Salad Copycat Recipe. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Discover this vibrant Costco-inspired quinoa salad that’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or potlucks, this colorful dish delivers protein-packed goodness with every delicious bite. Your new go-to healthy meal awaits!
Get the Recipe: Costco Quinoa Salad Copycat Recipe

Mason Jar Salad Recipe

Mason Jar Salad Recipe
Mason Jar Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

This vibrant chickpea salad packs protein and freshness into a convenient jar that’s perfect for busy days. Crunchy vegetables and a zesty lemon dressing create layers of flavor that stay perfectly crisp until lunchtime. A nutritious meal prep solution you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Mason Jar Salad Recipe

Curried Rice-A-Roni Artichoke Salad

Curried Rice-A-Roni Artichoke Salad
Curried Rice-A-Roni Artichoke Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This vibrant curried Rice-A-Roni salad, studded with artichoke hearts, creates magic in your refrigerator overnight as flavors meld beautifully. Quick to prepare yet impressive enough for gatherings, it’s the make-ahead side dish that always disappears first at potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Curried Rice-A-Roni Artichoke Salad

Chicken Fajita Salad with Creamy Salsa Verde Dressing

Chicken Fajita Salad with Creamy Salsa Verde Dressing
Chicken Fajita Salad with Creamy Salsa Verde Dressing. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Discover a vibrant Chicken Fajita Salad that brings restaurant flavors home. Tender chicken coated in aromatic homemade fajita seasoning roasts to perfection on a simple sheet pan. Fresh, colorful, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavors, this meal combines convenience with bold taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Salad with Creamy Salsa Verde Dressing

Newks Chicken Salad

Newks Chicken Salad
Newks Chicken Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Discover the secret to Newks’ famous chicken salad in this simple copycat recipe. Sweet grapes, crunchy pecans, and crisp vegetables create the perfect balance of flavors and textures you’ll crave again and again. Skip the restaurant line and enjoy this beloved classic at home!
Get the Recipe: Newks Chicken Salad

Classic Overnight Seven Layer Salad

Classic Overnight Seven Layer Salad
Classic Overnight Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This eye-catching layered salad is a feast for both eyes and taste buds! Crisp, colorful vegetables meet tangy, creamy dressing in perfect harmony. Make it ahead for gatherings – the flavors only get better with time. A true crowd-pleaser that looks as impressive as it tastes.
Get the Recipe: Classic Overnight Seven Layer Salad

Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe

Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe
Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Savor this vibrant Mediterranean salad with perfectly grilled, spice-infused chicken. Every bite delivers bold flavors while keeping your meal light and nutritious. A delicious option that satisfies your hunger without weighing you down.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe

Hoagie Pasta Salad

Hoagie Pasta Salad
Hoagie Pasta Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in this mouthwatering Italian sub-inspired pasta salad that transforms the beloved hoagie flavors into a refreshing dish. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or your next potluck, this easy recipe combines zesty ingredients for a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Hoagie Pasta Salad

Strawberry Quinoa Salad With Brie

Strawberry Quinoa Salad With Brie
Strawberry Quinoa Salad With Brie. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

Indulge in a luxurious salad that perfectly balances decadence and nutrition. Creamy brie cheese mingles with sweet strawberries atop a nutrient-rich bed of quinoa, kale, chard and spinach, all brought together by a tantalizing sweet grainy mustard vinaigrette.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Quinoa Salad With Brie

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Honey Mustard Chicken Salad. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

This vibrant honey mustard chicken salad is a game-changer for your dinner menu. Packed with fresh ingredients and tangy-sweet flavors, it’s both nutritious and satisfying. A perfect option for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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