Summer is the perfect time for salads. On those hot days, there’s nothing like a fresh salad, whether it’s made with fruit, lettuce, macaroni or potatoes. There’s no need to heat up the kitchen preparing them, and some of them even make use of the grill if you’re cooking outdoors anyway!

1. Simple Summer Macaroni Salad

This macaroni salad, prepared by Paula Deen, is so simple that anyone could make it.

Check out some more great macaroni salad recipes!

2. Strawberry and Orange with Citrus Syrup and Fresh Mint

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yum. This recipe is the epitome of summer. Use it as a snack or a fresh dessert. And be sure to check out some of our best fruit salad tips.

3. Black Bean, Corn & Avocado Salad

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s a crowd pleaser that you can make as a side dish, salad or a dip for tortilla chips. The salad uses corn, red onion, black beans, pepper, avocado and cilantro, and it’s topped with a chipotle-honey vinaigrette. Here’s how it’s done.

4. The Best Potato Salad

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is an excellent potato salad that you can bring to parties, potlucks, picnics or barbecues. It uses greek yogurt (like we’ve been doing lately with our potato salads) and a variety of other ingredients you’ve surely got lying around at home. Here’s the recipe. And check out the secret special touches for making the best potato salads while you’re at it.

5. Deviled Egg Salad

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Egg salad is an excellent option for summer. It’s quick and easy, and you can throw it on bread for a protein packed lunch. If you love deviled eggs, you should definitely try out this deviled egg salad recipes from Rachael Ray. And before you get started, check out the absolute best method for easy-to-peel boiled eggs.

6. Grilled Zucchini and Grape Tomato Salad

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This colorful salad is perfect for summer, especially if you’re firing up the grill anyway for the main course. You’ll simply need zucchini, tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a handful of herbs and spices. Here’s the recipe. And to cut all of those grape tomatoes like a ninja, take a look at this life-changing hack.

And if you love zucchini, here are some more recipe ideas for you.

7. Grilled Romaine Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon

Here’s another great salad for the grill, and an out-of-the-ordinary way to use lettuce. For this recipe, you’ll need only a few ingredients for a big taste.

If you’re grilling a bunch of veggies, be sure to check out some tips for grilling them to perfection every time.

What’s your favorite summer salad recipe?