Six Summer Salad Recipes for Barbecue

Ah, summer — it’s beautiful outside, you’re getting out and being active, and you’re getting ready to head to your fair share of backyard barbecues with friends and family.

While you’re piling your plate high with charred summer hot dogs, perfectly grilled burgers and refreshing cool desserts, here’s an idea: Add a summer salad to the mix that will actually look and taste as delicious as some of those barbecue recipes.

Healthy summer salads are fresh and tangy, and they can complement a barbecue dinner like you wouldn’t believe. There’s so much goodness you can add to a salad — from creamy Greek yogurt dressings and feta cheese, to fruity watermelon and peaches, to juicy steak and chicken.

Don’t believe it? Check out the summer salad recipes below from Aggie’s Kitchen and take one over to your next outdoor grilling party. Good luck bringing home leftovers!

Greek Grilled Cauliflower and Vidalia Onion Quinoa Salad

Yes, salad can incorporate grilling, too! Try this charred and crispy cauliflower mixed into a tasty quinoa salad and topped with feta — you’ll wonder why this isn’t already a staple at every grill out.

Steak Spinach Salad With Grilled Peaches and Red Onion

If you’re looking for another use for juicy, grilled flank steak, add it to a salad! Toss the steak and the peaches on the grill for a summer favorite that’s nutritious and indulgent. Then complement the grilled flavors with spinach, red onion and gorgonzola to complete your masterpiece.

Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Salad With Greek Yogurt

Chicken salad is one of those foods that’s great all year round, but it just tastes better in the summer. It’s fresh, flavorful and can be eaten several different ways — on a sandwich for a heartier meal or on top of some greens for lighter salad fare. This recipe calls for Greek yogurt to balance (or even replace) the mayo.

Summer Black Bean and Corn Salad

If corn is one of your favorite summer foods, join the club. There’s just something about this summer staple that’s delicious in so many ways, on and off the cob. This recipe incorporates black beans, cotija cheese and avocados to add some Mexican flavor to your summer meal.

Roast Beef, Spinach and Arugula Salad With Watermelon

If you liked the idea of a fruity salad with grilled peaches, you should probably try a recipe with watermelon, too. You may have tried watermelon and feta together – an iconic duo – but have you tried watermelon with gorgonzola, roast beef, spinach, arugula and a delicious balsamic vinaigrette?

Garden Farro Salad With Feta

Last but not least, this farro and feta salad is extremely light and simple. Consider it a crowd pleaser because it’s fresh and basic enough to go with anything. The sliced cucumber adds a crunchy, refreshing bite to complement whatever else you’ve got on your plate.

Have a favorite summer salad recipe that’s brightened by dairy? Let us know on social by using #UndeniablyDairy!