37 Best BBQ Salads (Easy Ideas for Summer)

These BBQ salads are perfect if you want something light and refreshing for your summer celebrations!

Doesn’t the thought of warm weather and BBQ cookouts make you feel pure bliss? 

The smell of charring meat, the sound of people laughing, and the warm summer breeze can’t be topped.

And you can make those good times even better with an amazing salad!

Whether you’re craving grilled veggies, juicy fruits, or meaty treats, I have you covered.

From classic potato salad to pasta salad and fruity delights, these recipes are sure to please.

Ready? Read on and kick your salad game up a notch!

1. BBQ Chicken Salad

If you’re looking for a salad worth the calories, search no further.

This salad features crisp veggies, juicy tomatoes, creamy ranch dressing, and some cheesy goodness.

Plus, the mini tortillas and soft avocado bring a delightful texture contrast.

It’s the perfect way to get your veggies, protein, and flavor in one meal!

2. BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad

Nothing says summer like a plate of overflowing colors, textures, and flavor.

And this BBQ ranch chicken salad is the total package!

It’s a bit sweet, a little spicy, and all-around delicious. I’m talking juicy chicken, tangy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers.

But it’s the dressing that makes this salad. It has a creamy BBQ ranch blend for a rich, smoky flavor.

With this recipe, you can skip the trip to Cheesecake Factory!

3. Jalapeno Popper Grilled Corn Salad

Looking for a way to spice up your summer? Here’s the perfect recipe for you!

This jalapeño popper grilled corn salad is the perfect fusion of smoky and sweet flavors.

The grilled corn is tossed in a creamy, cheesy mixture with jalapeño spice.

Serve it as a side for grilled meats for a touch of decadence to your meals. It’s absolutely delicious!

4. Perfect Potluck Potato Salad

When it comes to BBQ parties, there’s nothing more iconic than potato salad.

The creamy, tangy flavors are the perfect complement to your grilled meats and vegetables.

Plus, it’s bursting with fantastic textures that’ll make every bite a delight.

This recipe makes for the ultimate potato salad. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any summer gathering!

5. Caprese Salad

Who doesn’t love a good Caprese salad?

The fresh mozzarella, the sweet tomatoes, and the aromatic basil are a mouthwatering combo!

No one will be able to resist its creamy, tangy flavors. And you’ll love how it comes together in just a few minutes!

Trust me, this classic Italian dish can take center stage at your next BBQ party.

6. Chicken Waldorf Salad

Have you ever had a creamy salad that made you want to dive right in? I have. And I’ve been thinking about it ever since.

I’m talking about this chicken Waldorf salad bursting with fresh, rich flavors.

The mix of walnuts, grapes, red onion, and celery enhances the tender chicken chunks.

It’s tossed in a creamy avocado oil dressing to round out all the flavors.

7. Strawberry Avocado Caprese Salad

Try this recipe out if you’re looking for something new to bring to your next barbecue. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

The delicate mozzarella is a wonderful complement to the juicy strawberries.

Meanwhile, the avocado adds a creamy contrast to the bright bursts of flavors.

It’s light, fresh, and delicious. It might even steal the show from your main course.

8. Peach Caprese Salad

This peach Caprese salad will hit the spot if you’re craving something sweet and refreshing.

The juicy peach slices pair perfectly with the delicately creamy mozzarella and herby basil.

It’s drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette dressing, making this salad irresistible.

Best of all, this salad has a bright and cheerful presentation!

9. Grilled BBQ Shrimp Salad

There’s nothing better than a salad that feels like a party in a bowl. And that’s exactly this grilled BBQ shrimp salad!

It boasts the smoky deliciousness of grilled shrimp paired with crisp, juicy veggies.

The tangy, savory BBQ sauce dressing makes this salad stand out.

This salad is so fresh and light you’ll want to eat it year-round!

10. Summer Succotash

If you’re looking for a bright, healthy treat for summertime BBQ, succotash is the answer!

It features a mix of sweet corn, beans, leafy veggies, and juicy tomatoes.

Plus, you can throw in some bacon slices or corned beef for a meaty touch.

The best part? It’s super adaptable with different versions, so you can add other veggies you like!

11. Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad

Get ready to be floored by this recipe’s simple yet sophisticated flavors.

This salad calls for hearts of romaine that’s grilled to smoky perfection.

And when it’s done grilling, drizzle the whole thing with smoky lemon Caesar dressing.

It boasts herby, light, and fresh flavors that will make your summer cookouts even brighter.

12. BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad with Avocado Ranch

Craving for a meaty treat with a refreshingly light touch? Then you’ll love this recipe!

The tender, juicy chicken is smoky from the grill and lightly seasoned with tangy BBQ sauce.

It’s paired with crisp bacon for a salty crunch contrasted by the fresh ingredients.

With the addition of creamy avocado ranch, you’re in for a truly irresistible treat.

13. Avocado Mango Salad

Summer cookouts aren’t complete without the sweet, juicy flavors of mango.

Luckily, this avocado mango salad makes for a tropical paradise in a bowl that’s perfect for any BBQ.

The creamy avocado and sappy mango combo are just heavenly.

And when you toss in plump tomatoes and red onions, you’re in for a flavor explosion.

Try it at your next barbecue!

14. Black Bean and Corn Salad

If you’re looking for a salad that will be the talk of the party, this recipe is it.

Made with sweet corn kernels and earthy black beans, it’s a feast of flavors and textures.

The red wine vinegar brings a tangy touch to let all the deliciousness shine.

It’s the perfect match for grilled succulent meats for a light contrast.

15. BLT Pasta Salad

Are you on the hunt for the perfect salad dish that will stand out? Look no further than this BLT pasta salad!

The classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato mix is made even better with pasta and creamy dressing.

Each bite has fantastic textures and mouthwatering flavors that can make you swoon.

Trust me, this salad is a show-stopper!

16. BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad

This BBQ chicken quinoa salad is the perfect meal. It’s light, fresh, and simple.

Piled high with fluffy quinoa, black beans, and BBQ chicken, this salad is a filling delight.

It’s packed with wholesome ingredients for a nutritious treat.

This dish comes together in less than 10 minutes, so it’s an ideal last-minute meal!

17. Broccoli Salad

We’re all about summer cookouts, but let’s face it: the salads tend to be boring.

But not anymore! You can have broccoli salad for summer cookouts, and it’s changing the game.

This salad is so good that you won’t even realize you’ve eaten your veggies. It’s full of flavor and texture and super easy to make!

18. Grilled Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

Searching for a new way to enjoy steak? Why not add fresh flavors and make this grilled steak salad?

It combines succulent meat, crisp veggies, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocados in one package.

Plus, it’s tossed in a blue cheese dressing for a hint of tanginess.

It’s so good, you’ll want to make sure you get a forkful of each ingredient!

19. California Roll Orzo Pasta Salad

Do you know what’s better than a big bowl of pasta? A big bowl of pasta that tastes like sushi.

This California roll orzo pasta salad is a fun twist to the well-loved sushi.

It has the classic flavors of California rolls paired with tender orzo pasta in a savory, rich dressing.

So skip the rollin’ and get to eatin’ with a bowl of this amazing salad!

20. Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad with Prosciutto

Are you ready to get your grill out and enjoy the warm summer breeze?

If so, don’t forget to add this grilled peach and burrata salad to your menu!

Grilling the peach brings out the juicy sweetness of the fruit with a smoky hint.

It blends amazingly with the creamy burrata cheese and prosciutto for a savory, salty contrast.

This salad tastes as if it came from a five-star restaurant, but it’s really easy to make!

21. Pesto Pasta Salad

Bring the party to your plate with this mouthwatering pesto pasta salad!

This salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next barbecue. It’s a go-to dish for potlucks and picnics alike.

The herb goodness mixed with the fresh veggies and tender pasta makes it a summer delight.

22. Grilled Watermelon Salad

Can’t make it to the beach? Then bring the summer flavors with you and make this refreshing grilled watermelon salad!

When you grill the watermelon, it caramelizes to perfection, which pairs amazingly with fresh ingredients.

It’s packed with sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that’ll make you swoon.

This dish is perfect for a BBQ party. It’s colorful, fun, and laid back.

23. Purple Cabbage Slaw

Make everyone’s head turn with this stunning purple cabbage slaw!

It has a vibrant presentation that will surely entice everyone at your BBQ party.

Made with crisp veggies, sesame seeds, and tangy dressing, it’s the perfect side to grilled meats!

24. Barbecue Macaroni Salad

If you’ve ever had barbecue macaroni salad, you know how amazing it can be.

It’s a delicious combination of pasta, cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce that can’t be beat!

And this recipe brings Texas fusion for an extra kick of flavors.

It has beans, peppers, and spices for an unbelievably festival of flavors with every bite.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll never return to plain old macaroni salad again!

25. Grilled Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Feta

Bring spring delight to your summer cookouts with this grilled asparagus salad recipe!

Asparagus, lemon, and feta are the perfect contrast to each other.

The lemon brings a citrusy kick to brighten up the earthy asparagus.

Meanwhile, the feta cheese adds salty and tangy touch to the mix.

This salad only takes 15 minutes to prepare, so there’s no reason not to try it!

26. Korean Green Salad

Are you looking for a salad that will taste great and add color to your party? This Korean green salad is perfect!

It combines crisp greens in one bowlful of deliciousness drizzled with umami-rich salad dressing.

This salad is a light, refreshing alternative to heavier salads.

Pair it with Korean-flavored grilled meat and take your tastebuds on a trip to Asia!

27. Best Italian Pasta Salad

If you want to showcase some Italian flare at your next cookout, pasta should be present!

This recipe makes for a bowl filled with rich Italian goodness in a flash.

It has the classic mix of tomatoes, olives, cheese, and salami tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.

With one bite of this salad, you’ll feel like you’re in a fancy Italian restaurant!

28. Light Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken

If you want a salad that’s both refreshing and rich, I have your back. This Mediterranean-inspired salad fits the bill.

Not only does it taste great, but it’s also loaded with healthy ingredients and refreshing dressing. And it’s easy on the waistline!

It’s a great way to add greens and protein to your diet without feeling stuffed.

29. Grilled Zucchini Salad

Grilled zucchini salad is a summer staple, but it’s also much more than that.

It’s a celebration of the changing seasons filled with the sweet aroma of grilled summer veggies.

Pair it with beans, olives, and greens, and you’re in for a garden of flavors.

Each bite of this salad feels like bringing out the best in eating healthy.

30. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Buffalo chicken pasta salad is the best way to get your tastebuds to dance.

It’s a little spicy, a bit creamy, and a whole lot delicious.

The tender chicken chunks complement the crisp veggies and chewy pasta for an amazing texture combo.

With its mouthwatering presentation and enticing aroma, it won’t last long on the table!

31. Quick Tomato Salad

Do you know what the best thing about summer is? All the tomatoes!

They’re juicy, sweet, and tart. Every bite just bursts with refreshing flavors.

And if you have a bunch of tomatoes lying around, this salad is perfect.

It combines juicy tomatoes with crisp white onions tossed in rich dressing.

The fresh bite of this salad makes it the perfect complement to smoky, grilled meats.

32. BBQ Salmon Salad

It’s the perfect summer meal: BBQ salmon salad.

This salad boasts a bed of fresh greens topped with a thick slab of salmon.

It’s drizzled with a flavorful dressing and paired with creamy avocado.

A plate of this salad is filling and good for your health, too!

33. BBQ Fruit Salad

Serve summer in a bowl with this BBQ fruit salad recipe!

It packs ripe and juicy berries, plump grapes and mango, citrusy orange, and crisp apples.

And it’s tossed in a honey citrus dressing for an extra bright burst of flavor.

This recipe makes for a colorful salad bowl brimming with freshness and deliciousness.

It’s a simple recipe to please even the pickiest eaters!

34. Green Bean Salad with Toasted Almonds and Feta

Looking for a side dish that’s both simple and sophisticated? This green bean salad with toasted almond and feta is the answer!

It has chewy green beans with the satisfying crunch of almonds and creamy feta.

The almonds add nuttiness to complement the beans and balance the salty feta cheese.

One bite of this salad, and it’s impossible to stop eating!

35. Spicy BBQ Cauliflower Salad Bowl

Spruce up your summer cookouts with this spicy BBQ cauliflower salad bowl!

It’s like the taste of summer in a bite, thanks to the veggies and flavorful cauliflower.

Topped with creamy ranch dressing, this salad bowl is a feast for the taste buds.

It’s a great way to get your veggies while satisfying your cravings.

36. Chickpea Salad

Chickpea salad is the perfect complement to your BBQ party.

It’s light, delicious, and healthy, so it pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of grilled meats.

This salad has the classic elements of summer: fresh flavors, meaty goodness, and bright colors.

It’s loaded with protein and veggies, making it perfect if you want to eat healthily.

Yum!

37. Cucumber Salad

If you want to add a little freshness to your next BBQ party, try this cucumber salad recipe.

It’s light yet flavorful, making it the perfect addition to any gathering.

The sharp red onions and tangy dressing enhance the cool, crisp cucumber.

It adds a refreshing kick to the smoky, charred meat for a well-balanced treat.

Best of all, you can make this ahead of time so you can get to grillin’!