11 Simple Salads You'll Crave This Summer

When it's sunny and humid, eating a hot meal is probably the last thing on your mind. While you may be more interested in deli sandwiches or frozen treats, your diet may be restricting you to healthy salads. Try these unique combinations and you won't mind at all! And each of these salads is 5 ingredients or less so that you can whip them up quickly and enjoy your long, warm days with family.

Watermelon, Feta and Mint Salad: There's no lettuce to be found here, but this salad is perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day. It only has four ingredients and at 91 calories per serving, you'll be able to indulge in as much as you desire. Get our recipe here!

Strawberry Caprese Salad: For another cool summer twist on salad, check out this strawberry-based treat by The Skinny Fork. You'll only need four ingredients to make this salad and each serving is only 109.2 calories! Make this ahead of time if possible, as it's best served after chilling in the refrigerator. Click here to get the ingredients list!

5-Ingredient Pasta Salad: Pasta salad is always a crowd favorite at picnics and backyard parties, so whip up this version made with only five ingredients for a fresh side at a cookout. This recipe uses whole-wheat pasta and fresh ingredients like mozzarella and arugula for a light, satisfying taste you'll feel good about. (via Gimme Some Oven)

>> Want to see more? Download our free Simple Summer Salads Digital Cookbook!

Avocado Chicken Salad: The calories can add up quickly when making chicken salad, but this tasty version skips the mayo or Greek yogurt for avocado to create a tasty, guilt-free favorite. This recipe uses only three ingredients and can be spread on your favorite crackers, crisps or bread. (via Brittany Estes)

Spinach Salad with Grilled Pork Tenderloin and Nectarines: Who says salads can't carry some protein? This delicious dish by Oxmoor House is made with only 5 ingredients but packs massive flavor by combining peppercorn pork tenderloin and nectarines. And it's only 169 calories per serving!

3-Ingredient Avocado Kale Salad: Simple and quick, this 3-Ingredient Avocado Kale Salad by The Clean Dish is vegan, grain-free and gluten-free. It proves that an easy recipe can still leave you full and satisfied, though you can certainly add in other toppings like the cherry tomatoes pictured below.

>> Read more: 11 Ways to Eat Kale

Chicken BLT Salad with Creamy Avocado-Horned Melon Dressing: This colorful salad tastes crisp and cream and is perfect for serving dinner party guests. To make it, you'll only need five ingredients and about seven minutes to prep! Each large serving is 184 calories, leaving room for more. (Dessert, anyone?) Check out the recipe by Oxmoor House here.

Summer Heirloom Tomato Salad: You may find this salad too pretty to eat, but if you take a bite, we promise you won't stop munching until your plate is clean. This cool summer salad requires only 4 ingredients and perfectly pairs two summer staples: heirloom tomatoes and berries. (via In Sonnet's Kitchen)

Melon Salad with Mint, Lime and Sea Salt: Another unique combination is this salad by Two Peas and Their Pod starring Israeli melon, flavored with mint, lime and sea salt. It is sweet, savory and perfect for indulging after a warm day spent in the sun. This dish is best served with chilled melon, and if you can't find an Israeli melon, cantaloupe will do the trick.

Summer Quinoa Salad: You'll only need four ingredients to prepare this delicious quinoa salad with peach, honey and goat cheese. Quinoa is a popular superfood and paired with the sweetness of the fruit and honey, it's never tasted better. This salad is best served chilled, then topped with walnuts for added crunch and flavor! (via Nosh and Nourish)

>> Read more: 26 Quinoa Salads to Look Forward to For Lunch

Skinny Low-Yolk Egg Salad: Using only four ingredients, this recipe by Skinnytaste is only 81.2 calories per serving but sacrifices no flavor. Made of mostly egg whites and scallions, this recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to substitute the mayo for Greek yogurt or add your own unique twist.