10 Gluten Free Summer Salads

Summer salads are a great addition to any menu, offering a refreshing burst of flavor and nutrients during the warm months. I am a big salad girl myself. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard barbecue, these gluten free summer salads are perfect for satisfying your cravings. I recently went gluten free, and had a hard time finding summer salads that fit the bill!

I’m excited to share a roundup of 10 recipes that will elevate your summer!

Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing or hearty and satisfying, there’s a perfect summer salad for every occasion.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Chickpea salad is a classic summer favorite, packed with protein and Mediterranean flavors. This dish features a colorful medley of chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and feta cheese tossed in a tangy olive oil dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light meal on its own.

Ingredients:

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1:

In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.

Step 2:

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Step 4: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Refreshing Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad is the perfect summer side dish, offering a satisfying blend of protein, fiber, and vitamins. This recipe features fluffy quinoa tossed with crisp vegetables, juicy mango chunks, and a zesty lime dressing. It’s a refreshing and nutritious option for any occasion.

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 mango, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp honey (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1:

In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced mango, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.

Step 3:

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey (if using), salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Step 4:

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Step 5:

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Vibrant Gluten Free Pasta Salad

Pasta salads are a staple of summer gatherings, offering endless possibilities for creativity and flavor.

This gluten free version features your favorite gluten-free pasta tossed with crisp vegetables, savory herbs, and a creamy dairy free dressing. It’s the perfect dish to satisfy your pasta cravings without weighing you down.

Ingredients:

8 oz gluten free pasta, cooked according to package instructions
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/3 cup dairy free mayonnaise (this one is my favorite!)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

I always throw in some meat to add some protein, too!

Instructions:

Step 1:

Cook gluten free pasta according to package instructions, then rinse under cold water and drain well.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and fresh basil.

Step 3:

In a small bowl, whisk together dairy-free mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

STEP 4:

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

Step 5:

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Lemon Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round, but it’s especially great l in the summer months when paired with fresh herbs and citrus flavors. This is one of my favorite gluten free summer salads, featuring tender chicken breast, crisp vegetables, and a tangy lemon dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep or as a light lunch option on hot days.

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup grapes, halved
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/3 cup dairy-free mayonnaise
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1:

In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken breast, celery, red onion, grapes, and slivered almonds.

Step 2:

In a small bowl, whisk together dairy-free mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Step 3:

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

Step 4:

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Gluten Free, Dairy Free Potato Salad

Potato salad is a classic summer side dish, beloved for its creamy texture and savory flavor. This gluten free version features tender potatoes, crisp vegetables, and a tangy mustard dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a comforting accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients:

2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup pickles, diced
1/3 cup dairy free mayonnaise
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1:

Place diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until potatoes are tender but still firm.

Step 2:

Drain cooked potatoes and rinse under cold water to cool.

Step 3:

In a large bowl, combine cooked potatoes, celery, red onion, and pickles.

Step 4:

In a small bowl, whisk together dairy-free mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Step 5:

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

Step 6:

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Gluten Free Watermelon Salad

Watermelon salad is a refreshing and unexpected addition to your summer menu, offering a sweet and savory combination of flavors. This gluten-free version features juicy watermelon cubes tossed with tangy feta cheese, crisp cucumber slices, and fresh mint leaves.

It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Ingredients:

4 cups watermelon, cubed
1 cup cucumber, sliced
1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1:

In a large bowl, combine watermelon cubes, cucumber slices, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped mint leaves.

Step 2:

Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad, then toss gently to coat.

Step 3:

Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Tangy Mango Avocado Salad

Mango avocado salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that celebrates the best of summer produce. This gluten-free version features ripe mango chunks, creamy avocado slices, crisp bell peppers, and tangy lime dressing. It’s a refreshing and satisfying option for hot summer days, whether served as a side dish or a light meal on its own.

Ingredients:

2 ripe mangoes, diced
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp honey (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1:

In a large bowl, combine diced mangoes, avocados, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.

Step 2:

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey (if using), salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Step 3:

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

Step 4:

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Tropical Pineapple Salad

Pineapple salad is a tropical delight that brings a burst of sunshine to your summer table. This gluten-free version features juicy pineapple chunks, crisp bell peppers, crunchy cashews, and a tangy coconut-lime dressing. It’s a refreshing and flavorful option for poolside parties, backyard barbecues, or any summer gathering.

Ingredients:

4 cups pineapple, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup cashews, chopped
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp coconut milk
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp honey (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1:

In a large bowl, combine diced pineapple, bell pepper, red onion, cashews, and cilantro.

Step 2:

In a small bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime juice, honey (if using), salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Step 3:

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Step 4: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Crunchy Asian Slaw Summer Salad

Asian slaw is a flavorful and crunchy salad that pairs well with grilled meats or fish. This gluten-free version features shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and crunchy almonds, tossed in a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. It’s a refreshing and satisfying option for summer gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients:

4 cups shredded cabbage (green and purple! get your colors in)
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup sliced almonds
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
1 tbsp honey (optional)
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1:

In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and sliced almonds.

Step 2:

In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, tamari or soy sauce, honey (if using), grated ginger, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Step 3:

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

Step 4:

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Classic Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a timeless Italian classic that celebrates the flavors of summer with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil. This gluten free version features juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and aromatic basil leaves, drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mini mozzarella balls
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp balsamic glaze
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1:

In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves.

Step 2:

Drizzle balsamic glaze and olive oil over the salad, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3:

Toss gently to coat before serving.

These gluten free summer salads are a versatile and delicious way to celebrate the bounty of the season, offering endless possibilities for creativity and flavor. Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing or hearty and satisfying, there’s a perfect summer salad for every occasion. From tangy chickpea salad to vibrant quinoa salad to classic Caprese salad, these gluten free recipes are sure to brighten up your table and delight your taste buds all season long. So, embrace the abundance of summer produce and whip up a batch of these perfect summer salads today!

Don’t forget to check out these other healthy recipes: healthy cucumber snacks and gluten free lemon bars recipe for more delicious inspiration!