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Come summer, everyone is all about salads, but what if you want a salad without lettuce? A refreshing lettuce-free salad recipe is perfect for the sweltering heat, and it could be as simple as a refreshing fruit salad or as intensive as a 20-ingredient pasta salad you'll be eating for days. If you're not a fan of leafy greens, but still want something light, check out these 20 lettuce-free salads you won't have to force yourself to eat.
Photo via Averie Cooks
1. Bacon Potato Salad
Potato salad is a total crowd-pleaser, but it usually calls for babysitting at cookouts to make sure it hasn't been out too long. With this bacon potato salad, however, you won't have that problem — there's no mayo! (via Averie Cooks)
Photo via Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest
2. Tomato Basil Orzo
We'll never say no to a mix of feta, tomato, and basil. Top it off with pine nuts and some prosciutto for a meal that's just *chef's kiss*. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Photo via Dietz & Watson
3. Sausage And Corn Salad
This recipe is so easy and delicious! Grill smoky sausages, toss with your favorite summer veggies and top with feta and a creamy dressing for an instant summer crowd pleaser. (via Dietz & Watson)
Photo via Yummy Beet
4. Roasted Broccoli Salad With Pine Nuts, Raisins and Feta
Broccoli salads should probably replace lettuce salads as the standard lunch of choice. This roasted version has a great balance of flavors, from sweet raisins to tangy feta. (via Yummy Beet)
Photo via Hungry by Nature
5. Caprese Zoodle Salad
Prepare for any spiralized salad to be a topic of BBQ inquiry. Even though spiralizing is a fairly common practice these days, people are still mesmerized by the concept. This zucchini noodle salad is great because you get to use up all of that summer squash lurking in your garden. (via Hungry by Nature)
Photo via Love Leaf
6. Carrot and Sunflower Seed Salad With Honey Lemon Dressing
Sweet carrot salad makes a perfect summer side that adults and children will love. This one is lightly dressed with a honey lemon vinaigrette that's super simple to make. (via Love Leaf)
Photo via Coffee and Crayons
7. Vietnamese Chicken Salad With Rice Noodles
The flavors of your typical barbecue can get a bit boring. How many times can you eat your aunt's ramen noodle salad? This Vietnamese-inspired chicken salad provides a unique change in flavors while still offering that crunchy-cool effect you're after. (via Coffee and Crayons)
Photo via The Healthy Foodie
8. Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad
Cucumbers are a seasonal summer gem. Everyone knows dill provides the perfect complement, so this salad makes all the sense in the world. Add some Greek yogurt for creaminess and you're on your way to snacking heaven. (via The Healthy Foodie)
9. Fruit Salad
While this recipe is for Valentine's Day, any mix of fruit (especially with some limoncello dressing) makes for a fantastic summer side dish. (via Brit + Co)
Photo via Fork in the Kitchen
10. Edamame Black Bean Salad
No need for frills here. This simple salad combines some of the best flavors of summer with a simple lime vinaigrette. It would also make a great topping for grilled chicken or fish. (via Fork in the Kitchen)
Photo via The Butter Half
11. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Let's face it: BBQs are prime time for over-indulging. If you want to keep things on the healthier side, this Mediterranean salad has your back. (via The Butter Half)
Photo via Eat Love Eat
12. Mexican Panzanella Salad
Don't be afraid to throw your salad ingredients on the grill with the main course. There are *no* rules at summer cookouts. This Mexican take on Panzanella salad utilizes the grill to char squares of sweet cornbread chunks. Yum! (via Eat Love Eat)
Photo via Chelsea's Messy Apron
13. Broccoli and Grape Pasta Salad
There's nothing quite like that classic sweet and salty combo for a summer pasta salad. Whip up the five-minute dressing that goes with this salad and be prepared for everyone begging for the recipe. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)
Photo via Feasting at Home
14. Spring Pea Pasta With Truffle Oil, Lemon and Mint
Bring the farmers' market to your cookout by using your whole bounty in one pasta salad. Aside from every herb you can think of, this salad has just enough truffle oil to make it irresistible and addictive. (via Feasting at Home)
Photo via Real Food Real Deals
15. Pesto Pasta Salad
The most difficult part of this salad is boiling the pasta — that's how easy it is. Homemade pesto is great here, but you can also use store-bought if you're in a pinch. (via Real Food Real Deals)
Photo via The Endless Meal
16. Roasted Corn and Avocado Salad
This salad is absolutely phenomenal. The roasted corn is sweet and caramelized, while the avocado lends a creaminess that can't be beaten. You seriously have to try this out, especially if you're grilling a spicy protein alongside it. (via The Endless Meal)
Photo via Cooktoria
17. Tomato Avocado Salad
Basic doesn't have to be a bad thing. This tomato avocado salad is about as basic as they come, and it couldn't be more delicious. Feel free to nosh as-is or use it as a light taco filling. (via Cooktoria)
Photo via Tasty Seasons
18. Tuna Farro Salad
You have to double up on dishes this good. Your BBQ guests will devour every last bite, which means a large batch is necessary so you can have lunch the next day. (via Tasty Seasons)
Photo via Lisa's Dinnertime Dish
19. Watermelon Mint Salad
Is it dessert? Is it a side dish? You be the judge. Whichever way you decide to eat it, this watermelon salad will hydrate and cool you off in a flash while providing serious sustenance. (via Lisa's Dinnertime Dish)
Photo via The Girl on Bloor
20. Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Save yourself time and make this tasty couscous salad ahead of your summer BBQ. Everyone will love the easy homemade lemon dressing! (via The Girl on Bloor)
What do you think about these lettuce-free salad recipes? Follow us on Pinterest for more easy + delicious recipe ideas.
This post has been updated.
