20 Summer Salads Packed with Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients

Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

These delicious salads are perfect if you’re looking for inspiration to use some bountiful summer produce. Since they are made with anti-inflammatory ingredients like chickpeas, dark leafy greens and whole grains, these salads could help relieve uncomfortable symptoms of inflammationlike stiff joints and digestive issues while improving high blood pressure. Recipes like our High-Protein Creamy Cucumber-Tomato Salad with Feta & Chickpeas and our High-Protein Veggie Salad are packed with flavor to nourish your body and keep you satisfied.

01 of 20

High-Protein Creamy Cucumber-Tomato Salad with Feta & Chickpeas

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.

This high-protein cucumber-tomato salad gets a creamy upgrade with a blended cottage cheese dressing. Fresh herbs, lemon and garlic add bright, savory flavor, while chickpeas and feta boost the protein to make it more satisfying than a typical side. It’s a refreshing, no-cook dish that pairs well with a variety of mains.

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02 of 20

French Lentil Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This hearty French lentil salad is packed with fresh vegetables and tossed in a bright lemon-Dijon dressing. French green lentils hold their shape well, making them ideal for salads, while herbs add freshness and depth of flavor. It’s a satisfying make-ahead option for lunches or light dinners.

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03 of 20

High-Protein Veggie Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This colorful, protein-packed salad combines black beans, fresh vegetables and a zesty lime dressing for a quick, satisfying meal. With fiber-rich beans, leafy greens and healthy fats from avocado oil, it delivers bold, fresh flavor in every bite.

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04 of 20

3-Ingredient Bean Salad

Credit: Photographer: Stacy Allen.
Credit: Photographer: Stacy Allen.

This easy three-ingredient bean salad makes a satisfying plant-based lunch with minimal prep. Creamy great northern beans are tossed with tangy pickled red onions and fresh parsley for a bright, flavorful dish that comes together in just 10 minutes. Enjoy it on its own, spooned over greens or paired with crusty whole-grain bread.

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05 of 20

Tomato, Cucumber & White Bean Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This fresh salad highlights crisp vegetables and creamy white beans tossed in a vibrant chive vinaigrette. Blending the dressing creates a smooth, herb-forward sauce that evenly coats every bite. Served over tender baby kale, this quick entree is light, satisfying and packed with plant-based nutrients.

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06 of 20

Lemon-Garlic Dense Bean Salad with Feta

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

Lemon and red-wine vinegar brighten this hearty bean salad, while creamy feta and crunchy roasted almonds add richness and texture. Serve it on its own for a quick lunch or pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a simple dinner.

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07 of 20

Black Bean Fajita Salad

Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.
Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.

This Black Bean Fajita Salad delivers the bold, zesty flavors of fajitas in a fresh, no-cook format. A quick lime-spiked marinade infuses the black beans and peppers, while crisp greens and crunchy tortilla chips add texture. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an easy option for lunch or a light dinner.

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08 of 20

Simple Fruit Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

A quick lemon-honey dressing ties this adaptable fruit salad together, making it easy to create different variations with one simple base. You can also swap in seasonal fruit or use up what you have on hand, making this a go-to formula for the perfect fruit salad no matter what.

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09 of 20

Chickpea, Cabbage & Cucumber Salad

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Lauren Odum, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Lauren Odum, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.

This easy salad comes together quickly for lunch or dinner. From crisp cucumbers to crunchy cabbage, it’s super fresh with tons of textural contrast. Tomatoes add a pop of sweetness and acidity. If you don’t have chickpeas on hand, white beans make an excellent swap.

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10 of 20

Green Goddess Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

This green goddess salad is crisp, creamy and packed with fresh herbs. A vibrant basil-yogurt dressing coats crunchy cabbage, romaine and cucumber, while avocado adds richness for a refreshing side that pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.

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11 of 20

5-Ingredient Avocado & Black Bean Salad

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

This Avocado & Black Bean Salad comes together in just 20 minutes with a handful of simple ingredients. The combination of fiber-rich beans and healthy fats from avocado makes this salad both satisfying and refreshing. It’s an easy option for potlucks, picnics and busy weeknights.

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12 of 20

Chopped Salad with Italian Vinaigrette

This chopped salad is a crisp, colorful mix of veggies. It’s tossed with a zesty homemade vinaigrette, while chickpeas bring on the plant-based protein and fiber. Everything is chopped small for the perfect forkful every time.

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13 of 20

Marry Me White Bean Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

This Marry Me White Bean Salad is a bright, flavor-packed dish that’s hard not to fall for and pulls inspiration from Marry Me Chicken. Tender white beans are tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil and a creamy dressing that soaks into every bite. It’s quick to throw together and perfect for meal prep, picnics or pairing with grilled meats.

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14 of 20

High-Protein Salmon Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

This salmon salad combines flaky canned salmon with tangy capers and fresh, fragrant dill. This versatile salad can be enjoyed piled onto toast, stuffed into a pita or served over greens for a light, satisfying meal.

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15 of 20

Lemony Orzo & Tuna Salad with Broccoli

Credit: Leigh Beisch
Credit: Leigh Beisch

This pasta-salad and tuna-salad mashup gets a boost of color and texture from broccoli. Plenty of Kalamata olives add a briny bite. Be sure to monitor the pasta-cooking carefully, as orzo can go from al dente to mush in a minute. If in doubt, drain it a little early—it’ll soften further in the lemon dressing.

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16 of 20

High-Protein Caprese Chickpea Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

This caprese chickpea salad is a fresh, protein- and fiber-packed, plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite. It combines creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil with hearty chickpeas for a satisfying dish. A simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish. It’s quick to prepare, colorful and bursting with summery flavor.

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17 of 20

Herb-Marinated Veggie & Chickpea Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.
Credit: Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.

This herb-marinated veggie-and-chickpea salad is a refreshing, no-cook dish packed with fresh flavors. It brings together crisp raw vegetables and fiber-rich chickpeas, all tossed in a zesty herb dressing that infuses every bite. Since it requires no stove or oven time, it’s perfect for warm days, meal prep or busy weeknights when you want something quick.

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18 of 20

5-Ingredient Avocado & Chickpea Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.
Credit: Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.

This avocado-and-chickpea salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that comes together in minutes. Made with just five ingredients, it’s as simple as it is satisfying. Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with hearty chickpeas for a filling, plant-based meal. With no cooking required and minimal prep, it’s a perfect quick lunch or dinner.

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19 of 20

Anti-Inflammatory Strawberry & Kale Salad with Burrata

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell

This strawberry-and-kale salad with burrata is a delicious, nutrient-packed dish that offers a host of anti-inflammatory benefits. The base of tender lacinato kale is rich in antioxidants, while sweet, juicy strawberries provide a healthy dose of vitamin C and anthocyanins, known for their powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Creamy burrata balances the earthy greens perfectly. It’s great as a side dish, or make it a meal by topping it with grilled chicken or cooked whole grains.

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20 of 20

Simple Carrot & Cabbage Salad

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong

This simple carrot-and-cabbage salad is crisp and refreshing. It’s tossed in a light vinaigrette made with lemon, honey and Dijon mustard, allowing the natural sweetness of the carrots and the crunch of the cabbage to shine. Enjoy this salad on its own as a side dish, or try piling it onto a burger, stuffing it into tacos for extra crunch, or using it as a bright, tangy filling in a wrap.

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