21 Gut-Healthy Salad Recipes for Summer

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Summer is almost here, and seasonal produce is calling your name. These summer salads are high in fiber with at least 6 grams of fiber per serving, and feature prebiotic and/or probiotic-rich ingredients like garlic, legumes, yogurt and whole grains to support a healthy gut. Enjoy a hearty veggie-packed meal with options like our Chopped Italian Chickpea Salad or our Loaded Chopped Taco Salad Bowl. Or, whip up a refreshing side dish like our Green Bean Salad with Balsamic & Tomatoes.

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Chopped Italian Chickpea Salad

Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist Phoebe Hauser.
Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist Phoebe Hauser.

This chopped Italian-inspired salad combines crisp lettuce, creamy chickpeas, juicy tomatoes and sharp provolone in a zesty red-wine vinaigrette. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own for lunch yet versatile enough to serve alongside grilled chicken or fish.

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02 of 21

Green Bean Salad with Balsamic & Tomatoes

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

This green bean salad recipe features crisp-tender green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes and peppery red onions, all coated in a sweet and tangy balsamic dressing. This colorful salad captures the essence of summer and shines when served alongside grilled meats or seafood. To add even more color to this vibrant salad, swap out half of the green beans for yellow wax beans.

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03 of 21

Loaded Chopped Taco Salad Bowl

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.

This no-cook taco salad bowl is packed with fiber and plant-based protein from black beans. A medley of toppings, including crispy lettuce, sweet bell peppers, cotija cheese and pickled onions, add texture and flavor. A tangy lime vinaigrette completes the quick, colorful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

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04 of 21

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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05 of 21

Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, food stylist: Julian Hensarling, prop stylist: Josh Hoggle
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, food stylist: Julian Hensarling, prop stylist: Josh Hoggle

This raspberry-spinach salad includes juicy raspberries, creamy avocado and crunchy walnuts, which create a delightful mix of colors and flavors. The bright, citrusy dressing sets this salad apart and complements the richness of the avocado and the walnuts. This salad is perfect for a light lunch, an easy side dish or part of a brunch spread.

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06 of 21

Chickpea Chopped Salad with Pita Chips

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

This chickpea, cucumber and tomato salad is fresh and delicious. Packed with crunchy pita chips, creamy feta and briny olives, this salad delivers vibrant flavors in every bite. Enjoy it as a side dish or add grilled or roasted chicken or salmon to make it a main dish.

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07 of 21

Five-Bean Salad

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

This vibrant five-bean salad is a refreshing, protein-packed side that’s as flavorful as it is colorful. A zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette coats a hearty mix of five different beans, along with crisp bell pepper and red onion for crunch. Easy to make ahead, it tastes even better after chilling, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

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08 of 21

Salmon Salad with Crispy White Beans

Credit: Heami Lee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley
Credit: Heami Lee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley

This anti-inflammatory salmon salad with crispy white beans is a delicious meal that delivers big on flavor. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties, while the beans provide a nice texture and are a great source of fiber. A quick soy-sesame-ginger dressing completes this salad, perfect for lunch or dinner.

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09 of 21

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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10 of 21

No-Cook Chickpea, Beet & Quinoa Salad

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

This easy no-cook chickpea salad comes together in minutes. Look for precooked beets in the produce section of the grocery store. Leftover quinoa is great in this salad, but you could also use microwaveable quinoa to save on time. With a bright lemony-garlic dressing, this salad is the perfect side to accompany grilled chicken or roasted salmon.

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11 of 21

Broccoli Salad with Feta

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee.

Bright, crunchy and ready in just 15 minutes, this broccoli salad brings big flavor with minimal effort. A fresh lemony dressing lightly coats crisp broccoli, sweet bell pepper and cooling cucumbers. A sprinkle of feta adds creamy contrast and ties everything together.

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12 of 21

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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13 of 21

No-Cook White Bean & Spinach Caprese Salad

This easy white bean and spinach caprese salad features the classic combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil and tangy balsamic vinegar, but adds tender white beans and fresh baby spinach to the mix. If you can’t find mozzarella pearls, cut or tear a fresh ball of mozzarella into bite-size pieces instead. If you like your salad with a little kick, try swapping out the spinach for arugula or use spring mix for a more mild flavor.

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14 of 21

Green Bean Caesar Salad

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Hostein, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Hostein, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee

This green bean Caesar salad is a crisp and flavorful twist on the classic Caesar. Blanched green beans replace the traditional romaine, bringing a fresh snap and vibrant color to the dish. Crispy panko and shaved Parmesan add flavor and texture, making this salad the perfect pairing for grilled or roasted meat, seafood or grain bowls.

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15 of 21

Chickpea & Chicken Salad

Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.
Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.

This creamy chicken and chickpea salad gets fiber and protein from mashed chickpeas and a pop of brightness from fruit. A blend of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise keeps the dressing light yet rich, while celery and toasted pecans add crunch.

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16 of 21

My Mayo-Free Potato Salad Is the Summer Side You Didn’t Know You Needed

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

Dressed with a tangy lemon vinaigrette and fresh mint, this potato salad makes the perfect summer potluck contribution.

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17 of 21

This High-Fiber Salad Is Inspired By Indian Street Food and Helps Me Manage My Blood Sugar

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

This flavorful salad was inspired by bhel puri, a type of chaat (savory snack) served across India, and features puffed quinoa and lentils for extra protein and fiber.

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18 of 21

Crunchy Chopped Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

This chickpea-cabbage salad features carrots and cucumbers, giving it a quartet of ingredients that all begin with the letter “C”! This chopped salad is loaded with fiber and prebiotic chickpeas, promoting a healthy gut. Green cabbage keeps the color vibrant and fresh, though red cabbage works just as well.

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19 of 21

High-Protein White Bean Salad with Feta & Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

This white bean salad with feta and lemon-garlic vinaigrette is quick and requires no stove time. White beans bring plant-based protein and fiber to help keep you full. Creamy feta cheese provides a tangy, salty contrast to the bright vinaigrette. Tossed with fresh herbs and toasted walnuts, this salad is perfect for a light lunch.

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20 of 21

Spinach Salad with Quinoa, Chicken & Fresh Berries

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickeyt, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickeyt, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

If you're packing this grain bowl for work, combine the dressing ingredients in a small container. When you're ready to eat, shake the dressing well, add it to the salad and toss. If you don't have time to make a homemade dressing, use 3 tablespoons of store-bought olive oil vinaigrette. Keep prep time short by using rotisserie chicken (or leftover chicken) and a pouch of microwavable quinoa.

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21 of 21

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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