Summer Salads for a Cottage Party

This delicious Greek-inspired pasta salad is packed with bold flavours, fresh vegetables and big chunks of feta cheese.

This no-fuss dish can be made in just 15 minutes and is a delicious alternative to your typical Caesar salad.

Have you ever been to a barbecue that didn’t have potato salad? Neither have we, because it doesn’t happen. We’re fans of this refreshing recipe from Bobby Flay that features tomatoes, red onion and new potatoes.

Cold pasta salad is mixed with grape tomatoes, scallions, ricotta and a zesty lemon-pesto dressing.

All the delicious components of guacamole are packed into this nutritious and delicious salad that brings hearty canned black beans to the mix.

If we had to guess, we’d imagine summer tasting a bit like this sweet and fresh salad.

This comforting dish filled with waxy potatoes, peas, bacon, onion and lots of garlic is the perfect way to kick-off the warmer weather.

Creamy avocado, hearty pinto beans, fresh cilantro, corn and tomato make for a quick and healthy winning salad.

Give life to your spinach salad with a fresh orange vinaigrette and crispy, crumbled prosciutto on top.

Loaded with red and yellow tomatoes, olives and sharp feta cheese, this salad will bring you back to barbecues and long summer nights. Round out this salad with a simple baked salmon and you’ve got a flavourful and colourful dinner.

For a quick and easy meal the whole family will love, turn to this leftover chicken taco salad. Add fresh corn, tomatoes, grated cheese, avocados, green onions, cilantro, crushed tortilla chips and leftover shredded chicken to a bed of crisp lettuce, and you’re set.

The subtle nutty flavour of toasted couscous is highlighted in this eye-catching salad packed with summer veggies like zucchini, asparagus and cherry tomatoes.

Sweet watermelon pairs perfectly with salty feta and peppery arugula in this bright and fresh salad.

Hearty enough to eat as a meal, this spicy pasta salad is filled with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil and delicious smoked gouda.

A mouthwatering salad where sweet grilled zucchini and decadent pine nuts are accented with shavings of romano cheese and tossed in a light lemon herb vinaigrette.

This salad from Ree Drummond is complete with thin spaghetti, cucumbers, two kinds of cabbage, kale and chopped peanuts.

Garlic-marinated grilled steak is topped over a bed of greens tossed in a light and spicy ginger and soy dressing.

Giada’s authentic Italian salad is a fantastic fresh and filling accompaniment to hot-off-the-grill juicy burgers or steaks.

A healthier take on buffalo wings, this buffalo chicken salad is tossed in a tangy blue cheese dressing for the ultimate flavour combination.

This simple summer salad features sweet strawberries, crumbly goat cheese, crunchy walnuts and arugula in a balsamic vinaigrette.

Made with fresh veggies, farfalle, ham and cheese, this kid-friendly pasta salad is practically screaming to be served at a summer picnic.

Summer strawberries are a wonderful addition to greens such as kale or baby spinach. This fast, fresh salad pairs sweet slices of ruby red berries with arugula, toasted almond slices, and shaved Gorgonzola dolce.

A quick blanch keeps the corn a sunny bright yellow, while red onion, fresh cilantro and a good glug of cider vinegar and olive oil balance out the sweetness.

Try the recipe for Ina Garten’s Fresh Corn Salad

Tiny fregola or orzo are the best base for this pasta salad straight from Giada’s kitchen to yours. Add orange and grapefruit segments along with red onion for the perfect summer picnic salad.

A simple chicken and pasta recipe that packs up well for lunch on a picnic blanket. And it only takes 25 minutes to whip together!

Tyler makes this simple Moroccan-inspired salad with sliced carrot and radish, fresh mint, cilantro, and orange segments. He dresses it with a mixture that includes delicate orange flower water and fragrant cinnamon.

Cottage eats can be healthy eats with this antioxidant-rich salad featuring kale, apple, dates, almonds and pecorino cheese. Nutritious and delicious, it pairs well with grilled meats.

Giada’s orzo salad is a great dish if you want to get a head start on cottage meal prep. Best eaten at room temperature, make it at home before hitting so the flavours have time to meld on the drive to the cabin.

If your cottage is short on kitchen space or has a small fridge, look for salads that are best served at room temperature. Giada combines red rice with orange, fennel, cucumber and radicchio in a light Champagne vinaigrette that can be served with everything from sandwiches to barbecued meats.