Once You Try These Summer Salads, Caprese Will Never Be Enough

Say goodbye to tired tomato-mozzarella repeats—this summer’s salads bring heat, contrast, and serious flavor.

Every summer, Caprese salad comes back like clockwork—safe, familiar, and...a little uninspired. There’s nothing wrong with ripe tomatoes and mozzarella, but in a season overflowing with juicy fruit, crisp vegetables, and bold global flavors, why settle for the same three ingredients again?

This year, it’s time to level up your summer salad game. Think bold textures, unexpected pairings, and dressings with a real point of view. These salads aren’t meant to sit quietly on the side of the plate—they’re built to stand out.

Here are five combinations that bring the kind of vibrant, satisfying energy your summer table deserves:

Grilled Peach + Burrata + Chili Crisp

Juicy peaches, lightly charred on the grill, offer a sweet-smoky base that pairs beautifully with creamy burrata. A spoonful of chili crisp adds a savory crunch and just enough heat to balance the richness. Finish with fresh herbs like basil or mint and a drizzle of honey or olive oil for a salad that’s sweet, spicy, and entirely unexpected.

Watermelon + Whipped Feta + Pickled Shallots

Cool, refreshing watermelon meets the tangy depth of whipped feta in this layered, high-contrast dish. Pickled shallots cut through the sweetness, while fresh mint and a splash of balsamic glaze tie everything together. It’s the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, juicy, and sharp—all in one bite.

Charred Corn + Cotija + Tajín Caesar

Grilled corn brings smoky flavor and natural sweetness, which plays beautifully against crunchy romaine or little gem lettuce. Toss it all in a zesty Caesar-style dressing laced with lime and Tajín seasoning, then top with cotija cheese and crushed tortilla chips for a salad that’s hearty, textured, and full of bold seasoning.

Cherry + Arugula + Crispy Prosciutto

Sweet summer cherries are the anchor of this salad, paired with peppery arugula and salty, crisped prosciutto. Shaved ricotta salata or torn burrata adds a creamy element, while a balsamic reduction and toasted nuts round out the flavor with tang and crunch. It’s a fresh yet indulgent combination that’s perfect for warm evenings.

Cucumber + Tahini + Everything Bagel Crunch

Crisp cucumbers tossed in a lemony tahini dressing form the base of this salad, while everything bagel seasoning brings a hit of garlic, sesame, and salt. Add in fresh herbs like dill or parsley, and sprinkle on crispy chickpeas or sunflower seeds for added texture. It’s simple, refreshing, and full of savory flavor.

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Summer is too short for boring food. These salads bring color, contrast, and flavor that actually makes you want to grab a fork! Whether you're hosting friends, packing a picnic, or just trying to eat something fresh on a hot day, these combos are easy to throw together and hard to forget.