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–+ servings

Easy Summer Salad Recipes

A vibrant and refreshing salad that harmonizes ripe peaches, crisp cucumbers, tangy pickled onions, and creamy feta, all brought together with a zesty lime-cilantro dressing—perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
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Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy Summer Salad Recipes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup roasted salted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 1/2 small red onion
  • 2 Persian cucumbers or 1 medium English cucumber
  • 1/4 cup packed finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves plus whole leaves and tender stems for garnish
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 ounces feta cheese
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons granulated sugar divided
  • 2 large ripe peaches
  • 1 medium head butter lettuce about 1 pound, such as Boston or Bibb
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 large limes divided
  • 6 ounces multi-colored cherry tomatoes about 1 cup
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt divided, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Finely zest one lime, reserving 1 teaspoon for the onions and setting aside the remainder for topping the salad later. Juice one tablespoon of lime into a small bowl. Thinly slice the red onion (about 1/2 cup) and add it to the bowl along with 1/4 teaspoon of the granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Combine thoroughly to coat the onions and allow them to pickle for at least 15 minutes, stirring once or twice. Juice the remaining 1 1/2 limes to yield 1/4 cup juice. Finely chop the garlic and enough cilantro leaves to pack 1/4 cup. In a separate bowl or jar, combine the lime juice, garlic, chopped cilantro, olive oil, remaining 1 teaspoon sugar, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; whisk or shake until emulsified. Tear the butter lettuce into bite-sized portions, adding about 10 packed cups to a large salad bowl. Thinly slice the cucumbers; halve the cherry tomatoes; pit and slice the peaches into 1/2-inch wedges; crumble the feta cheese and add all to the bowl. Scatter the pumpkin seeds over the top, followed by the pickled onions (discarding the pickling liquid), reserved lime zest, and extra torn cilantro leaves and stems. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad, gently toss to coat, then finish with the remaining dressing.

Notes

To prepare in advance, both the pickled onions and dressing may be made up to three days ahead and kept chilled. Bring the dressing to room temperature and whisk again before serving. For added crunch, toast raw pumpkin seeds in a teaspoon of olive oil with a pinch of salt over medium heat for about four minutes until golden. For a creamier texture, blend the dressing until smooth.