15 Low-Carb Summer Salads
When the heat hits, nobody’s craving heavy meals or carb-loaded plates. Enter: low-carb summer salads that are as light and refreshing as they are filling and flavorful. Whether you’re keeping it keto, going gluten-free, or just trying to beat the bloat, these salads deliver cool satisfaction with every forkful.
Packed with veggies, protein, healthy fats, and crunchy textures — these salads are perfect for BBQs, poolside lunches, or quick weeknight dinners. No wilted lettuce bowls here. These are bold, bright, and totally delicious.
1. Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
Description:
Creamy avocado, juicy grilled chicken, and crisp greens make this the kind of salad that eats like a full meal. The lime vinaigrette gives it that zesty, fresh pop — perfect for a hot summer night.
Ingredients:
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
- ½ avocado, sliced
- 2 cups romaine or spinach
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil + juice of ½ lime
- Salt, pepper, pinch of garlic powder
Instructions:
- Toss greens, tomatoes, and red onion in a bowl.
- Add sliced chicken and avocado.
- Drizzle with lime vinaigrette, season, and serve chilled.
2. Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze (No Bread!)
Description:
This classic Italian salad is naturally low-carb and full of bright flavor. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil come together with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a dish that feels fancy but takes 5 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Handful of fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella on a plate.
- Tuck basil leaves between layers.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Cucumber Dill Chicken Salad
Description:
Cool, crunchy cucumbers meet herby shredded chicken in this no-lettuce, mayo-free salad. It’s creamy from Greek yogurt, loaded with protein, and insanely refreshing on a hot day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix chicken, cucumber, yogurt, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Chill for 20 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Serve in lettuce cups or on its own.
4. BLT Salad with Avocado & Ranch
Description:
Everything you love about a BLT — minus the bread. This low-carb twist includes crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, fresh lettuce, creamy avocado, and a drizzle of ranch. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and totally keto-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ avocado, diced
- 2 tbsp ranch dressing (low-carb version)
Instructions:
- Layer lettuce, tomato, avocado, and bacon in a bowl.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing and toss just before serving.
- Optional: add shredded cheddar or a boiled egg for extra protein.
5. Greek Zoodle Salad
Description:
This spiralized zucchini salad has all the flavors of a traditional Greek salad — briny olives, tangy feta, crisp veggies — but without the added carbs from pasta or croutons.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium zucchini, spiralized
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup cucumber, sliced
- 2 tbsp red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta
- 6–8 Kalamata olives
- 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- Oregano, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Toss all ingredients in a bowl.
- Chill for 10–15 minutes for flavors to blend.
- Serve cold with extra feta on top if desired.
6. Spicy Tuna & Avocado Salad Bowls
Description:
This sushi-inspired salad skips the rice but keeps all the goodness. Fresh tuna (or canned if you’re keeping it budget-friendly), creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumbers tossed in a spicy mayo-lime dressing — it’s bold, filling, and low-carb gold.
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna (or 4 oz fresh ahi, diced)
- ½ avocado, diced
- ½ cup cucumber, chopped
- 1 tbsp mayo
- ½ tsp sriracha (or to taste)
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Salt, pepper, sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Mix tuna, mayo, sriracha, and lime juice in a bowl.
- Fold in avocado and cucumber gently.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over greens or in a bowl solo.
7. Buffalo Chicken Salad
Description:
All the spicy, creamy goodness of buffalo wings — no carbs in sight. This salad is tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, cooled off with ranch or blue cheese dressing, and made extra satisfying with crunchy celery and creamy avocado.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 tbsp buffalo sauce
- 2 cups chopped romaine
- ¼ cup celery, thinly sliced
- ¼ avocado, diced
- 2 tbsp ranch or blue cheese dressing
Instructions:
- Toss chicken with buffalo sauce.
- Layer lettuce, celery, and avocado in a bowl.
- Top with spicy chicken and drizzle with dressing.
Optional: Add a hard-boiled egg or extra veggies for more volume.
8. Asian Sesame Cabbage Salad
Description:
Crunchy, colorful, and packed with texture, this salad is a low-carb twist on classic Asian slaw. Shredded cabbage and carrots are tossed in a sesame-ginger dressing — add grilled chicken or tofu for a full meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- 2 tbsp chopped scallions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- ½ tsp ginger (grated or ground)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Whisk dressing ingredients together.
- Toss with cabbage, carrots, and scallions.
- Chill for 15 minutes and top with sesame seeds.
9. Egg Salad Lettuce Cups
Description:
Creamy, classic egg salad — but ditch the bread. Scoop it into crisp romaine or butter lettuce for a low-carb, high-protein lunch that’s perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 tbsp mayo or Greek yogurt
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
- 3–4 lettuce leaves
Instructions:
- Mix eggs, mayo, mustard, and seasoning in a bowl.
- Spoon mixture into lettuce leaves.
- Sprinkle with paprika and serve chilled.
Optional: Add chopped celery or pickles for extra crunch.
10. Avocado & Bacon Broccoli Salad
Description:
This salad takes the classic broccoli salad and gives it a modern, low-carb makeover. No sugar, no raisins — just crisp broccoli, creamy avocado, smoky bacon, and a tangy dressing you’ll want on everything.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (lightly blanched or raw)
- ¼ avocado, diced
- 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or mayo
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Toss broccoli, avocado, bacon, and onion in a bowl.
- Stir together yogurt and vinegar, then mix into salad.
- Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving.
11. Taco-Inspired Salad Bowls (No Shells!)
Description:
All the flavor of taco night—minus the carbs. This salad is loaded with seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, avocado, and cheese, then topped with salsa and a drizzle of sour cream or Greek yogurt. It’s fun, bold, and extremely filling.
Ingredients:
- ½ pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded romaine or iceberg
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
- ¼ avocado, diced
- 2 tbsp salsa
- 1 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions:
- Cook beef with taco seasoning until browned.
- Layer lettuce, beef, cheese, and avocado in a bowl.
- Top with salsa and sour cream.
Optional: Add jalapeños, olives, or cilantro for flair.
12. Smoked Salmon & Cucumber Salad
Description:
This elegant, low-effort salad feels like a fancy brunch but takes less than 10 minutes to make. Smoked salmon, cucumbers, red onion, and cream cheese crumbles come together with lemon and dill for a chilled, protein-packed dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz smoked salmon
- ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp red onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp whipped cream cheese or feta crumbles
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Fresh dill, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Arrange cucumber slices and salmon on a plate.
- Sprinkle with red onion, cream cheese/feta, and dill.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and season to taste.
13. Grilled Halloumi & Zucchini Salad
Description:
If you’ve never grilled cheese, now’s the time. Halloumi holds its shape when grilled and gets beautifully golden. Pair it with tender grilled zucchini ribbons and a balsamic glaze for a hearty, meat-free, low-carb plate.
Ingredients:
- ½ block halloumi cheese, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced into ribbons
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper, oregano
- 1 tsp balsamic glaze
Instructions:
- Grill halloumi and zucchini slices until golden and soft.
- Arrange on a plate, season, and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Serve warm or at room temp.
14. Lemon-Dill Tuna Salad over Greens
Description:
Light, zippy, and protein-rich, this tuna salad is flavored with lemon and fresh dill instead of heavy mayo. It’s the ultimate no-cook summer lunch and perfect for piling over a bed of fresh greens.
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna (in water or olive oil), drained
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp olive oil or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp fresh dill
- 2 cups mixed greens
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Mix tuna, lemon juice, dill, oil/yogurt, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon over a bowl of greens.
- Serve chilled with cucumber slices or cherry tomatoes.
15. Avocado Egg Salad
Description:
Creamy avocado meets chopped hard-boiled eggs in this mayo-free twist on the classic. It’s cool, refreshing, and packed with healthy fats and protein — plus, it’s perfect for stuffing into lettuce wraps or eating straight off a spoon.
Ingredients:
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ½ ripe avocado
- ½ tsp lemon or lime juice
- Salt, pepper, paprika
Instructions:
- Mash avocado with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in chopped eggs and season with paprika.
- Serve in lettuce cups or eat solo as a snack.
