5 Crunchy, Colorful, and Crave-Worthy Salads to Kick Off Summer Right

There’s just something about summer that makes salads taste better. Maybe it’s the sunshine, maybe it’s the fresh produce—or maybe it’s the fact that we’re all craving meals that are cool, light, and satisfying without sacrificing flavor. We’re rounding up five of our go-to salads that check all the boxes: bold flavor, satisfying texture, and enough variety to keep things interesting all season long. Whether you’re prepping a weekday lunch, throwing together a last-minute dinner, or bringing something fresh to a cookout, these salads are anything but boring. Bonus: many of them hold up great in the fridge, so you can actually enjoy leftovers!

For me, when it comes to salad, it needs to be super flavorful and satisfying. Adding a crunch to any salad enhances satiation and also makes us feel like we're eating something more substantial than just a green salad. I love that about the crunchy coleslaw, and I love that it's got the same nutritional value as a salad, but a little off the beaten path. Another great thing about this one is that, unlike most salads, it can last for days in the refrigerator.