Hot girl summer salad is a fresh, crunchy bowl made with mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, corn, avocado, and feta, tossed in a zesty lemon-honey vinaigrette. It takes about 10 minutes to put together and works as a light lunch, a BBQ side, or a quick dinner on a hot day.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Salad
Why You’ll Love This Hot Girl Summer Salad
- Ready in about 10 minutes with no cooking required.
- A crisp, colorful mix of textures — crunchy, creamy, and juicy in every bite.
- The lemon-honey vinaigrette is bright and easy to make ahead.
- Naturally vegetarian and easy to bulk up with protein.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 5 cups mixed greens
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Hot Girl Summer Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, corn, avocado, feta, and red onion.
- In a small jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Hot Girl Summer Salad
- Add the avocado right before serving to keep it from browning.
- Grill the corn first for a smoky, charred flavor.
- Make the dressing ahead and store it separately until you’re ready to serve.
- Salt the salad lightly right before serving to keep the greens from wilting.
Variations to Try
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier, protein-packed meal.
- Swap the feta for goat cheese for a creamier, tangier bite.
- Add sliced strawberries for a touch of sweetness.
How to Store It
Best enjoyed fresh. If prepping ahead, store the dressing separately and add the avocado just before serving. Undressed components keep in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I meal prep this salad?
Yes — store the components separately and toss with the dressing right before eating.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, it’s naturally vegetarian as written.
Can I add protein?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas all work well.
How long does the dressing keep?
Stored in a sealed jar in the fridge, the dressing keeps for up to a week.