I’m always on the hunt for that perfect side salad—you know, the one that makes everyone at the table pause mid-conversation to ask, “What’s in this?”
The Rainbow Fresh Summer Side Salad isn’t just another boring bowl of greens. It’s a vibrant explosion of colors and textures that’ll wake up your taste buds and brighten your plate.
With Wisconsin mixed greens as the canvas and a symphony of berries, veggies, and homemade dressing, this recipe might just transform how you think about “eating your vegetables.”
But what makes it truly special?
Why You’ll Love This Summer Side Salad
- Beautiful presentation – The vibrant rainbow of colors makes this salad an instant showstopper that everyone will reach for first at your table.
- Kid-approved nutrition – Packed with Wisconsin’s fresh summer vegetables and sweet berries that even picky eaters love, making it easy to get healthy foods into little ones.
- Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for busy parents since you can prep most components in advance, saving precious time during hectic family meal prep.
- Versatile for any occasion – Works beautifully as a light lunch, potluck contribution, or elegant side dish for everything from backyard barbecues to holiday gatherings.
- Budget-smart seasonal eating – Takes advantage of affordable local summer produce at its peak freshness, delivering maximum flavor without breaking the bank.
What Ingredients are in a Summer Side Salad?
This rainbow side salad brings together the best of Wisconsin’s summer bounty in one gorgeous dish. I’ve carefully selected ingredients that not only create a stunning visual display but also deliver a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The combination of crisp vegetables, juicy fruits, and a light dressing makes this salad a revitalizing addition to any meal, especially during those warm summer months when local produce is at its peak.
- Mixed greens (locally grown Wisconsin lettuce varieties)
- Fresh Wisconsin strawberries, sliced
- Blueberries from local farms
- Cucumber, thinly sliced
- Wisconsin cherry tomatoes, halved
- Yellow bell pepper, diced
- Purple cabbage, finely shredded
- Wisconsin-made feta or cheese curds (optional)
- Local honey for dressing
- Wisconsin-pressed apple cider vinegar
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh herbs (basil, mint, or dill) from the garden
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper
- Toasted local nuts or seeds (sunflower, pumpkin) for crunch
When shopping for these ingredients, seasonality makes all the difference. My daughters help me pick strawberries at our local farm in June, while our farmer’s market trips yield the best tomatoes and cucumbers by mid-July.
Feel free to substitute with whatever looks freshest at your market—that’s the beauty of a rainbow salad! For busy weeknights, pre-washed greens save precious time, though nothing beats the flavor of just-picked lettuce.
And if serving the little ones like my picky 5-year-old, consider setting aside some plain berries and veggies before tossing everything together.
How to Make This Summer Side Salad
Making this vibrant rainbow salad is as simple as Wisconsin summer living itself. Start by washing and drying about 4 cups of mixed greens—I often let my 7-year-old help with this step using our salad spinner, which somehow makes the chore magical in her eyes.
Place the greens in a large serving bowl, creating a lush bed for all the colorful ingredients to follow. Next, arrange 1 cup of sliced strawberries, ½ cup of plump blueberries, half a thinly sliced cucumber, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced yellow bell pepper, and about ¼ cup of finely shredded purple cabbage in sections over the greens. This rainbow pattern isn’t just Instagram-worthy—it lets everyone see exactly what they’re diving into.
For the dressing, Wisconsin simplicity is key. In a small mason jar, combine 3 tablespoons of local honey, ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar (that tangy stuff from the orchard down the road), and ⅓ cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Add a pinch of salt, some freshly cracked pepper, and a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs from whatever’s thriving in the garden. Tightly screw on the lid and shake vigorously until emulsified—my kids take turns with this part, calling it the “salad dance.”
Just before serving, drizzle about half the dressing over the salad and gently toss. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds and about ¼ cup of Wisconsin feta or cheese curds if desired. The remaining dressing can be passed at the table for those who like their greens with an extra flavor boost.
Trust me, even with three picky eaters at my table, this colorful creation rarely leaves leftovers.
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Summer Side Salad Substitutions and Variations
While that rainbow arrangement might look perfect as is, the beauty of this summer side salad lies in its flexibility.
I’m a firm believer in working with what you’ve got, especially when using locally-sourced Wisconsin produce.
No radishes? Try thinly sliced turnips. My daughters prefer sweet bell peppers to the spicier options. You can swap in any seasonal greens—arugula adds a peppery kick that pairs wonderfully with our Wisconsin cheese.
For a heartier version, add some protein: grilled chicken, local trout, or my personal favorite, honey-glazed walnuts.
The dressing works with any vinegar you have on hand, too.
Serve this vibrant salad alongside dishes prepared in premium cast iron cookware for an elevated dining experience.
What to Serve with a Side Salad
Pairing this vibrant rainbow salad with the right main dish can elevate your entire meal from simple to spectacular. I love how it complements Wisconsin grilled bratwurst or a juicy burger fresh off the backyard grill. The crisp textures and bright flavors cut through heartier proteins beautifully.
For the ultimate outdoor dining experience, consider investing in a premium outdoor grill to perfectly cook those main dishes that pair so well with this salad.
For a family-friendly weeknight dinner that even my picky 5-year-old approves of, try serving alongside roasted chicken or pan-seared fish. The colorful presentation encourages my girls to eat more veggies—a parenting win, right?
Vegetarian? This salad nestles perfectly beside a savory quiche or hearty pasta dish.
Wisconsin Pairing Ideas: Crumble aged Wisconsin white cheddar over the salad for a creamy, tangy contrast to the fresh vegetables.
For beverages, pair with a crisp New Glarus Spotted Cow or Lakefront Brewery’s wheat beer—their light, refreshing profiles complement the salad’s bright flavors without overwhelming the delicate greens.
Final Thoughts
After creating this rainbow side salad countless times in my kitchen, I’ve come to appreciate how simple, fresh ingredients can transform an ordinary meal into something special.
The vibrant colors don’t just look pretty on the plate—they represent the diverse nutrients fueling our bodies.
What I love most is watching my daughters pick through the rainbow, discovering new favorite combinations.
Wisconsin summers offer the perfect bounty for this dish, from local farmers’ markets to our backyard garden.
Whether alongside grilled chicken or as a light lunch, this salad reminds us that good food doesn’t need to be complicated.
Sometimes the simplest dishes create the most memorable meals.
