Summer salad dressings are a must-have for any backyard BBQ. I’ve rounded up my 15 favorite summer dressings for sunny backyard gatherings. From tangy vinaigrettes to creamy classics, these are my go-to picks for keeping things fresh and delicious all summer long.
Greek Yogurt Dressing
The first summer salad dressing on our list is Greek yogurt dressing. It adds a fresh, tangy flavor to your BBQ salads. This condiment blends Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs to create a healthy, protein-rich option. You can drizzle it over grilled vegetables or use it as a dip for chicken skewers. It’s cool, light, and perfect for warm days.
Here’s the Greek yogurt dressing recipe.
Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
Bright and citrusy, this lemon basil vinaigrette brings a zesty kick to any summer BBQ dish. Fresh basil, lemon juice, and olive oil combine to give your greens a burst of flavor. It’s also great on pasta salads and grilled seafood. This dressing keeps things fresh and light.
This is how I made the lemon basil vinaigrette.
Tomato Vinaigrette
Made with ripe tomatoes and a touch of vinegar, this summer salad dressing delivers a rich, tangy taste that pairs well with grilled meats and hearty salads. Tomato vinaigrette adds a bold, savory note to your summer spread while staying light and healthy.
Learn how to make tomato vinaigrette here.
Blueberry Vinaigrette
Next is the blueberry vinaigrette! It mixes fresh blueberries with vinegar and honey for a fruity, colorful dressing. You can use it on spinach salads, grilled chicken, or even as a glaze for roasted veggies. It’s a fun way to add flavor and color to your BBQ menu.
Here’s the simple recipe for blueberry vinaigrette.
Dijon Vinaigrette
This bold and tangy Dijon vinaigrette adds a punch of flavor to grilled veggies and leafy greens. The mustard gives it a creamy texture while vinegar keeps it light and refreshing. It pairs well with chicken, steak, or a fresh summer salad.
This is the step-by-step guide for making Dijon vinaigrette.
Miso Ginger Dressing
Give your summer BBQ an Asian twist with miso ginger dressing. The miso adds depth, while the fresh ginger brings a spicy kick. It’s perfect for drizzling over grilled vegetables, noodles, or a crisp cabbage slaw.
Here’s the easy miso ginger dressing recipe.
Italian Dressing
If you want a Mediterranean flavor for your summer meals, try Italian salad dressing. This condiment mixes herbs, vinegar, and olive oil to create a simple yet tasty combo. Use it on pasta salads, grilled vegetables, or even as a marinade.
Try this Italian dressing recipe now!
Garlic Vinaigrette
Packed with flavor, garlic vinaigrette adds a bold, savory touch to any BBQ dish. Blended garlic, vinegar, and oil make a great match for grilled meats or mixed greens. It’s a simple way to boost any summer side dish.
Here’s how to make garlic vinaigrette.
Avocado Dressing
The next summer salad dressing for BBQ is avocado dressing. This creamy condiment is perfect for summer BBQ salads. It blends ripe avocado with lime juice, garlic, and olive oil for a smooth, rich texture. You can drizzle it over grilled veggies or use it as a dip. The fresh, buttery taste makes every bite more delicious. It’s a great choice for healthy summer meals.
Discover the avocado dressing recipe here.
Catalina Dressing
Catalina dressing adds a tangy-sweet kick to your summer BBQ dishes. Made with tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, and spices, it pairs well with grilled meats or taco salads. Its red color and zesty flavor make it a BBQ favorite. This dressing is a tasty way to boost flavor fast.
Here’s the best Catalina dressing.
Red Wine Vinaigrette
This light and flavorful red wine vinaigrette is great for summer greens. With red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and herbs, it gives salads a sharp and refreshing bite. It’s simple, quick, and full of Mediterranean flavor—ideal for grilled chicken or fresh garden veggies.
This is how to make the red wine vinaigrette.
Citrus Vinaigrette
Fresh and tangy, this citrus vinaigrette brings bright flavor to your summer salads. The mix of lemon, orange, and a touch of honey creates a zesty and sweet balance. Olive oil adds a smooth finish that makes grilled vegetables or greens shine. This summer salad dressing is a light, refreshing option for any BBQ meal.
Explore the citrus vinaigrette recipe now!
Miso Turmeric Dressing
If you’re not a fan of miso ginger dressing, try this miso turmeric dressing. It brings bold, savory flavor with a healthy twist. The umami from miso paste combines with earthy turmeric, ginger, and lemon juice for a vibrant, golden dressing. It works great with cabbage slaw, grain bowls, or grilled veggies.
Learn how to make miso turmeric dressing here.
Poppy Seed Dressing
Creamy and slightly sweet, poppy seed dressing is perfect for fruit salads or leafy greens. It blends Greek yogurt, vinegar, and a hint of sugar with crunchy poppy seeds. The smooth texture and mild flavor pair well with grilled chicken or summer berries.
Here’s the ultimate poppy seed dressing recipe.
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
With a crisp and tangy taste, apple cider vinaigrette is perfect for both summer and autumn dishes. The apple cider vinegar blends smoothly with Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and olive oil. It’s simple, fresh, and great for green salads or roasted corn.
Here’s the quick and easy apple cider vinaigrette recipe.
Roasted strawberry vinaigrette
Brighten up your summer salad with this roasted strawberry vinaigrette. The strawberries are roasted until sweet and juicy, then blended with vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of honey. The result is a fresh, fruity dressing that’s perfect for summer BBQs. It pairs well with leafy greens, grilled chicken, or goat cheese.
Here’s the roasted strawberry vinaigrette recipe.
