3 Easy MEAL PREP Ideas for Summer Salad Recipes

These make-ahead, meal prep summer salad recipes are super easy and healthy! You guys know I'm a big fan of meal prep and while sometimes I do individual ingredient meal prep (check out my whole series of videos), other times I prefer to do a "make-ahead recipe" that's one big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Especially during the summer months when I want to spend less time in the kitchen!
These meal prep ideas for summer salads are light and fresh, and there's a flavor combination for everyone to enjoy - from Cucumber Shrimp Salad to Mango Curry Chicken Salad and Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. Hope you enjoy!
🖨 Printable Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe: downshiftology.com/recipes/cu...
🖨 Printable Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe: downshiftology.com/recipes/me...
🖨 Mango Curry Chicken Salad Recipe (Cookbook): downshiftology.com/cookbook/
Sign up for weekly emails (never miss a recipe!): mailchi.mp/downshiftology/you...
Join the private Facebook group of fellow Downshifters around the world: / downshiftologycommunity
► ORDER MY COOKBOOK!!!
Get 100+ make-ahead and quick-assembly recipes in my NEW Healthy Meal Prep cookbook: downshiftology.com/cookbook/
► WATCH MORE MEAL PREP VIDEOS:
I've got a whole playlist of meal prep videos: • MEAL PREP
► FEATURED IN VIDEO:
Skimmer: amzn.to/3oC7RZT
Instant-Read Thermometer: amzn.to/3OG6qnU
Glasslock Containers: amzn.to/3MTD9Vz
Weck Jars: amzn.to/3IDC9Ck
Stasher Bags: amzn.to/3ouTG92
► ALWAYS IN MY KITCHEN:
Counter Stools: bit.ly/2tUNvZG
Vitamix Blender: amzn.to/2NjFp75
Spiralizer: amzn.to/2N37WRy
Tea Kettle: amzn.to/2uuNSMp
Utensil Holder: bit.ly/2tVfGaH
Flour Jars: amzn.to/30UZESn
Salt Cellar: amzn.to/2UUyK9r
Knife Set: bit.ly/2tUGzMa
White Chef's Knife: amzn.to/3rwocy9
Cutting Board: amzn.to/2Vskgv9
Magnetic Measuring Spoons: amzn.to/2YIeKYT
Magnetic Measuring Cups: amzn.to/3hAJu6A
Food Scraper: amzn.to/3B3ki3w
For everything else I use in my videos, check out the SHOP page on my website: downshiftology.com/shop/
► TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
00:35 Cucumber Shrimp Salad
04:00 Mango Curry Chicken Salad
08:28 Mediterranean Chickpea Salad (Vegetarian)
► WHAT I'M WEARING
Top (similar): bit.ly/43s9msD
Jeans: bit.ly/3LmpdCS
Linen Apron: bit.ly/3KEmEvL
The music I use: bit.ly/2Ms5nF2 - Great music for KZbinrs!
Disclaimer: product links may include affiliate links.
#mealprep #mealprepideas #saladrecipes

[@Downshiftology]

Sometimes I do individual ingredient meal prep, and sometimes I do big-batch, make-ahead recipes to enjoy throughout the week. I talk about these two different approaches to meal prep in my cookbook. ;) Let me know if you guys like this type of video, and what theme of make-ahead recipes you'd like to see me make next! xo - Lisa

[@CS-zw5im]

❤ Love this type of content!

[@angelic3450]

Love this I've been looking for no-low prep ideas, sometimes even easy prep is just too much. Things like melon & ham, smoked salmon avocado and ruccola, ... I could use more idea's for 'trow on a plate meals'

[@allaboutcanines]

Love it! So empowering. I'm on the go a lot, so I'll listen to you on the video, planting seeds for action later. Then, when I need to review, I go back to your video.

[@memyluvzkochanel5889]

Downshiftology wish you could make an video how to make salad and healthy food for having a endomitriosis 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@kathleeno8544]

I am loving these ideas!

[@ninak6591]

The salads look great, I’m going to make the chicken mango curry today. Tip: Dressed salads may actually not keep that well in the fridge. They will not go bad, but will turn slimy/watery in very quickly, especially if there’s a cucumber in it. Chop them up and make the dressing ahead of time, but just don’t mix them, and just dress them before consuming:)

[@mzledastray2207]

Salt your sliced/diced cucumbers with some kosher salt, toss and let drain in a colander for 30 minutes before incorporating into your salad. Keeps the cucumbers crunchy for days and avoids that watery slimy issue. Bonus, your cukes will also be perfectly seasoned. This method also works great on tomatoes and any other watery veg you'd like to include in your salad.

[@deborahhopper1070]

These salads are summer ready, I will be making the salads every week thank you.

[@noelwallace8680]

Worked fine for me as meal.prep with them mixed.

[@susanapollus4498]

Hi what is the 3rdmix im may mix of 1st salad

[@gabrielacortez4893]

​@@mzledastray2207I didn't know this tip. Thank you!

[@ashlynkennedy2730]

I made the Mediterranean chickpea salad for dinner tonight. It was so tasty and nutritious! I grilled some salmon and put that on top. Fantastic meal.

[@marykitchens7976]

oh yum! I was thinking lunch but what a great idea to add a meat with that salad and have it for dinner!

[@jdub0107]

Loved these chunkier hearty chopped salads. Would like to see more of this theme (lettuce-free meal prep salads) with non-mayo based dressings! Thanks so much for the wonderful recipes!

[@Downshiftology]

Definitely!! I might just have to make a meal prep video for Fall salads 😉

[@faithwalker5196]

Yes! Something with squash or pumpkin.

[@katzpt]

And more beans please, for being great as a vegetable protein :)

[@annacleaves5923]

I make a Fall Harvest Salad that you roast butternut squash w a drizzle of balsamic. It is delicious and a family favorite. I can’t wait for your Fall recipes n will be sure to try them too. I have your book and love it!

[@user-ox6lo9cw6p]

@Jessica, just use a yogurt or labne instead of mayo. Not much difference in flavor

[@noelwallace8680]

I made all of these for my weekly meal prep twice now, and I am so grateful to you! The mango curry is my favorite and I'm making it a third time for dinner tonight!

[@inbark7809]

Love your meal prep! The curry chicken salad looks amazing

[@rhodaheggie1198]

I just watched this last week and I just finished making it for the second time. The chicken curry salad is so delicious. Thanks for the recipe 😊

[@elhimmelstein1913]

Thank you, I love everything about your videos. I can’t wait to make these. They look so refreshing, perfect for summer.

[@hihi-vi7qs]

Absolutely fantastic! I’ve made all 3 thank you Lisa xo

[@dilya2usa]

Thank you Lisa! Just prepped curry chicken for tomorrow lunch , very easy , simple and healthy! ❤

[@clarawalter8473]

Recently received my cookbook for my birthday and can hardly wait to get started!!! Love your website, KZbin channel and recipes!!!

[@chrizzliebear9803]

I just made the Mediterranean chickpea salad and it turned out awesome!! Thank you for all these easy recipes!

[@elizabethdirks6533]

We are thoroughly enjoying your cookbook recipes! 🤗❤️ Thank you for all the healthy recipes.

[@marshawilliams7115]

Beautiful recipes! And I like your style...short, fast paced but full of tips and options!

[@wayneparks]

Yes!! Always have loved your meal prep content! This is fantastic! 🙏🧡

[@Downshiftology]

Hope you enjoy these fresh ideas Wayne!

[@TechWiz1983]

Love this & you! Really missed your videos - you always brighten up our day. Thank you so much for that; hope you have a blessed one! 🙃 Looking forward to making these recipes 😋

[@asmach7792]

I loooove this, definitely will do the three of them this week, thank you for the inspo

[@ChiliPepperMadness]

Yum! Looks delicious and easy to make!

[@stepheniefleegle2535]

Made the shrimp salad and chic pea, but yum! Used half plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream since that’s what I had. The left over dressing is going to be so good on tune or egg salad I decided!

[@taylorferrell8308]

I just have to tell you THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Your wonderful cook book has been a huge blessing in my life.

[@Downshiftology]

Happy to hear you're loving your new book ❤️

[@charliehenderson38]

Cucumber shrimp salad, yummy 😋

[@schwingyshwoo]

Looking forward to trying all three of these recipes!😋

[@iambrandivakingskid]

Yessss! Just in time for a hot Texas Summer. These look beautiful and flavorful. I’m going to make these staples in my fridge because I want to avoid the heat as much as possible during the summer. Thank you for variety and flavor.🙏🏾

[@Downshiftology]

This is the perfect way to enjoy your summer without having to worry about cooking in the kitchen!

[@michellehathorus3324]

LOVE this content! I just discovered you this weekend. I just bough the ingredients to make all 3 of these for my husband and I to have on hand since we eat at different times. Also perfect cold food for summer!! Thank you for sharing your ideas. I would love to see more cold meals for summer. Asian cold noddle salads?

[@jessicapierson9817]

Need more of these salad ideas! Thank you!

[@arisbel]

Another great video, as ever. About the chickpeas: it's really worth it to go for the fresh ones i.e. not canned. Place 200 gr of "raw" chickpeas in a container full of water overnight. Add a teaspoon of cooking soda into the water. By morning the chickpeas will have doubled in size. Cook them in boiling water for an hour. Once they have softened enough, drain the hot water and shower them with cold water. This will make the exterior cloak start to peel off. Peel it from each chikpea by hand. It may sound like a lot of work but it does make a world of difference in taste.

[@MerryM94]

Amazing salads! Shrimp salad is the my number one, but love other two for sure.

[@lovebythemoon5230]

I’m making all 3 ! More salad ideas this easy and yummy please? Also, looooove your cookbook. I pre-ordered it and was so excited when it came so fast. Thank you ❤

[@Downshiftology]

Of course! I've got a few more planned to be posted on the website soon 😊 And happy to hear you're loving your new cookbook!

[@MB-xl8nx]

Lisa, oh my, you must me a mind reader. Just yesterday my Mom and I were talking about meal prep and since it is getting hot here in Arizona, wanting to prep yummy fresh summer salads. And presto! This awesome video popped put today! Thank you, can’t wait to try these. ❤

[@Downshiftology]

Perfect timing! I hope you and your mom enjoy all the salads. Let me know which one is your favorite 😉

[@karenwatson30]

Ohhh thank you so much!! I was wanting some easy summer salads!! Awesome!!

[@sabrinasearsy1538]

This came at the perfect time, as I was just thinking I needed to up my salad game! Thank you for the delicious recipes! Getting my copy of your cookbook down to check out the mango chicken again! Love it! ❤😋

[@Downshiftology]

Perfect timing!! The mango curry chicken salad is one of my personal favorites 😉

[@marcelaleyva6700]

same

[@rodiceiarodrigues1147]

Loved the recipes. Here’s coming the winter, but now I have an alternative to my afternoons

[@nicolepeaslee5692]

I made the shrimp salad this morning. It's so yummy! We love a durable salad.

[@Downshiftology]

Glad the shrimp salad was a hit!

[@NoleFan7.]

I made the Mango Curry Chicken Salad, and all I can say is WOW! It really is next level! I want to put that dressing on everything now lol. It’s that good. Thank you so much for putting a unique spin on chicken salad!

[@Downshiftology]

So happy you loved it, Vicki! x

[@jbt6007]

I made the chickpea and curry chicken salad this week! Great recipes -- very tasty.

[@faithwalker5196]

Lisa, you are a treasure and a gift to the world. 🌎🌍🌏

[@ginafellona601]

The chickpea salad is a fav of mine! I make it often… thank you, Lisa for all these salad ideas!

[@HoustonKeith72]

Gorgeous salads. Can't wait to try!

[@mariekneuker2482]

While searching for new salad ideas, I am so very please that I found your recepies here. I just subscribed to your Downshiftology and look forward to more great recepies. Thank you.

[@lightandsymbols1111]

Love that your recipes are easy to follow, healthy and look amazing.

[@Downshiftology]

Thanks so much! I hope you love these new summer salad ideas that are perfect for meal prep.

[@barbiec4312]

Definitely making all 3 of these. Thank you!

[@MindfulLivingA]

Yum! These look so good 😍 chickpea salad is a personal favourite of mine! Especially in summer 🌞

[@Downshiftology]

Hope you love the other ideas! 😉

[@cheryllehman7911]

All three of these look like winners to me! I’m eager to get started! Thank you so much, Lisa!

[@Downshiftology]

Excited to hear which one is your favorite Cheryl 😊

[@remyhamel8694]

I really like the recipe printing features! Thanks for the recipe.

[@montyshinn8704]

❤fabulous ❤. Thank you. I’ll be making them all!

[@jenniferdavies7232]

The mango curry chicken salad was the best recipe I have tried in ages! The shrimp was also delicious. The chickpea salad is next on my list. Thanks for the great recipes.

[@Downshiftology]

Glad you enjoyed this mango curry chicken salad!

[@ssmith6890]

Glad I came across this video!! These will definitely help me every other week for job lunches, yay - Thank you downshiftology!

[@Downshiftology]

Hope you enjoy! ❤️

[@helenguingab2499]

Fantastic all 3 salads! I can’t wait to make it ❤

[@nafisher7622]

Love those salads thank you for sharing.❤❤❤

[@pj101]

We love your meal prep videos. Thank you for the new one!

[@Downshiftology]

Hope you enjoy these meal prep salads!

[@allaboutcanines]

Great salads. I love being able to go to my fridge, grab a quick meal, already prepped. Thanks Lisa.

[@Downshiftology]

It's such a good feeling to be able to grab something healthy in a flash 😉

[@viryyengle7502]

This is awesome!! I love the greek salad, cant stop making it. Now I will try the chicken salad, it looks delicious!! :)

[@courtneyjenkins9649]

I love your meal prep stuff. It's simple ingredients and recipes that don't take too long to make. Thanks for the help in my healthy journey! Could you do one of these without cucumber?

[@Marita-jo2hy]

Thank you! This is definitely my next 3 weeks lunch for work 😊

[@Downshiftology]

Enjoy!! 😊

[@lindatoffolo3229]

They all look easy, healthy and delicious, thanks for the inspiration ❤️

[@Downshiftology]

So easy! Hope this makes summer more delicious and enjoyable.

[@normavalenzuela8113]

Yum, best recipes ever. Thank you

[@robinpeterson4688]

Thank you so much for these - I can't wait to try them all! I would love to see some Mason Jar style that you could hopefully store for a week or at least a work week. Love you meal prep ideas and always get excited when I see you've posted a new video :D

[@Downshiftology]

Will definitely keep that in mind! Thanks for the feedback Robin 😊

[@monsiebabe2817]

Woooow not a boring lettuce leaf in sight. This truly sparked my interest in salads again ❤️

[@Downshiftology]

No wilted leafy greens here!

[@rebeka5150]

These look delicious! Can’t wait to make them. Thank you so much for including a downloadable link. It makes it so easy to just drop it into my recipe app!

[@Downshiftology]

Hope you enjoy! 😉

[@alexaguzman8561]

Your cookbook is AWESOME!!!!

[@becciba5515]

Yay been waiting for a meal prep video 🥰🥰🥰 thanks so much!!

[@Downshiftology]

Perfect timing! Enjoy 😉

[@lindacarter6332]

Thank you so much for sharing!!! We live in South TX so Cold meals for lunches are a Blessing!!!

[@Downshiftology]

Hope you enjoy these meal prep salads Linda!

[@thomasina1971]

Absolutely loved these meal prep salads. Thank you.

[@Downshiftology]

Glad you enjoyed them!

[@bindihughes1146]

I received your book last week as a belated Christmas/Bday/Mother's Day prezzy - YAY!!!🥳🥳🥳🥳 THANK YOU for inspiring me. Love from Oz.🥰🥳🐝🐝🌼🌻🌞

[@TBIJourney]

I'm so excited. You did what I asked for. Thank you very much 😀

[@Downshiftology]

Can't wait for you to try these salad ideas!

[@johnsmart964]

Thank you very much for this excellent video presentation, you make these salad meals so enjoyable it can only encourage people to try out these colourful, easy to prepare and tasty salads. The pleasant joy you have as you do these things and share them with the people is very much appreciated by us.

[@Downshiftology]

Healthy and delicious eating made easy! Hope you enjoy John and thanks so much for the kind words.

[@joanneketch5103]

Awesome! Thank you. I've just been living in a limbo on campus at the facility where I work which means I haven't been able to prepare my own meals in 6 months! I never thought I 'd miss cooking so much. I close on a house near my new work next week. I think I'll make the chick pea salad mason jar salad style as my first packed lunch.

[@Downshiftology]

I hope these salads bring back some meal prep inspo for you Joanne!

[@yurimaperez1145]

Nice!! Thank you! Perfect salads for the coming months! 😉👍🏻🥰

[@Downshiftology]

Hope you enjoy Yurima!

[@lq7729]

You make eating well and healthy so easy! Love your videos.

[@Downshiftology]

Thanks so much!

[@msraposo69]

Thank you so much for the inspiration!! Made the Cucumber Shrimp salad.. and boy oh boy!! So easy and so delicious! Looking forward to trying the others 😀

[@Downshiftology]

You're so quick! Glad you enjoyed this cucumber shrimp salad 😊 Also, I would greatly appreciate a review on the website for that recipe if you get the chance, thank you!

[@AKASH_LOVES_CR7]

I actually needed a vegetarian recipe for a contest in my school. thanks a lot😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@Alexis_Danielle1]

The cucumber shrimp salad looks so good!!

[@Downshiftology]

You're going to love it 😉

[@jekku4688]

Saved this one, they all look amazing!!!

[@patriciag6127]

Love your videos so much!!! Thank you, can't wait to try these out. 😊

[@Downshiftology]

Hope you enjoy Patricia!

[@mizsparkie5479]

Love this, thank you so much! I would love other one-dish recipes like grain bowls and pasta bowls.

[@Downshiftology]

Will keep that in mind! I can't do pasta bowls though as I'm celiac 😉

[@marinalindstrom5619]

@@Downshiftology Lisa, don't you eat glutenfree pasta. There are many bean pastas out there.

[@SayHelloToOblivion]

I love that last chickpea salad. My dad raves about it, too. So simple, yet so yummy. 💕

[@Downshiftology]

Glad it's a family favorite! 😊

[@gulnazperez3456]

Loved this! Thank you, Lisa!

[@Downshiftology]

Hope you enjoy Gulnaz!

[@connie8213]

All 3 look terrific!

[@jiayizeng701]

love this one

[@mariareyes-ku6194]

I am starting the South Beach Diet and love these recipes. For the first stage, I will not be able to eat the one with mango but I am sure I can enjoy it on the second phase. Thanks.❤

[@joyindrelie6715]

Excited for this! I love the presentation in your thumbnail.

[@Downshiftology]

Thanks so much Joy! Enjoy these summer salads. :)

[@joyindrelie6715]

​@@Downshiftology currently eating a ground turkey maple tarragon patty from your cookbook! YUM!

[@kitchenmom]

This is perfect. I always have a salad like this in my fridge because this way hubby eats something healthy. Will have to make them all.

[@Downshiftology]

Hope you and your husband enjoy these recipes!

[@Miito1809]

Perfect! What I was looking for! Great vid and recipe

[@Downshiftology]

Thanks Carlos! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@babettevandenberg7638]

You got me inspired for summer Lisa 😋. I have already made the chickpea salad in the past but definitely going to try out the other two also 💨. Since you are asking, I would love to see an Asian style salad or Mexican 🌶️!

[@Downshiftology]

Challenge accepted! I'll keep in mind for more Asian / Mexican inspired salads that you can meal prep.

[@heathertormey]

@@Downshiftology Mmm, also voting for these two other styles of salads!

[@KJoel-nu4xz]

These all look fantastic, definitely will be trying all of them! Now, I have a question and pardon the ignorance, do you recommend to eat this alone or do you have any go to sides to have with these amazing salads?

[@joanorr4001]

Love your videos and recipes, Lisa. I purchased your cookbook and love it! Thank you!

[@Downshiftology]

Aw, I'm so glad you're loving your new cookbook Joan! Hope you've gotten tons of new meal prep inspo.

[@1960genius]

Thank you so much for every recipe here!!!!

[@Downshiftology]

Hope you enjoy all these salads!

[@Frandalicious66]

Just received my cookbook and my kitchen has exploded with ingredients. I am currently making these salads❤

[@Downshiftology]

Yay! Can't wait to see all the recipes you meal prep 😊

[@pachasoul]

I love your meal preps! Could you please do meal preps 100 percent to freeze? That would be amazing 😊🌷🙏

[@Downshiftology]

Absolutely, I'll keep that in mind!

[@chermp6787]

Yes please, plus proper reheat steps.

[@marlenecrockett9045]

I am excited and challenged to try all of your recipes. I have been looking for easy tasty salad recipes. Thank you

[@Downshiftology]

Hope you enjoy!!

[@michelleadams8309]

Yum! 😊 totally making that mango curry chicken salad for dinner this week as it's going to get hot here. 😊

[@niaree]

Love your recipes. I bought your cookbook and I love it too.

[@MsCas3]

You have given us alllllll our favorite recipes. We like big flavor. My husband is the cook, but I’m a teacher on summer break and wanted to help out. Gre loved the salads even though they were made by the least capable cook ever. Thanks!!!!!

[@Downshiftology]

Can't wait for you to try these salads for summer!

[@SeraMadadha]

Definitely trying the first one ❤

[@CP-gq5fw]

Hey Lisa, Thanks for the recipes! Can’t wait to try the greek/vegan version and the curry one since I have your new cookbook. BTW, I made the cover recipe from your book for my family and we all really enjoyed a wonderful dinner. Definitely adding on repeat! Much blessings your way!

[@Downshiftology]

Happy to hear everyone is loving the cookbook! 😊

[@ruthlessruth6238]

LOVE your videos and food choices! Would love a mash up of your Greatest Hits recipes!

[@405Lenny]

The mango curry chicken salad looks great to me! 👏👏👏

[@Downshiftology]

Enjoy!!

[@silviafigueroa5259]

Can’t wait to try the Mediterranean and Shrimp salad. For future recipes series I would like to learn to make dark, lefty greens salads. Thanks 😊

[@Downshiftology]

Will keep that in mind! I've actually got a few of those in my cookbook as well 😉

[@tanjavandordrecht6372]

OMG dear lisa, I make some of your recipes over and over because they are delicious. Today I made the mango curry chicken salad. OMG! We loved it!!!!! Thank you so much! xxx

[@Downshiftology]

Glad you enjoyed the mango chicken salad!

[@lilah3051]

Soon to be teacher here, and salads are just the easiest to consume when I’m on break and they fill you up plus I feel like I’m feeding my body decent foods that also taste good. So i’m definitely going to be making all these for my larger sides!

[@Downshiftology]

Hope you enjoy all these salad ideas!!