During the dog days of summer, the last thing we want to do is spend time in a hot kitchen making dinner — but thanks to the season’s bounty of fruit and veggies, we don’t have to. Also: cheese! We may not be the first folks to indulge in cheesy salads, but that can’t stop us from sharing some of our favorite recipes with you.

Watermelon and Feta Salad

Spice up the classic summer treat of watermelon by adding some feta and mint, for a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and pungent. If you feel like turning on the grill, this Grilled Watermelon and Feta version takes it to the next level by charring the fruit. 

Chopped (Cheesy) Salad

This Chopped Arugula Salad with Chicken, Capers, Aged Gouda, and Grilled Lemons only requires a few minutes of cooking the chicken on the grill or a grill pan. The lemons add brightness to the tangy flavors of the salad, and the aged gouda lends a decadent richness. (Want more salads like this? Find ’em in a feature of our summer issue!)

Potato (and Cheese) Salad

Roast fingerling potatoes, add Cambozola or another blue cheese, and toss together with greens and tomatoes to get this salad inspired by comfort food. Delish! Make this for guests and they will definitely be impressed — and likely ask for the recipe.

Caprese Salad

Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Caprese salad, with its near perfect mixture of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Craving something more? See some twists on the classic here.

Molly Farrar

Molly is a web editorial intern who hails from Virginia, also known as the place with some of best ham in the world, in her humble opinion. She has yet to meet a cheese she does not like. Other interests include drinking craft beer and running, sometimes at the same time.