Summer is here and it’s time to embrace the season’s bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables with these 10 delectable summer salads. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for your BBQ party or a quick dinner, these salads are quick and easy to make, nourishing and full of delicious flavors.
- Watermelon Feta Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed watermelon
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Directions: In a large bowl, gently toss the watermelon, feta and mint together. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve chilled.
2. Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill corn for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred in spots. Cut kernels off the cob and place in a bowl with cherry tomatoes and cilantro. In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour over salad and toss to combine.
3. Greek Quinoa Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: In a large bowl, combine quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, feta, red onion and olives. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour over salad and toss to combine.
4. Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Directions: In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, goat cheese and walnuts. In a small bowl, mix together balsamic vinegar, honey and olive oil. Drizzle over salad and toss to combine.
5. Caprese Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 tomatoes, sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a large platter. Sprinkle with basil, salt and pepper. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve chilled.
6. Black Bean and Corn Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup chopped red pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: In a large bowl, mix together black beans, corn, red pepper and cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour over salad and toss to combine.
7. Waldorf Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chopped apples
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions: In a large bowl, mix together apples, celery, walnuts and raisins. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey and lemon juice. Pour over salad and toss to combine.
8. Thai Mango Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sliced mango
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped red pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sriracha sauce
Directions: In a large bowl, combine mango, red onion, red pepper and cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, honey and sriracha sauce. Pour over salad and toss to combine.
9. Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked shrimp
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: In a large bowl, combine shrimp, avocado, red onion and cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour over salad and toss to combine.
10. Caesar Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, egg yolk, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the mixture is emulsified and slightly thickened. Add in the chopped lettuce and toss to coat with the dressing. Sprinkle the croutons over the top of the salad. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the croutons. Toss everything together one more time, and serve immediately.
The Author:
Pioneerthinking.com – Ingredients for a Simple Life.
Photo. mp1746