During the hot summer months, there’s nothing quite like a crisp, refreshing salad.
Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, these summer salad recipes are perfect for a light lunch, a side dish or a wholesome dinner. Here are a few easy-to-make salads that highlight the season’s best produce:
Summer Salad Recipes
Watermelon and Feta Salad
This vibrant salad pairs sweet, juicy watermelon with creamy feta cheese and refreshing mint. It’s perfect for a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed watermelon
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ½ cup chopped fresh mint
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine watermelon, feta, red onion and fresh mint.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
3. Gently toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Chill before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Avocado and Chickpea Salad
Rich in protein and fiber, this hearty salad features avocados and chickpeas as the stars, making it an ideal choice for a meal that’s both nutritious and filling.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced avocados, chickpeas, cucumber and bell pepper.
2. Add chopped cilantro.
3. Whisk together olive oil and red wine vinegar for the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Spinach and Strawberry Salad
Sweet strawberries and tangy goat cheese add a delicious twist to this spinach salad, making it a refreshing part of any summer meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 3 Tablespoons balsamic glaze
Directions:
1. Place spinach leaves in a large salad bowl.
2. Top with sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted almonds.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
4. Toss lightly to combine.
Grilled Vegetable Salad
This salad celebrates the smoky flavors of grilled vegetables. It’s a versatile dish that can be served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients:
- 2 zucchinis, sliced lengthwise
- 2 bell peppers, quartered
- 1 eggplant, sliced into rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into rings
- Olive oil for grilling
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Directions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high.
2. Brush vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill vegetables until tender and slightly charred, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Once grilled, chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a salad bowl.
5. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and toss to combine.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Each of these salads brings something unique to the table, from the light and refreshing watermelon salad to the robust flavors of grilled vegetables. Enjoy mixing and matching these recipes throughout the summer to keep your meals exciting and healthy!
