Fresh and Flavorful Salad Recipes for Summer
The summer heat is here and the last thing you want is a heavy meal. Salads are a perfect light and refreshing option for warmer weather. Here are some simple yet satisfying salads to try this summer.
A classic Caesar salad is always a good choice. Romaine lettuce, shaved Parmesan cheese, croutons and a creamy Caesar dressing are really all you need. Add grilled chicken for extra protein or black olives for a brinier bite.
A Cobb salad is a hearty salad that works well for a full meal. Chopped romaine or spinach, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, avocado, grilled chicken and a simple vinaigrette make this a crowd-pleaser. Blue cheese is also a popular addition.
For a Mediterranean-inspired salad, toss mixed greens with kalamata olives, feta cheese, chopped cucumbers and a red wine vinaigrette. Add grilled shrimp or lamb for a heartier option. A little mint and oregano will give it an authentic Greek flavor.
A colorful tomato and mozzarella salad is simple but stunning. Slice heirloom tomatoes and mozzarella and arrange them on a platter. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze and basil olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Fresh basil leaves complete the look.
A Thai beef salad is a flavorful choice for a warm summer evening. Flank steak or sirloin pairs well with a spicy Thai dressing made of lime juice, fish sauce, chili peppers, mint and cilantro. Toss the sliced steak with mixed greens, bell peppers, cucumbers and peanuts or cashews.
A strawberry spinach salad is a refreshing combination of sweet and tangy. Baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese and a poppy seed dressing make a lovely light lunch. Add slivered almonds for some crunch.
A southwestern salad with black beans, corn, avocado and a chili-lime dressing is a hearty vegetarian option. Top it off with fried tortilla strips, cotija or feta cheese and cilantro. Grilled chicken, steak or shrimp also pair well for a heartier salad.
A beetroot and orange salad offers an vibrant mix of colors and flavors. Thinly slice beets and oranges and combine with arugula or watercress and a citrus vinaigrette. Goat cheese or walnuts make a great addition.
A crab Louis salad is a delicious seafood choice for summer. Lump crab meat is tossed in a creamy Louis dressing with romaine lettuce, hard-boiled eggs and lemon. Avocado and fresh herbs are also common additions.
A panzanella salad made from cubed bread, tomatoes, cucumbers and basil in an herbed vinaigrette is ideal for using up leftover bread. Mozzarella and olive oil complete this rustic Italian-inspired salad.
A grilled peach salad brings the sweetness of summer peaches to a salad. Simply brush peaches with oil and grill until tender and lightly charred. Arrange them over arugula with crumbled ricotta salata or feta and a honey balsamic vinaigrette.
A watermelon feta salad offers a refreshing sweet and salty combination for hot summer days. Cubed watermelon, crumbled feta, mint and a lime vinaigrette are all you need. Chili peppers or arugula add spice and bitterness.
A mango avocado salad is a tropical delight. Dice mango and avocado and gently toss with lime juice, olive oil, salt and chili pepper. Serve the salad with grilled fish or shrimp for a complete island-inspired meal.
