SUMMER SALADS

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy refreshing salads packed with vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients. Here are five delicious salad recipes that are perfect for the summer season:

Watermelon and Feta Salad:

Ingredients:

4 cups diced watermelon

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

1 cup arugula or mixed greens

1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves

1/4 cup sliced red onion

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Salt and black pepper to taste

Combine watermelon, feta cheese, arugula, mint leaves, and red onion in a large salad bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss. Season with salt and black pepper. Serve chilled.

Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad:

Ingredients:

2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced

2 ripe peaches, sliced

4 cups mixed salad greens

1/4 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and black pepper to taste

Arrange mixed salad greens on a serving platter. Top with grilled chicken slices, peach slices, almonds, and crumbled goat cheese. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.

Caprese Salad Skewers:

Ingredients:

Cherry tomatoes

Fresh mozzarella balls

Fresh basil leaves

Balsamic glaze

Skewers

Thread one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf onto each skewer. Arrange the skewers on a serving plate. Drizzle with balsamic glaze. These bite-sized caprese salad skewers are perfect for a light and refreshing summer appetizer.

Berry Spinach Salad with Citrus Dressing:

Ingredients:

4 cups baby spinach leaves

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

1 cup fresh blueberries

1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

1/4 cup sliced almonds

Zest of 1 orange

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 orange

Juice of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and black pepper to taste

In a large salad bowl, combine baby spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, blueberries, crumbled goat cheese, and sliced almonds. In a separate small bowl, whisk together orange zest, lemon zest, orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the citrus dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately to maintain the freshness and vibrant colors of the salad.

This berry spinach salad with citrus dressing is a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a refreshing choice for hot summer days. Enjoy!

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad:

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 cup diced cucumber

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup diced red onion

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

Salt and black pepper to taste

In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives. In a separate small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Asian Sesame Chicken Salad:

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded cooked chicken

4 cups mixed salad greens

1 cup shredded cabbage

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1/2 cup sliced cucumber

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup chopped peanuts

2 tablespoons sesame oil

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, salad greens,

cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, chopped fresh cilantro, and chopped peanuts. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame seeds to make the dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat all the ingredients. The combination of flavors and textures in this Asian-inspired salad is incredibly satisfying and perfect for a light summer meal.

Feel free to customize these salad recipes by adding or substituting ingredients based on your preferences. You can also experiment with different dressings to create unique flavor profiles. Enjoy these refreshing and nutritious salads throughout the summer season!