10 Summer Salads
Who doesn’t love summer? Warm weather and plenty of sunshine are the best. Of course, that may mean you are also extremely busy with kids at camp and helping out at work while others are on vacation. When you come home at night, you might not want a big, heavy meal or something that requires a lot of preparation.
Salads are perfect for the summer. They are often filled with the best ingredients that summer gardens have to offer and usually can be put together rather quickly. Whether you’re looking for a salad that can be a main dish or just a great side to go with something you throw on the grill, here are a few summer salads that you’ll love.
A salad with bacon – yes! Bacon and fresh tomatoes are the stars of this salad, but if you have time, make your own croutons and the homemade dressing. You’ll see how easy it easy to make both of these things at home and you may never buy store-bought again.
Grilled Vegetable and Goat Cheese Salad
How about using the grill for a salad? This recipe will have you doing just that! The char on the eggplant and grilled peppers adds some dimension to this salad. And the simple vinaigrette is great with the tangy goat cheese.
A Cobb salad is a classic, yet often forgotten salad, but don’t let it be. With chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, and blue cheese, it is packed with flavor and makes for a great meal. This has you preparing a vinaigrette, but you could always use your favorite dressing – no one will know.
This salad can easily be served on a bed of lettuce or pick up some ciabatta rolls or croissants to make a delicious sandwich. Be sure to grab the fresh dill when you are picking up your ingredients – it really makes this salad taste like a little bit of summer.
Fresh corn is one of those summer vegetables that people look forward to – and this salad is great for showcasing this vegetable. Once your corn is charred, you can throw this salad together and serve it with grilled chicken or your favorite burger.
Do you love a salad that has a mix of both sweet and savory? Then try this one! Peaches, avocados, chiles, mint, and pistachios make for a unique and tasty combination. And there’s absolutely nothing to cook! It’s a simple slice and dice salad that is quick to put together.
Watermelon, Orange, and Feta Salad
Salty feta and sweet summer watermelon are a great combination. The simplicity of this salad makes it great for quick weeknight meals or busy weekends when you don’t have a lot of time.
Pasta combined with summer vegetables like zucchini, yellow squash, and tomatoes really make this salad a meal. You’ll love the garlic dressing and be sure to toast your walnuts for some additional flavor.
Summer Melon and Ham Salad with Burrata and Chile
Sweet melon and salty ham make a great duo. Add in some in burrata and crushed red pepper, and you’ve got something out of this world. If you can’t find burrata, look for some fresh mozzarella.
Marinated Carrot Salad with Brown Butter Vinaigrette
Roasted carrots often get lots of love during the fall, but when it’s summer – put them on the grill. You’ll love the depth of flavor, and the Marcona almonds are a great addition.
No more ho-hum salads this summer. Pick up some fresh summer vegetables and try one of these! They’re easy and delicious!
