Summer Salads That Deliver

Salads are king of summer meals because they are cool, refreshing, and filling (when they’re made right). They typically don’t involve turning on the oven or stove which is perfect when you’re trying to keep your house cool. It’s important to have a good serving bowl for salads as well. If your salad is monochromatic, try serving it in a bowl like this one. If your salad has lots of colors, then it’s best to go for a neutral bowl like this one so that your colors shine.

When making salads, it’s also a good idea to get a spinner so that when you wash your lettuce you don’t spend a ton of time drying it. It’s also a good idea to invest in a vegetable chopper like this one. It makes prep easy, quick, and relatively painless.

Now that you’ve got your tools, it’s time to pick your recipes!

Summer Salads That Deliver

Recipe 01: King Cobb

This salad is king for a reason. Packed with veggies and protein, it’s definitely a main dish.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 c. red wine vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 2/3 c. olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 head coarsely chopped romaine lettuce
• 4 peeled and quartered hard-boiled eggs
• 12 oz. diced cooked chicken
• 8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 thinly sliced or cubed avocado
• 4 oz. crumbled blue cheese
• 5 oz. halved cherry tomatoes
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped chives

Process:

Start by making your dressing. First, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, and oil before seasoning with salt and pepper. Then it’s time to assemble your salad. Begin by laying out your lettuce on a platter or in a bowl. Now it’s time to add your toppings by creating rows of each: egg, chicken, bacon, avocado, blue cheese, and cherry tomatoes. Finish with drizzling your dressing and garnishing with chives. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe 02: Take Me to the Greek Salad

Zesty, light, and perfect for a summer evening.

Ingredients:

• Dressing: 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 tsp. dried oregano, salt, pepper, 1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pt. halved grape or cherry tomatoes
• 1 thinly sliced cucumber
• 1/2 thinly sliced red onion
• 1 c. halved kalamata olives
• 3/4 c. crumbled feta

Process:

Start by making the dressing: whisk together the vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil until well combined. Next, stir together the tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion. Then softly fold in the feta so that it doesn’t fall apart completely. Last, when you’re ready to serve, drizzle the dressing over the salad and give it a good toss. Enjoy!

Recipe 03: Sweet Fruit Salad

If you’re in the mood for something a little sweeter, then look no further!

Ingredients:

• Dressing: 1/4 c. honey, 1/3 c. fresh orange juice, zest of 1 lemon
• 1 lb. hulled and quartered strawberries
• 6 oz. blueberries
• 6 oz. raspberries
• 3 peeled and sliced kiwis
• 1 peeled orange, cut into wedges
• 2 peeled and chopped apples
• 1 peeled and chopped mango
• 2 c. grapes

Process:

First, start by whisking the dressing ingredients together until well combined. Then place all the fruit in a large bowl, before drizzling with the dressing and giving it a final toss. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe 04: Traditional Caprese Salad

Great for potlucks and delicious paired with a warm burger, this salad is a winner!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. freshly sliced mozzarella
• 6 sliced medium tomatoes
• 1 bunch of basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Balsamic Vinegar glaze for drizzling
• salt and pepper to taste

Process:

Begin by alternating slices of mozzarella with slices of tomato. Finish by drizzling olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top, garnishing with basil leaves, and adding salt and pepper to taste.

Recipe 05: Wonderful Waldorf Salad

Creamy, crunchy, and a hint of sweetness, this salad is a classic for a reason.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. mayo
• 2 Tbps. plain yogurt
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 c. halved red grapes
• 1/4 c. chopped parsley
• 1 c. chopped apples
• 1 c. sliced celery
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 c. toasted walnuts
• Bibb lettuce for serving
• 1 c. Chopped chicken (if desired)

Process:

First, whisk the mayo, yogurt, together until well combined. Next, fold in grapes, apples, celery, and parsley until just combined. Last, top with walnuts and chicken if desired and serve on a bed of lettuce.

Hopefully, these five salads help break up your summer and add a delicious crunch!