I don’t want to brag, but my husband tells me that I am the best salad maker on the east and west coast. Since summer is here, I thought it would be fun make some delicious salads.
HERE ARE SOME SUMMER SALAD TIPS:
- Visit your local Farmer’s Market. No matter where you live, this is the season to enjoy the Farmer’s Market. Take advantage of the organic, colorful, yummy produce. I have many friends who meet every week at the Farmer’s Market. It’s a great way to replenish your produce weekly and get some socialization in.
- Turn salads into the main dish by adding protein. For example, try adding chopped chicken breast to the Easy Bean Salad recipe listed below for a complete meal. Adding soybeans is another way to incorporate some protein.
- Raid your refrigerator and pantry. When making a salad or dressing, utilize leftovers, spices, canned products, and much more. Check out the list of Fun Salad Toppings listed below. My philosophy when making a salad is the more flavors and textures, the better.
- Try some new kinds of salads. A nice leafy salad is great, but don’t forget about all the other kinds of fun salads.
FUN SALAD TOPPINGS | |
Canned Goods | Beans, Olives, Mandarin Oranges |
Grains | Rice, Tabbouleh, Couscous, Etc. |
Fruit | Any fresh or dried fruit will add a splash of sweetness. |
Cheeses | A sprinkle of cheese makes a salad. |
Nuts & Seeds | Soybeans |
Water Chestnuts | Caramelized Onions |
Peas | Roasted Red Peppers |
Jicama | Cabbage |
Alfalfa & Bean Sprouts | Corn |
OTHER SALAD IDEAS
- Greek Salads – see recipe below
- Tomato/Mozz – sliced buffalo mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and lots of fresh basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar (one of my favorites)
- Grain Salads
- Bean Salads
- Fruit Salads
- Slaw/Cabbage Salads
- More salad recipes
SUMMER SALAD RECIPES
- GREEK SALAD
INGREDIENTS:
1 English cucumber, diced
2 large tomatoes, each cut into 8 wedges
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup thinly sliced green bell pepper
1/2 cup whole, pitted kalamata olives
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
In a medium bowl, layer cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Sprinkle with oregano, then drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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