Brighten up meal times with a fresh summer salad full of fruits and vegetables! And BONUS! A Waldorf salad recipe!
Summer is the best time of year to enjoy delicious fruits and veggies that are in season. Since our bodies naturally want to cool down during the summer, there is no better time to make refreshing salads with the best summer fruits and vegetables.
In terms of sourcing some of the best quality ingredients, be sure to shop at your local farmers market. This way you are sure to get what is freshest and what tastes the best. You can’t compare the produce you get at a summer market to any grocery store. Once you come home with an array of colorful summer veggies, the best and easiest thing to do is create a gorgeous, vibrant salad.
Here’s how you can build a perfect salad:
Pick a Base
Kale, chard, spinach, arugula, romaine, swiss chard
Choose a Protein
Pea sprouts, sunflower sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, cooked beans or sprouted beans, grilled tempeh
Add some Healthy Fats
Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, almonds, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, hemp seeds, pecans
Avocado, coconut, or olives
Add some Healthy Extras with Vibrant Colors and Herbs
Red cabbage, beets, carrots, basil, thyme, mint
Green or red apple, pear, or blueberries
Dress it Up
Choose your favorite dressing – either a lemon tahini or balsamic vinaigrette
Take Advantage of Specific Delicious Summer Produce Ideas
Fruit: Strawberries, cantaloupe, apricots, peaches, grapes, limes, mango, nectarines, plums, tomatoes, watermelon
Veggies: Fennel, eggplant, cucumbers, corn, garlic, peas, peppers, radicchio, radishes, sweet onions, zucchini
Herbs: Basil, lemongrass, rosemary, mint, oregano, parsley, cilantro
Make a Homemade Salad Dressing!
The summertime is a great season to step out of your comfort zone and try making some homemade salad dressings. By making dressings at home, you will greatly reduce your exposure to preservatives, chemicals, artificial flavoring as well as intake of sugar.
Otherwise, I recommend making a large glass jar of dressing for the week and this will help you keep your salads healthy, flavorful and clean.
