As the sun heats up, we all could do with a little cool refreshment. Whether you’re jumping into summer mode and looking to get health-conscious or you just want a delicious summer salad to beat the summer heat, you’ve come to the right place. Our guide to Summer Salads to Boost Your Health will show you the key to preparing delicious, yet nutritious salad recipes that are sure to tantalize all your taste buds.
1. Nourish Yourself with Summer Salads
Summer salads can make a delicious and nutritious meal for any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing lunch or a light dinner, these salads are sure to hit the spot:
- Chia Cucumber Salad: If you’re looking for a light meal that’s high in protein, try a chia cucumber salad. Start by combining some cucumber, chia seeds and lemon juice. Drizzle some olive oil and top with oganic cilantro.
- Mango-Avocado-Cherry Salad: This hearty salad is a great way to take advantage of summer’s bounty. Start by combining fresh mango, avocado and sweet cherries in a large bowl. Top with your favorite nuts and seeds, a splash of orange juice, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Minty Peach Salad: Peaches are in peak season during summer, and this delightful salad makes the most of them. Start by combining sliced peaches with finely chopped mint leaves. Then drizzle the whole mixture with a honey-lime dressing and top with crumbled feta cheese for a sweet and salty mix.
These salads are a great way to add some variety to your summer eating. They pair well with side dishes like rice, quinoa or potatoes and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Serve as is, or add some grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal.
If you’re looking for a light, summery meal, these salads are just the ticket. Whip up one today and treat yourself to a delicious, nutritious meal!
2. Uniting Nutrition with Flavor
Creating meals that are both nutritious and delicious is a challenge for many. We all want to be able to enjoy our food while still taking care of our bodies, but coming up with creative ideas can be a daunting task. Fortunately, there are several ways to bring flavor and nutrition together without breaking a sweat.
Incorporate Superfoods Into Everyday Dishes. Implementing small touches of nutrition superstars is an easy way to up the nutritional content and flavor of familiar dishes. While kale chips and smoothie bowls provide convenience, more traditional dishes can also satisfy a superfood craving. Sprinkle poppy seeds over a bowl of oatmeal, add spinach to your lasagna, or add a sprinkle of chia to salads or yogurt. Even a drizzle of olive oil – a heart-healthy fat – over a salad will add powerful antioxidants as well as a delicious finish.
Choose Quality Over Quantity. Quality ingredients will make all the difference. Lower quality ingredients tend to lack flavor, so adding more may make the dish taste good, but it won’t be as nutritious. When purchasing ingredients, opt for something that is high quality – like grass-fed beef or organic produce – that will not only add flavor but also nutrition. These ingredients may cost more, but a high quality dish may need less of the ingredient, so you don’t have to compromise health for taste.
Enhance the Flavor. Nature provides us with the building blocks for flavor, but we enhance it to suit our palate. For instance, topped a salad with fresh strawberries, walnuts and feta cheese; jazz up a soup with a few shakes of chili flakes; or add a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice and herbs to a roasted vegetable platter. These easy garnishes will make a meal more interesting and flavorful, while adding a nutrition boost.
Use Spices A spice cabinet is a great asset when it comes to adding nutrition and flavor. Many herbs and spices have been linked to numerous health benefits, and they add just the right amount of flavor. Garlic can help boost the immune system and add flavor to a wide variety of dishes; turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, perfect for salads and stews; cayenne pepper ups metabolism and adds a kick to anything it touches. Use dry spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to add flavor and texture to oatmeal or low-fat yogurt, and don’t forget to take advantage of the fresh herbs like basil and cilantro while they’re available!
3. Savory Summer Salad Experiences
Summer is a time of al-fresco eating and long days filled with sunshine, perfect for stocking up on the amazing bounty of seasonal produce. When it comes to salads, there are an incredible number of flavour combinations to explore. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your own salad adventure this season.
Cold-Pressed Salad
- Start with a base of fresh greens like baby spinach.
- Add a few tablespoons of cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil.
- Slice up some juicy peaches and tomatoes from the local farmer’s market.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan and a few pine nuts.
- Top with a simple lemon vinaigrette.
Gourmet Summer Salad
- Combine a variety of fresh summer lettuce.
- Add a choice of white and black beans with vibrant red kidney beans.
- Sauté garlic, onions, zucchini and mushrooms for extra flavour.
- Toss in diced chicken breast for a boost of protein.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Refreshing Fruit Salad
- Start with a bed of washed greens.
- Create a colourful medley of berries, apples, oranges and pineapples.
- Add a handful of your favourite nuts.
- Top with a creamy honey-lemon dressing.
- Finish with plenty of shredded coconut and a dollop of whipped cream.
These tantalising salads are sure to tantalise your taste buds and provide a memorable dining experience you will cherish for the whole summer.
4. A Balanced Bowl of Health and Taste
Oftentimes, when you hear “healthy meal,” you groan in frustration. However, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to fill up on nutritious food. is the way to go—and it’s actually easier to make than you thought.
Let’s start with the foundation of the bowl. Consider adding a base of protein-packed quinoa, brown rice, wild rice, or millet. Not only do they provide plenty of energy, but they’re also an essential source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
Next, it’s time for the fun part: the toppings! Even with a few simple ingredients, you can roast up a variety of vegetables such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and sweet potatoes. Or if you’d rather keep it raw, try adding bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes, or cucumbers. Pile high with whatever plants you have on hand. And don’t forget to get creative with herbs and spices, like cumin, turmeric, and maybe a touch of garlic.
Finally, add an extra dose of nutrition and crunch with nuts and seeds. Toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, and hemp hearts are nutritional powerhouses that provide Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins E and B, and antioxidants. Plus, they’ll make your bowl look pretty.
If you’re looking for a flavor boost, try making a homemade dressing with apple cider vinegar, tahini, lemon, maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt. For an extra sweet and salty kick, add a sprinkle of feta cheese and dried cranberries.
You’ll see: with this balanced bowl of health and taste, you won’t miss the junky options. So, why not fire up the stove and enjoy a colorful creation of nutritious goodies?
Make the most of warm weather with these delicious summer salads quick and easy to prepare and packed full of flavor to help keep your wellbeing in top condition. Refreshing, crisp and full of nutritious goodness, it’s time to get your salad-spiration on!
