SUMMER FRESH SALAD

We all have heard the adage 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away' but do you know what the new-age saying is? 'A salad a day keeps the doctor away'. Salads are a treasure-trove of healthy nutrients packed in a bowl. They are a great way to satiate hunger without having to worry about calories. We do have to be watchful about the dressings since they are often high in fat content. Whether or not you are trying to lose weight, salads are great for adopting a healthier lifestyle.

With the summer season at its peak, I am constantly looking out for new salad ideas. Not only are they light and crisp, but they are also a great way to pack nutrients into the daily meal without having to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Aside from their naturally good taste and great crunchy texture, they can add wonderful colors and fragrances to mundane meals.

ABOUT THE RECIPE

If the color level is any indication of deliciousness, you and your family are in for a treat with this eye-catching Summer Fresh Salad. As I mentioned earlier, salads add color and vibrancy to boring meals. This beautiful salad is a perfect example of a colorful salad. Make the most of this summer with this deliciously sweet and tangy salad. With just a few key ingredients, make this your go-to summer meal. Just chop the veggies and drizzle the simple homemade dressing to take your meal to the next level.

This salad is great for breakfast or lunch. It can also serve well for entertaining guests at your next BBQ party.

INGREDIENTS

The summer fresh salad is loaded with healthy ingredients. Here is what you need to make this salad:

Vegetables: You will need Tomato, Cucumber, White onion, and freshly chopped Cilantro for this salad. I have used Roma tomatoes, you can use cherry tomatoes too. You can also replace white onions with red onions if you prefer. Instead of cilantro you can add basil or mint for flavoring the salad.

Fruits: I like to add fruits to my salad because they add a hint of sweetness and color to the salad. I have added Red grapes because I love them but feel free to add your favorite fruit. Red grapes get their color from disease fighting antioxidants called flavonoids, hence they also amp up the nutritional value of the salad.

Dressing: The dressing of this salad is light and hearty with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. You can add some red wine vinegar if you like it tangy.

Garnish: I have added crumbled feta cheese. This is optional but goes a long way in making this salad a tasty treat. Skip it if you want to.

VARIATIONS

Salads are generally pretty basic and you have ample scope to improvise. This one is no exception. Serve it as it is or you can make little changes to make it a full meal or simply spruce it up. Here are some ideas:

• Convert it into a wholesome meal adding by adding proteins like grilled chicken or tofu.
• Add other tasty summer fruits like watermelon, peach, or grilled pineapples.
• Add walnuts, pecan, or pine-nuts to add an extra crunch.
• Add more greens like arugula, lettuce, or spinach.
• Add fresh basil or mint for flavor.
  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the best time to eat salad?

Salads are great for breakfast or lunch, they can be your go-to-meal for satiating sudden hunger pangs. Some cultures believe that salads should not be consumed at night because they are raw fruits and veggies while others dismiss such claims. I think the answer depends on what works best for you and your lifestyle. Choose a time that is convenient for you and pack healthy nutrients to your daily diet in the form of salads.

What fruits are good for salads?

Adding fruits to your salad can be a great way of making it pop and add vibrancy to it. Popular fruits like berries, apples, peaches, oranges, and cherries are added to salads. Honestly, you can add any seasonal produce as long as it goes with your preferred salad theme.

Can I eat leftover salad?

Well, the answer depends on the type of salad. Most salads with dressing will most likely become soggy and undesirable by the next day. Whereas a coleslaw will stay crisp for several days. In general, it is advisable to not eat a leftover salad with dressing. Without dressing, you can store the cut veggies and fruits in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Want to try other salad options?

Here are some of my favorites:

• Greek Salad
• Garden Salad
• Avocado and Corn Salad

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Serve the salad fresh and crisp as it is or serve it with baked fish or chicken. You can also serve it alongside a cup of Greek yogurt. You can also serve it with Pita bread and tzatziki dip.

Print

SUMMER FRESH SALAD

Yield: 4

Author: The GradChef

Prep time: 10 MCook time: Total time: 10 M

Deliciously sweet and tangy salad ideal for summer BBQ parties

Ingredients:

• 4 Persian cucumbers peeled and cut into half moons
• 2 Roma tomatoes cut into half moons
• 1 white onion sliced
• 25-30 red grapes
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp pink salt
• 1 tsp crushed black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• a handful finely chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, put all the veggies and grapes.
2. To prepare the dressing, add all the remaining ingredients except feta cheese in a smaller bowl.
3. Pour the contents of the smaller bowl on the veggies and grapes.
4. Toss everything together.
5. Top with the crumbled feta cheese.

Notes:

• Be generous with the olive oil, it adds to the taste.
• You can add other fresh herbs for extra flavor.
• Add some grilled chicken chunks for a wholesome meal.

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

https://www.thegradchef.com/2020/06/summer-fresh-salad.html

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