As the summer sun reigns supreme, our culinary preferences naturally shift towards light, refreshing, and hydrating dishes. Salads, with their vibrant colours and diverse flavours, become the go-to choice for a satisfying and healthy meal during the warmer months.
The Service Today team curated a list of the top 5 salads that are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a respite from the summer heat.
1. Mango and Avocado Bliss
Ingredients:
- Mixed greens (spinach, rocket, and romaine lettuce)
- Fresh mango slices
- Avocado chunks
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Grilled chicken or shrimp (optional)
- Lime vinaigrette dressing
Method
Combine the sweetness of ripe mango with the creamy texture of avocado for a tropical sensation. Add a protein element with grilled chicken or shrimp, and drizzle with a zesty lime vinaigrette to bring all the flavours together. This salad is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a rich source of vitamins and healthy fats.
2. Caprese Salad
Ingredients:
- Fresh tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Capture the essence of summer with a classic Caprese salad. Arrange alternating slices of juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella on a plate. Tuck fresh basil leaves in between, drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil, and finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This salad is a celebration of simplicity and the season’s best flavours.
3. Watermelon Feta Salad
Ingredients:
- Cubed watermelon
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Cucumber, sliced
- Mint leaves, torn
- Balsamic reduction
Method
For the ultimate summer refreshment, combine the sweetness of watermelon with the saltiness of feta and the crispness of cucumber. Toss in torn mint leaves and drizzle with a balsamic reduction for a burst of flavour. This hydrating and visually stunning salad is a picnic-perfect choice for hot summer days.
4. Quinoa Power Bowl
Ingredients:
- Cooked quinoa
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, diced
- Red bell pepper, chopped
- Chickpeas, roasted
- Feta cheese
- Lemon-tahini dressing
Method
For a nutrient-packed meal, embrace the quinoa power bowl. Mix cooked quinoa with a medley of fresh vegetables, roasted chickpeas for added crunch, and crumbled feta for a creamy texture. Drizzle with a refreshing lemon-tahini dressing to elevate the flavours and create a wholesome summer delight.
5. Asian-Inspired Noodle Salad
Ingredients:
- Rice noodles, cooked and cooled
- Shredded cabbage
- Carrots, julienned
- Edamame
- Sesame seeds
- Soy-ginger dressing
Method
Transport your taste buds to Asia with a vibrant noodle salad. Toss together rice noodles, crunchy cabbage, julienned carrots, and protein-packed edamame. Sprinkle sesame seeds for an extra layer of texture and finish with a zesty soy-ginger dressing. This salad is a perfect blend of textures and flavours, making it a delightful and satisfying summer meal.
These five summer salads are a testament to the versatility and creativity that can be infused into a bowl of greens. Whether you’re in the mood for tropical sweetness, Mediterranean simplicity, hydrating crispness, nutrient-packed goodness, or Asian-inspired flavours, these salads offer a delicious escape from the summer heat if you don’t have an air conditioning unit at home.
If you haven’t check our list of the 5 refreshing drinks for spring yet, now it is the right time to do it! So, gather your ingredients, embrace the season, and indulge in the freshness of summer on your plate.
