Say Goodbye to Boring Salads with These RD-Approved Summer Salad Recipes

Written by Sharon Desesa

When you hear the word “salad,” you may be visualizing limp lettuce and lackluster toppings, but that outdated stereotype couldn’t be further from the truth. Salads can be vibrant, satisfying, and bursting with flavor when made with intention and creativity – especially summer salad recipes with all the great seasonal ingredients.

I’m here to challenge the notion that salads are boring by sharing practical tips to help you build crave-worthy bowls that are as nourishing as they are delicious. From texture to seasoning, dressing to protein, there’s an art to crafting a salad that truly satisfies. Plus, I’m sharing 3 summer salad recipes that prove salads can be the star of your plate, not just a side dish.

First, here are 5 tips to keep your salads exciting 

With just a few simple tips, you can transform any salad into a crave-worthy, nutrient-packed meal that nourishes both body and mind. Think of your salad as a layered bowl of flavor – balancing sweet, salty, zesty, and crunchy elements to create a dynamic and satisfying dish.

1. Add color

The more colorful your salad, the more nutrient-packed it tends to be! Aim to include a variety of fresh or cooked vegetables – think crisp bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, sweet carrots, or hearty roasted potatoes. These vibrant additions not only boost the nutrition profile but also bring your bowl to life with fresh, bold flavors.

2. Include protein 

Don’t forget to include a high-quality protein source like grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, hard-boiled eggs, black beans, or baked fish like salmon or tuna. Not only will protein provide satiety, it can also help add a burst of flavor with seasoned protein sources like a BBQ chicken or garlicky roasted chickpeas. 

3. Top with crunch

Sprinkle on a crunchy topping like pumpkin seeds, tortilla chips, candied walnuts, or parmesan crisps. The variety of textures adds a fun crunch your tastebuds will love. 

4. Toss in flavor-boosters

Add a burst of bold flavor with ingredients like roasted red peppers, fresh herbs, crumbled goat or blue cheese, or a hint of spice. Just one vibrant, flavor-packed addition can elevate your salad from simple to sensational.

5. Homemade dressing

Skip the ultra-processed store-bought dressings loaded with fillers, added sugar, and inflammatory oils, and opt for a homemade version instead. You can easily whip up a flavorful dressing with just a few simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. For example, a classic balsamic vinaigrette comes together with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.

3 Crave-Worthy Summer Salad Recipes 

Use the tips above to craft a delicious, satisfying bowl of your own, or try one of these 3 fresh and filling salad recipes featuring summer-inspired ingredients that will leave you feeling nourished, energized, and ready for all your summer fun.

1. Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

  • 1-2 handfuls of spinach
  • ½ cup sliced strawberries
  • ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
  • ¼ cup pecans or walnuts
  • ¼ avocado, sliced
  • 4 oz grilled chicken 

Dressing

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • ½ Tbsp honey
  • ½ Tbsp dijon mustard
  • Dash of salt and pepper

2. Cobb Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

  • 1-2 handfuls of romaine lettuce
  • ½ cup cucumber, chopped
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 hard boiled egg, sliced
  • ¼ avocado, sliced
  • 4 oz grilled chicken
  • Sprinkle of cheese of choice (goat, cheddar, or feta)
  • 1 slice cooked bacon (optional)

Dressing

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • ½ Tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • ½ Tbsp dijon mustard
  • Dash of salt

3. Southwestern Chopped Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

  • 1-2 handfuls of romaine 
  • ½ cup black beans (drained & rinsed)
  • ½ cup bell pepper, chopped
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • ½ cup cooked sweet corn
  • ¼ cup roasted red pepper, chopped

Dressing (blend the following)

  • Handful chopped cilantro
  • ¼ avocado
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp white wine vinegar
  • Dash of salt

Gone are the days when “salad” meant a bland plate of lettuce. These 3 summer salad recipes are bursting with flavor and anything but boring. Don’t forget to include a protein source and healthy fat to boost satiety and maximize nutrient absorption. Enjoy them as a quick lunch, light dinner, or make a big batch to impress at your next summer cookout.

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