My Five Favorite Summer Salads

Happy Summer y’all! We just returned from a blissful five days away in Arizona. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our Family reunion! Just what the doctor ordered. We came back home relaxed, with full hearts, sun burned cheeks and in desperate need of a few salads. The craving for greens is real Y’ALL, and I’m here for it!

I love those post vacay vibes when I’m super excited to re-stock our fridge and get back in our kitchen. Since it’s super hot + humid this week, I’m avoiding the stove. I’m planning to keep things easy and lean on our grill for fish & chicken + I’m putting together some of my favorite summer salads– using all the fresh flavors of the summer season!!

Sharing my favorite summer salads here, in case you want to join my salad party this week!


Strawberry Spinach Salad by One Lovely Life

I’ve been making a version of this strawberry, red onion + spinach salad for 20 years! It’s so refreshing, and the perfect way to use your summer strawberries. I love how this recipe incorporates fiber rich pistachios + almonds. The crunch is perfect, and you will enjoy the tangy dressing too!

It’s delish with grilled chicken, salmon or steak!

Overhead view of strawberry spinach salad on a white salad plate

Arugula Peach Cantaloupe Lunch Time Salad

When June arrives our local Texas farmers start setting up their peach farm stands!! As peach lovers, It’s one of the most exciting months for Zia and I. Peaches start to become a topping on our coconut yogurt, they get added to our paleo pancakes + smoothies and most definitely our salads. In fact–that’s my favorite way to eat them. Especially combined with a crunchy nut, a spicy arugula and a crisp cucumber! Don’t skip the pesto topper on the recipe below–it really creates a yummy flavor!

Arugula Cantaloupe Salad

An easy, colorful, flavorful salad that is made with seasonal ingredients and ready in minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 3 Cups Organic Arugula
  • 1/2 A Whole Cantaloupe cubed
  • 1 English Cucumber chopped
  • 1/4 Cup Red Onion
  • 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes
  • 4 sprigs Fresh Basil torn into shreds
  • 3 Radish thinly sliced

Green Pesto!

  • 2 Cups Fresh Spinach
  • 1 Cup Fresh Basil
  • 1/4 Cup Walnuts
  • 1 oz Grated Aged Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 Garlic Clove Chopped
  • 2 tsp Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil

Place spinach, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper in a food processor; process until finely chopped. With processor on, slowly add olive oil. (Add 2 tb warm water if needed to smooth the mixture).

    Instructions

    • Simply layer the salad ingredients, toss and serve with a drizzle of EVOO & Pesto!

    Thai Chicken Salad by Camille Styles

    This one is a departure from my usual flavor profile, but I really enjoyed it! Very hearty yet still light enough for summer.


    Watermelon Tomato Salad by Love & Lemons

    The contrasting flavors really pop in your mouth plus the taste is so refreshing on a hot summer afternoon. I love to pair it with these Tomato Basil Cashew Chicken Tenders 🙂

    Spicy Watermelon Tomato Salad in a bowl with serving utensils

    Spring Salad by Love & Lemons

    It’s vibrant, bright and packed full of fiber!!! Plus it’s super satisfying and easy to make! It’s zesty, flavorful and delicious! I promise you will LOVE.

    Spring salad

    Healthy Paleo Tuna Salad by All Things Healthy

    Sharing a bonus salad! I make tuna and salmon quite frequently in the summer, and you should too! I play around with the recipes a lot to keep it interesting, and I really love the flavor profile here! It’s salty, crunchy, satisfying and protein rich! Meal prep it on Sunday, and enjoy it for a quick {workday} lunch!

    This curry chicken salad is good for meal prep too!

    red onion, celery, parsley, dill, mustard, capers, tuna, and mayo in glass mixing bowl

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    Cortney

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