It's hot, it's humid, and let's be honest - there need to be more vegetables at the 4th of July barbecue that haven't been slathered in butter. All you really want is a simple salad that everyone will enjoy and won't be left untouched and wilting in the fridge later. Well look no further, because I can provide you with a comprehensive guide for building versatile, delicious summer salads.
1.) Skip the Lettuce
While iceberg lettuce is a great neutral flavor for picky eaters, it doesn't provide the kinds of nutrients that you're probably hoping for in a salad. Fruit-based vinaigrette especially is abysmal when poured on a bed of what basically amounts to crunchy water. For a mellow flavor that is still rich in nutrients I recommend baby spinach (don't tell the kids). For a bitter, more adult flavor, I would choose some spring mix or a half spring mix, half spinach blend.
2.) Make Sure it's Fresh
There is nothing more off-putting than biting into a wet, brown spinach leaf in the middle of a salad. Unlike iceberg lettuce, leafy greens go bad quickly. I recommend checking your greens when you buy them at the store, purchasing them 1-2 days before you plan to make your salad, and storing them in a middle shelf on your fridge for maximum freshness.
3.) Choose Citrus
Citrus fruits can really brighten up a summer salad. I recommend mandarin oranges (in their juices, not in syrup) because they're convenient, pair well with lots of different ingredients, and kids love them. Some people also like to use chunks of blood oranges or pink grapefruit in their salads as well, but those can tend to be a bit intense for young palettes.
4.) Add Some Color
Some of my favorite ingredients to just toss in a salad are strawberries, avocados, beets, or apples. Not only are these ingredients easy to prep and can go with almost any fruity salad theme, but they are also rich in nutrients. This concept will work for any of your favorite fruits or veggies that you have leftover - just be sure to cut them up well so they will integrate.
5.) Go With Vinaigrette
One of the most delicious toppings for a salad is a great fruit vinaigrette. Raspberry is probably my personal favorite because it goes with absolutely everything, but you can use a citrus, blueberry, balsamic or strawberry vinaigrette as well. I recommend the Simple Truth Organic Raspberry Vinaigrette from Kroger.
6.) Pick a Crumbly Cheese
Shredded cheeses and fruit generally don't mix, so I recommend going with a white, crumbly cheese. Goat cheese, feta, and bleu cheese are all great choices. Just crumble a little bit on top to give your salad a great flavor boost.
7.) Bringing it All Together
The real test of a great salad is whether or not you enjoy it. Everybody has their own preferences for ingredients, but only you will know what textures and flavors work for your family, so don't be afraid to experiment.
8.) My Favorites (Just for Inspiration)
My current favorite salad features mandarin oranges, sliced strawberries, beets, feta cheese, and raspberry vinaigrette on a bed of spring mix. My husband loves it and I never find any left over in his lunch box when he gets home. If you're looking for a savory option, I recommend cucumbers, diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, and goat cheese on a bed of baby spinach topped with balsamic vinaigrette.
I hope that this guide has been helpful to you, and brought you tons of salad-inspiration. Feel free to share your favorite salad combinations in the comments below. Have a great summer!