Salads are a versatile dish that allow you to combine a variety of ingredients based on your taste and in-season ingredients. Try the recipes below if you are looking for satisfying and refreshing meals this summer.
Caprese Pasta Salad
This is the perfect balanced lunchtime salad for anyone craving refreshing Italian flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked pasta shells
- ¼ cup pesto
- About 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
- About 10 fresh mozzarella pearls
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Balsamic vinegar
Directions: Add cooked pasta to a bowl with pesto and combine until pasta is thoroughly coated. Halve roughly 10 cherry tomatoes and add on top. Add about the same amount of fresh mozzarella pearls. Top with salt and pepper to taste and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
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Greek Salad
With fresh, simple and flavorful ingredients, this salad will whisk you away to Mediterranean paradise no matter where you are in the world.
2 to 3 large tomatoes, chopped into large wedges
1 medium sized cucumber, sliced into half-cylinders
Salt to taste
Dried oregano to taste
½ cup to 1 cup of kalamata olives
1 block of feta cheese, can substitute with crumbled feta
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
1 green bell pepper, sliced into sticks
Half red onion, sliced into rings
Directions: Combine tomato, bell pepper, onion, cucumber and olives in a bowl with olive oil, red wine vinegar and salt, tossing until well coated. Top with feta cheese, oregano and light drizzle of olive oil. Try pairing with warm pita bread or meat skewers for a more filling meal.
Italian Club Salad
This hearty salad is reminiscent of a classic Italian club sandwich and is a perfect option to refuel after a sweltering summer day.
1 head of romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped finely
Half red onion, diced
½ cup black olives, sliced
1 to 2 cloves of garlic, minced
Parmesan cheese to top
¼ cup sun dried tomatoes, sliced
3 tablespoons of olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon of italian seasoning
½ cup salami, chopped finely
½ cup sliced ham or turkey, chopped finely
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
⅓ cup peperoncini, chopped finely
Directions: Combine lettuce, onion, salami, deli meat, tomatoes, pepperoncini, olives and sun dried tomatoes in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning and garlic until emulsified. Pour over salad and top with parmesan cheese.
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Southwestern Salad
This salad is a nutritious option to pack in delicious vegetables and protein.
1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
Fresh cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, minced
Juice of 1 lime
3 tablespoons of olive oil
Crumbled queso fresco
⅓ cup diced tomatoes
⅓ cup sweet corn
Half red onion, diced
1 avocado, diced
Directions: Add lettuce, tomatoes, corn, red onion, avocado, black beans and jalapeño to a bowl and combine. Toss with olive oil and lime juice before topping with queso fresco and fresh cilantro.
