5 Tasty and Healthy Summer Salads to Beat the Heat

I think summer is the perfect time to lose a few pounds because who wants a heavy meal during a summer heat wave? There are so many healthy options that are tasty and hit the spot when the temperatures are scorching. Plus there is an abundance of fresh produce and ingredients available this time of year. Here are some of my favorite summer salads I am making to beat the heat.

Kale, Edamame, Quinoa Salad with a Lemon Vinaigrette

I love the recipes created by Monique from Ambitious Kitchen. Her YouTube videos, Good Mood Food are actually rather entertaining too! This recipe is on my grocery list because it is packed with juicy mangos, tomatoes, avocado and nutty quinoa. My Aunt Gail who passed just before her 101st birthday, said kale is what kept her healthy and young. That’s good enough reason for me (plus I do like kale).

This recipe has alot of plant protein and fiber, healthy fats and would make the perfect summer meal. See the recipe here.

Celery, Cauliflower and Apple Salad

Elizabeth from Pinecones and Acorns eats this salad 5 times a week. Imagine the cold crunchy goodness from the celery and apples on a hot day! Add some blue cheese and nuts for taste and texture and you have a winner. See the recipe here.

Peach Brussels Sprouts Crunch Salad with Tahini Poppy Seed Dressing

I love Brussels sprouts and this salad is superb especially with the fresh peaches available locally. This is another winning recipe from Ambitious Kitchen. The crunch comes from shredded Brussels sprouts, a sweet and salty nut mixture. Plus I will be able to use some of my poppy seed harvest from the Spring.

This is a pretty and delicious vegetarian dish. You can make it vegan by using a dairy-free cheese or eliminating the cheese altogether! Click here for the recipe.

Farfalle Pasta with Lemon Chicken and Herb Salad

This is one of my most favorite salads. It is one of those recipes that is even better the next day. For those who attended my All Things Lemon class, this is a great place to show off the gorgeous preseved lemons we made. If you do not have preserved lemons (one of the ingredients), you can find some online here. I have not had it without the preserved lemons, but I hear it is also very good.

Fresh parsley, cilantro and mint, spicy arugula, coupled with grilled chicken, tart and salty preserved lemons, tossed with a garlicky lemon dressing is perfection. This is a Joanne Weir recipe and you can see it here.

Watermelon, Mint and Feta Salad

Any salad with juicy, sweet, cold watermelon is so refreshing this time of year. This recipe from Serious Eats is one of my son’s favorites (@crozier_cooks)~Watermelon, Feta and Mint salad~ a combination of sweet fruit, salty cheese and a cool herb. You can also add cucumber and other fresh produce, depending on your tastes. See the recipe here.

Do you find your food cravings are different in the summer when it is warmer?I certainly do and even though it is extremely hot here in Phoenix, we are so fortunate to have air-conditioning. At our mountain cabin, it has been in the high 80s and low 90s (so unusual), with no air-conditioning. In keeping cool, I yearn for a nice, fresh, crisp, cold and yummy salad. I hope you enjoy these recipes!

If you have a favorite salad recipe, please share in the Comments below! Stay cool out there, my friends.