The Best Summer Salads to Try Now
With temperatures climbing and the bounty of the summer harvest coming in, it’s prime time for salads this time of year. And who wants to cook over a hot stove when everything you need for a fabulous meal is right there in the crisper. Here, some ideas to get you started.
Coleslaw Revisited
The ultimate refresher on a hot summer day, coleslaw is the centerpiece of many a Summer picnic for very good reason. But today’s variations have come a long way from the standard barbecue side, with pretty much any vegetable you can think of ready to be shredded and served. Try this updated version of a classic cabbage slaw or experiment with this kale slaw with peanut sauce for something complete different.
Everything Goes Better with Beets
Throw together pretty much any combination of chilled beets, goat cheese, and vinaigrette and you can’t go wrong. But with the addition of citrus, you’ve got something even more memorable. One combination features grilled radicchio and blood orange, while ever-popular ABC salad includes avocado for a creamy finish.
Surprise with Seafood Salads
Top a base of crisp greens with salmon or shrimp and you’ve got the perfect one-dish meal. And don’t forget the rustic French favorite, Salad Niçoise, featuring potatoes, green beans, and hard-boiled eggs along with a centerpiece of tuna salad. For a dish your guests are unlikely to have tried before, serve up this combination of warm spinach and mussels.
Boost Flavor with Beans
Rich in protein and fiber, bean salads are as healthy as they are flavorful. Start with a classic tricolor (green beans, kidney beans, and navy beans or cannellini) or spice things up with this southwestern-style chickpea salad flavored with the piquant chilis known as peppadews. Lentils also lend themselves to salad-making too; this roasted carrot and lentil salad is particularly tasty.
