Sun-Kissed Flavors: Top 5 Refreshing Summer Salads to Beat the Heat
The temps in Denver are spiking this week which makes it the perfect time to indulge in light, refreshing, and vibrant salads that not only cool you down but also provide a burst of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick and healthy meal, these summer salads are sure to delight. Here are my top five refreshing summer salads to beat the heat.
Watermelon and Feta Salad
4 cups of cubed watermelon
1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze
Salt and pepper to taste
In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced red onion. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad. Gently toss to combine. Sprinkle with fresh mint leaves, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet and salty combination.
Cucumber and Avocado Salad
2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
2 ripe avocados, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup of fresh dill, chopped
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, diced avocados, and sliced red onion. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Sprinkle with fresh dill and serve immediately.
Mango and Black Bean Salad
2 ripe mangoes, diced
1 can (15 oz) of black beans, rinsed and drained
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup of red onion, diced
1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
In a large bowl, combine the diced mangoes, black beans, red bell pepper, and red onion. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve chilled.
Classic Caprese Salad
4 large tomatoes, sliced
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz of fresh mozzarella, sliced
1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
On a large platter, arrange the sliced tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy the classic flavors of summer.
Quinoa and Berry Salad
1 cup of cooked quinoa, cooled
1 cup of strawberries, sliced
1 cup of blueberries
1/4 cup of crumbled goat cheese
1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of honey
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, strawberries, and blueberries. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Top with crumbled goat cheese and chopped walnuts. Serve chilled and enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors.
These sun-kissed salads are perfect for any summer occasion, providing a refreshing and flavorful escape from the heat. Each recipe is easy to prepare and packed with fresh ingredients that highlight the best of the season. Enjoy these delightful salads and stay cool this summer!
