Is there anything better to eat on a hot summer than a delicious, fresh
salad? Today’s post offers our top tips for how to eat well during
the summer months using fresh ingredients that are packed full of nutrition.
Why Eat Salads?
When many people think of salads, they think of some iceberg lettuce, a
few slices of cucumber, maybe some cherry tomatoes, all drenched in ranch
dressing. This dish isn’t exactly appealing, and it’s not
particularly nutritious either! More and more people are discovering the
delicious opportunities of salad, combining exciting flavors and ingredients
for a no-holds-barred menu option that suits every palate.
Try Grains!
For an interesting crunch, add some healthy grains to your salad! Toss
orzo pasta with spinach, feta, pine nuts, onion, and olive oil. Mix couscous
with green onions, cilantro, and black beans. Mix quinoa with cucumber,
lemon juice, green onion slices, and parsley.
Beans & Legumes
Beans and legumes pack a healthy punch, but they’re not always easy
to incorporate in meals. Salads are another story! Try a Greek garbanzo
bean salad with tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, and feta. Toss edamame and
black beans with corn, cherry tomatoes, and a lime dressing. Grill some
chicken for a chicken and white bean salad along with purple cabbage and
a citrus dressing.
Pack in the Protein
Get your protein in by adding smoky bacon to a grilled peach and arugula
salad. Mix grilled chicken with summer fruits and walnuts. Toss heirloom
tomatoes with shredded chicken along with plenty of spices; fresh basil,
chives, parsley, and thyme. Make a citrus salmon salad with avocado, sliced
almonds, oranges, and grapefruit, tossed simply with olive oil, lemon,
salt, and pepper.
Get Some Fruit in Your Salad
With so many delicious fruits in season, it would be a shame to leave them
out! Try the combination of sweet green or yellow melons and blackberries
with salty feta cheese, tossed with mint. Make a strawberry salad with
pecans and goat cheese. There is so much experimenting to be done!
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter
you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.