Forget the boring and oh-so-unhealthy summer salads of yesteryear, like the mayo-loaded potato salad and carb-heavy pasta salad your aunt simply insisted on bringing to every picnic. It’s time to lighten up your plates and heighten your tastebuds with these three options for perfectly healthy and delicious summer salad recipes to keep you lean and cool.
Grilled Salmon Salad with Dill Vinaigrette
2 salmon filets
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
½ cup chopped cucumber
½ cup sliced grape tomatoes
2 tbsp fresh dill
½ shallot, diced
Juice of 1 lemon
3 tbsp olive oil
Sea salt
Cracked black pepper
Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Salt and pepper the filets and add to the pan, searing each side for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the dill, shallot, lemon juice and olive oil in a large bowl and mix well. Combine salad ingredients in the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat. Top with salmon filets and serve immediately.
Black Bean & Corn Salad with Avocado
2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 ½ cups fresh corn
1 avocado, peeled and chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
¼ cup chopped green onions
1 jalapeno, de-seeded and chopped (optional)
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
½ cup olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp sea salt
Cracked black pepper
Mix the cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper together in a medium bowl. Add in the beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, green onions and jalapeño. Mix well. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator.
Watermelon, Mint & Feta Salad
1 small watermelon, cubed
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp cracked black pepper
1 cup fresh chopped mint
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Mix olive oil, sea salt, black pepper and mint together in a large bowl. Gently fold in the watermelon and feta cheese. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator.