5 Nutritious Salads for a healthy summer meal

By A.Geri

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, vibrant salads that are both delicious and packed with nutrients. Here are some refreshing and nutritious salad recipes that will make your summer lunches and dinners delightful and healthy.

1. Watermelon and Feta Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed watermelon
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, feta cheese, mint leaves, and red onion.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then toss gently to combine.
4. Serve chilled.

2. Quinoa and Avocado Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately or chill for later.
5. I am including my personal choice for quinoa – 1.8kg organic quinoa for just 15.99 GBP sold on Amazon If you prefer to bye smaller amount of this product you can get the tricolour organic quinoa. Five hundred grams for only 3.14 GBP .

3. Greek Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately.

4. Strawberry Spinach Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup pecans, toasted
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• When it comes about the dressing I always recomend using a good quality balsamic vinegar. The one at a good price is Mazzeti’s 250 ml bottle of organic Balsamic Vinegar sold for five gbp.

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, pecans, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately.

5. Chickpea and Avocado Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) organic chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately or chill for later.

These refreshing and nutritious summer salads are perfect for any meal. Packed with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, they will keep you satisfied and energized throughout the hot months. Enjoy these salads as a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or even as a side dish at your next summer gathering.