Best 4 Summer Garden Salad Recipes

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Summer is the season of fresh, vibrant produce, and there's no better way to enjoy it than with a refreshing summer garden salad. Made with a variety of colorful vegetables, fruits, and herbs, summer garden salads are packed with flavor, nutrients, and antioxidants. Whether you're looking for a light and healthy lunch or a side dish to accompany your favorite grilled protein, a summer garden salad is the perfect choice. With so many delicious variations to choose from, you're sure to find a recipe that you'll love.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

SUMMER GARDEN COUSCOUS SALAD



Summer Garden Couscous Salad image

This couscous salad makes the most of summer's bounty. I used to prepare it with a mayonnaise dressing, but lightened it with lemon vinaigrette. It's even better now! -Priscilla Yee, Concord, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 medium ears sweet corn, husks removed
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 cup uncooked couscous
1 medium cucumber, halved and sliced
1-1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped red onion
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Place corn in a Dutch oven; cover with water. Bring to a boil; cover and cook for 6-9 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Stir in couscous. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 5-10 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly., In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, tomatoes, cheese, onion and parsley. Drain corn and immediately place in ice water. Drain and pat dry; cut the kernels from the cobs. Add to cucumber mixture. Stir in couscous., In a small bowl, whisk the oil, lemon juice and seasonings. Pour over couscous mixture; toss to coat. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Nutrition Facts :

GARDEN FRESH SUMMER VEGETABLE SALAD



Garden Fresh Summer Vegetable Salad image

"We're always looking for ways to use our garden produce in the summer, and this salad is great because you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand. You'll love the dill dressing,."-Mari Roseberry, Dunning, Nebraska

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup fresh cauliflowerets
1 cup fresh baby carrots
1 cup sliced red onion
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
1 cup chopped zucchini
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dill weed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower, carrots, onion, tomatoes and zucchini. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients. Pour over vegetables and toss to coat. , Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 75 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 226mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SUMMER GARDEN SALAD



Summer Garden Salad image

Now's the time to raid your garden and herb patch and put together this healthy salad. A touch of mint will make your mouth water.-Jessica Reyno-Joseph, Kissimmee, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
1/2 small cucumber, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons chopped celery
2 tablespoons sliced ripe olives
2 tablespoons chopped sweet onion
1 tablespoon minced fresh mint
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 small garlic clove, minced
Dash salt
Dash pepper
1 tablespoon crumbled feta cheese
Fresh mint leaves, optional

Steps:

  • Place tomato and cucumber in a small bowl; add the celery, olives, onion, mint and parsley. Toss to combine., In another small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper; pour over tomato mixture and toss to coat. Divide vegetables between two plates; sprinkle with cheese. Garnish with mint leaves if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 89 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 197mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SUMMER GARDEN SALAD



SUMMER GARDEN SALAD image

Categories     Berry     Leafy Green     Appetizer     No-Cook     Low Fat

Yield 8 side salads

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 cups shredded romaine lettuce
1 cup shredded fresh basil leaves
1 cup chopped yellow zucchini
1 cup chopped fresh tomato
1 cup chopped fresh cucumber
1 cup chunked fresh watermelon
1 cup fresh blueberries
6-8 nastursium flowers

Steps:

  • Shred or chop ingrediants into a large salad bowl in the order the ingredients are listed so that you end with the flowers. Toss lightly if you like. I've tried this with both a sun-dried tomato vinagrette or a yogurt/poppyseed dressing - either works, but there are probably many other salad dressing/vinagrettes that might work well also.

Here are essential tips to maximize the enjoyment of your Summer Garden Salad:

  • Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest ingredients possible, especially the leafy greens and herbs. Crisp and vibrant flavors will elevate your garden-grown picks.
  • Mixing Greens: Don't limit yourself to just one type of lettuce. Combine various textures and colors by incorporating arugula, spinach, watercress, or any other greens you like.
  • Seasonal Veggies: Take advantage of in-seasons summer produce like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini. Their peak flavors will enhance the overall taste of your dish.
  • Herbs and Edible Flowers: Don't forget about herbs such as basil, chives, dill, and cilantro. Also, consider adding edible flowers like pansies, violas, and calendula petals for an extra touch of color and zest.
  • Keep it Simple: Don't overcomplicate the flavors. Simplicity is key to a refreshing garden. Salad. Let the natural flavors of the fresh ingredients stand out.
  • Healthy Add-Ons: Add protein, such as grilled chicken or tofu, to make it a more satisfying main course. Nuts, seeds, and legumes can also add a delightful crunch and nutritious boost.
  • Vinaigrette Dressing: Make a homemade vinaigrette with fresh herbs, vinegar, and a touch of sweetness from balsamic or apple cider vinegar to drizzle over the greens. Alternatively, use a citrus-based vinaigrette for a tangy zest.
  • Storage: If you have leftover summer garden, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Note that the freshness of the greens may diminish slightly over time.
  • Conclusion:

    Indulge in a delightful and healthy summer garden that offers a symphony of fresh flavors. Embrace the season's bounty and customize your recipe with a variety of greens, veggies, herbs, and edible flowers. Simplicity and freshness take center stage in creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Savor the taste of summer's garden in every flavorful and nutritious bit of this vibrant dish. Consider serving it as a refreshing side or as a delightful main course. So, gather your ingredients, step into your garden, and create a masterpiece that celebrates the beauty of the season's freshest offerings."]

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