5 Refreshing Summer Salad Recipes

Summer is here, and what better way to beat the heat than with a crisp, refreshing salad? These five delightful recipes are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, nutritious meals all week long. From fruity delights to hearty pasta salads, we’ve got your summer cravings covered!

1. Berry Bliss Spinach Salad

Picture yourself on a sun-drenched patio, fork in hand, ready to dive into a bowl of summer’s finest flavors. That’s the experience this Berry Bliss Spinach Salad delivers!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• Grilled chicken breast, sliced (optional)

Dressing:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine spinach, berries, feta, and almonds.
2. Whisk together dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
3. Toss the salad with the dressing and sprinkle with fresh mint.
4. Top with grilled chicken if desired.

Meal Prep Tip: Store the dressing separately and add just before eating to keep the spinach crisp.

2. Mediterranean Pasta Sunshine

Transport yourself to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean with this vibrant pasta salad that’s bursting with flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• Grilled shrimp (optional)

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta.
2. Whisk together dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. Sprinkle with fresh basil and top with grilled shrimp if desired.

Meal Prep Tip: This salad tastes even better after marinating in the fridge overnight!

3. Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Paradise

This salad is a symphony of sweet and savory, with the smoky char of grilled peaches playing beautifully against the salty prosciutto.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 2 ripe peaches, pitted and quartered
• 4 slices prosciutto, torn into pieces
• 1/4 cup fresh mozzarella balls
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, torn
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Grill peach quarters on a hot grill or grill pan for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly charred.
2. Arrange salad greens on a platter or in individual bowls.
3. Top with grilled peaches, prosciutto pieces, and mozzarella balls.
4. Sprinkle with torn basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Meal Prep Tip: Grill extra peaches and store them separately to add to your salad throughout the week.

4. Rainbow Veggie Quinoa Bowl

This colorful salad is not just a feast for the eyes but a nutritional powerhouse that will keep you energized all day long.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup edamame, shelled and cooked
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• Grilled tofu cubes (optional)

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, tomatoes, bell pepper, edamame, and red onion.
2. Whisk together dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
4. Top with feta cheese, cilantro, and grilled tofu if desired.

Meal Prep Tip: Prepare a big batch of quinoa at the start of the week to use in various salads.

5. Watermelon Feta Refresher

Cool down with this refreshing salad that perfectly balances sweet watermelon with tangy feta and crisp cucumber.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed watermelon
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
• 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine watermelon, cucumber, and red onion.
2. Sprinkle feta cheese and torn mint leaves over the top.
3. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil.
4. Finish with a pinch of sea salt and gently toss before serving.

Meal Prep Tip: Cut watermelon and cucumber in advance, but assemble just before eating for the freshest taste.

These vibrant summer salads are perfect for meal prepping and will keep your taste buds dancing all week long. Feel free to mix and match ingredients or add your favorite grilled proteins to make these recipes your own. Here’s to a delicious, healthy summer!