Inspiring August Salads

 

 

We love summer, but we don’t always love cooking in summer. It’s hot, and turning on the oven and standing in front of the stove isn’t very summery. Grilling outdoors – yes, cooking inside – no. To get us through the last searing days of summer, we have compiled our favorite salads. They can be paired with any grilled protein, a crusty loaf of French bread, or served solo for a light and healthy dinner. We also like a nice glass of Pinot Grigio with our salads, but that’s purely optional of course. These recipes are easy and healthy, just the way we like them. Strawberry Vinaigrette Salad
Ingredients for vinaigrette:

• ½ pound fresh strawberries
• 2 tablespoons honey (or more, depending on the sweetness of your berries)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teapoon ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender until smooth
2. Adjust honey to taste
3. Add your favorite type of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and sliced almonds and you have the perfect summer salad

Spinach Salad With Avocado And Goat Cheese Ingredients for dressing:

• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for salad:

• 8 cups chopped spinach
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup corn (cut off the cob)
• 1 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken
• 1 large avocado, sliced
• 1/3 cup crumbled goat or feta cheese
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts

Directions:

1. Place spinach in a large salad bowl, add remaining salad ingredients.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Pour over the salad and toss. Use as much or as little dressing as you like.