Summer is officially here, which means that barbecues, pool parties, and potlucks are in full swing! Here are three delicious summer salads that are perfect to bring to any backyard get together or to entertain in your own home. These veggie and fruit salads are easy to prepare and friendly to both your time and wallet!
Black Bean Veggie Salad
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/3 cup of white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 pound of chopped tomatoes
- 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can of sweet corn, drained
- 1 diced red onion
- 1/2 cup of diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup of chopped cilantro
Start by combining the olive oil, white wine vinegar, chili powder and salt in a large bowl. Once incorporated add in the diced tomatoes, sweet corn, black beans, chopped peppers and onion. To finish, mix in cilantro and stir together until coated with dressing. Then, cover and chill the bowl for at least an hour. This vegan, gluten free recipe is perfect to eat with chips or on its own and serves 12 of even the pickiest eaters!
Honey Lime Quinoa Fruit Salad
- 2 cups of uncooked quinoa
- 3 cups of sliced strawberries
- 2 cups of blackberries
- 2 cups of blueberries
- 2 diced mangos
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 4 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped basil for garnish
Begin by preparing the quinoa according to the directions on the package, once cooled place in bowl and toss with sliced strawberries, blueberries, and diced mango. In a separate bowl, add honey and lime juice and stir until fully mixed together. Drizzle on top of quinoa mixture and garnish with fresh basil. This refreshing spin on fruit salad is quick and easy to pack up and go! Consider placing the dish in individual mini mason jars for that homemade touch.
Lemonade Fruit Salad
- 4 cups of halved strawberries
- 4 cups grapes
- 2 cups of blueberries
- 1-2 bananas
- ½ of a cantaloupe, cubed or balled
- ½ of a honey dew melon, cubed or balled
- 12 oz. can frozen lemonade concentrate
If quinoa isn’t your thing, this is the fruit salad for you! This is the simplest of all summer salads and puts a tart refreshing twist on a classic salad. First, wash and place all fruit in a large bowl. Second, mix in the frozen lemonade concentrate and toss with fruit. That’s it! Two simple and easy steps! The lemonade helps to preserve the freshness of the fruits and also adds a hint of sour sweetness.
There doesn’t need to be any stress when trying to decide what to bring to a party or prepare for your guests, these summer salads are a harmonious balance of classic flavor and creativity, fitting for any get together.
