Let’s talk salads. Personally, I really only crave them in the summer and I need them to be fresh, flavourful, and aesthetically pleasing to truly enjoy them. I have created and am here to share with you, four of my absolute favourite summer salads that are easy to make and everyone will love.
Faux Tuna Salad Boats
This plant based “tuna” recipe by @organicallyolive is delicious and can be used in so many different ways. It would be amazing on sourdough, on top of mixed greens, lettuce cups, or on its own.
Here’s what you’ll need:
1 can of chickpeas
1 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp turmeric
salt + pepper to taste
the juice from 1 lime
Diced up celery (for crunch)
cilantro
lettuce cups or bread
Simple Summer Salad
This four ingredient salad was inspired by my trips to Italy. Mixed with fresh tri- colour cherry tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, salty olives, and herb infused olive oil, this salad transports me back. P.S. This salad is great to meal prep, the flavour comes even more alive the longer the ingredients sit together.
Mix equal (or to preference) parts of all ingredients. Top with olive oil, lemon juice, pepper, and sea salt.
Protein Style Salad
This recipe is the reason I started loving salads. Before I discovered this combo, I didn’t know salads could be so satisfying and filling. My number one tip if you are new to salads? Load them up! This salad has protein from the veggie burger (can substitute shrimp or tofu), a source of healthy fats from the avocado, crunch from the onion, colour from the corn, and micronutrients from everything else. Basically everything your favourite burger has minus the bun (which surprisingly you don’t even miss). I love topping this salad with this 5 Minute Vegan Caesar Dressing from lovingitvegan.com
Dressing
Here’s what you’ll need:
1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
2 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast
1/2 cup Vegan Mayonnaise
1 tsp Crushed Garlic
2 tsp Capers
2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce or tamari)
1 Tbsp Maple Syrup
1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 tsp White Vinegar
Instructions:
- Add all the ingredients to a bowl. Blend up with an immersion blender.
- Alternatively add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Caprese Salad with Peaches
This salad is fresh, gorgeous, and such a summer staple. The sweet seasonal peaches mix perfectly with the creamy burrata and refreshing arugula. Topped with balsamic glaze for acidity, it’s bursting with flavour.
Starting with arugula as your base, top with 1-5 peaches (depending on how many you are feeding), half or a full burrata, and finish with drizzling balsamic glaze.