Spring and Summer Salad Ideas

When the weather is warm, I think of drinking a tall glass of lemonade and eating a refreshing salad. Sometimes the same old lettuce salad can get rather boring. Here are some basic components that a good salad should have.

Something green and crispy!
There is a whole world out there beyond the standard ice berg lettuce. Try chopped Romaine hearts, or baby spinach. Even a mix of leaves can be a fun change. You can buy a "spring mix" at your local grocery store that is sure to contain a variety of flavors. Radicchio, cabbage, and arugula can be a nice change of pace. Remember, this will be the main body of your salad, so pick something you like.

Add some color!
The old stand by to get that bright red pop of color has been the tomato. You can always use tomatoes; they are delicious and come in many varieties, such as grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and heirloom tomatoes. Another fun option to switch things up a bit would be some diced red or orange bell pepper. These can be a nice change. Also carrots or radishes can add that nice bit of color and flavor to your salad.

Throw in some fruit!
Sometimes people over look the many options of fruit they can put in their salad. A little diced apples or pears can really add some texture and flavor to your salad. Sliced strawberries or oranges can be fun as well. Even peaches, plums, grapes, or blueberries can work nicely in a salad. Also, be sure not to forget the dried fruit. Raisins or dried cranberries can add a special chewy texture that is very yummy.

Top with nuts or seeds!
Chopped walnuts are my favorite nut to use in salads, especially if you are also using apples. If your salad has mandarin oranges or strawberries, sliced almonds would be a good option. Sunflower seeds seem to pair with raisins quite nicely also. You can't really go wrong with nuts. I've also had very delicious salads with pistachios, cashews, and peanuts as well.

Use a simple, light dressing!
Be careful not to overdo on the dressing. Your dressing is going to help bind everything together, and add a nice tangy overall flavor. You don't want your dressing to be to heavy and overwhelm the whole salad. I recommend a simple balsamic vinaigrette for almost any salad. You can make your own simply by mixing equal parts of a good quality balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and salt and pepper. Delicious!

If you utilize all of these components, your salad is sure to please. Try several different ideas and see what you and your family like best. My family's current favorite salad has these ingredients: Romaine lettuce, diced red pepper, diced fuji apple, dried cranberries, walnuts, and a light balsamic vinaigrette. Give it a try!