Creative Summer Salads

In the summer months it’s nice to lighten up meals with a salad. I love both leafy green salads as well as hearty grain and vegetable salads. If I’m making a meal of a salad I like to add a grain, nuts and seeds, cheese, or a vegetable such as sweet potato. If it’s a side dish I’ll keep it light with lots of leafy greens, fresh herbs and maybe a fruit such as strawberries. There’s actually quite a bit in season right now which would make for some creative summer salads.

How to Keep your Lettuce Crisp

If you love your leafy greens and you’ve ever had issues with slimy salad greens here’s a tip for you:

Wash your lettuce as soon as it’s home. Yes, it may seem like some work but you will have lettuce readily available when mealtime comes and you’ll appreciate it.

Just fill your sink with cold water and a few pinches of salt, submerge the leaves, spin in a salad spinner (or in a dishtowel) then put them in the bottom drawer of your fridge lined with a dishtowel. Alternatively, if you don’t have an available drawer this method can be replicated in a Tupperware container.

Ways to Enjoy Lettuce

Lately I’ve been doing a lot of side salads and as much as I love lettuces raw in salads, I equally enjoy them steamed, grilled, or sautéed.

When enjoying lettuces cooked, the cooking time is minimal in order to ensure you don’t affect the integrity of the lettuce or the nutrient content. Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy lettuce.

• Half a large head of lettuce, throw it on a really hot grill for some gorgeous grill marks and hint of smoky flavour. Top with a soft cheese and let the heat melt it for a unique side dish.
• Use large lettuce leaves as a wrap for an egg or tuna salad. Makes a great bread alternative.
• Sprinkle some shredded head lettuce with sesame oil and flash sauté. Top with sesame seeds or toasted chopped almonds.
• Steamed lettuce is so delicious and detoxifying. Just put in a pot with an inch of water, add some olive oil, salt and pepper and wilt gently.
• Make a salad dressing ahead of time and keep in the fridge for easy shake and pour goodness. A simple dressing is olive oil, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt and pepper.

Let’s Connect

What is your favourite way to prepare lettuce? Or what are some of your favourite summer salad recipes? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.

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Danielle