When it’s hot outside, I often don’t feel like stirring pots in the kitchen.With temperatures already soaring up in the high 90s here in the south, it’s all the air conditioner can do to somewhat cool down the house. No need to add more heat by turning on the stove or oven. But we still have to eat ….
Salads To The Rescue
Salads make the perfect summer meal. They are light, refreshing and most importantly cool and you can easily customize them for your particular taste.
Salads are also quite frugal since you can use up any leftovers hanging out in your fridge, or use some hard boiled eggs and the likes for added protein and to make them more filling.
Start with a bead of your favorite lettuce or even something like baby spinach leaves. Top it with some raw veggies like shredded cabbage or carrots, sliced onion rings, tomato slices and the likes. Top it with grilled chicken, steak or fish, or just add a few hard boiled eggs or some ham or turkey sandwich meat sliced. Top with your favorite dressing and lunch or dinner is done.
You can even incorporate some fresh fruit into your salads. Try spinach salad with sliced strawberries or apples. Sprinkle some walnuts on top and use a simple vinaigrette for the dressing. And don’t forget about fruit salads for healthy snacks and desserts during the summer.
Of course salads don’t always have to involve lettuce. One of my favorite simple summer salads is cut up tomatoes and cucumbers dressed with some light Italian dressing. Add some cubed feta cheese to make it a whole meal.
If you are headed out for a potluck this summer, give this cold broccoli salad a try. It’s always a big hit. Just make sure you don’t leave it sitting out too long since the dressing contains mayonnaise.
If you are short on time and need a quick side dish for some grilled chicken, hamburgers and the likes, whip up this super simple tomato and corn salad. It’s made from canned tomatoes and corn so it literally comes together in about 2 minutes.
For more delicious summer meals take a look at “Simple Summer Meals“. It’s packed full of tips for cooking during the hot summer months without heating up the house.
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