THIS IS A GREAT YUMMY SUMMER SALAD AND CAN STAY IN YOUR FRIDGE FOR UP TO 2 MONTHS.

 

THIS IS A GREAT YUMMY SUMMER SALAD AND CAN STAY IN YOUR FRIDGE FOR UP TO 2 MONTHS.

An easy summer salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that can be prepared ahead of time and conveniently stored in the refrigerator. This delightful salad is a perfect choice for hot summer days when you crave something light, vibrant, and packed with fresh flavors. The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility, as you can customize it with a wide variety of seasonal vegetables, fruits, and herbs based on your personal preferences. 

Whether you enjoy this easy summer salad as a light lunch, a side dish for grilled meats, or as a standalone meal, it is a fantastic way to embrace the abundance of summer produce and keep yourself refreshed and nourished. So, get creative with your ingredient choices, experiment with different flavors, and indulge in the ease and deliciousness of a refrigerated summer salad.

When ready to serve, you can garnish the salad with some additional fresh herbs, toasted nuts, or crumbled feta cheese for added texture and flavor. The result is a vibrant and nutritious dish that is not only visually appealing but also satisfyingly delicious.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED:

FOR THE SALAD:

2 Cups.Of cucumbers, diced.

1 Cup.Of cherry tomatoes, halved.

1 Cup.Of bell peppers, diced (assorted colors).

1 Cup.Of carrots, julienned.

1 Cup.Of radishes, sliced.

1 Cup.Of watermelon, diced.

1 Cup.Of strawberries, sliced.

1/2 Cup.Of fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley), finely chopped.

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu (optional).

FOR THE DRESSING:

1/4 Cup.Of extra virgin olive oil.

2 Tbsp.Of lemon or lime juice. 

Salt and pepper to taste. 

PREPARATION:

1st Step 

Combine the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, radishes, watermelon, strawberries, and fresh herbs in a large mixing basin. Include grilled chicken, shellfish, or tofu if they are present. Mix gently by tossing.

2nd Step 

Whisk together the olive oil, lemon or lime juice, salt, and pepper in a small basin until thoroughly combined. This will serve as the vegetable vinaigrette.

3rd Step 

Pour approximately half of the dressing over the salad and swirl gently to moisten the ingredients. Add additional dressing as necessary until the salad is adequately coated but not saturated.

4th Step 

After mixing and dressing the salad, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to an opaque container. Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to enable the flavors to meld and refrigerate it.

5th Step 

Before serving, re-distribute the vinaigrette by gently tossing the salad. If necessary, taste and modify the seasoning.

6th Step 

For additional flavor and texture, garnish the salad with additional fresh herbs, caramelized almonds, or crumbled feta cheese.

7th Step 

Serve the simple summer salad as a light side dish or as an entree on its own. It can be consumed promptly or refrigerated for storage.

This recipe is readily adaptable, so feel free to adjust the proportions and ingredients based on your personal preferences and the seasonal availability of produce. Enjoy the flavorful and revitalizing qualities of this simple summer salad!