Summer Salad Recipes

The summer months are filled with long days at the beach, breezy summer music, and relaxing moments. As the temperatures rise, ice-cold beverages and lighter meals are more appealing. Backyard gardens are flourishing, and farm stands have beautiful sweet smelling fruits. Below are two refreshing side dishes using in-season fruits. They can be perfectly paired with marinated chicken or turkey burgers fresh off the grill.  

If you are looking for more of a dessert option, grilled peaches or pineapple topped with whipped cream is an easy and sweet alternative to fruit salad.  

Watermelon Salad

3 cups of cubed watermelon

½ cup fresh chopped mint

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

2 tbsp white peach-infused balsamic vinegar

salt

pepper

Add watermelon, mint, and cheese into a bowl. Sprinkle with a touch of salt and pepper. Add a complementary flavor of fruit-infused balsamic vinegar such as peach or citrus. Mix gently, cover, and refrigerate for an hour before serving.

Grilled Peach Salad 

5 cups spinach

2 large peaches

¼ cup pecans

⅓ cup goat cheese crumbles

1 diced avocado

3 tbsp blood orange infused balsamic vinegar

3 tbsp olive oil

cinnamon

honey 

-Slice the peaches in quarters. Brush with a light coating of olive oil. Sprinkle cinnamon on the peaches and grill for about 10 minutes; turning once. The fruit will start to caramelize at this point.  

-Prepare spinach, pecans, goat cheese, and avocado in a salad bowl. 

-Add olive oil and balsamic vinegar and mix together. 

-Place peaches on top of the salad.

-Drizzle honey across the salad and serve.