Light Salads as Meals for Hot Summer Days (and Nights)

June 28th, 2024 12:00 PM

Summer has arrived — and the hotter temps can make us crave lighter, cooler dinner options (between all the grilling, of course). What better meal is there than a light & breezy summer salad entrée? 

When done right, a proper summer salad should satisfy your hunger without making you feel too weighed down afterward. Even better if it showcases fresh summer produce, which look and taste more vibrant this time of year. 

If you’re unsure where to start, we’ve got plenty of advice below (and five excellent recipes to try out). 

Let’s get started!

light salads as meals for hot summer days (and nights) header

How Do You Make an Entrée Salad?

So, how does one go about creating the perfect light & breezy summer entrée salad? Here are some tips to guide you in the kitchen:

  1. Fresh ingredients!: Let’s start with the most important: Use fresh, (ideally) seasonal produce to give your salad maximum flavor and nutritional value. Leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables should be crisp and vibrant.
  2. Lots of textures: Try to incorporate a mix of textures, such as crunchy vegetables, juicy fruits, and a light amount of creamy components like cheese or avocado. This will give your salad a more interesting and satisfying mouthfeel.
  3. Balanced flavors: Aim for a balance of flavors — sweet, savory, tangy, and maybe sometimes even a bit spicy. Ingredients like fruits can add sweetness, while oil-based dressings and certain toppings can introduce acidity, saltiness, or spiciness.
  4. Light dressings: Use light, refreshing dressings that enhance the flavors of the salad without overwhelming them. Vinaigrettes made with citrus, vinegar, and olive oil are ideal. Yes, you are more than welcome to use creamy dressings, but your salad will not be as light.
  5. Nutritional balance: Give your salad a good mix of nutrients by combining leafy greens, proteins (like nuts, seeds, or cheese), healthy fats (like avocado or olive oil), and carbohydrates (such as fruits or whole grains).
  6. Visual appeal: Looks matter! A visually appealing salad with a variety of colors and well-arranged ingredients can be more enticing and enjoyable to eat.
  7. Temperature: Summers are hot, so serve the salad chilled to enhance its refreshing qualities. You can even chill your plate or bowl in the refrigerator beforehand to help keep it cool while you enjoy it. 

Okay, now that we have that out of the way, let’s look at some great examples of light but filling summer salads that can serve as the main dish on your table tonight.

How to Make an Entree Salad infographic

Arugula and Berry Salad

The delicate texture and peppery flavor of arugula is an excellent match with tangy berries and creamy goat cheese, all coated in a vibrant balsamic glaze and topped with crunchy sliced almonds. Top with grilled protein and enjoy every bite!

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups Taylor Farms Arugula
  • 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Suggested Protein Options:

  • Grilled chicken breast
  • Seared salmon
  • Quinoa
  • Grilled shrimp

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the arugula and mixed berries.
  2. Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese and sliced almonds, then top with grilled protein or quinoa.
  3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving and enjoy!

Spring Mix Citrus Salad

Bright and citrusy salads always taste better in the summer! This recipe uses oranges, but feel free to substitute your favorite citrus fruit. Options like grapefruit and blood oranges each bring something a little different to the table. 

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups Taylor Farms Spring Mix
  • 1 orange, peeled and segmented
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Suggested Protein Options:

  • Grilled or roasted chicken
  • Sliced turkey breast
  • Grilled tofu
  • Roasted chickpeas

Instructions:

  1. Toss the spring mix with orange segments and red onion in a large bowl.
  2. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
  3. Whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over salad and toss to combine. Serve and enjoy!

Chopped Kale and Apple Salad with Steak

This salad combines a wide variety of tastes and textures, all held together with a hearty foundation of kale and drizzled with an easy honey lemon dressing. 

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups chopped kale
  • 1 apple, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sliced steak

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine chopped kale, apple slices, dried cranberries, and walnuts.
  2. Slice cooked steak (either warm or chilled) and place on top of salad.
  3. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat.

Baby Spinach and Strawberry Salad With Hard-Boiled Eggs

Here’s a slightly new spin on a summer classic. The addition of goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette results in a livelier salad without weighing it down. And, of course, you’ve got to have a bit of crunch!

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups Taylor Farms Baby Spinach
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
  • Hard-boiled eggs

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix baby spinach with sliced strawberries.
  2. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and crumbled goat cheese. Slice or dice 1-3 hard boiled against and place on top.
  3. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to combine. Serve and enjoy!

Green Butter Lettuce & Red Leaf Lettuce with Avocado & Bacon

Soft, tender, and full of flavor, our Sweet Butter Blend provides the ideal starting point for a simple, yet satisfying salad that showcases go-to summer veggies like cherry tomatoes and radishes. Topped with bacon or grilled shrimp, you’ll love every single bite.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups Taylor Farms Sweet Butter Blend
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced radishes
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grilled shrimp and/or crumbled bacon

Instructions:

  1. Grill or pan-fry your shrimp or bacon. 
  2. Combine green butter lettuce and red leaf lettuce in a large bowl.
  3. Add avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and radishes. Top with prepared protein.
  4. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over salad and toss to combine. Serve and enjoy!

Don’t Have Time to Make Your Own Summer Salad?

If you’re short on time or just don’t feel like getting out the cutting board, our bagged salad kits have you covered. And the best part? All you have to do is open, toss to combine, and serve.

Check out these summery Chopped Salad Kits and Salad Kits that are ready to go in just minutes:

Have a great summer! As always, use our handy store locator to find the nearest Taylor Farms products for your next occasion.

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