Summer Salads

Written by Rosemary Mantini | 13 July 2009

There’s nothing like the fresh, crisp flavour of a summer salad to cool you down in the middle of a hot day. Fruits and vegetables at the peak of ripeness are great warm-weather foods that can be tossed together in only a few minutes any time to create a light snack or a substantial meal.

To a gardener, there’s nothing like looking forward to a daily harvest of fruit and veggies throughout summertime. Pick just as much as you’ll need right before you use it; the harvest will be at its most flavourful then. If all you can do is visit the produce section of your local supermarket or farmers’ market, you can still get the best of the season. Choose produce that’s been grown locally and picked recently.

The classic tossed salad in a bowl is great. But don’t forget that a salad can come in all kinds of forms. A crudité platter with dip, an aspic and even a burrito make for a nice change from the usual.

Here are some ideas for your next salad meal.

Radish Dip

Zucchini and Tomato Salad

Radicchio and Smoked Turkey Salad with Carpaccio Dressing

Gorgonzola, Walnut and Spinach Salad

Chicken Salad Burrito