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Once summer hits, I’m all about salads. Partly because the produce is so good, and partly because I don’t feel like cooking much when it’s hot, this is my collection of go-to summer salads and dressings, from leafy greens to fruit salads to pasta salads. They work for everything from backyard barbecues to quick lunches. You’ll see a few classics in here, like Caesar and Greek, along with some newer ones I’ve been making on repeat with whatever’s in season.

Salad Essentials

• Salad basics: Have boiled eggs ready to go for your hearty salads. And knowing how to cut celery, romaine lettuce, and mango properly makes salad prep go smoothly and quickly. Roasted red peppers and zucchini noodles add wonderful texture to refreshing summer salads.
• Salad dressing how-to’s: Make sure you know the correct formula for how to make salad dressing. Add balsamic glaze or lemon zest for a touch of brightness, and fresh garlic for incredible flavor in your summer salad dressing.
• Add creaminess: Learn how to make yogurt to add creaminess to your summer side salads. If you want a more hands-off approach, consider Instant Pot yogurt. Homemade mayonnaise also adds depth of flavor and richness.
• Zesty toppings: Consider adding pickled red onions, cut herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, and green onions for a fresh touch.
• Crunchy textures: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds, roasted chickpeas, and toasted almonds to add some crunch to your great summer salad recipes.

How To Store All the Leftovers

• Follow the recipe instructions. Some salads require immediate refrigeration, while others can be safely left out at room temperature. It’s important that you follow the recipe recommendations to maintain freshness and ensure food safety.
• Store wet and dry foods separately. If possible, keep green salads undressed and serve the summer salad dressing on the side.
• Divide into smaller portions. Transfer leftover summer salad into individual servings that can be easily pulled out of the fridge for a quick lunch the next day. This works especially great with summer pasta salads and other hearty dishes.
• Don’t store wilted salads. Some salads just don’t lend themselves to any length of storage. These salads are generally those with ingredients such as mixed greens, watermelon, tomatoes, and other produce with high water content.

FAQs

For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Best Lemon Recipes, Must-Try Strawberry Recipes, Best Summer Grilling Recipes, and Easy No-Bake Summer Desserts.

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