Normally our recipes are inspired by Azerbaijan (just the best eggs), or by a Chef in San Sebastian. However it’s that beautiful time of year where the ingredients do the talking. When summer is entering its full glory, it’s all about letting the ingredients shine in their most untouched form. I learned this from a Hamptons lunch that featured Tom Colicchio a few years back. It’s actually where I learned the peach and corn summer salad recipe, and it’s been a staple since.
Dedicated to the Hardworking Families Out There
Additionally, I know that our recipes aren’t always easy either on Galavante, where it’s often about refining elevated techniques. But everyone should be able to have good, elevated food, that’s healthy and gives kids a chance to try new things. So these summer salad recipes in general are for those busy families, like my brother and sister-in-law. With a houseful of kids and full-time jobs, these are healthy summer salad recipes that only take a few minutes to assemble. The kids will love them too, as evidenced by my niece Genevieve. On our last family BBQ Genevieve took seconds on the Green Goddess salad. She’s the ultimate food critic, where I’m sure she gets it from my Mom and me.
Fresh Peach and Corn Salad with Mint
Prep time: 10 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
3-4 fresh peaches or nectarines
2 ears of corn
Mint
Olive oil
Directions
Cut the peaches into slices and place in a bowl. Next cut the corn off the cob and lay on top of the peaches and mix well together. Drizzle a little olive oil on top. Add mint to taste. A great dish to keep in the refrigerator for the week.
Green Goddess Salad
Prep time: 10 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
1 large container/32 ounces of butter lettuce already washed
2 ears of corn
2 avocados
Meyer lemon
Vegan green goddess dressing from Whole Foods
Protein of choice: Grilled steak, salmon, shrimp, chicken or lobster
Optional: Israeli couscous
This is a versatile salad to serve several times a week with different proteins. Of course it’s prime as one of your go-to summer salad recipes, but it’s also good year-round. For those who are in a pinch you can buy various proteins too at the grocery store and assemble quickly. Rotisserie chicken is especially nice in this salad. However this is one of the summer salad recipes that should be made fresh the night of dinner. Otherwise the avocados will brown, but for families it’s so quick to put together. If you feel like you need some carbs you can also make Israeli couscous at the start of the week and store in the refrigerator. When you make this recipe you can add some of the pasta tot the salad the night for a heartier meal.
Directions
Tear the butter lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl. Next cut the corn off the cobb and sprinkle on top of the butter lettuce. The last part to this summer salad recipe is to cut the avocados in half and dice the avocados. Place on top of the salad and squeeze some Meyer lemon on top so the avocados don’t brown. Lightly sprinkle with Maldon sea salt. Add in the protein of your choice on top and for a heartier but still healthy salad, Israeli couscous.
Tomato Mozzarella Salad
Prep time: 6 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
3-4 Fresh tomatoes from the garden
Fresh mozzarella
Basil
Olive oil
Maldon sea salt
Directions
This summer salad recipe is essential, especially with all of those tomatoes ripening in your backyard. Start by slicing the tomatoes and place in a shallow bowl or plate. Sprinkle the Maldon sea salt on top of the tomato slices and a drizzle of olive oil. Cut up the fresh mozzarella and place on top, and tear up the basil and garnish on top. Drizzle a little more Maldon sea salt and olive oil to taste. Enjoy with your family for a healthy meal.
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