Summer Salads

When most people think about summer salads, they usually think about the same thing that they would when they simply hear the word salad—leafy greens placed in a bowl or plate, with a few toppings and maybe a dressing. The thing is summer salads are usually a little different than that. As summer salads need to withstand the heat of summer, they will include some rather unique ingredients that you won't find in other kinds of salads. Here are a couple of ideas that you can use to begin making your own summer salads.

Broccoli Salad

Gather together two heads of fresh broccoli, one red onion, 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon, 3/4 cup raisons, 3/4 cup sliced almonds, 1 cup mayo, 1/2 cup white sugar, and two tablespoons of white wine vinegar. Have each of these ingredients separated to start with so that you can prepare them and mix them properly.

Cut the broccoli into bite-sized chunks and cut the onion into thin slices. Combine the raisons, bacon, and almonds together and mix it all together.

For the dressing, mix the mayo, vinegar and sugar together until everything is nice and smooth. After making the dressing, mix it in with the rest of the salad and then chill for about an hour prior to serving.

Strawberry and Feta Salad

If you are looking for a great-tasting, light salad full of fruity flavor, you can't go wrong with a strawberry and feta salad. To make this you will need to get one cup of slivered almonds, two minced garlic cloves, one teaspoon of honey, one teaspoon of Dijon style mustard, 1/4 cup raspberry vinegar, two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, two tablespoons of brown sugar, one cup of vegetable oil, one head of torn romaine lettuce, one pint of fresh sliced strawberries, and on cup of feta cheese that has been crumbled.

Cook the almonds over medium-high heat until they have been lightly roasted (make sure that you stir them a lot to avoid burning). Set the almonds off to the side when you are finished.

Get a bowl and begin making the dressing by combining the garlic, honey, mustard, vinegars, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Whisk everything together until you have a nice smooth consistency. Place the dressing bowl off to the side.

In a large salad bowl combine together the cooled toasted almonds, romaine lettuce, strawberries, and cheese. Over these ingredients pour your dressing, and then toss the salad. Feel free to serve immediately.