As we enter the epicenter of summer, it’s safe to say we’re all being bombarded with the season’s typical cuisine—which means BBQ fare like hot dogs, burgers and such are the top items on every party menu. However, if you’re looking to go a slightly healthier route, salads are always an answer. Our only issue with these leafy options is that they often read—how do we put this nicely?—boring. That is, until now. We’ve discovered five salads that pack just as much of a flavor punch as less-nutritious alternatives and will knock a little bit off the time we need to spend at the gym, so we can spend more of it at the beach.
Spring Asparagus Salad
We know, these are "summer" salads and "spring" is right in the title of this one, but, trust us, it transitions flawlessly between seasons. Not only is it rich in vitamins K, C and A , but it's quick and easy to make. Bonus is that you can pretty much eat as much of it as you want and still go back for seconds, if not thirds.
Recipe author: Weeknight Bite
Glowing Grilled Summer Detox Salad
Eating during the summer is all about detox so you can retox, right? Stave off the effects of all of your rosé-all-day-ing with a healthy detox salad like this one. The shrimp makes it feel like a hearty meal instead of a flimsy salad—you'll probably forget you're eating something nutritious!
Recipe author: Pinch of Yum
Chickpea Panzanella
Panzanella salad is traditionally referred to as "bread salad," which is already a win in our book! Add chickpeas, artichoke hearts and feta cheese, and you'll feel more like you're eating antipasto than a salad. This is perfect to bring to a potluck BBQ or to whip up as an easy meal at home.
Recipe author: Cooking Light
Grilled Chicken Salad With Strawberries And Spinach
Forget fruit salad and put fruit in your salad. Both adults and children will be begging for more of this concoction, which also has goat cheese and a homemade balsamic dressing.
Recipe author: SkinnyTaste
BBQ Chicken Salad
Let's face it, sometimes we just don't feel like a salad even though we know we should eat one. Enter this BBQ chicken situation. It's got all of the elements of a hearty backyard BBQ but with a much more good-for-you spin. If you want to make this a bit healthier, leave out the crushed tortilla chips—but we won't be!
Recipe author: Well Plated
