Summer Salads with Fruit: A Refreshing Twist on Traditional Salads
During the summer season, we often seek lighter and refreshing meals to beat the heat. One way to achieve this is by incorporating fruit into our salads, alongside the usual vegetables, for a unique and tasty result.
Fruits are known for their abundance in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that are essential for our overall health and wellbeing. Among these nutrients, vitamin C plays a significant role in strengthening our immune system and aiding in the absorption of other important minerals like iron.
Typically, we tend to consume fruit as a snack or in sweet preparations, but it can be a surprisingly versatile ingredient in savory dishes as well. When added to savory meals, fruit adds a touch of freshness and unusual taste notes.
There are numerous ways to incorporate fruit into savory dishes, including risotto with strawberries, pasta or rice with pears, gorgonzola and walnuts, and chicken or fish with lemon or orange. These combinations are particularly popular during cooler seasons.
However, during the summer, fruits can take the spotlight in salads, adding a note of sweetness and vibrant flavors. Summer fruits, in particular, offer extra freshness to dishes, making them ideal for those hot summer days.
Let’s explore three delicious fruit-based summer salads that are perfect for the season. One option is a melon salad, which combines chopped melon, a source of vitamins A, K, and C, with rocket leaves, boiled green beans, and basmati rice. This salad is both satisfying and balanced, providing a variety of nutrients.
Another delightful summer salad features pears, which offer vitamins such as C, K, and group B. To create this salad, combine pears with quinoa, almonds (toasted if desired), radicchio, and cooked chickpeas. Finally, dress the salad with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of honey for a burst of flavors.
For those feeling more adventurous, peaches can be used to create a salad with unexpected flavor combinations. Slice peaches and add them to a mixture of salad greens, pitted black olives, and slices or cubes of mozzarella. Toasted bread can be served as a side accompaniment, and the entire salad can be dressed with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
These fruit-based summer salads not only provide delicious options for a light and refreshing meal but also offer ample nutrition. So, why not embrace the versatility of fruit and experiment with new and exciting flavors this season?
[Photo: Canva]
[Source: iFood.it]