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Be on mission with me

This fresh summer garden salad is super simple, quick, and only requires about 6 easy ingredients. Enjoy this healthy salad on a hot summer day as a refreshing side dish, or top this salad with a protein of your choice and call it a meal. Either way, the flavors are SO worth it.

BRING ON THE SUMMER FLAVORS!

Vegetables from the summer garden are my absolute favorite. I LOVE cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. This year I am growing two varieties of yellow cherry tomatoes: Sungold and Sunrise Bumblebee. They are both incredibly sweet and delicious, as well as beautiful. There’s nothing like the taste of a homegrown cherry tomato picked on an afternoon in the summer heat.

ALL ABOUT THIS SUMMER SALAD

In addition to its refreshing summer goodness, I also LOVE this summer salad because it is:

Easy: Only 6 simple ingredients that are readily available and easy to come by.
Healthy: Fresh vegetables, herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil make for a healthy recipe!
Versatile: You could always add in more vegetables such as bell pepper, and you could even add in some avocado. This salad can be used as a side, an easy lunch topped with your favorite protein, or even used as a “salsa” on top of grilled fish or chicken!
Meal-Prep Friendly: Because there’s no lettuce in this salad, it can be prepped in advance! It will keep for a couple of days in the fridge. I prep mine in these reusable glass containers. Make it as a side for dinner one night and bring the leftovers for lunch the next day!
Enjoyed by everyone! It’s a simple salad everyone will love!

WHAT YOU WILL YOU NEED + HEALTH BENEFITS

Tomatoes: I like to use sweet cherry tomatoes in this salad. But use what you have, I’m sure it will be great either way. Tomatoes contain lycopene, an incredible antioxidant that can enhance eye health, protect skin from sun damage, boost brain function, and more!
Cucumber: English cucumbers are the best in my opinion. The skin is thin enough to leave on for that extra nutrition, and the flavor is great. Cucumbers are high in water content, keeping us hydrated in the summer heat (and humidity here in Georgia). They also contain antioxidants and essential minerals for overall health.
Red Onion: Just a bit of red onion is great in this salad. You could leave it out if you’re not a fan. Onions contain sulfur compounds, which are essential for proper detoxification in our toxic world. They’re full of prebiotics to feed your healthy gut bacteria, and they’re a great source of quercetin which is a known anti-viral, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory.
Fresh Herbs: I used fresh dill and a bit of fresh basil as well. Herbs like parsley, cilantro, or even oregano would be great options if you choose those instead, depending on the flavor you’re going for. In general, herbs are a complete SUPERFOOD. Add as many herbs as you can to as many meals as you can. They’re loaded with protective antioxidants and minerals that encourage flourishing health.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up this salad and adds a bit of vitamin C as well!
Olive Oil: A high-quality, unrefined, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is definitely worth the investment. For the flavor AND health benefits. If consuming quality olive oil, the benefits are endless. Reduces inflammation, boosts and protects brain health, slows aging, and helps with detoxification.

You see? Just a small salad can be so incredibly nourishing to the body. Every bite you take matters. Choose wisely. Invest in organic if possible.

TIPS FOR THIS SUMMER SALAD RECIPE:

ADD-IN IDEAS

You can add anything you like to make this salad your own! For example, sprinkle feta cheese or fresh mozzarella balls. Add in avocado, almonds, olives, bell pepper… The options are endless. But, it is delicious just how the recipe is written. 🙂

HOW TO MAKE THIS AHEAD OF TIME?

This salad is freshest when you make it a couple of hours before serving, but you can prep it ahead of time if necessary.

HOW LONG TO KEEP LEFTOVERS?

You can keep the leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container like these reusable glass containers.

MY FAVORITE KITCHEN TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE:

Chef’s Knife: This Victorinox Pro Chef’s Knife is THE BEST and sharpest Chef’s Knife under $50 I have found. I love mine and use it every single day.
Vegetable Peeler: If you decide to peel your cucumber, this is my favorite type of veggie peeler! So easy and fast!
Cutting Board: A Bamboo Cutting Board is a great kitchen tool for every single meal!
Glass Containers: If you have leftovers or decide to meal prep this recipe, always opt for reusable glass containers.

MORE SALAD RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE:

WANT TO TRY THIS HEALTHY SUMMER SALAD?

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