For most of us, the Labour Day long weekend marks the end of summer and the beginning of the annual transition into Autumn. Whether you plan on celebrating all of the happy memories you made this summer with a weekend away, a picnic, or one final barbecue, these eight summer salads are sure to delight your family and friends. Incorporating fresh fruits and veggies, bold flavours, and a rainbow of bright colours, these salads capture the very best of summer cuisine and are perfect for serving a crowd. Check out the recipes below and get ready to close out the summer in a delicious way!
1. Cucumber Quinoa Salad
This Cucumber Quinoa Salad is easy to make ahead of time, naturally gluten-free, and full of feel-good flavors that everyone will love! Pick up a large English cucumber, red onion and lots of fresh basil from your local supermarket or farmer’s market, toss with crumbled feta and chilled quinoa, and then drizzle with a simple lemony vinaigrette that packs a tasty punch. Easy and delicious, this recipe truly tastes like summer.
2. Corn, Avocado, and Tomato Salad
This salad can be summed up in one word; FRESH. Fresh off-the-ear corn, fragrant tomatoes, and perfectly ripe avocados – firm but creamy. It’s all tossed in a lime and cilantro dressing for a light and bright side dish that screams summer, perfect for any BBQ or potluck.
3. Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Loaded with flavour and vegetarian, this pasta salad is made with fresh Mediterranean veggies, tangy crumbled feta cheese, and drizzled with an incredible lemon herb dressing. This is a great salad to adapt to your own tastes – you can leave out some of the ingredients if you wish, or make it completely your own by experimenting and adding whatever you like!
4. Loaded Potato Salad
No picnic would be complete without a potato salad. This everything-but-the-kitchen-sink potato salad recipe is like eating a deconstructed loaded baked potato, but even better! Chock-full of cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, crispy bacon and green onion, this salad packs bold flavours into every bite and is sure to be a hit with any crowd.
5. Watermelon Salad with Cucumber, Feta and Mint
Nothing says summer quite like juicy, fresh watermelon! Try out this recipe for a refreshing, sweet, and crowd-pleasing Watermelon Salad with Cucumber, Feta and Mint. Enjoyed by kids and adults alike with 6 simple ingredients, this 10 minute salad is not to be missed. If you’re initially weary of the watermelon/feta combo, you’re not alone, but this sweet and savoury pairing is worth taking a chance on – trust us!
No matter what you have planned for the weekend, enjoy one last taste of summer and try out one of these salad recipes. Your friends and family will surely thank you (that is if you’re willing to share)!
