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Summer Salad Recipes: Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Ideas

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Summer Salad Recipes: Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Ideas

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, light, and healthy salads. These make-ahead, meal prep summer salad recipes are super easy and healthy! Whether you're looking for a quick and easy lunch or a delicious side dish for your next cookout, these recipes have you covered.

Cucumber Shrimp Salad

This refreshing salad is perfect for a hot summer day. It's made with crisp cucumbers, juicy shrimp, and a tangy dressing. It's light and flavorful, and it's sure to please everyone.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
  4. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Mango Curry Chicken Salad

This flavorful salad is perfect for a tropical getaway. It's made with juicy mango, tender chicken, and a creamy curry dressing. It's sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  • 1/2 cup chopped mango
  • 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, mango, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder, honey, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
  4. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad (Vegetarian)

This hearty salad is perfect for a meatless meal. It's made with chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy dressing. It's filling and flavorful, and it's sure to satisfy everyone.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chopped cucumbers
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and parsley.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
  4. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Tips for Meal Prepping Salads

  • Wash and chop all of your vegetables ahead of time. This will save you time when you're ready to assemble your salads.
  • Cook any protein that you're using ahead of time. This will also save you time when you're ready to assemble your salads.
  • Store your salads in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
  • When you're ready to eat a salad, simply add your desired dressing and enjoy!

These make-ahead, meal prep summer salad recipes are sure to make your life easier and more delicious. Enjoy!