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:
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- 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:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, mango, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- 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:
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- 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!