Sometimes the most delicious eats come from the most surprising combos. Liven up your usual fruit salad with unexpected additions like whole grains, fresh herbs, nuts and seeds. Add that to new combos with your produce and the result is pure BBQ-ready or picnic perfection.
Pineapple Avocado Salad
Sweet pineapple, when combined with creamy avocado, makes for a bright, summery dish.
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
- 8 cups packed spinach
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
- 2 small ripe avocados, peeled, pitted and diced
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons minced shallot
- 2 tabelspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon or whole grain mustard
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame seeds
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, combine spinach, pineapple and avocado. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, shallot, vinegar, mustard, sea salt and pepper. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Drizzle over spinach mixture and gently toss to combine. Add mint and sesame seeds; toss again and serve.
Blueberry and Mango Salad with Herbs
Thanks to the addition of an ancient grain, this side can easily be served as a meal. Tip: Be sure to select an extra ripe mango for maximum flavor.
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup millet or quinoa
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 4 tablespoons raw cashews
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
Cook millet or quinoa according to package directions. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes and fluff with a fork. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa or millet with remaining ingredients; gently toss to combine and serve.
Apple Berry Kale Salad
Apples, berries and maple dressing make a simple kale salad a star for an elegant dinner party (or just a night in!)
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 apple, cored and diced
- 1 cup berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 1 head finely chopped kale, stems removed
- 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil leaves
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon zest, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, combine cucumber, apple, berries and kale. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk remaining ingredients. Drizzle over cucumber mixture and toss to combine.
All photos courtesy of SELF.
