Salads make an excellent main course or side dish. They are also great for everything from family dinners to larger gatherings. If you are looking for some summer salad inspiration, then here are three easy-to-make recipes using healthy ingredients that everyone will enjoy.

BBQ Chicken Salad

Filling and full of flavour, this BBQ chicken salad includes grilled chicken breast, crunchy tortilla chips, and an abundance of fresh vegetables. It is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

• 3 skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 1/2 cup tortilla strips
• 3 heads of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 Roma tomato, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 red onion, minced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper and cook on a skillet over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes per side.

2. Place lettuce, tomato, corn, cucumber, and cheese into a large bowl, tossing to combine. Top with chicken and tortilla strips.

3. Mix BBQ sauce and ranch dressing in a bowl to make BBQ ranch dressing. Drizzle over salad and serve!

Greek Quinoa Salad

Enjoy the delicious flavours of a traditional Greek salad paired with the texture of nutritious and filling quinoa. This salad goes well with chicken and fish but makes a fantastic main dish all on its own.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/3 cup pitted olives
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until water is fully absorbed. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool.

2. Add tomatoes, onions, olives, cucumber, feta cheese, olive oil, and vinegar to the bowl, mixing to combine. Season with salt and pepper and chill in refrigerator before serving.

Caprese Salad

Simple yet sophisticated, Caprese salad never goes out of the style. This classic Italian recipe is incredibly easy to assemble and won’t take more than a few minutes to make. It is also great for a picnic or backyard BBQ.

Ingredients

• 3 large tomatoes, sliced
• 1 package fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Arrange slices of mozzarella and tomato on a serving platter, then season with salt and pepper and toss with basil.

2. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and serve!

When you want to whip up a quick and tasty meal for a bright summer day or a warm summer evening, you can’t go wrong with a salad. It is an easy way to eat more greens and get more variety into your diet while using delicious and seasonal ingredients.