When the temperature rises, the last thing you want is a heavy, hot meal. That’s why summer salad recipes are the perfect solution. They’re light, refreshing, and packed with fresh, crunchy ingredients that keep you feeling cool and satisfied.
But a salad doesn’t have to be boring or bland. With the right combination of flavors and textures, a salad can become a vibrant and nourishing meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack. In this blog, we’re sharing a delicious summer salad recipe featuring cucumber, dragon fruit, A2 ghee, millets, and more. It’s nutritious, easy to make, and incredibly tasty.
Why Eat Summer Salads?
During summer, our bodies crave light, hydrating foods that keep us cool and energized. Salads made with fresh fruits, crunchy veggies, and wholesome grains provide essential nutrients without weighing you down.
Here’s why summer salad recipes are a great choice:
- Hydration: Ingredients like cucumber and dragon fruit are loaded with water, keeping you hydrated.
- Nutrients: Avocado, pomegranate, and seeds are rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
- Digestive Support: Millets and seeds add fiber, supporting digestion and preventing bloating.
-
Antioxidants: Fruits like pomegranate and dragon fruit are packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals.
Refreshing Summer Salad Recipe: A Nutrient Powerhouse
This summer salad recipe combines sweet, juicy fruits with crunchy veggies, creamy feta, and nutrient-dense millets. The dressing, made with A2 ghee, honey, and orange juice, ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup dragon fruit, cubed
- 1 small avocado, diced
- 1 small bowl of soaked / boiled millets (Any siridhanya millets)
- 2 tbsp A2 ghee (for the dressing)
- 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 1 tbsp sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
-
2 Mango cubes
For the Dressing:
-
2 tbsp honey
- ½ freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tbsp A2 ghee (melted)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
-
1/4 tsp Himalayan pink salt
How to Make the Summer Salad:
Step 1: Prepare the Millets
- Rinse the millets and soak them for 6 to 8 hours.
- Boil 5 cups of water and add the soaked millets.
- Cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes or until soft.
-
Let them cool completely before adding to the salad.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together A2 ghee, honey, and orange juice.
-
Add black pepper and Himalayan pink salt. Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
-
In a large bowl, combine cucumber, dragon fruit and avocado.
-
Add the boiled millets, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.
-
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
-
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and some mint leaves on top.
-
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving.
Why These Ingredients?
1. Cucumber
Cucumber is incredibly refreshing and packed with water, making it perfect for summer salads. It adds a crisp texture and helps keep you hydrated.
2. Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is mildly sweet, juicy, and full of antioxidants. It adds a pop of color and provides essential vitamins like vitamin C.
3. Avocado
Instead of avocado oil, we’re using whole avocado, which provides creamy texture, healthy fats, and fiber that keeps you full.
4. Boiled Millets
Millets are a great source of good carbs and fiber, making them ideal for digestion and blood sugar control. They’re gluten-free and nutrient-dense, adding bulk to the salad.
5. A2 Ghee
A2 ghee is rich in healthy fats and gives the dressing a rich, buttery flavor. It also helps in nutrient absorption and adds a nutty taste to the salad.
6. Pumpkin and Sunflower Seeds
Instead of flaxseeds, we’re using whole pumpkin and sunflower seeds. They add a satisfying crunch along with magnesium, zinc, and protein.
8. Feta Cheese
Feta adds a tangy, creamy texture to the salad, balancing the sweetness of the fruits and the nuttiness of the seeds.
Benefits of This Summer Salad Recipe:
- Hydration: Cucumber and dragon fruit provide high water content to keep you cool.
- Antioxidant Boost: Pomegranate and dragon fruit are rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals.
- Healthy Fats: A2 ghee, avocado, and seeds provide heart-healthy fats that support overall health.
- Digestive Support: Millets and seeds add dietary fiber, promoting gut health and preventing bloating.
-
Balanced Flavor: The sweetness of honey, the tang of orange juice, and the creaminess of feta make each bite flavorful and satisfying.
Ways to Customize the Salad:
- Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in some basil for extra freshness.
- Add Protein: Include chickpeas for added protein.
- Extra Crunch: Add roasted almonds or walnuts for more texture.
-
Zesty Kick: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a squeeze of lime for a spicy twist.
Conclusion: Cool, Crisp, and Delicious
Summer salads don’t have to be boring or bland. This summer salad recipe is packed with refreshing fruits, crunchy seeds, creamy avocado, and nutrient-dense millets, all brought together with a zesty orange-honey dressing made with A2 ghee.
It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that make every bite a burst of freshness. Plus, it’s easy to make, incredibly nutritious, and ideal for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a post-workout snack.
Ready to elevate your summer meals? Try this vibrant summer salad recipe and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and nutrients. Want more salad ideas? Stay tuned for more summer salad recipes to keep you cool and nourished all season long!
