11 summer salads to prepare in 10 minutes flat

In this hottest month of the year, freshness is in the spotlight in the kitchen and in all its forms: cold soups, ceviche, no-cook dishes or ice creams galore. But between days at work, afternoons at the beach, or trips to the airport, you’re not sure you always have time to prepare pretty dishes without spending hours in the kitchen or compromising your vacation budget. Fortunately, express salads, summer couscous and homemade tabbouleh are there to help us. Refreshing recipes, ready in 10 minutes flat, which can even be prepared in advance, and topped with sauce when ready to eat.

How to make a quick summer salad?

What would a summer salad be without seasonal ingredients? Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant, peppers or corn: the vegetables that grow at this time of year are full of water and are perfect for staying hydrated during hot weather. In August, it’s peak season for green beans, and the return of sweet potatoes but also mushrooms like porcini mushrooms. On the fruit side, the first pears appear on the stalls which, at the heart of salads, go hand in hand with cheeses with pronounced flavors such as goat’s cheese or blue. Apricot, peach, melon, watermelon or fig, slip easily into many savory recipes, and bring a pleasant touch of color.

Indeed, eating seasonally allows you to enjoy tasty products that are better for your health since the benefits of foods are in accordance with our nutritional needs depending on the time of year. As they do not need to be exported, they are also less expensive and more environmentally friendly.

For those who are really hungry, our raw vegetables can be added with seeds and cereals such as couscous, bulgur or cold pasta, all of which can be prepared in advance to save time.

As for proteins, you can choose raw ham, or even pieces of firm-fleshed fish (salmon, sea bream), which you garnish like a quick ceviche with lemon juice. If you have a little more time, why not prepare hard-boiled eggs and place them in boiling water for 10 minutes before adding them to our salad bowls.

And finally, the final touch that will make all the difference: seasoning. We then use fresh herbs, spices, and homemade sauces to enhance everything and bind the foods together. Vinaigrette, lemon juice, honey, mustard, pesto or even homemade mayonnaise: the list is long and the choice will depend only on you.

To follow: 11 summer salads ready in 10 minutes flat.