Simple Summer Salad Recipe

This simple summer salad is a refreshing medley of flavors. Rich avocado, tangy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, crunchy bacon, and zesty red onions come together to create a salad that's perfect for those hot summer days. Drizzled with a balsamic reduction and olive oil, and topped off with creamy feta, this salad is not just refreshing, it's an experience.

Photos of Simple Summer Salad Recipe

Most of these ingredients are commonly found in households. However, the balsamic reduction might need a visit to the supermarket if it's not already in your pantry. It's a thick, syrup-like sauce made from balsamic vinegar, and adds a sweet and tangy flavor to dishes.

Simple Summer Salad Ingredients

Avocado: A creamy and healthy source of fats. Cherry tomatoes: Adds vibrant color and tangy sweetness to the salad. Fresh basil leaves: Their aromatic flavor is a game-changer in salads. Bacon slices: Adds a satisfying crunch and salty touch. Red onion: Brings a sharp and slightly sweet flavor. Balsamic reduction: Gives the salad a sweet and tangy kick. Olive oil: It's used for dressing, adding a smooth and light taste. Feta: Adds a tangy and salty flavor to balance the other ingredients.

One reader, Dulcine Amaya says:

This simple summer salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh avocado, cherry tomatoes, and basil with a hint of balsamic reduction and feta is a burst of flavors. It's easy to make and perfect for a light, refreshing meal on a hot summer day. Highly recommended!

Dulcine Amaya

Techniques Required for Making a Simple Summer Salad

How to prepare the avocado: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. Then, slice it into bite-sized pieces.

How to prepare the cherry tomatoes: Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half.

How to prepare the basil leaves: Wash the basil leaves and pat them dry. Then, chop them into small pieces.

How to cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, crumble or chop it into small pieces.

How to prepare the red onion: Peel the red onion and thinly slice it.

How to assemble the salad: In each bowl, place the prepared avocado, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, bacon, and red onion. Then, drizzle each salad with balsamic reduction and olive oil. Toss to coat the ingredients.

How to serve the salad: Serve the salad in individual bowls and sprinkle feta over the top before serving.

How To Make Simple Summer Salad

Drizzled with balsamic vinegar, this summer salad uses avocados and cherry tomatoes for a superb combination of tangy and creamy flavors.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1avocado,sliced
½cupcherry tomatoes,halved
12fresh basil leaves
2bacon slices,cooked and crumbled
red onion,to taste
2tbspbalsamic reduction,glaze
2tbspolive oil
2ozfeta

Instructions

In each bowl, put ¼ of each ingredient.
Drizzle each salad with ½ tablespoon of balsamic reduction and ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Toss to coat.
Serve and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 249.28kcal
Fat: 22.94g
Saturated Fat: 6.05g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13.04g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.67g
Carbohydrates: 7.30g
Fiber: 3.65g
Sugar: 2.83g
Protein: 5.13g
Cholesterol: 22.19mg
Sodium: 232.62mg
Calcium: 83.71mg
Potassium: 346.51mg
Iron: 0.63mg
Vitamin A: 35.98µg
Vitamin C: 8.29mg

Technique Tip for Preparing a Simple Summer Salad

When preparing your avocado, make sure to remove the pit and peel it carefully to maintain its shape. For the cherry tomatoes, you can slice them in half to release their juices, which will add more flavor to the salad. As for the bacon, cook it until it's crispy to add a nice crunch to your salad. Lastly, when drizzling the balsamic reduction and olive oil, do it in a zigzag pattern to ensure every ingredient gets coated evenly.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing a Summer Salad

Plan ahead: Pre-chop ingredients and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This will save time and make assembling the salad quick and easy.

Use pre-cooked bacon: Save time by using pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits instead of cooking bacon from scratch.

Multi-task: While the bacon is cooking, you can chop the avocado, tomatoes, and onions to save time.

Invest in a good knife: A sharp, quality knife can make chopping and slicing ingredients much faster and more efficient.

Batch preparation: Consider making a larger batch of the salad and storing it in the fridge for quick and easy meals throughout the week.

Substitute Ingredients For Simple Summer Salad Recipe

avocado - Substitute with mango: Mango has a similar creamy texture and adds a sweet and tropical flavor to the salad.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with sliced strawberries: Strawberries provide a sweet and juicy burst of flavor, complementing the other ingredients in the salad.
fresh basil leaves - Substitute with mint leaves: Mint leaves offer a refreshing and aromatic flavor, adding a unique twist to the salad.
bacon slices - Substitute with smoked turkey slices: Smoked turkey slices provide a similar smoky flavor and savory element to the salad.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and sweeter flavor compared to red onions, adding a subtle oniony taste to the salad.
balsamic reduction - Substitute with honey mustard dressing: Honey mustard dressing provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil offers a light and neutral flavor, perfect for dressing the salad without overpowering the other ingredients.
feta - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a similar tangy and creamy texture, adding a rich and slightly tangy flavor to the salad.

Best Way to Present a Simple Summer Salad

Elevate the plating: Arrange the avocado, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves in an artful manner, creating a visually appealing composition on the plate.
Incorporate color contrast: Utilize the vibrant colors of the cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves to create a visually striking and appetizing presentation.
Balance flavors and textures: Ensure that each ingredient is thoughtfully placed to provide a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
Highlight the balsamic reduction: Use the balsamic reduction to create a beautiful drizzle or artistic pattern on the plate, adding a touch of elegance to the dish.
Garnish with feta and bacon: Crumble the feta over the salad and artfully place the bacon slices to add a touch of richness and depth to the presentation.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Use additional fresh basil leaves as a garnish to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the overall presentation.
Consider the plate shape and size: Choose a plate that complements the colors of the salad and allows the ingredients to shine, while leaving ample negative space for an elegant and sophisticated presentation.

Essential Tools for Making a Summer Salad

Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining and mixing ingredients.
Whisk: Used for blending and mixing ingredients together.
Salad spinner: Used for washing and drying salad greens.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients.
Grater: Used for grating cheese, vegetables, or other ingredients.
Peeler: Used for peeling fruits and vegetables.
Serving platter: Used for serving the prepared salad.
Tongs: Used for tossing and serving the salad.
Citrus juicer: Used for juicing citrus fruits for dressings or marinades.

Random Fact About Summer Salads

Balsamic reduction is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, from salads to desserts. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.

Is Making a Summer Salad Economical for Home Cooking?

The cost-effectiveness of this recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients in your area. Avocado and feta can be relatively expensive, while cherry tomatoes and onion are more budget-friendly. The addition of bacon may increase the overall cost. Considering the use of balsamic reduction and olive oil, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 8/10. The salad offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a worthwhile addition to your summer menu.

Is This Summer Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

The simple summer salad recipe is a mix of healthy and indulgent ingredients. Let's break it down:

Healthy components:

Avocado: Rich in healthy fats, fiber, and various nutrients
Cherry tomatoes: Low in calories and packed with vitamins and antioxidants
Fresh basil leaves: Offer a burst of flavor and contain beneficial plant compounds
Red onion: Provides a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Olive oil: A healthy fat that can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health

Indulgent components:

Bacon slices: High in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to health issues if consumed in excess
Feta: While it provides calcium and protein, it's also high in sodium and saturated fat
Balsamic reduction: Contains sugar, which can add unnecessary calories

To make this salad healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Swap the bacon for a leaner protein source, such as grilled chicken or shrimp
Reduce the amount of feta or opt for a lower-fat cheese like goat cheese
Use a lighter balsamic vinaigrette instead of the balsamic reduction to cut down on sugar
Add more nutrient-dense ingredients, such as:
- Spinach or mixed greens for extra fiber and vitamins
- Cucumber for hydration and crunch
- Quinoa or chickpeas for plant-based protein and fiber
Control portion sizes to maintain a balanced meal

By making these adjustments, you can transform this salad into a more nutritious and well-rounded dish that still satisfies your taste buds.

Editor's Thoughts on This Simple Summer Salad Recipe

This simple summer salad recipe is a delightful combination of fresh and vibrant ingredients. The creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and savory bacon are perfectly complemented by the tangy balsamic reduction and rich olive oil. The addition of feta adds a delightful touch of saltiness, while the fresh basil and red onion provide a burst of flavor. The balance of textures and flavors makes this salad a refreshing and satisfying dish for any summer meal.

Enhance Your Simple Summer Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Try grilling some fresh corn on the cob and serving it with a zesty lime and chili butter for a delicious and summery side dish.

Watermelon Feta Salad: Create a refreshing and colorful side dish by combining juicy watermelon chunks with tangy feta cheese, fresh mint, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Caprese Skewers: Make mini skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves for a fun and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with the summer salad.

Alternative Recipes Similar to This Summer Salad

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a flavorful herb and garlic mixture before grilling them to perfection on skewers.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Top grilled chicken with a refreshing and tangy mango salsa for a burst of tropical flavor.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Simmer ripe tomatoes and fresh basil in a creamy broth for a comforting and satisfying soup.

Berry Cobbler: Combine fresh berries with a buttery crumble topping for a delightful and sweet dessert.

Suggested Main Courses and Desserts to Pair With a Summer Salad

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: For a light and flavorful main course, try grilling salmon with a zesty lemon and herb marinade. The citrusy marinade adds a refreshing kick to the tender, flaky salmon, making it a perfect dish for a summer evening.

Mushroom Risotto: Indulge in a creamy and rich mushroom risotto for a comforting and satisfying main course. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms combined with the creamy texture of the risotto create a dish that is both hearty and elegant.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the luscious combination of creamy cheesecake filling and sweet, juicy strawberries on a buttery graham cracker crust, a perfect way to end any meal.

Why trust this Simple Summer Salad Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh, seasonal ingredients. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves. The addition of crispy bacon adds a savory element, while the red onion provides a subtle kick. The balsamic reduction and olive oil dressing tie everything together, enhancing the flavors. Plus, the creamy feta adds a touch of richness. Trust this recipe for a refreshing and satisfying summer salad that celebrates the best of seasonal produce.

Share your thoughts and experiences with this Simple Summer Salad Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

What type of bacon should I use for this salad?

You can use any type of bacon you prefer, whether it's regular, turkey, or even vegetarian bacon for a meat-free option.

Can I substitute the feta with another type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can substitute feta with goat cheese, mozzarella, or even shredded Parmesan for a different flavor.

How can I make this salad vegetarian?

To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon. The rest of the ingredients are already vegetarian-friendly.

Can I prepare the balsamic reduction at home?

Yes, you can easily make balsamic reduction at home by simmering balsamic vinegar over low heat until it thickens. Just be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp, you can prepare the individual components ahead of time and assemble them right before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.