Salads That Scream Summer

5 green salads on repeat in my kitchen

Salads are a staple dish for me year-round, but in summer I double down on my salad obsession. Bean salads, cucumber salads, cabbage salads, you name it, I’m making it!

Now, I know that salads tend to get a bad rap because they’re not “nutritionally balanced” but I pride myself on creating balanced salad bowls (like my green olive bean salad and cashew crunch salad below) that are high in both fiber and protein, along with other important macros and micros. 

On an unrelated note to nutrition, I also included a few of my favorite cucumber salad variations that I’ve been loving lately.

Ok, let’s get into the salads.

Green Olive Bean Salad

I feel like beans are having a moment right now, and as a bean girlie, I’m here for it. This bean salad is a combo of not one but two beans (both chickpeas and butter beans), loads of castelvetrano olives, parsley, cilantro, aromatics, and a sweet honey dijon vinaigrette. Plus, the beauty of this chickpea salad is that it tastes better the longer it sits (within limits of course). Making it perfect for meal prep!

Cashew Crunch Salad

This cashew crunch salad has become one of my go-to meals! Why you ask? Because it’s simple, flavorful, and easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. Think crunchy green cabbage, crispy tofu, and roasted cashews, all tossed in a sweet sesame ginger dressing!!

Edamame Cucumber Salad

There’s over 12 g of protein per serving - need I say more?

Spicy Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad

This salad works best as a side dish, but I have single-handedly eaten this entire salad as a meal. It’s just that good! Quick note, I’ll usually pair this salad with a side of sticky white rice and some sort of protein, like shredded beef or crispy tofu. 

Pickled Cucumber Salad

This salad is a combination of thinly sliced crunchy romaine, sweet persian cucumbers, and fresh dill, tossed in a sweet lemony vinaigrette. And once the salad sits and the flavors marinate, it has a very distinct pickle flavor that makes this dish addicting!

XO, Yasmeen