Summertime is definitely not the best time for hot soups and firing up the oven. When it comes to eating in the summer, cooler is better and salads take a front seat. Salads certainly don’t have to be the basic lettuce, tomato, cucumber mixture, however. Adding some creativity and protein to your salad is an excellent way to stay fit and cool. Monitoring your salad ingredients and portions will ensure your summer noshing doesn’t jeopardize your P90X or Insanity Workout progress too!
Many people think all salads are healthy. Rather than a burger they’ll opt for a steak salad, with bleu cheese, and crumbled eggs. This kind of salad can have more than twice the fat and calories of your typical burger. Just because a dish carries the “salad” label, doesn’t make it healthy! The ingredients in your salad need to be monitored just as you would any other dish, ensuring you get a ton of flavor without a ton of fat and calories.
Be cautious of cheeses and creamy dressings—they can quickly ruin what would otherwise be a healthy delight.
The best in summer salads are packed with fresh veggies and also feature a good quality protein. Some of my favorites use seafood. Here’s a great Thai Salmon Salad that offers a unique flavor and is protein packed. Many people are hesitant to use fish in their salads. One quick search online, however, will reveal numerous options for healthy minded salad seekers.
Chicken is the old standby when it comes to salad protein and it’s because chicken is so versatile. A fajita salad complete with bell peppers and onions served on romaine is a great way to get your veggies. Add some black beans and corn, and a dressing of cilantro, lime juice, and oil to kick it up. Skip the sour cream and cheddar and use your fats wisely by chopping some avocado on the top.
Another good chicken salad recipe uses fruit to sweeten the deal. This recipe uses some white sugar which can easily be cut back on for the fitness conscious. Some strawberries and pecans add flavor and interest to the dish. For something different, try cranberries and walnuts or almonds. This is a great recipe starting point that allows for endless healthy substitutions.