I’ll admit it, salads are not necessarily something I make for or with dinner often. My family just doesn’t seem to enjoy them as much as I do. My youngest won’t even touch anything leafy or green (yes, it happens to dietitian moms too!) though I still offer and hold out hope that one day she’ll change her mind.
When I do serve salad with dinner, it almost always contains fruit to make it more appealing to my family. And with all of the fresh fruits of summer readily available, I do serve salads at dinner more frequently with fruit as a key ingredient. This way everyone is happy. My youngest, who could live off fruit, will gladly eat the fruit portions of the salad and everyone else tolerates the leafy greens better it seems. Win-win!
Adding fresh fruit to salads has several advantages, especially for picky palates:
- adds natural sweetness in contrast to sometimes bitter greens
- adds vibrant color to make the salad more appealing
- makes salads more kid-friendly – pairing with crispy, crunchy greens helps even more
- helps you fill half your plate with fruits and veggies (i.e., follow MyPlate)
While we have our favorite green salads starring fruit here on My Menu Pal, which are included below, I also asked our dietitian colleagues for their favorite summer salads featuring fresh fruit. Maybe you’ll find a new family favorite, and possibly just in time for a Father’s Day celebration this weekend!
Salads with Berries
Strawberry and Blueberry Kale Power Salad by Lesley and Ann
Kale and Strawberry Salad with Kefir Buttermilk Dressing by Kara at The Foodie Dietitian
Strawberry Cucumber Arugula Salad by Lesley and Ann
Kale, Berry and Sorghum Salad by Tracee at Triad to Wellness
Strawberry Arugula Salad with Fennel, Toasted Almonds, and Strawberry Champagne Vinaigrette by Jessica at Nutritioulicious
Berry Avocado Salad + Maple Pecans & Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette by Dena at Back to the Book Nutrition
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette by Brittany at Your Choice Nutrition
Barbi Salad (aka Strawberry Salad) by Kaleigh at Lively Table
Kale, Avocado and Raspberry Salad with Lemon & Honey Vinaigrette by Maria at Hälsa Nutrition
Berry and Herb Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette by Melanie @ Nutritious Eats
Salads with Melons, Mangos or Peaches
Summer Panzanella Salad by Jamie at Dishing Out Health
Mango Lime Quinoa Salad by Sarah at Bucket List Tummy
Mustard Greens Summer Salad with a Yogurt Honey Mustard Vinaigrette by Sarah at Bucket List Tummy
Peach Frisee Salad with Goat Cheese & Basil by Erica Julson
[bctt tweet=”16 salads to celebrate the fruits of summer #seasonal #summer #salads” username=”MyMenuPal”]
Entree Salads
Grilled Chicken Salad with Creamy Mango Vinaigrette by Amanda at The Nutritionist Reviews
“Smoky Salmon” with Grilled Peach & Tomato Salad by Katie at Healthy Bites
What are your favorite salad and fresh fruit combos in summer?
